Although most associate degrees in nursing (ADN) are conferred by trade schools and community colleges, some universities, such as the University of Illinois and Rush University, include the ADN in their nursing curriculum. According to The Distance Daily, the ADN is very popular and "the degree of choice for over 40 percent of nursing students." The ADN is typically completed in two to three years, and coursework includes anatomy, nursing concepts, nutrition, physiology and psychology. ADN graduates typically are employed as home health nurses, health insurance coordinators and hospital staff nurses.
Bachelor's degrees in nursing are offered by many public and private colleges and universities. The four-year bachelor's degree of science in nursing (BSN) exposes students to a wide range of nursing training, which can help guide graduates when deciding on specializing and future career goals. In addition to the traditional nursing curriculum, BSN students today receive extensive computer and software training so that they are well-skilled in the nursing informatics required by today's technology-driven health care centers. Universities also may offer post-bachelor's certificates in areas such as clinical-trial research, forensic nursing, health care administration, medical billing and nursing education.
As a nursing professional progresses in her career, more areas of specialty training become available, as evidenced by the plethora of nursing graduate degrees offered by colleges and universities. Master's and doctoral nursing degrees provide advanced training in both the theoretical and practical applications of nursing. Graduate study is available in advanced nursing practice, case management, informatics, health care administration, health care management (typically conferred along with an MBA), nurse midwifery and patient care services. Students may also train for certification as a nurse practitioner, specializing in family or women's health. Post-master's certificate programs are offered in psychiatric care, nursing education, family therapy and innovation in intra/entrepreneurship in advanced nursing practice.