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10 Degrees Every Aspiring Nurse Should Look Into
Aspiring Nurse
Nursing is a noble job. It is one of the few jobs where you get a chance to change people’s lives positively. Today, the role of nurses is not limited to the hospital’s walls. They take educational, leadership, and even advocate roles. Some nurses work in hospitals or clinics. Others prefer to work in corporations or school settings. Some have specialization in conditions or body parts, while others specialize in people’s groups.
Many students aspire to become a nurse. There are several career paths in nursing, and each path depends on a specific educational route. There is not just one nursing degree; different specialties, credentials, and job titles exist. The degree you choose determines what you will become. If you are an aspiring nurse, you can consider these ten degrees to pursue.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (AND)
With an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can quickly start your nursing career. It is a technical degree. This degree helps you in getting entry-level jobs as a registered nurse (RN). Acquiring an Associate’s Degree in Nursing requires two years. Getting an ADN is cost-effective and time-efficient as well. This degree is also affordable and easy to get for many students.
- Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a professional degree. It takes almost four years for completion. A BSN will get you better jobs than compared to ADN. Almost every employer today demands a BSN. Sometimes practicing nurses with ADN enroll in BSN programs to secure a better future. If you are a registered nurse with ADN, you can even complete your BSN online. You can enroll in BSN to DNP programs online and easily complete your degree for better job opportunities.
- Healthcare Management MBA
If you wish to serve in higher management positions, you can pursue a master of business administration in healthcare management. After you obtain a bachelor of science in nursing, you can easily pave your way to getting an MBA in healthcare. After combining the MBA with the nursing abilities and knowledge you already have, you can make your way up to higher posts. You can get posted at a higher management level in medical facilities and hospitals with these degrees.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
You can earn a Master of Science (MSN) degree if your career goals are higher. This degree requires two years for completion. If becoming an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner is on your checklist, you will need to earn an MSN. After getting your MSN degree, you can also get a job in leadership roles such as Nursing Education and Nursing Administration.
- Master of Nursing Education
A master of nursing education is an advanced degree in nursing. A master of nursing education degree at UTA provides options to work in teaching capacities along with working as a practicing nurse. If you are interested in and have skills for nursing and have a passion for teaching, this is your ideal degree. With this degree, you get to train aspiring students as well as current nurses. You get to train your students, or nurses, in different types of settings. Training can occur in community colleges’ classrooms or even in busy teaching hospitals, etc.
- Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing
Earning a master’s degree in healthcare, and focusing on psychiatric nursing, makes you a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Being a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will get better and higher-paying job opportunities. If you have a keen interest in mental health and nursing, this is the best option for you. Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with physicians, helping people to understand and overcome their mental disorders.
- Doctorate in Nursing Programs (DNP)
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a vital doctoral degree in the field of nursing. DNP holders have opportunities where they can work in clinical organizations at higher levels. After earning DNP, you can work as a university professor, chief nursing officer, or nurse practitioner. DNP holders earn higher salaries. The completion of a DNP demands up to 4 years, depending on previous education. If you have an MSN degree, your chances of early graduation increase.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
A doctor of philosophy in nursing is a doctoral degree, just like DNP. But it differs from DNP in the sense of practice and end goals. Ph.D. in nursing is a research-based degree. Ph.D. holders receive practice and training to work in academic fields as researchers. If you get a Ph.D. in nursing, you can work in universities as a faculty. A time of 2-4 years is the requirement for obtaining a Ph.D. in nursing. If you have a BSN degree, it will take four years for you to graduate, while, with MSN, it will only take two years.
- Diploma in Nursing Program
There are entry-level educational options as well. Earning a diploma in a nursing program is one of them. Aspiring registered nurses can easily pursue this diploma. Students can also get a diploma in nursing programs through technical schools, community colleges, and hospital-based nursing schools. This diploma takes about two years to complete. Diploma holders have a keen knowledge of the basics of nursing, development psychology, and nursing care of adults.
- Certification in Nursing Informatics
You can pursue an informatics nursing certification after a BSN and field experience of a few years. Nursing informatics is the future of the nursing field, as it combines the elements of information technology (IT) with nursing. After this certification, you get to analyze the data of patients with access to health information systems. Nurses with both analytical abilities and an interest in information technology can get this certification to ensure their chances of success and better job opportunities.
Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding field. The chances of growth are higher in this field. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, the need for excellent nurses is also on the rise. There are so many options when it comes to becoming a nurse that it gets overwhelming. If you are an aspiring nurse, consider one of the above-mentioned degrees.
Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks
