Six Types of Nursing Degrees Explained

Nurses play a fundamental role in our healthcare system, making up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and providing critical care to our families and communities. This means we need as many qualified and passionate professionals as possible, as multiple studies show that we’re facing a nursing shortage. The International Council of Nurses considers this shortage to be a global health crisis as our healthcare systems continue to recover and rebuild from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’re looking into a career in nursing, you have a wealth of opportunities to consider. However, if you’re not familiar with the different types of nursing degrees and what they offer, or various acronyms and verbiage, then it can be challenging to wrap your head around.

That’s why it’s important to explore the programs and opportunities that different programs offer. Our own College of Health Professions offers three different master’s degree programs for nurse practitioners: adult-gerontology acute care, psychiatric mental health, and family practice. That’s in addition to AGACNP, PMHNP, FNP, and nursing education certificates of advanced graduate studies as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a PhD in nursing.

Learn More
Explore the top-rated programs, state-of-the-art resources, and clinical focused learning opportunities of the Lienhard School of Nursing.

Here’s what you need to know to understand the different levels and types of nursing degrees and—more importantly—how they can prepare you for your future career.

Levels of Nursing Degrees

There are three levels of education within the nursing field: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. Non-degree positions still require certification and are suited toward entry-level positions. Higher degree levels require additional certifications and will qualify you for advanced specializations or leadership positions.

Non-Degree Nurses

Non-degree nursing roles include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who complete specialized training programs that do not result in a college degree. These roles are meant to open pathways into the nursing field, offering a foundational entry point for those interested in healthcare.

Becoming a CNA or LPN typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. CNAs must pass a competency exam to achieve certification, while LPNs are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure.

Non-degree positions focus on providing basic patient care in a range of healthcare settings, including assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients with mobility. Both CNA and LPN are lower salary positions, though they do offer valuable hands-on experience which can serve as a stepping stone for those who may later pursue advanced nursing education and licensure.

Degree Nurses

Degree nursing roles require an undergraduate degree in the field, such as an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Either degree is required to become a registered nurse (RN).

• Requirements: Both ASN and BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary to become a licensed RN. RNs are the first line of care in many healthcare settings, and many employers prefer or even require a BSN as an educational standard.

New York is—currently—the only U.S. state that has passed a law requiring RNs to obtain a BSN degree or advanced nursing degree within 10 years of licensure.

• Responsibilities: RNs play an essential role in assessing, monitoring, and treating patients as well as supervising the work of CNAs and LPNs. They also educate patients and their families about medical conditions, treatment plans, and health maintenance and provide emotional support and guidance.
• Work Environments: RNs with ASN or BSN degrees have numerous career opportunities in multiple healthcare environments, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, schools, home health care, community health organizations, and even non-clinical roles in education, administration, or research.

Advanced Degree Nurses

Nurses who pursue advanced degrees in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) take on specialized roles in the healthcare industry. These advanced qualifications lead to increased responsibilities, broader career opportunities, and the potential for leadership roles, including independent practice in certain states.

• Requirements: Advanced degree nurses must be licensed as RNs and must pass national certification exams in their area of specialization. State regulations may also require additional certifications or completion of clinical practice hours.
  
  An MSN typically takes two to three years to complete and covers advanced clinical skills, healthcare policy, and specialized nursing roles. Both the PhD and DNP are terminal degrees, but they differ in focus: the PhD emphasizes research, while the DNP is practice-oriented. These programs generally take two to six years to complete, depending on if you enroll after earning your MS or BS degree.
• Responsibilities: Nurses with advanced degrees have a much broader scope of practice than RNs, with specific responsibilities differing based on their area of specialization. Earning an advanced degree can qualify you for the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) positions, which include certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified nurse practitioner (CNP).
• Work Environments: Advanced degree nurses have the flexibility to work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, private practices, and—in some states—even their own practice. Additionally, they can pursue careers in leadership, education, research, policy development, and administration.

Advanced degrees prepare you for different specialties, such as nurse practitioner, nurse researcher, nurse educator, or nurse leadership and administration.

Types of Nursing Degrees

Which degree would work best for your nursing career? That depends entirely on the type of care you want to provide, the places you want to work, and your overall career aspirations. Here’s an overview of six different types of nursing degrees, from the CNA up through the terminal PhD and DNP degrees.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate prepares you to provide basic patient care and support under the supervision of RNs or LPNs. The program typically covers essential skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and ensuring patient comfort and safety. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with the skills needed for entry-level roles in various healthcare settings. Upon completion, you’ll need to pass a state certification exam to become a licensed CNA.

The CNA certification offers a pathway to a healthcare career with opportunities for further advancement.

Educational prerequisites

• High school diploma or GED
• Criminal background check

What you’ll experience

• Basic nursing skills, anatomy, patient care, infection control, and ethics
• Hands-on experience in a healthcare facility, often totaling 16 to 40 hours

Average time to completion

• 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the program and whether it is full-time or part-time
• Passing your state’s certification exam, which includes both written and practical sections

Average program cost

• $600 to $3,000, depending on the location, school, and program type
• Exam fees vary from state to state, but average around $100

Potential nursing careers and salaries

• Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):
  • National Salary Range: $40,000 to $56,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $45,000 to $60,000
• Home Health Aide (HHA):
  • National Salary Range: $33,000 to $45,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $39,000 to $51,000
• Patient Care Technician (PCT):
  • National Salary Range: $38,000 to $53,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $44,000 to $59,000

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will provide you with the foundational education and clinical training needed to become an RN. The program typically takes two to three years to complete and covers essential topics such as patient care, anatomy, and pharmacology. ADN programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience to prepare graduates for entry-level nursing roles in various healthcare settings. After completing the degree, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain RN licensure.

The ADN degree offers a cost-effective and direct path to an RN career, though you’ll need to earn a more advanced degree to qualify for higher-level nursing positions.

Educational prerequisites

• High school diploma or GED
• Prerequisite courses in basic science and general education, such as mathematics, biology, anatomy and physiology, or chemistry
• Entrance exams such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or HESI A2
• Health compliance requirements, which can include a health assessment, immunizations, basic life support (BLS) certification, criminal background check, and drug screening

What you’ll experience

• Nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, health assessments, and psychology, and gerontology
• Hands-on training in healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities

Average time to completion

• 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on whether you are attending full-time or part-time
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam

Average program cost for two year programs*

• Public Institute: $11,953
• Private Institute: $28,792

Potential nursing careers and salaries

• Registered Nurse (RN):
  • National Salary Range: $83,000 to $119,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $92,000 to $131,000
• Charge Nurse
  • National Salary Range: $92,000 to $131,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $93,000 to $133,000
• Home Health Nurse:
  • National Salary Range: $83,000 to $112,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $103,000 to $151,000

* Estimated costs sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree provides you with comprehensive training in nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare management. These four-year programs include coursework in general core requirements as well as major areas like pathophysiology, patient care, medical-surgical nursing, and health promotion, along with extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

There are also accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs that can be completed within just 11 months. Created for non-nurse college graduates (US bachelor’s degree or its equivalent) who wish to study nursing in a first professional degree program, accelerated programs require fewer credits to graduate but have specific pre-requisites for admission.

Earning your BSN will prepare you for a wide range of nursing roles, from bedside care to management positions. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses.

Did You Know? Pace also offers an Accelerated BSN.

The BSN is the preferred entry-level nursing degree for many hospitals and healthcare facilities and can be a prerequisite for advanced nursing degrees.

Educational prerequisites

• High school diploma or GED
• Prerequisite courses in basic science and general education, such as mathematics, biology, anatomy and physiology, or chemistry
• Entrance exams such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or HESI A2
• Health compliance requirements, which can include a health assessment, immunizations, basic life support (BLS) certification, criminal background check, and drug screening

What you’ll experience

• General education and nursing core courses such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, maternal-child nursing, and medical-surgical nursing
• Hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, covering different nursing specialties like pediatrics, geriatrics, and emergency care

Average time to completion

• Typically takes 4 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam

Average program cost

• Public Universities (In-State): $40,000 - $80,000
• Public Universities (Out-of-State): $80,000 - $120,000
• Private Universities: $70,000 - $150,000+

Potential nursing careers and salaries

• Registered Nurse (RN):
  • National Salary Range: $83,000 to $119,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $92,000 to $131,000
• Nurse Manager:
  • National Salary Range: $102,000 to $151,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $115,000 to $169,000
• Public Health Nurse:
  • National Salary Range: $75,000 to $102,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $88,000 to $123,000
• Nurse Educator:
  • National Salary Range: $96,000 to $139,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $107,000 to $152,000

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program provides you with advanced training in specialized nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare management. Typically completed in two years, the program includes coursework in areas such as advanced clinical skills, healthcare policy, and research, along with opportunities for hands-on clinical experience. An MSN is essential for higher-level roles such as advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse educator, or healthcare administrator, equipping nursing professionals to take on greater responsibilities and leadership positions. Graduates may also qualify for national certification exams in specialized areas of nursing.

The MSN degree is required for further career advancement opportunities, such as becoming an NP or choosing a specialty in areas such as public health, anesthesiology, psychiatric mental health, family practice, or adult-gerontology acute care.

Educational prerequisites

• A BSN degree from an accredited program; or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) for an RN-to-MSN program
• An active and unencumbered RN license
• 1 to 2 years of clinical nursing experience
• Some MSN programs may require GRE scores
• Professional and academic references

What you’ll experience

• Clinical practice and specialty courses, such as advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing research, health policy, family practice, and leadership
• 500-1,000 clinical hours, depending on specialization

Average time to completion

• 1.5 to 3 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time attendance
• 3 to 4 years for RN-to-MSN programs

Average program cost

• Public Universities (In-State): $20,000 to $60,000
• Public Universities (Out-of-State): $30,000 to $90,000
• Private Universities: $60,000 to $120,000+

Potential nursing careers and salaries

• Nurse Practitioner (NP):
  • National Salary Range: $132,000 to $206,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $146,000 to $216,000
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS):
  • National Salary Range: $99,000 to $150,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $110,000 to $162,000
• Nurse Administrator:
  • National Salary Range: $93,000 to $141,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $110,000 to $165,000
• Nurse Midwife (CNM):
  • National Salary Range: $115,000 to $178,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $122,000 to $183,000
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA):
  • National Salary Range: $194,000 to $362,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $244,000 to $453,000

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a terminal program for nursing focused on clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare system improvements. Typically completed in two to six years, the program prepares you for the highest levels of patient care and leadership roles with courses emphasizing advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy. As a DNP graduate, you’ll be equipped to implement and influence healthcare innovations, manage complex health issues, and lead organizational change.

The DNP degree qualifies you for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership roles in healthcare organizations, public health, and policy development and may include eligibility for national certification.

Educational prerequisites

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); or a BSN for a BSN-to-DNP program
• Active and unencumbered RN license
• 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience
• Prerequisite courses, such as statistics or research methods
• GRE scores (optional)
• Professional references and a personal statement

What you’ll experience

• Advanced clinical practice courses such as advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient management; leadership courses such as healthcare policy, healthcare systems, organizational leadership, and evidence-based practice
• 1,000 or more clinical hours for completion
• A capstone project

Average time to completion

• 1.5 to 3 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time attendance
• BSN-to-DNP programs usually take 3 to 4 years to complete

Average program cost

• Public Universities (In-State): $30,000 to $70,000
• Public Universities (Out-of-State): $60,000 to $120,000
• Private Universities: $80,000 to $150,000+

Potential nursing careers and salaries

• Any of the MSN job titles
• Nurse Executive/Chief Nursing Officer (CNO):
  • National Salary Range: $131,000 to $213,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $157,000 to $250,000
• Healthcare Administrator/Director of Nursing:
  • National Salary Range: $93,000 to $131,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $116,000 to $162,000
• Public Health Director:
  • National Salary Range: $106,000 to $194,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $165,000 to $186,000

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is a research-focused terminal degree that prepares you for careers in academia, research, and healthcare leadership. The program emphasizes the development of new nursing knowledge, research methodologies, and theoretical foundations in healthcare. These programs typically take three to six years to complete and train graduates to conduct high-impact research, influence healthcare policy, and contribute to the advancement of nursing science.

This degree is ideal for those aiming to shape the future of nursing through research and scholarly contributions and is the preferred degree if you want to become an educator, researcher, or leader in healthcare organizations.

Educational prerequisites

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); or a BSN for a BSN-to-PhD program
• Active and unencumbered RN license
• Clinical or academic nursing experience may be preferred
• GRE scores (optional)
• Professional references and a personal statement

What you’ll experience

• Courses in nursing theory, advanced research methods, healthcare policy, and leadership
• A strong emphasis on statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data interpretation
• Writing, defending, and implementing a dissertation

Average time to completion

• 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time attendance
• BSN-to-PhD programs can take 4 to 6 years

Average program cost

• Public Universities (In-State): $30,000 to $60,000
• Public Universities (Out-of-State): $50,000 to $90,000
• Private Universities: $80,000 to $120,000+

Potential nursing careers and salaries

• Nursing Faculty/Professor:
  • National Salary Range: $95,000 to $141,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $104,000 to $152,000
• Nurse Researcher:
  • National Salary Range: $65,000 to $121,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $99,000 to $140,000
• Director of Nursing:
  • National Salary Range: $93,000 to $131,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $116,000 to $162,000
• Healthcare Policy Analyst:
  • National Salary Range: $87,000 to $162,000
  • NY Metro Salary Range: $88,000 to $161,000

Your Nursing Career Awaits

When deciding which level of nursing is right for you, consider the type of patient care you want to provide and your short- and long-term career goals. If you aim to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you’ll need to pursue an advanced degree that aligns with your chosen specialty.

Choose a program that emphasizes early hands-on experience, allowing you to explore different healthcare settings and gain valuable insights into your future career. This experiential learning is central to Pace's educational approach, which is why our direct admission nursing programs enable you to begin clinical training as soon as possible.

The Lienhard School of Nursing, part of the College of Health Professions, partners with top hospitals and healthcare organizations in New York to provide clinical placements. As a student, you’ll gain high-quality experience at renowned institutions, such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, and more.

Much of my nursing education has been completed at Pace because of the tremendous faculty. I was supported through various challenges while simultaneously working and engaged in military training during my DNP program. I felt heard, inspired, and supported as I continued to advance my education and nursing practice.

—Mary Riddle ’24, ’16, ’13, DNP

Our NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently exceed state and national averages, and our nursing program ranks in the top 10 in the New York region and the top 10 percent nationally. Explore our undergraduate and graduate programs to discover the program that best suits your passion and career goals.

Being a graduate of Pace University makes me feel ready and prepared to face upcoming opportunities and challenges. My gratitude goes to the entire Pace Community, especially to my educators for their excellent mentorship and for helping me reach my goals.

Heidi Cruz Eustaquio ’21, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN4)

If you have any questions about our programs or the Pace experience, you can always reach out directly for more information.