What are the levels of nursing degrees?
The main levels are nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse with an associate (ADN) or bachelor’s (BSN) degree, then master’s (MSN) and doctoral (DNP or PhD) degrees for advanced roles.
In order
Nursing assistant: weeks to months of training; median pay $42,260. LPN: about a year; $64,400. RN: an ADN takes about two years and a BSN about four; $97,550. MSN: two to three years beyond a bachelor’s; nurse practitioners earn $132,300. DNP or PhD: a practice or research doctorate.
Each step builds on the one before, and bridge programs let working nurses move up. The comparison table is in nursing degree requirements.
Which to pick
Choose by the job you want, then work back to the degree. Bedside nursing needs an RN license. Prescribing, anesthesia or midwifery need a graduate degree. See how to choose a nursing school.
Pay and projections: Bureau of Labor Statistics. NCLEX figures: NCSBN. Enrollment: AACN. Sources and years are ondata sources.