Types Of Nursing Degrees
Discuss and learn about types of nursing degrees. The nursing profession is a very lucrative one. Their remuneration as well as the extent of responsibility they are given will always depend on the extent of training and education they have acquired in the field. It is obvious that the higher the training and education, the wider the choices the individual has in securing a job. There are different types of nursing degrees available for individuals who want to pursue a career in nursing. Starting with the associate or bachelor’s level, an individual can study up to the doctorate level to equip himself/herself with the necessary education to attain the pinnacle of their career. Below are details of these types of nursing degrees:
Associate of Science degree in nursing (ASN)- This type of nursing degree is an entry level one where graduates will be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exams to receive licenses as registered nurse.
Baccalaureate of Science degree: These types of nursing degrees usually last for 4 years. Upon completion, graduates are expected to assume leadership roles in nursing, base their practice on research and best evidence, and provide care in different nursing environments. Graduates are equally eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exams and apply to be given license as a registered nurse.
Master of Science Degree: This is the most common of all types of nursing degrees at the advanced level. A holder of this type of degree can become a clinical nurse leader, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or a clinical nurse specialist. These are all advanced practice nursing.
Individuals with degrees from other related disciplines can equally enroll for master’s degree in nursing through the RN entry level program.
Doctor of nursing degree: This is the most advanced of all types of nursing degrees. Unlike the normal PhD degree that offers opportunities for academic research, the doctor of nursing degree specialize more on the practice of nursing.
However, different educational institutions may have different focus on Doctor of Nursing degree, but they generally include clinical research on nursing, nursing leadership, and advanced practice. Graduates from this type of nursing program will typically become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
Doctor of Nursing Science: This is among the types of nursing degrees that emphasize more on applied research. Graduates are trained in clinical nursing which allows them to acquire the necessary leadership, clinical, and research skills that will equip them for the challenge in the health sector. Studies in this field will generally focus on informatics, statistical analysis, health care economics, and health outcome measurements.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): This is a doctorate degree that is specifically designed for training and education in leadership skills, history of nursing science, and research methods (including data analysis and statistics).
In conclusion, there are different types of nursing degrees that a person can choose from. Most people usually begin at the basic level and then proceed from there up to the doctorate level. Online too there are various types of nursing degrees to choose from as well. So, if you want to pursue a carrier in nursing, there is no doubt that the profession is a lucrative one and there are programs available from the entry level (ASN) up to the advanced level.
