7 Types of Nursing Degrees: Complete Career Progression Guide

Finding Your Path in Nursing

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a real difference in people’s lives while building a stable career, nursing might be calling to you. But here’s what often gets overlooked in those glossy recruitment videos: the nursing field isn’t just one career path. It’s more like a staircase with multiple entry points and countless ways to climb.

Maybe you’re a high school graduate wondering how to get started. Maybe you’re a parent considering a career change at 35. Maybe you’re already working in healthcare and realizing you want more responsibility (or different responsibilities). Wherever you’re standing, I’ve learned that the biggest source of confusion isn’t whether nursing is right for you, it’s understanding the different types of nursing degrees and how they actually work.

Here’s the truth: choosing between the different types of nursing degrees can feel overwhelming because there’s real complexity here. But it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. We’re going to break down each path, talk honestly about what each one requires and offers, and hopefully help you figure out which direction makes sense for your life right now.

Quick Reference: Types of Nursing Degrees at a Glance

Before we explore each option in depth, here’s a snapshot of all seven credentials we’ll cover:

Why Understanding Types of Nursing Degrees Matters

Before we dive into the specifics, let me explain why this matters so much. The nursing field has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. You’re no longer looking at just one entry point or one way to advance. Instead, you’ve got different types of nursing degrees that create different career trajectories, different earning potentials, and different responsibilities.

This isn’t a marketing thing. It’s a structural reality that affects everything from where you can work to how much you’ll earn to what decisions you’ll make about patient care. That’s why spending time understanding these distinctions now can save you years of uncertainty later.

Think of it this way: would you decide to pursue a college degree without knowing whether you were getting a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree? Of course not. The same logic applies here. The type of nursing degree you pursue shapes your entire career before you even start.

The Foundation: Starting with CNA and LPN Credentials

Let’s start at the entry point, because not everyone needs (or wants) a four-year commitment right away.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is often where people begin. It’s not technically a degree, it’s a certification, usually requiring 4-12 weeks of training through a community college or healthcare facility. You’ll learn basic patient care, vital signs, and how hospitals and care facilities actually work. The median annual salary hovers around $34,000-$55,000, and honestly, this is valuable not just for the paycheck but for figuring out if healthcare is genuinely your thing.

Many people who did their CNA certification before pursuing actual nursing degrees, and they consistently say it was the best decision they made. Why? Because working as a CNA shows you the day-to-day reality of patient care. It’s not theoretical. You see the physical demands, the emotional intensity, and the profound privilege of helping people at vulnerable moments in their lives.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is the next step. This requires a practical nursing program (typically one year, sometimes up to two) and state licensure. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians and handle many direct patient care tasks, wound care, medication administration, patient monitoring, and patient education.

Now, here’s something important: the nursing field is evolving. Some states are actively transitioning away from LPN positions because they want more nurses with bachelor’s degrees. But LPN is still a legitimate path, especially if you’re looking to enter the field quickly, earn a sustainable income, and then decide whether to pursue further types of nursing degrees. The median salary for LPNs is around $62,000 annually up to 2024.

The Mid-Level Credentials: ADN and the BSN Question

Here’s where things get interesting and where I want to be really honest with you.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs take two years and are offered at community colleges. You’ll complete your general education requirements alongside nursing-specific coursework, then graduate and take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse. The median salary is around $96,600 for an RN with an ADN up to May 2024.

For a long time, the ADN was the primary path into nursing, and it still makes sense for many people. You get into the field faster and with less debt. You can start earning a real income within two years.

But here’s what I want you to know: the industry is pushing toward Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the standard entry-level credential. Many hospitals now prefer (or require) BSN-prepared nurses for entry-level positions. Some offer tuition reimbursement for ADN nurses who go back to get their BSN. The timeline is longer (typically four years), and the cost is higher, but the career flexibility is broader.

The median salary for a BSN-prepared RN isn’t dramatically higher starting out maybe $110,000 but the long-term earning potential and advancement opportunities are greater. You’ll have more options if you decide to pursue advanced types of nursing degrees later.

Here’s my honest take: if you’re young with minimal financial obligations, the BSN makes strategic sense for your career longevity. If you’ve got dependent children, pressing financial needs, or you want to test-drive nursing before committing fully, the ADN path is absolutely legitimate. You can always bridge to a BSN later (and many people do).

Advanced Practice: MSN, DNP, and PhD Opportunities

Now we’re talking about the advanced types of nursing degrees, the ones that change your role, your income, and your trajectory entirely.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs take 18-36 months beyond your RN credential. This is where specialization happens. You might become a Clinical Nurse Leader, a Nurse Educator, a Nurse Administrator, or a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Some MSN programs lead to roles like Nurse Practitioner or Certified Nurse Midwife, which expand your scope of practice significantly.

The money follows the credential. MSN earners make more than BSN earners, be careful, not everywhere the same amount, but more. And if you specialize as a Nurse Practitioner in a high-cost area like San Jose, you’re crossing into territory most people never see: $225,000 a year. That’s not a raise. That’s a different path. However, the pay for an MSN is around $81,000 – $128,000.

The MSN is where you start thinking about what kind of nurse you actually want to be. Do you want to lead people? Teach? Provide advanced clinical care? Each specialization opens different doors.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is becoming the new standard for advanced practice nurses. It’s typically a 3-4 year program after your RN, and it’s where Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse Midwives are trained. DNP-prepared nurses can diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and provide primary care in many states. The median salary for a Nurse Practitioner with a DNP is $120,000-$130,000+, depending on specialization and location.

I want to pause here because I’ve noticed something: the shift from MSN to DNP credentials happened quietly, and many people don’t realize it. If you’re seriously considering advanced nursing practice, the DNP is now the degree you’ll want to pursue. It’s becoming the standard, and it’s worth planning for.

PhD in Nursing is less common and typically for those interested in research, academia, or highly specialized leadership roles. These programs are intense, usually 4-6 years of doctoral-level work focused on research and theory. If you’re thinking “that’s not for me,” that’s probably fine. Most nursing career paths don’t require a PhD. But if you’re passionate about research or want to lead change in healthcare systems, this is the option.

The Real Talk: Timeline, Cost, and Commitment

Let me be direct about something that matters a lot: the financial and time investment required for different types of nursing degrees varies dramatically.

A CNA certification might cost $500-$1,500 and take 6-12 weeks. An LPN program runs $5,000-$15,000 and takes one to two years. An ADN costs $10,000-$30,000 over two years (much cheaper than a BSN, usually). A BSN might run $20,000-$60,000 depending on whether it’s a private or public university. And if you stack an MSN on top, you’re looking at another $20,000-$50,000.

Here’s what often gets overlooked: many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Some hospitals will pay for your BSN if you work for them as an RN with an ADN. Some systems will help fund your MSN or DNP if you commit to staying with them for a certain period. It’s worth asking during interviews.

The time commitment is equally important. You could be a working CNA within three months. You could have your RN license and working within two years with an ADN. But getting to an advanced nursing role? That’s typically 8-10 years minimum from high school, longer if you take a more traditional pathway.

Choosing Your Path: What Actually Matters

Here’s what I want you to sit with: there’s no single “best” nursing degree. The right choice depends on your current situation, your financial reality, your long-term aspirations, and honestly, your learning style.

Ask yourself: Are you trying to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, or are you willing to invest more time upfront for broader options later? Do you know you want to be in direct patient care forever, or do you think you might want leadership or specialized roles? Can you afford to spend significant time in school, or do you need income sooner?

Consider this: I’ve known brilliant nurses with ADN credentials who were perfectly content in direct patient care for their entire careers, and I’ve known others who felt frustrated after five years and wished they’d done the BSN from the start. The degree isn’t about being “better”, it’s about alignment.

The good news is flexibility. You can start as a CNA, transition to LPN, move to ADN or bridge to BSN, and eventually pursue an MSN or DNP. Your nursing career doesn’t have to be a straight line. Many successful nurses built exactly that kind of staircase path.

Career Advancement and Specialization Opportunities

One of nursing’s best features is the depth of specialization available once you’re established. Different types of nursing degrees open different doors to specialization.

With an RN (regardless of whether it’s ADN or BSN), you can specialize in areas like critical care, pediatrics, oncology, emergency nursing, or psychiatric nursing. These specializations come through experience and often certification, not additional degrees.

Once you get to the MSN or DNP level, you enter completely different territory. Nurse Practitioners can work in primary care, emergency departments, psychiatric care, or specialty practices. Certified Nurse Midwives handle maternity care. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists work in operating rooms. Nurse Educators shape the next generation. Nurse Administrators run departments and systems.

The point is this: the nursing field isn’t a single career. It’s an ecosystem with multiple career paths, each valuable and each offering different rewards. The types of nursing degrees you pursue determine which parts of that ecosystem you can access.

The Future of Nursing Education

I think it’s worth knowing where this is all heading. The nursing field is evolving, and the direction is clear: more education, higher credentials, and more specialization.

Many healthcare systems are moving toward magnet hospital standards, which prefer BSN-prepared nurses. The number of ADN programs is declining while BSN programs expand. And there’s a real push to make the DNP the standard for advanced practice roles. This doesn’t mean older credentials disappear, it means the landscape is shifting.

If you’re planning for the long term, that shift matters. It suggests that getting your BSN sooner rather than later will serve you better. It also suggests that if you’re interested in advanced roles, the DNP is the credential worth pursuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a nurse with just a high school diploma?

Not directly. You’ll need to pursue one of the types of nursing degrees we’ve discussed, starting with a CNA certification or an LPN program. These are typically your entry points into professional nursing.

Is an ADN respected as much as a BSN?

As a credential, yes, both prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse. Professionally, the industry is shifting toward BSN preference, particularly for hospital employment, so it’s worth considering if you’re just starting out.

How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner?

If you start from high school, you’re looking at roughly 8-9 years: 4 years for a BSN, 2-3 years of RN experience (many programs require this), then 3-4 years for a DNP program. Some accelerated programs exist for people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields.

What’s the salary progression?

Generally: CNAs earn $32,000-$35,000; LPNs earn $47,000-$50,000; RNs with ADN/BSN earn $65,000-$75,000; MSN-prepared nurses earn $80,000-$120,000 depending on role; DNP-prepared Nurse Practitioners earn $120,000-$150,000+. These are median figures and vary significantly by location, specialty, and experience.

Should I start with a CNA or go straight to nursing school?

This depends on your situation. Starting with a CNA is lower risk, costs less, and lets you confirm healthcare is right for you. Going straight to nursing school gets you licensed faster. Both are legitimate.

Moving Forward: Your Next Step

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably ready to make a decision or at least get serious about exploring nursing as a career. Here’s what I’d suggest:

Start by clarifying your goal. Are you looking for stable income quickly? Are you building toward advanced practice? Do you want to work directly with patients or in other nursing roles? The answer to these questions should shape which types of nursing degrees you prioritize.

Visit a community college and a university. Talk to admissions advisors about their programs. Ask to speak with current students. See what the programs actually feel like. Sometimes a two-year program fits your life better than a four-year one or sometimes the opposite is true.

Do some informational interviews. Talk to actual nurses about their career paths. Ask how they’d do it differently. You’ll learn more in 30 minutes of conversation with a working nurse than you will from any brochure.

Consider starting with a CNA if you’re uncertain. It’s low-cost, takes months not years, and gives you real insight into whether this path fits.

The nursing profession needs thoughtful, committed people who understand what they’re signing up for. If that’s you, you’re exactly who should be pursuing this path. Take the time to choose the right entry point and trajectory, and you’ll build a career that’s both sustainable and deeply meaningful.

Disclaimer

The salary figures, program costs, and financial information presented in this article are based on data available as of 2025 and are intended for general informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and may vary significantly based on numerous factors.

This article is meant to provide a general roadmap and educational overview, not personalized financial or career advice.

We strongly recommend consulting with school counselors, financial advisors, and working professionals in your area for information specific to your situation.