Types of Nursing Degrees

There are other choices a nursing student has to make before selecting a program. One of those choices is whether to seek an Associate in Science degree (A.S.N.) or a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.N.). The biggest difference between these two options is the amount of time requir

ed to complete the degree. An A.S.N. will take about 2 to 3 years to complete, while a B.S.N. will take 4 to 5 years. Graduates of both types of degrees will have the same job opportunities right after graduation; both degrees offer recent graduates entry-level positions. The difference is that, in the long-term, a B.S.N. offers more advancement opportunities than an A.S.N. There are some positions, such as administrative and management positions in hospitals, that are only open to nurses with a B.S.N. Another option for those interested in a career in nursing are accelerated B.S.N. programs. These programs are open to those with a Bachelor's degree in a different field and usually take 1 to 2 years to complete.
Students who decide to seek an A.S.N. have the option of returning to school to earn a B.S.N. Most schools offer R.N. to B.S.N. programs with varying admission requirements and program lengths. Another option available to A.S.N. graduates are B.S.N. to M.S.N. (Master of Science in Nursing) accelerated programs. These programs are designed to have students complete an accelerated B.S.N. in one year, and two years to complete the M.S.N.
Post-graduate work in the Nursing field offers an R.N. more opportunities and responsibilities. After earning a Master's degree in Nursing, nurses can work toward Advanced Practice Nursing (A.P.N.) degrees. Currently, there are four options: Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Nurse Practitioner. The responsibilities of A.P.N.s vary according to state regulations; however, they are, generally, able to provide the same or similar services as physicians, such as diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications. Most programs take about two years to complete with admission requirements varying among schools.