Each type of nursing degree qualifies nurses for specific roles and duties. Each degree can also serve as a stepping-stone on a nursing career path that culminates in a leadership position in a health care setting, whether at a hospital or clinic; a public health role; or management or top administrative position with a health care provider or other organization. The professional degree that most RN employers require is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), although RNs may also hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. The BLS notes that far more BSN, ADN, and ASN degree programs exist than diploma programs. All the undergraduate programs include supervised clinical experience as well as courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and various social and behavioral sciences. Their goal is to prepare students to pass their states’ licensing examinations for RNs as well as to teach the skills and experience nurses need to thrive in their careers.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In addition to the science topics listed above, the curriculum of BSN degree programs includes courses in physical and social sciences, communication, critical thinking, and leadership. In the past, a bachelor’s degree in nursing was considered the minimum education requirement to qualify for nurse administrator positions as well as for work as a nursing researcher, consultant or teacher. However, a growing number of employers now consider a master’s degree in nursing to be a prerequisite to qualify for nurse manager roles. To receive a state-issued nursing license, RNs must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Many hospitals and other health care providers now require that candidates for entry-level RN positions have a bachelor’s degree. RN-to-BSN programs allow RNs with an associate degree or diploma to earn their bachelor’s degree. Holding a BSN degree qualifies RNs for work in specialties such as genetics and public health. RNs are also able to take on more responsibilities for treating and diagnosing patients in clinical settings.Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is the minimum education requirement for clinical nurse specialists (CNS), most of whom also have at least one year of experience working as RNs. For nurses aspiring to leadership roles in their profession, most employers now consider an MSN degree or higher to be a prerequisite to qualify for nurse manager and administrator positions. These include assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse at the lowest level of management, as well as senior-level positions, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, and chief nursing officer (CNO). The curriculum of an MSN degree program expands on the science and clinical subjects that undergraduate nursing programs cover and includes courses in health services administration, leadership skills, negotiation, health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance. Master’s degrees are the minimum educational requirement for advanced practice RNs (APRNs) working in specific areas of primary and specialty care, although a doctoral degree may qualify them for a wider range of nurse leadership positions.Doctor of Nursing Practice
The BLS points out that many APRNs choose to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to boost their training and experience in preparation for leadership roles in health care settings. The DNP curriculum typically includes courses in advanced health assessments, pathophysiology, pharmacology and other topics related to each NP specialty. The following are among the other nursing leadership positions that nurses with a DNP degree may qualify for:- Nurse educator: In addition to preparing new nurses for the profession, nurse educators promote innovation in clinical practice. They combine their clinical experience and nursing expertise with strong communication skills and cultural competency.
- Nurse administrator: Nurse administrators manage and lead work groups, departments, and facilities that provide clinical services. They influence and execute health policy, tapping their knowledge of and experience with nursing administrative procedures.
- Director of Nursing: Nursing directors are charged with managing the day-to-day functions of nursing departments and entire health care facilities in collaboration with other health care professionals. They serve as liaisons between medical teams and other departments within the organization, and they represent nursing departments to parties outside the health care setting.
DNP vs. Ph.D.
Nurses who wish to pursue a doctorate in nursing must choose between a DNP and a Ph.D. When comparing career paths, it’s critical to understand how each advanced degree focuses on different strengths, geared to different careers. For those considering a DNP vs. a Ph.D., the differences between the two degrees can be categorized into five areas, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN):- Program of study: The DNP degree prepares nurse leaders to apply the results of research in areas of nursing practice. A Ph.D. in nursing emphasizes research at the highest level of nursing science.
- Students: DNP graduates focus on improving patient care outcomes and population health. Ph.D. holders develop new nursing knowledge that furthers nursing science.
- Program faculty: DNP faculty members have expertise in practice areas and working with patient populations. Faculty members in Ph.D. programs have expertise in research and experience with research funding and related areas.
- Resources: DNP students rely on mentors and the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a range of clinical settings. Ph.D. students also rely on mentors as well as access to medical information, research technology, and dissertation support.
- Program assessment and evaluation: The goal of DNPs is to contribute directly to health care practice and policy. Ph.D.s develop new knowledge that improves health care delivery.
Focus of Ph.D. in Nursing Degree
Nurses who earn a Ph.D. lead through their nursing research with health care innovations and novel approaches to improving health care quality on an individual and population basis. The AACN points out that the number of nurses with a Ph.D. has remained constant despite the increase in nursing doctorate programs being offered. This has led to a shortage of qualified nurse educators at a time of growing need for research on treating chronic illnesses. The research topics that Ph.D. candidates investigate have expanded in recent years from clinical areas, such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health, to technologies and techniques for improving the treatment of chronic illnesses. In many cases, the research seeks to improve patients’ quality of life by minimizing the negative effects of treatments. To be accepted to a nursing Ph.D. program, candidates must have an RN license and a suitable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score. They typically submit their college transcripts along with a letter of recommendation and an essay. Most nursing Ph.D. programs require the equivalent of three to five years of full-time study.Focus of DNP Degree
Nurses who wish to pursue various leadership roles in the profession will gain a broad range of skills and experience by graduating from a DNP program. The curriculum of a DNP program prepares nurse leaders for roles and duties that are beyond those for which RNs usually train.- Investigate the impact of modern health issues on health policy.
- Assess and report on program outcomes in health care settings.
- Study the distribution of diseases in communities and populations.
- Examine the legal, social, ethical, financial, and technological aspects of modern evidence-based nursing practice.
