The Associate of Science degree is a two-year program offered by vocational and community colleges. It prepares students for entry-level positions in nursing, focusing on basic patient care. Students who complete this degree and pass their state's licensing exam earn a title of licensed practical nurse (LPN) and can eventually apply to become a registered nurse (RN).
The Bachelor of Science degree is a four-year program at an accredited college or university. Students combine classroom work with hands-on training in medical settings, called clinicals. Those who complete this course of study and pass their state's licensing exam receive the title of registered nurse. Many hospitals, physicians' practices and other health care facilities require nurses to have a BSN degree and an RN license.
The Master of Science degree is a one- or two-year postgraduate program of advanced study that generally concentrates on one area of interest. The degree can lead to higher-paying, more autonomous positions. Students attend full-time or work as nurses and attend part-time. Some medical employers pay for all or part of the tuition. This degree is required for those who wish to pursue career options as a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife or nurse practitioner.
There are several doctoral programs for nursing, all of which are completed in three or four years of full-time study. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree focuses on clinical issues in nursing. It trains nurses to become advanced practice nurses. The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) degree involves the application of research to clinical practice, while the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (DPN) degree teaches academic research and clinical leadership. Both the DNS and the DPN are obtained by nurses who have an interest in becoming professors or researchers.