A Guide to Your Path in a Dynamic Profession: Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels
With nearly 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) and almost 1 million licensed practical or vocation nurses (LPNs/LVNs), nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the United States and is considered the backbone of patient care delivery.
These dedicated professionals are essential, working in every area of health care to deliver direct care, strengthen health systems, address disparities, and improve the nation’s overall health.
Skilled nurses are in demand and are expected to continue to be, due to an aging population, increasing incidences of chronic conditions and greater focus on preventive care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that all registered nurses (RNs) will see an employment growth of 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 197,200 job openings each year, on average, over the decade due to new jobs and the need to replace nurses who leave the workforce.
Likewise, LPN/LVN job growth is 3% (as fast as average), which still means roughly 54,000 openings every year. Demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) — nurses with master’s or doctoral degrees — is expected to increase some 38% from 2022 to 2032.
This continued demand, driven by national healthcare requirements as well as the high turnover of nurses (either through retirements or departures from the field) establishes a sound, stable and opportunity-rich career in nursing, even at entry level. Nursing offers a pathway into a secure and rewarding future, as it is not only in high demand but also ranks as one of the highest-paid large occupations.
To capitalize on this opportunity, you need a working knowledge of the different types of nursing degrees and levels of nursing education to show you how to enter and progress through this dynamic field.
Each educational pathway — from practical nursing certificates to doctoral degrees — unlocks distinct roles, responsibilities, scopes of practice and career trajectories.
Choosing a career path that suits your aspirations is crucial to achieving your personal and success goals.
For this article, we will be covering all the different types of nursing careers available. It will comprehensively describe the various nursing degree requirements, clarify what the scope of practice and job roles you could expect at each level of becoming a nurse, share current nursing degree salary expectations and job outlook, discuss why though your decision needs careful consideration, it can pay off, advise on how to better prepare for a higher nursing role, and outline some excellent professional and personal benefits of degree advancement in nursing.
The Scope of Nursing Education: An Introduction
The nursing field has several entry points and pathways, each defined by a particular level of education and credentialing. Recognizing this spectrum is the first step toward making the choice that’s right for your goals.
Defining the Core Credentials
Nursing education is acquired through various levels of progression, culminating in eligibility for licensure or advanced certification. There are three main levels of nursing education:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):
The foundational level of nursing, which requires completing a certificate or diploma program that’s usually offered at vocational schools or community colleges.
ADN:
An Associate Degree in Nursing (two- to three-year, undergraduates), which prepares individuals to take the licensure exam to become an RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
A four-year undergraduate program of study (degree) that is becoming the standard of professional nurse practice, incorporating a more extensive liberal arts education than the ADN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
A graduate-level degree that enables RNs (typically those who already have a BSN) to pursue higher-level roles in advanced practice, leadership, education, or informatics.
You are prepared at the highest level of clinical practice and systems improvement with a terminal doctorate in nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a practice-focused terminal doctorate.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD):
The research degree and terminal doctorate preparing nurse scientists to do independent research, build nursing knowledge, and educate future researchers.
Licensure and certification: What’s the difference?
Nursing is a regulated profession, and to practice, licensure is required. To sit for the national licensure examination given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), you must graduate from a state-approved nursing program.
NCLEX-PN:
Graduates from LPN/LVN programs are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) before they can get licensed.
NCLEX-RN:
Graduates of ADN, BSN, and entry-level MSN programs must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to receive RN licensure.
Once an individual has passed the correct NCLEX exam and fulfilled all other state-specific requirements (including any background checks, etc), they have the legal authority to provide care as an LPN/LVN or RN in that state. Often, continued education is needed to maintain licensure.
After initial licensure, nurses have the opportunity to earn specialty certifications through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation.
Certification confirms advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in a specialty area of nursing (such as critical care, pediatrics, oncology, informatics, leadership). It typically takes your advanced degree (MSN or DNP for APRN roles), specified clinical experience, and the successful completion of a challenging certification examination.
Certification, a hallmark of excellence, enhances and benefits patients, employers (frequently associated with Magnet® recognition), and the nurses themselves by fostering improved self-assurance, career advancement, and professional recognition.
Why Accreditation Matters
No matter what level of nursing program you are choosing, make sure it is accredited. Accreditation represents that a program has been held to account for rigorous quality standards established by an independent entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
There are several reasons why accreditation is important:
Licensing eligibility:
In general, graduation from an accredited program is required in order to qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.
Federal Financial Aid:
Accreditation is typically a requirement for students to access federal financial aid, which includes grants and loans.
Stability:
Credits earned in an accredited program will have a higher likelihood of being accepted for transfer if you decides to pursue a higher degree later (e.g. ADN to BSN, BSN to MSN)
Employer Recognition:
Healthcare organizations, particularly hospitals aiming for Magnet® designation, look for or mandate graduates from accredited programs.
In effect, accreditation serves as a vital holdpoinjt within the nursing industry. Unfortunately, enrolling in a non-accredited nursing program can set one up for major obstacles along the way, including the inability to get licensed, lack of financial aid options, and a lack of doors opening for higher education and employment. The first critical step to validate your educational investment is checking to see if the program is accredited with CCNE or ACEN.
Preparation pathways vary, but typically start with rolling attendance at foundational programs designed to share the relevant skills needed for patient care. LPN/LVN, ADN, and BSN degree paths are the major gateways to the profession, however they differ in key respects.
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN): The Basics
Details and Responsibilities:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic medical and nursing care. They work under the direction of RNs, APRNs, or physicians and are a crucial part of the healthcare team.
Their duties directly involve providing care to patients with activities such as checking vitals (blood pressure, temperature), reporting basic treatments, like changing bandages, helping patients with tasks of daily living (shower, bathing, dressing, feeding), laboratory sample collection, performing routine labs, documenting care rendered, and reporting present patient conditions and concerns to the supervising RN or physician. Overall, LPNs care for patients that require care for stable and predictable health issues.
Scope of Practice:
LPN/LVN is a directed scope of practice which means that they need to practice under the supervision of a licensed RN, APRN, physician or other specified provider such as a dentist or podiatrist (in Texas). Specific tasks allowed, including giving particular medications or starting intravenous (IV) drips, differ widely according to state law and institutional policy.
The only area in which LPNs do not practice is that they perform focused assessments, not the whatever assessment that RNs do. LPNs may supervise other LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), in some settings.
Specialties:
Educating and Timeframe: To get an LPN/LVN one must graduate from a state-approved certificate or diploma program. These programs often are held at a community college, vocational or technical school or, in some cases, a hospital.
The duration is comparatively lesser, only taking approximately 1 year (10-12 months) to 2 years to pursue it. The curriculum provides classroom knowledge and educational training, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and specialty fields such as maternal/child nursing or mental health nursing, and integrates with supervised clinical practice in a variety of healthcare environments.
Common prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, perhaps an entrance exam and a background check. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN for licensure.
Salary and Job Outlook:
The BLS reported that LPNs/LVNs earned a median annual wage of $59,730 in May 2023. Salaries typically range between $45,670 (10th percentile) and $77,870 (90th percentile). Pay varies widely based on geography (higher on the coasts, less so in the Southeast), years of experience, work setting (outpatient centers and government jobs often pay better) and whether unions are involved.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 3% job growth for LPNs/LVNs between 2023 and 2033, as fast as the average for all professions. This relatively modest growth rate, combined with the high number of retiring or leaving-the-field nurses, leads to a high projected number of openings (approximately 54,000 annually). Demand is especially spurred by the healthcare demands of an aging baby-boomer generation, along with the growing occurrence of chronic diseases.
Common LPN/LVN Employment Settings: 35% of LPNs/LVNs work in nursing and residential care facilities (long-term care, rehabilitation centers). Major employers include hospitals (16%), home healthcare services (12%), offices of physicians (12%), and government facilities (6%). Work schedules can include shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, particularly in facilities that provide 24-hour care. Currently work shifts are more than 8 hours long.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
The main pro is the fast track in the field, generally 12-18 months, allowing individuals to get into the workforce and start earning an income comparatively quickly. It is also less of a time and financial commitment compared to RN programs. Shortages in long-term care and another job prospects make the role a sound employment opportunity. Work Areas for an LPNLPNs participate in meaningful, direct care. It offers fabulous preparation for those who are thinking about becoming a nurse or RN, as there are numerous LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
Disadvantages:
Medical assistants make much less than RNs. They can do less — their scope of practice is limited, they need supervision and have less autonomy. Advancement and specialization options are limited without an RN degree. It’s physically demanding work, involving heavy lifting and moving patients, and LPNs have one of the highest rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. Schedules can be long and inflexible, including nights, weekends and holidays. This can be a challenge for some working under the direct supervision of RNs.
With the LPN/LVN pathway being the fastest way to practice nursing, many find this the most accessible route. But this speed comes with trade-offs: less earning potential, narrower scope of practice and less long-term mobility. Given the heavy concentration of LPNs in long-term care settings, along with the physically demanding nature of the role and high injury rates, it indicates both a critical need for the LPN workforce (particularly with an aging population) and the potential for physical strain or burnout. As a result, for many people, working as an LPN is a practical first step, planning to go into an LPN to RN bridge program later to advance their education and career. This provides them a progressive path to more opportunities and basic freedoms while using past experience to enhance and expand upon.
RN Entry Point: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Description and role:
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is an undergraduate degree program that is one of the primary paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Often available through community colleges, these programs typically require two years of full-time clinical study; however, with prerequisite requirements, it can take around three years to complete. Other degrees are the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS), which are very similar but differ slightly in the curriculum. ADN-trained registered nurses are prepared as generalists for entry-level, direct patient-care positions.
Scope of Practice:
Graduates of an ADN program can earn RN licensure after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The scope of practice for an ADN-prepared RN is the same as that of a BSN prepared RN an ANT, and legally. Their practice focuses on the essential nursing roles: evaluating patient health; delivering medications and treatments; designing and executing care plans; running medical machinery; communicating with patients and families; and working with physicians and other health-care team members. The ADN program is often referred to as more “technical,” or skills-heavy than a BSN program with its expanded theoretical and leadership components.
Education and Length:
ADN programs usually require two years to complete nursing-focused coursework. Most programs require prerequisite courses (generally one year worth) be completed in the following subjects: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, General Psychology, English Composition, and Mathematics (generally Statistics or Dosage Calculations), prior to beginning the nursing sequence. This can mean that the total time from beginning prerequisites to graduation is often more like three years. The nursing curriculum includes the fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, and mental health nursing, plus clinical rotations in acute care and community sites to develop psychomotor skills.
Salary and Job Outlook:
ADN graduates are licensed RNs, but they typically earn less than those with a BSN. An ADN salary average lies between $75,000 to $79,000 versus $92,000 to $96,000 for BSN holders, according to salary comparison data (such as Payscale). It’s worth noting that the median annual wage for all RNs (ADN, BSN and diploma nurses combined) was $86,070 according to BLS data from May 2023. Overall, the job outlook for RNs is promising, with 6% growth expected between 2023 and 2033 as healthcare needs continue to rise. ADN graduates can find job opportunities due to high demand for RNs.
Employment Settings:
ADN-prepared RNs are employed in a diverse array of settings ranging from hospitals—the largest employer of RNs—to physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and government agencies.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
The ADN is markedly quicker than a standard four-year program leading to the BSN so graduates can spend sooner joining the workforce. It is usually cheaper than a BSN, and therefore may lead to lower student loan debt. ADN programs offer the education and clinical experience needed to do so and be licensed as an RN. This degree can provide the groundwork for RN-to-BSN bridge programs down the road.
Cons:
ADN-trained RNs generally make less than BSN degree-holders. You will see limited growth opportunities in your career path, especially into leadership roles, management, research, education, or some specialties, without a BSN. Most Magnet-designated hospitals, the military, and some public health agencies strongly prefer or require a BSN degree to work in RN positions. Snagging a graduate education (MSN, doctoral degrees) generally demands a BSN. ADN graduates have slightly lower first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates than BSN graduates historically.
The ADN pathway is an attractive option for individuals who need to begin their careers as RNs quickly, or who can’t afford to pursue a BSN immediately. But the healthcare industry is quickly moving toward the BSN degree. This preference is frequently associated with studies indicating that an increased percentage of BSN-prepared nurses in hospitals is associated with better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and reduced medical errors.
As a result, while the ADN supplies an initial license to practice, many nurses need to earn their RN-to-BSN bridge program later in order to access wider career opportunities, increase earning potential, and meet employer expectations. This trend often views the ADN as a stepping stone, rather than the final academic step, on their journey towards a fulfilling nursing career.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The Standard for Professionals
Description and Role:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree offered at universities, colleges and nursing schools with a strong clinical component to prepare students for different areas of professional nursing. It is gradually being accepted by health care agencies and professional organizations as the entry-level educational standard for registered nurses. Most BSN programs are four-year college-based programs.
Clinical Practice:
Upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam, BSN graduates qualify for RN licensure. Although the legal scope of practice for both ADN-prepared RNs and BSN-prepared RNs is the same (Nurse Practice Acts), the BSN curriculum provides a broader theoretical framework within which to provide care that includes critical thinking, communication and collaboration, leadership, research and evidence-based practice, community/public health and health Informatics.
This broadened training prepares BSN nurses for a variety of different roles, increased responsibility, and in more complex healthcare environments increased autonomy. Notably, according to research, the presence of more BSN educated nurses in the acute care setting associates with reduced mortality and fewer complications(2).
Education and Length:
A standard BSN program is four years, full-time. It typically involves two years of general education and science prerequisites (such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and statistics, psychology) and two years of intensive nursing material. Nursing curricula include courses in health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing theory, research, ethics, leadership, community health, mental health, maternal-/child health nursing, and across the life span care—all combined with hours of clinical practice in a variety of settings.
Program Options: Assuming you don’t want to go to college or beyond the four-year path, options abound:
RN-to-BSN Programs:
These programs are intended for RNs with an ADN or diploma, and focus on adding to the knowledge base and experience of the incoming students. These be completed in 1-2 years, and often offered online suitable for working nurses.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs:
For applicants who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, these fast-paced programs incorporate nursing classes and are usually finished in 11 to 18 months.
Salary and Job Outlook:
RNs with BSNs typically earn salaries that are higher than the salaries of those with ADNS. While the BLS lists a median of $86,070 for all RNs, salary comparison sites indicate BSN averages are more in the $92,000-$96,000 range. The job market continues to be strong (6% growth for RNs, 2023-33). Most importantly, surveys show that almost 28% of all employers report requiring BSNs, while 72% strongly prefer new hires to hold a BSN. BSN graduates also have a relatively high rate of job offers for new graduates.
Workplaces and Roles:
BSN nurses work in every healthcare setting; the largest employer is the hospital. The BSN degree also opens up more career options than bedside care alone, including leadership and management (charge nurse, nurse manager), public health, school nursing, case management, nursing informatics, clinical research, quality improvement and entry-level education roles.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
The BSN provides increased earning potential over the long run and a vastly wider scope for career advancement into leadership, management and specialized positions. It is the most preferred or required degree by many employers, providing job security and making one more marketable. This exhaustive curriculum is associated with improved patient outcomes. The prerequisite to pursue graduate nursing education (MSN, DNP, PhD), it is the essential basis. BSN graduates also tend to have higher pass rates in their first attempt at the NCLEX-RN.
Cons:
Requires more time (four-year program) than the ADN, meaning you won’t be earning money and gaining experience in the field as early as others. It’s also usually more expensive than an ADN, which could result in more student loan debt.
The BSN is becoming even more of the standard for professional nursing practice. This change is largely driven by institutional preferences, like those seen in Magnet hospitals and in the military, and, most importantly, a growing body of evidence showing a positive association between higher proportions of BSN-prepared nurses and improved patient safety and quality outcomes.
ADNs are still a viable and faster path toward RN licensure, but BSNs offer a broader education that includes leadership, research utilization, and public health. This wider foundation means dramatically greater long-term career options, increased opportunity for advancement into leadership, management, and specialized positions, and an absolutely necessary step toward entering graduate nursing programs. Hence, even with its additional up-front time and resource costs, the BSN provides better foundation for a long and diverse career in the profession.
03: The Path To Clinical Nursing Degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD)
Advanced nursing degrees are a route to advanced study for practitioners who wish to develop their practice to the next level, advance nursing leadership, or contribute to the science of nursing. Upon completion, the MSN, DNP, and PhD in nursing remain the main options for advanced education.
Master of Science with a Major in Nursing: Focus on Specialization and Leadership
Healthcare Overview:
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced, graduate level degree designed for registered students (RNs) looking to specialize in a certain area of nursing, transition to leadership or admin roles, become educators, or work in areas such as informatics. This is a natural transition, building on the skills and knowledge gained in previous education (ADN or BSN). Becoming an advanced practice nurse opens the door to higher salaries, more job opportunities, and an expanded scope of practice.
Education and Time Required:
Generally, applicants to an MSN program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a valid RN license. However, there are several bridge program options:
RN-to-MSN:
These programs combine BSN-level with MSN-level content for RNs with an ADN or diploma, usually taking 2-3 years.
Direct entry MSN (or entry-level master’s):
For bachelor’s degree holders in fields outside of nursing, these accelerated programs also provide the foundational nursing education for RN licensure before diving into master’s-level coursework. Normally, they last 2-3 years.
BSN-to-MSN:
The traditional route for BSN-prepared RNs, generally requiring 18-24 months of full-time study. Courses in an MSN program consist of core graduate-level classes in subjects such as nursing theory, research methods, evidence-based practice (EBP), health policy and informatics, plus advanced classes specific to the track. Most specializations—especially APRN roles—have extensive clinical hours or practicum experiences that take place in the field. Education: CNM must be globally accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
MSN degrees can also specialize in areas such as nursing leadership, nurse education, or nurse administration. Key pathways include:
Nurse Practitioner (NP):
MSN is currently the minimum degree for entry into the expanded function of diagnosis, treatment, and sometimes prescriptive authority. APRNs operate more independently than RNs. Major APRN roles include:
NP (Nurse Practitioner):
Nurse practitioners (NPs) deliver care for the full spectrum of health throughout life — acute, primary, and specialty care. They evaluate patients, order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, initiate and manage treatment plans (including prescribing medications) and counsel patients.
Some common NP specialties are: Family (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP), Pediatrics (PNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP), Women’s Health (WHNP), Neonatal (NNP), and Emergency (ENP). The BLS projects growth of 40 percent+ for NPs and APRNs as a group. NPs earned a median annual salary of $126,260 in May 2023. Salaries can differ widely by specialty, location and experience.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) :
CNS’s are a specialist in a defined area such as population (eg pediatrics, geriatrics), setting (eg critical care), disease (eg diabetes, oncology), type of care (eg psychiatric), type of problem (eg pain management) They affect outcomes in three domains: direct patient care, nurses/nursing practice, and the organization/system.
CNSs serve as knowledge experts, consultative resources, lead evidence-based practice initiatives, educate staff and have an overall impact on improvements in patient care quality and safety. Salaries are frequently aggregated to include NPs; BLS recently report an NP median of $126,260 in May 2023, while other resources such as ZipRecruiter report lower CNS averages, around $94,500.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA):
CRNAs administer anesthesia and provide anesthesia-related care to patients before, during and after surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic and obstetrical procedures. Their median annual salary was $212,650 as of May 2023, making them the highest-paid APRN speciality. Projections generally lump APRNs together due to their strong job outlook (specifics show 10.4% growth, in fact). Note, the entry credential for CRNA practice is changing to the DNP degree in 2025.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM):
CNMs offer comprehensive primary health care across a woman’s life cycle with a particular emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth and gynecologic and reproductive health. They oversee labor and delivery, provide postpartum care and offer family planning and wellness services. In May 2023, CNMs had a median annual salary of $129,650. Job outlook combined with other APRNs
Nurse Educator:
MSN-holders become educators that can teach nursing students in academic settings (community colleges, universities) or teaching staff development and continuing education for healthcare organizations. They design curricula, give lectures, mentor clinical responsibilities, coach students and assess learning outcomes.
Most will require a strong background in clinical practice and an MSN. In May 2023, the median annual salary for postsecondary nursing instructors was $80,780, although pay varies by academic rank and setting. These professionals are also known as instructors for nursing students. There is high demand for nurse educators today, because nursing school enrollment continues to be limited due to ongoing faculty shortages.
Nurse Administrator/Manager/Executive
MSN graduates in this area guide nursing teams and oversee healthcare operations. This may include everything from budgets to staffing, scheduling, policy to quality improvement initiatives, to representation of nursing staff to upper management. Typical titles include nurse manager, director of nursing (DON), and chief nursing officer (CNO).
Typically requires an MSN in nursing leadership/administration (or related field (MHA, MBA) as well as extensive clinical and leadership experience. NOTE: The BLS median annual salary for the overarching category of Medical and Health Services Managers was $110,680 as of May 2023. Roles such as CNO at the executive level generally pay much more.
Nursing Informatics Specialist:
Informatics nurses utilise a blend of nursing, information and data science, and technology to facilitate the management and dissemination of health information. Informatics nurses are involved in the selection, implementation, and optimization of electronic health records (EHRs) and other health IT systems, data analysis for quality improvement, and support of evidence-based practice through technology.
Typically this includes an MSN with an informatics specialization or a post-graduate certificate. Salaries differ; ZipRecruiter cites a $98,000 average, whereas a HIMSS 2023 survey showed that 60% of the nurse informaticists in the survey said their earnings exceeded $100,000. Higher salaries are linked with advanced degrees, certification, and leadership roles.
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL):
A master’s-prepared generalist nurse who focuses on enhancing the quality of patient care at the unit or microsystem level. They manage care for specific patient populations, evaluate risks, introduce evidence-based interventions, lead quality improvement projects, and communicate with the healthcare team. CNLs are not administrators but focus on leadership at the point of care.
Salary estimates vary widely, possibly falling in line with nurse manager employment or even higher up the RN pay scale; BLS data (lumped with managers) indicates an average in the $134,000 -near range, other sources showing averages from the low $90,000s range to $129,000.
Salary & Job Outlook:
Most MSN-level positions pay a significantly higher salary than BSN roles, especially APRNs and advanced leadership positions. Median salaries for APRNs range from about 126,000 (NP) to over 212,000 (CRNA). Nurse administrators/managers and educators earn medians above $110,000 and around $81,000, respectively. Particularly with APRNs, the job outlook is well above average in terms of projected growth. MSN graduates also report high job satisfaction.
Pros:
The main advantages of an MSN would be specialization in an advanced practice area, much higher income potential, access to leadership and management roles, increasing professional autonomy (for APRNs, in particular), and a solid foundation for pursuing doctoral studies (DNP or PhD).
The MSN degree provides a turning point in the course of a nursing profession, transitioning from generalized RN practice to advanced roles in the specialized field along with professional practice roles in healthcare.
The doctoral degree, not yet widely available until 2020, is also the minimum requirement for the high-autonomy, high-impact roles that come with Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN):
Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse-Midwives. These roles, characterized as advanced clinical decision-making, often encompass elements like diagnosis and prescribing, and enjoy much higher salaries.
The MSN not only offers opportunities in advanced clinical practice, but also serves as a gateway to highly impactful non-clinical roles in administration, education, and informatics. This degree not only equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, but also provides a comprehensive view of healthcare systems, policy, and the translation of evidence into practice.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Transforming Clinical Practice and Systems
Overview:
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused terminal doctorate degree (as opposed to a research doctorate). It serves as the highest practice degree in nursing, intended to prepare experts who can drive improvements to healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in complex systems. It is an alternative to the research-oriented Ph.
Clinical make-up for Patient Outcome:
The DNP was developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and other groups due to the evolving complexities of healthcare, worries about patient care and safety, the accelerating body of knowledge within nursing, and the need for geriatric work||dynamics++.
It brings nursing education in line with practice doctorates in other health fields, such as pharmacy (PharmD) and physical therapy (DPT). In DNP education, those issues includes translating research into practice (evidence-based practice or EBP), leading quality improvement (QI), systems thinking-diagnostic of systems of health care and aptitude of navigation of systems, advocacy to policy and health policy activity, application of health informatics and and data science (data analysis) to drive organization change to improve patient/population health.
Educational Background and Duration:
The entry prerequisite for a DNP program is generally MSN or BSN through BSN to DNP bridge programs are increasingly becoming well-known. Programs that require post-MSN study typically are 1-2 years long, depending on your program, and BSN-to-DNP programs typically take 3-4 years of full-time study.
Advanced courses in each of the core focus areas (EBP, QI, leadership, policy, informatics, ethics, biostatistics, epidemiology) are included in the curriculum along with specialization courses for students seeking an APRN role.
One significant requirement to complete a DNP degree is for the student to complete a DNP project, a scholarly project on bridging evidence to the practice or a quality improvement process in the healthcare or health delivery setting. DNP programs also require a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours, which can include hours completed in a previous MSN program.
Specifically, roles and career paths:
The DNP molds really niche leaders across the healthcare landscape, from advanced clinical practice to executive systems roles. Many DNPS work as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM) — the DNP being the preferred (or required entry level) degree for those roles. Other advanced-practice nurses seek top roles in nursing, healthcare administration, CNO, nursing executive, director of quality improvement, director of evidence-based practice, clinical faculty, health policy analyst, or nursing informatics research leader. No matter their particular roles, DNP graduates are highly trained to critically examine and utilize evidence, decision-making, and quality improvement strategies to enhance patient outcomes and transform healthcare systems.
Salaries and Employment Projections:
DNP graduates typically earn more than nurses with master’s degrees in similar positions due to their increased education and leadership skills. Average salary is a widely diverging estimate depending on who you look at and what role, but typically ranges above some $100k–115k a year. The DNP roles are generally APRN roles that come with median salaries anywhere from $126,000 to over $212,000. These executive leadership roles also tend to be high-paying jobs. Outside of the traditional RN roles, advanced practice roles also have an exceptional job outlook due to the high demand for APRNs and nurse leaders. DNP graduates are ever more valued by employers.
Advantages:
Obtaining a DNP offers the highest degree of practice knowledge, arming nurses with sophisticated clinical, leadership, and systems-thinking abilities. With this preparation they are able to lead quality improvement efforts, implement changes in clinical practice based on current evidence, promote patient safety, shape health policy, and also transform the healthcare that we deliver. The degree provides job security, leads to executive and policy positions, and is associated with higher earning potential.
The DNP represents a shift in nursing education, a transition from the advanced clinical focus of the MSN to the development of leaders who can think in systems and transform practice. The focus area of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and organizational leadership is critical to solving some of the biggest problems in health today, influencing safe patient care and the quality of care delivered to patients.
This emphasis prepares DNP graduates to function not only as expert clinicians, but also as vital change agents within complex health organizations, prepared to analyze systems, translate evidence effectively, and lead initiatives that work to improve the delivery of care. This perception is also reinforced by the ongoing efforts of professional organizations such as AACN and NONPF to establish the DNP as the required terminal degree for advanced practice nursing roles.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD): Conducting Research to Advance Nursing Science
Overview The PhD in Nursing is a terminal doctoral degree with a focus on research and scholarship. It equips nurse scientists and scholars with the skills needed to create new knowledge, develop and test theory, conduct rigorous independent research, and disseminate findings to further the science and practice of nursing.
Focus:
Original research aimed at advancing the science of the discipline of nursing. PhD programs offer rigorous preparation in scientific inquiry, development and testing of nursing theory, sophisticated research methods (both quantitative and qualitative), complex statistical analysis, data management, and ethical conduct of research. PhDs also race ahead in stewardship of the profession through scholarship and in the education of future nurses and researchers.
Years of Study + Education:
Usually require a BSN or MSN for admission Program durations vary, typically ranging from four to six years full-time after a bachelor’s degree, or three to five years after a master’s. The syllabus is typically very personalized based on the research areas chosen by the student.
Coursework involves the philosophy of science, theory development, advanced research design, advanced statistics, grant writing, cognate courses that relate to the field of research, and mentored or residencies of research.
The program culminates with, the completion and defense of a dissertation containing original research findings. PhD programs typically do not require clinical hours, unlike DNP programs. For those people who will work in research-heavy environments, they’re often encouraged to also pursue post-doc positions that offer specificity and depth in their work.
Interesting fact: PhD is primarily a degree that focuses on research and academic careers.
Academia:
The most typical route is into faculty roles in colleges and universities. Academic roles typically involve teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing students, mentoring future researchers, developing curriculum, conducting research, writing grants, and publishing scholarly work. Doctorally prepared nurses are the only solution for the current nursing faculty shortage.
Research:
Grads work as nurse scientists or researchers in academic health centers, independent research institutes, government (NIH), hospitals or health systems; or industry (e.g., pharmaceutical or biotech) They formulate and conduct research to analyze data and share findings that contribute to the knowledge of nursing science to influence practice.
Other leadership/policy roles are less common than academic or straightforward research roles. However, there are PhD graduates who pursue careers in health policy analysis, senior healthcare administration, consulting, medical writing, or managerial roles in professional societies or foundations. These roles typically focus on overseeing the research or education arms.
Salary and Job Outlook:
PhD salaries vary widely by the specific role (faculty vs. industry researcher vs. government scientist), rank (assistant, associate, full professor), geographic location, and by years of experience. Postsecondary nursing instructors have a median BLS salary of $80,780 (May 2023), but PhD-prepared faculty generally earn more, particularly in upper ranks.
The median salary for medical scientists (some PhD nurse researchers fall into that category) was $100,890 in May 2023. The average salaries reported on salary-comparison websites do not seem to differ much for PhD-prepared nurses, hovering around $91,000-$99,000, but may not reflect the full salary range, especially for senior researchers or those working in industry. Job prospects are generally goodBecause nursing faculty members are needed to train the next generation of practitioners and ongoing research is essential to improve health care, job opportunities are generally good. BLS forecasts 18% growth overall for nurse educators and 11% growth for medical scientists.
Advantages:
PhD’s offer the most extensive training in both research methodology as well as nursing science enabling the graduates produce the one and only original knowledge that moves the profession forward. It prepares them for professions in academia and high-level research, with locations for intellectual growth, mentoring intellectual progress, and creation of evidence that advance nursing knowledge and health policy.
Constructing Nursing Science:
The PhD in Nursing is inherently a knowledge generating degree, with its graduates described as the architects of nursing science. The latter is in clear contrast to the DNP’s emphasis on knowledge application in practice settings.
DNP-prepared nurses are skilled in the application of existing evidence on experience, guidelines, or best practices to improve the quality of care, whereas the PhD-prepared nurses are the types who develop those evidence through the conduct of formal and systematic scientific research, theory development, and advanced research methodologies.
This fundamental difference accounts for the fact that most PhD graduates never venture into corporate laboratories, preferring to pursue careers in academia and research, where they contribute to advancing the discipline’s boundaries and educating future generations. PhD-prepared nurses play a key role not just in regularly challenging the limits of nursing knowledge but also in abating alarming faculty shortages that negatively affect the ever-growing nursing workforce.
