The profession of nursing has undergone many changes with the emergence of health care industry as one of the key growth areas in the economic map of the country. The demand for higher education, state of the art practical training in multiple clinical set-up, rigorous study in a particular specialization, these are the modern day demands from an aspirant who want to achieve growth in the nursing profession. In confirming these new industry driven demands the nursing education in the past two decades tended to become more exposed to the particular in-job skills and specialized knowledge. So now there are various degrees with multiple areas of specializations available in USA. Among all the types of nursing degrees in USA, some popular ones are discussed here.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This degree in nursing is a two year program which can be obtained from a community college or vocational school. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing is the very basic and bare minimum requirement to become a Registered Nurse (RN). In reality, to become a practicing registered nurse the aspirant with a Associate’s Degree does not get much of a career exposure in comparison to other higher level degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Except a few high credentials demanding nursing job, this degree is considered to be the proper prerequisite for entering into the career of a registered nursing professional. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program spans over 4 years and the degree is obtained from a university or college. From this level of degree in nursing the aspirant is given scopes of hands on training in different clinical set up.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
In order to obtain a Master’s Degree in Nursing, the aspirant has to complete a Bachelor program in nursing or similar disciplines. A Master of Science in Nursing is the prerequisite step towards becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse or APN. Some Masters program in nursing may have a special focus on certain track of practice or specializations.
Doctorate Degree in Nursing
This highest level degree in nursing requires the aspirant to complete Bachelor and Master’s level degree program in nursing prior to the admission in a Master’s level degree program. There are two distinct types and focuses in regard to a doctoral degree in nursing, one is Doctor in Nursing Practice or DNP and the other is Doctor in Nursing Science or DNS. The doctoral program in nursing practice or the DNP program focuses on the clinical aspects and practices of nursing, whereas the doctoral program in nursing science or the DNS focuses on the scientific vocation and development of the profession of nursing.
As specialization became the watch word in respect to any professional discipline, various types of nursing degrees actually exemplifies this modern trend of career focused, professional education. As the above description shows, attaining higher level of degree and focused specialization grossly transform into a better career and growth.