The associate degree of nursing program prepares students to administer nursing care and education to patients who have been admitted to hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and clinics. Care can also be provided through in-home care and through other medical facilities such those found in the military as well as public health departments. Students who successfully complete this associate degree of nursing program will receive an associate of science degree in nursing and will be able to supervise licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
Nursing students studying to achieve a bachelor's degree in nursing will work to develop theoretical care as well as a clinical foundation for registered nursing. A registered nurse with a bachelors' degree can provide nursing care in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other community health settings throughout their community while providing health promotion and disease prevention. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Graduate students in nursing programs expand their knowledge of nursing to include skills needed to manage and facilitate complex health care in a wide variety of health-care settings. Graduates of these programs are prepared to provide nursing care and education to patients in medical settings, but can also take on the role of a clinical nurse specialist, a nurse practitioner, midwife or nursing administrator.
Students wishing to continue on to a doctoral degree in nursing can continue to expand their knowledge into fields of clinical research and advanced clinical practice. Doctoral programs are expected to take students between four and six years to complete. Students will also study statistics and data analysis, the history and philosophy of nursing science and leadership skills. The DNP program builds on the role of advanced practice nursing and prepares students for a career in executive nursing, among many other advanced nursing careers.