ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION/DEGREES

Bachelor of Science Nursing (BS/BSN)

A four-year program offered at colleges and universities that prepares nurses to practice across all health care settings. BSN graduates have the greatest opportunity for advancement. For instance, a BSN is required for entry into a Master's program, which may in turn lead to a career in management, or on to more specialized nursing positions such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse researcher. A BSN is preferred and often required for military nursing, case management, public health nursing, overseas/development nursing, forensic nursing and school nursing. Some countries (the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand) require a BSN before being able to sit for the RN exam.

Associate's Degree

A two-to-three year program offered at junior and community colleges, an Associate's degree trains and prepares nurses to provide direct patient care in numerous settings. ADN is an affordable education that provides the student opportunities to bridge into a BSN program and to progress onto a Masters or above. Some hospital nursing schools, colleges, and universities also offer ADN programs.