[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Nursing is a well-compensated and dynamic healthcare career that requires significant education, training, and certification.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re considering a nursing career, this guide can help you explore the educational, training, and certification requirements you need. Read on for an overview of the careers, job titles, and educational requirements that encompass the nursing field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Nursing Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing field is broad, with many career options. Different degree levels, from associate to doctorate, prepare nurses for particular career paths and specializations. Start your journey by picking the right kind of nursing degree for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The entry-level credential for licensed nursing work is an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-pre-nursing/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN). Like most [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degrees[/hen-ui-link], an ADN takes two years to complete, though some programs can be completed in 18 months. The ADN curriculum covers foundational knowledge and clinical experience, including topics such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and nursing fundamentals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning your ADN usually qualifies you to take the national exam for registered nurses. Passing this exam allows you to work as an RN in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings. In some states, an ADN only qualifies you for practical or vocational work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What Is the Difference Between an ADN and an LPN/LVN?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is an associate degree that prepares learners for work as a licensed RN in most states. ADNs are either RNs or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/lpn-lvn-nurse/”]licensed practical or vocational nurses[/hen-ui-link] working toward becoming RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs and LVNs are entry-level nursing positions. They provide nursing care while under RN supervision. These nurses only need a practical nursing diploma to start working.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The titles LPN and LVN are often interchangeable. In the U.S., the term LVN is only used in California and Texas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]standard credential expected of RNs[/hen-ui-link]. It is a four-year degree that prepares learners for the national RN licensing exam. Topics in a BSN curriculum include nursing ethics, nursing assessment, and psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools offer [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] that allow working nurses with associate degrees to earn bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Once you earn a BSN, you can pursue administrative and leadership positions that are unavailable to ADN nurses. Nurses with bachelor’s degrees typically earn higher salaries and can work in specialized and administrative roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What Is the Difference Between a RN and a BSN?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN is the title for a licensed, registered nurse. A BSN is a type of [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] that nurses frequently hold.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While you can work as an RN in many states with only a nursing associate degree, in some states, licensed RNs must hold a BSN to practice. Many employers prefer to hire RNs who hold BSNs, even when it is not compulsory.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is the minimum degree requirement for working as a family nurse practitioner or as a nurse educator. This [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]master’s degree[/hen-ui-link] typically takes two years to complete. It includes topics such as quantitative and qualitative research, oncological nursing, and nurse education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MSN opens up career opportunities for nurses. Licensed nurse practitioners can work as generalists or in specialization areas, such as oncology, family care, and reproductive health. An MSN also qualifies graduates to work as clinical instructors or nurse educators in healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctoral Degree in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some nurses pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]doctorate in nursing[/hen-ui-link], meaning a Ph.D. in nursing or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP). A doctoral nursing degree typically takes 1-2 years to complete after earning an MSN. A BSN-to-doctorate nursing program can take 3-6 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common course offerings for nursing doctoral degrees include ethical and legal issues in advanced nursing practice, epidemiology, and quality improvement in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing doctorate is a terminal degree that appeals to learners interested in research or education. Nursing Ph.D.-holders often work as professors or researchers. DNP-holders occupy specialized clinical practice or leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What Is the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a DNP?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D. and a DNP are [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/”]doctoral degrees[/hen-ui-link] tailored for different careers. A Ph.D. in nursing is a research-oriented degree that prepares nurses for work in academia or research. A DNP is a practice-focused degree pursued by NPs who wish to work in administration or specialized clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, DNP programs require students to complete a capstone project, while Ph.D. programs culminate with an original, research-based dissertation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Browse the Best Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the right online nursing program can seem daunting, but these resources can help. The following ranking pages will help you narrow your search for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]best nursing schools[/hen-ui-link] for your career plans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you need help finding an online RN-to-BSN degree program or an online doctorate, we can point you toward schools that fit your budget and learning needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]Best Nursing Schools in Each State[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-pre-nursing/”]The Best Online Pre-Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-rn-bsn/”]Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]The Best Online Doctor or Nursing Practice Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Popular Nursing Specialties[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and NPs can pursue [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]nursing specialities[/hen-ui-link] to improve their career prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing a specialization early can boost your earnings and job opportunities, especially for in-demand disciplines. For example, the growing number of older patients with chronic conditions has increased demand for pain management nurse specialists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, keep in mind that focusing too much on one nursing specialization can also limit your scope of expertise and job opportunities. Here are a few common nursing specialties.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Nursing Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Following these guidelines can help reduce the cost of your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]online degree[/hen-ui-link] or traditional degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can reduce your tuition costs by picking the right school. For example, public schools offering [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]in-state tuition[/hen-ui-link] cost less than private institutions. You can also start at a community college and then [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-transfer-guide/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link] to a four-year institution.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For financial aid, nursing students can access [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]nursing scholarships[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link], and grants. Remember that accessing financial aid requires you to [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]submit your FAFSA[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Accreditation Should My Nursing Program Have?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation for nursing programs is essential. Both the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE/”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] (CCNE) and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ACEN) provide programmatic accreditation for nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students should only consider nursing programs from schools with institutional accreditation. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Learn how accreditation[/hen-ui-link] can affect your educational experience and professional career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do You Need?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working as a nurse requires state licensure. That means attaining board certification from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) after finishing your degree. Next, you must seek certification for your area of specialty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are over a hundred specialty-related certifications, including oncology, midwifery, and gerontological care. Each credentialing body has its own certification requirements, and some require a master’s degree in that specialization. For instance, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-adult/”]critical care nursing[/hen-ui-link] (CCRN) credential requires RN licensure and two years of critical care practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN state licensure requires you to pass the NCSBN’s National Council Licensure Examination for RNs. For NP state licensure, you typically need RN licensure and a nursing master’s. Educational requirements vary by state, and only some states have nurse license reciprocity agreements. States have different continuing education (CE) requirements, but most require around 30 CE hours every two years to stay licensed.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Nursing Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing degree is the first step toward a nursing career. You can start at the entry level as a certified nursing assistant. With a master’s degree and a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]specialized career niche[/hen-ui-link], you can work your way up to advanced practice registered nurse. Picking the right nursing degree will help you find a rewarding career in nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Popular Nursing Career Paths[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A CNA, or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/nursing-assistant/”]certified nursing assistant[/hen-ui-link], is a healthcare aide who performs basic patient care tasks under the supervision of LPNs, RNs, and other healthcare providers. To become a CNA, you need a high school diploma/GED and CNA certification from a community college or medical facility.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs typically perform tasks such as moving, feeding, and dressing patients, along with documenting information and treating wounds. CNAs usually take a four- to 12-week CNA certification course from a local community college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs, also known as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/lpn-lvn-nurse/”]licensed vocational nurses[/hen-ui-link] (LVNs), are nurses who work under the supervision of RNs and other healthcare professionals. To become an LPN, you need a high school diploma/GED and a LPN/LVN diploma from a two-year institution or training facility. This diploma typically takes a year to earn.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs have more responsibility than nursing assistants, performing tasks such as administering medication, collecting samples, and executing nursing care plans. They usually work under RN supervision.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Registered Nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered nurses, or RNs, are nurses who provide unsupervised, hands-on care to patients in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient health clinics, and residential care centers. RNs provide comfort, administer treatments, and design care plans for patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To work as RNs, nursing students must complete at least an associate in nursing program, though in many states [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]bachelor’s in nursing programs[/hen-ui-link] are the new standard. If you want to become an RN, take courses in psychology, anatomy, and nursing care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse midwives provide holistic care for pregnant people prior to, during, and after childbirth. These specialized nurses work in hospitals, public health centers, and birthing centers, though some provide in-home services. Their duties include designing birth plans, assisting in delivery, and providing aftercare post-delivery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse midwife, you must earn nurse midwife certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board. This requires RN licensure and an accredited master’s in nursing with a midwifery specialty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs — nurse practitioners — are primary care providers who can assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses. One of the main differences between NPs and RNs is that NPs can prescribe medications. NPs often work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an NP, you need at least a master’s in nursing. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] typically offer specialization options to prepare learners for professional certifications like nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, and gerontological care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]See All Nursing Career Guides[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career Overview for Nursing Students[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]The Best Nursing Careers and Specialties[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/medical-careers/”]Best Medical Careers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/nursing-assistant/”]Certified Nursing Assistant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/lpn-lvn-nurse/”]LPN and LVN Careers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered Nurse Careers[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse Practitioner Career Overview[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Kind of Salary Can You Earn with a Nursing Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing degree graduates enjoy comfortable salaries. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm/”]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports[/hen-ui-link] that RNs make between $65,000-$135,000 annually. Depending on the state, registered nurses can make even more. Salary expectations for nurses are higher for NPs and specialists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to 2023 data from the BLS, nurse anesthetists average $212,650 annually, placing them among the [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs/”]highest-paying healthcare jobs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”professional-associations”]Are There Professional Nursing Associations or Societies You Should Join?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Joining a professional nursing association or society can help both students and professionals build their networks, find mentors, and access continuing education. If you are in a nursing master’s program, a professional organization can help you find scholarships or prepare for certification exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following organizations can help you pursue your career plans:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursingworld.org/”]American Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.icn.ch/”]International Council of Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sigmanursing.org/”]Sigma[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Advice From a Nursing Graduate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before embarking on your journey, get tips from those with experience. Talking with graduates from a degree program you want to pursue can help you make smart choices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read our interview with a nursing graduate to learn how to approach your post-graduation trajectory.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Eileen Mahler” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1627337179/experts/Eileen_Mahler.jpg” img-alt=”Eileen Mahler” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Eileen K. Mahler, PhD, RN-BC, NE-BC, has established herself as a leader in her profession. A registered professional nurse for over 40 years, she is the director of nursing education, professional development, and practice and research, as well as the magnet program director, at [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.southnassau.org/sn/”]Mount Sinai South Nassau[/hen-ui-link], a not-for-profit teaching hospital in Oceanside, New York.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Why did you choose to study nursing?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I was raised by my grandmother. She was not trained as a nurse, but she had all the attributes I aspire to as a nurse. During my early life, I witnessed her caring for my grandfather and an uncle during complex illnesses, and she kept at our home as much as possible.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I was impressed by my grandmother’s strength — and the nurses who came into our home to provide care and support during my family members’ illnesses and passing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What degrees and licenses in nursing do you hold?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I graduated with my BSN and then went on to earn a master’s in nursing and a Ph.D.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What did you specialize in, if anything? Do you have specialized certifications?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In my early career, I specialized in perinatal nursing, the care of women and newborns, and I obtained certification in obstetrical nursing. I progressed in leadership from nurse manager to director of nursing and achieved certification as a nurse executive.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, I serve in a dual role as director of nursing education, nurse educator and nurse leader. I have attained certification as a nursing professional development specialist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What do you do for a career now?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I am the director of nursing education and magnet program director in my organization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What advice do you have for someone considering pursuing an educational path in nursing?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I would recommend first deciding on your goal. There are so many paths to take in the nursing profession: clinical, education, and leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Then, explore the programs to determine if they meet your goals and align with your philosophy of nursing. There are options for traditional and online programs or a hybrid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is important to assess your current responsibilities in deciding on a program that matches your lifestyle needs. If you know someone attending the program you are interested in, I recommend speaking to them about their experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What degree do you recommend for people interested in an entry-level career in nursing? For people looking to advance their careers?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I recommend nurses begin with a BSN, but [they] should ultimately pursue master’s and doctoral degrees to keep pace and advance alongside other disciplines to higher levels of education. We need the knowledge and skills to meet the increasingly complex needs of our patients and adapt to a changing and dynamic healthcare environment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What assumption do people have about nursing that you would like to correct?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I think the public has learned more about what nurses do in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical nurses are pivotal in coordinating interdisciplinary patient care and providing direct care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses practice in varied and multifaceted roles. They serve as educators, nurse executives, legal consultants, and on boards of directors. They also work in informatics, finance, risk management, quality improvement, and within regulatory agencies. The commonality for nursing within these roles and fields is the caring and connection nurses maintain with patients, families, and the communities they serve.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Questions About Nursing Degrees[/hen-ui-heading]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Are Three Types of Nurses?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The three main types of nurses are LPNs, RNs, and NPs. More specialized roles are also available, such as midwife or nurse educator.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Many Years Do You Study for Nursing?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes at least two years to earn an ADN, which the minimum credential to become an RN in most states. However, becoming an LPN takes even less time — usually twelve months.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is a Nurse Salary?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, RNs earned a median annual salary of $86,070 in 2023. NPs and nurse specialists can earn $100,000-$200,000 annually, depending on the specialization.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Latest News and Resources for Nursing Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Staying up-to-date with new development can help your nursing career flourish. The resources below can provide nursing students and professionals with an insider’s perspective on everyday issues that affect nursing practice. They also include a simplified explanation of nursing education, training, and certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1535,1324,172″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]