Types of Nursing Degrees
From certificate programs to doctoral degrees — understand every level of nursing education and which one fits your goals.
| Degree | Duration | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CNA | 4–12 weeks | $38,000 |
| LPN/LVN | 12–18 months | $59,000 |
| ADN | 2 years | $93,600 |
| BSN | 4 years | $93,600 |
| MSN | 2–3 years | $120,000+ |
| DNP | 3–4 years | $130,000+ |
CNA — Certified Nursing Assistant
A CNA certificate is the fastest entry into healthcare. Programs run 4–12 weeks and cover basic patient care: bathing, feeding, vital signs, mobility assistance, and documentation.
- Where: Community colleges, vocational schools, Red Cross, some hospitals
- Certification: State competency exam (written + skills)
- Salary: ~$38,000/year median (BLS)
- Best for: Exploring whether healthcare is right for you before committing to a full nursing degree
Many nursing students work as CNAs during school to gain clinical experience and earn income.
LPN/LVN — Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) — called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas — provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and physicians. Programs award a certificate or diploma.
- Duration: 12–18 months
- Coursework: Anatomy, pharmacology, nutrition, basic nursing skills, supervised clinicals
- License: NCLEX-PN exam
- Salary: ~$59,000/year median
- Common settings: Long-term care, home health, physician offices, rehab centers
LPNs who want to advance to RN can pursue LPN-to-RN bridge programs (typically 1–2 semesters).
ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing is a 2-year program at community colleges that prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and work as registered nurses.
- Duration: 2 years (plus prerequisites)
- Cost: Typically $6,000–$20,000 total at community colleges
- Salary: $93,600 median (same RN license as BSN)
- Best for: Career changers, budget-conscious students, those wanting to work quickly
Learn more in our BSN vs ADN comparison.
BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The BSN is a 4-year university degree that combines nursing clinicals with courses in leadership, research, community health, and evidence-based practice. It's increasingly the preferred entry degree for hospital nursing.
- Duration: 4 years (or 12–18 months for accelerated second-degree BSN)
- Cost: $40,000–$160,000 depending on institution
- Salary: $93,600 median (higher in practice due to employer preference)
- Best for: Students committed to a long-term nursing career who want maximum flexibility
BSN is required for admission to all graduate nursing programs (MSN, DNP, CRNA). Compare tuition at our most affordable nursing programs page.
MSN — Master of Science in Nursing
An MSN prepares nurses for advanced practice roles. It requires a BSN and typically 2–3 years of additional study. MSN graduates can become:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) — diagnose, treat, prescribe medications; ~$126,000 median salary
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) — expert in a nursing specialty area
- Nurse Midwife (CNM) — prenatal, labor/delivery, women's health care
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) — administer anesthesia; ~$212,000 median salary (highest-paid nursing role)
- Nurse Educator — teach in nursing programs
- Nurse Administrator — healthcare management and leadership
Many MSN programs are available online or in hybrid format, making them accessible to working nurses.
DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is the terminal practice degree in nursing. It prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, systems leadership, and healthcare policy. It's increasingly replacing the MSN as the entry degree for some NP specialties.
- Duration: 3–4 years post-BSN, or 1–2 years post-MSN
- Focus areas: Evidence-based practice, quality improvement, health policy, organizational leadership
- Capstone: DNP project (practice-focused scholarly project, not a research dissertation)
- Salary: $130,000–$220,000+ depending on specialty
Note: The DNP is a practice doctorate. The PhD in Nursing is the research doctorate, focused on academic careers and nursing science.
Nursing Degree Progression Pathway
Nursing offers clear career ladders. Here are the most common progression paths: