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As the healthcare industry continues to grow and becomes increasingly complex, patients rely more on nurses to offer compassionate and highly skilled care. Though nurses have always played a vital role in healthcare settings, a persistent shortage of medical staff and a surge in demand for services has transformed the profession.
Many nurses work as primary care providers or specialists in branches like oncology, geriatrics or intensive care. Others use their background to conduct groundbreaking research or educate the next generation. Nurses can also become leaders in their field, as executives and health advocates.
With so many options in nursing, it can feel overwhelming to know what degree fits best for your professional goals. In this section, you can find more information about different nursing degrees, their requirements and the opportunities they offer in the field.
A certified nursing assistant provides essential but nonmedical support to patients. They take care of day-to-day tasks like bathing, feeding and dressing patients, as well as monitoring their vital signs and transporting them to other areas of the hospital.
For those interested in exploring a nursing career, working as a CNA can be a great way to get one’s foot in the door. Entry-level positions usually require a high-school diploma and a certification course or similar training program. Candidates must also pass a state exam. Though the demand is steady, CNAs need more education to advance in the field.
Licensed practical nurses give patients basic care and limited medical support, like changing bandages, administering medication, maintaining patient records and collecting specimens for analysis.
To become an LPN, students complete a one-year training program and pass a licensure exam. Jobs for LPNs are expected to grow steadily, but their room for advancement is often limited.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can open the doors to a career as an RN and to graduate education in the field. The four-year curriculum incorporates fundamental knowledge for entry-level positions and includes higher-level coursework in theory, policy and population health. Classes may also include a research component.
Holding this degree makes students eligible for the NCLEX-RN (the RN licensing exam). It is also increasingly becoming a requirement for entry-level positions and tends to command higher salaries than candidates who only hold an associate’s degree. BSN graduates are more likely to move up into supervisory roles as well.
Many BSN programs value the experience of ADNs and often have accelerated tracks for ADN nurses seeking a four-year degree. ADNs can often transfer credits to these bridge programs, allowing them to expedite their career advancement.
An MSN degree deepens your understanding of the field through advanced courses in science, population health, clinical practice, nursing theory and other relevant topics.
Specializations allow you to focus your studies in one clinical area of interest and hone your leadership skills. An MSN degree is a requirement if you want to become a family nurse practitioner, nurse educator or nurse midwife . The degree appeals to employers seeking advanced professionals and often comes with higher salaries.
Most MSN programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have completed a series of prerequisite science courses. Additionally, most expect several years of professional experience.
Though they share some similarities, Doctor of Nursing Practice and MSN programs differ. The DNP is a terminal degree focused on advanced clinical skills and leadership. It educates nurses to thoroughly understand the latest research on patient care and effectively incorporate it into patient treatment plans.
The curriculum also prepares them to be up-to-date with healthcare policy, population health trends and managerial best practices for healthcare organizations.
DNP graduates are equipped to be in executive and supervisory roles in healthcare settings, government agencies, research facilities and higher education. Many DNP programs also offer specialization tracks, such as nurse anesthesia, gerontology, nursing leadership, midwifery, nurse practitioner and more.
You can devote your nursing career to the population or branch of nursing you are most passionate about by pursuing a specialization or certification. It can also expand your employment opportunities and increase your pay potential.
Some specializations require an MS or DNP degree, as well as successfully passing a certification exam, while others may only request or recommend official certification.
Popular nursing specializations and their functions include:
Certified nurse midwife: Evaluates, assists and treats pregnant patients from the moment of conception to postpartum care, including labor.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): Administers, monitors and adjusts anesthesia and other patient medications.
Gerontology nurse: Centers on the healthcare needs of older adults.
ICU nurse: Concentrates on the healthcare needs of critically ill patients or those with life-threatening conditions.
Nurse educator: Works as an instructor in institutions of higher education or as a preceptor in teaching hospitals and clinical settings.
Nurse practitioner: Serves as the primary health care provider for patients.
Pediatric nurse: Focuses on the healthcare needs of infants, children and young adults.
For the past century, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) has provided high-quality nursing education to fulfill the healthcare needs of underserved and rural areas. Our rigorous curriculum, intensive clinical training and affordability are just some of the reasons we landed at the top of the list of Best Colleges in Louisiana for Nursing by Intelligent.com.
We offer the following flexible, transfer-friendly nursing programs:
Whether you are a high school graduate taking the first steps toward your future or a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge, we’re certain we have the right program for you. Begin your next chapter at FranU!
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