Top Nursing Schools & Programs
Earning a nursing degree is an excellent investment in your education. With a consistently strong demand for nursing professionals across the United States, the field is poised for continued growth in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently over 3.1 million registered nurses (RNs) practicing in the U.S., and employment for RNs is projected to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031. Additionally, the demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) is expected to grow by 46% during the same period.
There are numerous pathways to enter the nursing profession, ranging from diploma programs for licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) or certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing. Exploring the various types of degrees and educational levels within the nursing field can help you choose the most suitable path for your career aspirations.
Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels
Nursing degrees and levels encompass a variety of educational pathways, each offering different levels of preparation and specialization in the field of nursing:
CNA (Diploma or Certificate)
CNAs complete short-term training programs, typically lasting a few weeks, to provide basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses.
Median Annual Salary (Nov 2022): $35,740
Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 5%
Minimum Education Required: Diploma or certificate
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
LPNs/LVNs complete one-year nursing programs and pass licensure exams to provide basic nursing care, administer medications, and monitor patient health under the supervision of RNs or physicians.
Median Annual Salary (Nov 2022): $54,620
Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 6%
Minimum Education Required: Diploma or certificate
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs typically take two years to complete and prepare students to become registered nurses (RNs) who provide direct patient care in various healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary (Nov 2022): $81,220
Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 6%
Minimum Education Required: Associate or bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
BSN programs typically take four years and provide a more comprehensive education in nursing, preparing graduates for a wider range of nursing roles and leadership positions.
Median Annual Salary (Nov 2022): $81,220
Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 6%
Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs offer advanced education and specialization in nursing, preparing graduates for advanced practice nursing roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists.
Median Annual Salary (Nov 2022): $112,000
Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 38%
Minimum Education Required: Master’s degre
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP programs offer the highest level of education in nursing and prepare graduates for leadership roles in nursing practice, healthcare administration, and healthcare policy, as well as advanced clinical practice.
Median Annual Salary (Nov 2022): $112,000
Job Growth Rate (2021-2031): 38%
Minimum Education Required: Doctor's degre
Top Programs
Top Nursing Schools
Nursing Programs & Specialties
Nursing programs encompass a wide range of specialties and additional rankings to help students choose the right path for their career goals. Some common nursing specialties and rankings include:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Focuses on providing primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): Specializes in providing healthcare to children from infancy through adolescence, focusing on wellness exams, developmental screenings, immunizations, and management of childhood illnesses and injuries.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Focuses on providing healthcare to adults and older adults, addressing acute and chronic health conditions, disease management, and promoting healthy aging.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Specializes in providing mental healthcare services to individuals across the lifespan, including psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management for mental health disorders.
Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA): Focuses on providing anesthesia care to patients undergoing surgical, obstetrical, or diagnostic procedures, ensuring safe anesthesia administration, pain management, and patient monitoring throughout the perioperative period.
Nurse Midwifery (CNM): Specializes in providing comprehensive healthcare to women throughout the lifespan, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, and gynecological services.
Choosing the Best Nursing Program for You
Choosing the best nursing program for you involves considering several factors to ensure that it aligns with your career goals, learning preferences, and personal circumstances. Here are some key steps to help you make an informed decision:
Determine Your Career Goals: Consider your long-term career aspirations within the field of nursing. Are you interested in direct patient care, advanced practice nursing, leadership roles, research, or academia? Identifying your career goals will help you choose a program that offers the specialization and resources you need to achieve them.
Research Accredited Programs: Look for nursing programs that are accredited by reputable accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures that the program meets established standards of quality and prepares graduates for licensure and certification exams.
Evaluate Program Curriculum: Review the curriculum of each nursing program to ensure that it covers essential nursing competencies, clinical experiences, and specialized coursework relevant to your career interests. Consider factors such as clinical rotations, simulation labs, research opportunities, and interprofessional education.
Consider Program Flexibility: Assess the flexibility of each nursing program, including scheduling options, online or hybrid delivery formats, part-time or full-time study options, and opportunities for evening or weekend classes. Choose a program that fits your lifestyle, work commitments, and family responsibilities.
Explore Clinical Opportunities: Investigate the clinical opportunities available within each nursing program, including partnerships with healthcare facilities, specialty rotations, and preceptorship experiences. Clinical training is essential for developing hands-on skills and gaining real-world experience in nursing practice.
Review Faculty Expertise and Support: Consider the qualifications and expertise of the nursing faculty within each program, including their clinical experience, research interests, and teaching philosophy. Look for programs that offer supportive faculty mentorship, academic advising, and professional development opportunities.
Assess Program Reputation and Outcomes: Research program reputation, student outcomes, and alumni success stories to gauge the quality and effectiveness of each nursing program. Consider factors such as graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, job placement rates, and alumni satisfaction.
Consider Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with each nursing program, taking into account your budget and financial resources. Explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs to help finance your education.
