Key Takeaways

• Nursing degrees build from an Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) to a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) and finally a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) or Ph.D., with each level opening more advanced clinical and leadership roles.
• A degree and a license are different things: education comes from the degree, while passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) grants legal authorization to practice.
• An A.D.N. qualifies graduates for RN licensure at a median of $81,000 annually, while a B.S.N. adds leadership and public health coursework many hospitals now prefer.
• A M.S.N. opens the door to higher-paying roles like nurse practitioner, earning a median of $132,050 and ranking among the fastest-growing occupations.
• A D.N.P. focuses on advanced clinical practice, with nurse executives averaging $150,000, while a Ph.D. in Nursing centers on research and academic teaching.

Intro

Nursing can offer one of the most flexible and rewarding career paths in healthcare. Before you begin, it helps to understand different nursing degrees and how they connect.

From entry-level patient care roles to advanced practice and leadership positions, nursing education follows a clear progression. Some students begin with short training programs that allow them to start working quickly, while others pursue a four-year degree that prepares them to step directly into registered nursing.

Whichever path you choose, understanding how these degrees build on one another can help you achieve the right starting point and map out your long-term career in nursing.

Different Nursing Programs Explained

Nursing programs are structured to guide students through a clear progression, with each level building on the last. Entry-level programs, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training, provide foundational skills and hands-on patient care experience.

Degree-based pathways expand opportunities further. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepare students to become registered nurses, with a focus on clinical skills, patient care coordination and broader healthcare knowledge.

Graduate and doctoral programs, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing, allow nurses to specialize, take on leadership roles, conduct research and influence healthcare systems.

Together, these programs create a clear path for advancing your career and making a greater impact.

Nursing Degrees in Order: From CNA to Doctorate

There are several ways to begin a nursing career. It’s the different types of nursing degrees that influence your timeline to enter the workforce, responsibilities you can take on and opportunities available as you advance.

Below is the typical progression from entry-level roles to advanced practice:

Nursing Degrees in Order

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Entry-level role; provides hands-on patient care and foundational skills
↓
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Builds on CNA experience; provides basic nursing care under supervision
↓
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN) with core clinical and patient-care knowledge
↓
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Expands RN training with leadership, research and public health skills
↓
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice roles; prepares nurses to specialize, lead teams or educate others
↓
Doctoral Degrees (DNP or PhD)
Highest level of nursing education; focuses on advanced practice, research and shaping healthcare systems

Why This Matters

Understanding how different types of nursing degrees fit together can help you see how the profession grows from entry-level patient care to advanced clinical practice and leadership. It also makes it easier to identify where you might want to start, and where your nursing career could take you next.

The Difference Between Licensure vs. Degree

It’s easy to mix up a nursing degree with a nursing license, but they serve different purposes and both are important if you want to work as a nurse.

A nursing degree refers to the education you complete through a college or training program. It provides the clinical knowledge, skills and hands-on experience needed to prepare for nursing practice.

A nursing license is the legal authorization required to practice nursing in your state. After completing an approved nursing program, graduates must pass a national licensing exam (NCLEX and its variations) to begin working in the field.

Together, your degree prepares you for the profession and your license allows you to practice it. Most nurses earn a degree first, then pass the required exam to obtain licensure and begin their careers.

Associate vs. Bachelor’s vs. Master’s vs. Doctoral Nursing Degrees

Each level of nursing education prepares professionals for different roles in healthcare. Understanding how associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees compare can help you choose the program that fits your goals and career plans.

Associate Degree in Nursing

An ADN prepares students to become registered nurses with core clinical and patient-care skills. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and focus heavily on hands-on training in hospitals, clinics and community settings.

ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and begin working as registered nurses, providing direct patient care and supporting healthcare teams. Many use the ADN as a stepping stone to a BSN or higher degree, gaining practical experience while keeping future career options open.

Salary and outlook: Registered nurses with an ADN earn a median salary of about $81,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for RNs is expected to remain strong as healthcare needs continue to grow.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN prepares students to become registered nurses while also expanding their education in areas like leadership, public health and evidence-based practice.

BSN programs typically take four years to complete and include mainly science-based coursework, plus additional courses that help nurses manage more complex patient care environments. Many hospitals and healthcare systems now prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses, especially for leadership or specialized roles.

A BSN also provides the academic foundation needed to pursue graduate-level nursing education.

Salary and outlook: BSN-prepared nurses often have access to a wider range of positions, including leadership roles or specialized units. Registered nurses continue to see steady job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An MSN allows registered nurses to specialize in advanced clinical or leadership roles. MSN programs typically take two to three years and many require a BSN for admission.

Common MSN career paths include nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse administrator. These roles often involve greater independence in patient care or leadership responsibilities within healthcare organizations.

Salary and outlook: Nurse practitioners, one of the most common MSN career paths, earn a median salary of about $132,050 per year, according to the BLS. The role is also one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States.

Doctoral Nursing Degrees (DNP or PhD)

Doctoral degrees represent the highest level of nursing education and prepare nurses for advanced leadership, research and clinical innovation roles.

Two primary doctoral pathways exist in nursing:

• DNP: Focuses on advanced clinical practice and healthcare leadership
• PhD in Nursing: Focuses on research, academic teaching and advancing healthcare knowledge

These programs prepare nurses to influence healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes and shape the future of the profession.

Salary and outlook: Doctoral-prepared nurses often move into executive leadership, advanced clinical practice or academic positions. These roles can offer strong earning potential and opportunities to lead healthcare innovation across hospitals, universities and research organizations.

Nursing Careers with an Associate Degree

Salary information is compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and similar data sources representing national averages. Actual pay will vary based on factors like location, level of education, certifications and years of experience.

Registered Nurse (RN)

What they do: RNs provide hands-on patient care, coordinate treatment plans and educate patients on managing their health.

Key responsibilities:

• Assess and monitor patient conditions
• Administer medications and treatments
• Collaborate with healthcare teams

Average annual salary: $93,600

Emergency Room Nurse

What they do: ER nurses provide urgent care for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, often in fast-paced environments.

Key responsibilities:

• Assess patient conditions quickly
• Perform emergency interventions
• Communicate with physicians and emergency teams

Average annual salary: $85,000

Pediatric Nurse

What they do: Pediatric nurses specialize in caring for infants, children and teens, ensuring they receive appropriate treatments and guidance.

Key responsibilities:

• Monitor growth and development
• Administer treatments and vaccinations
• Educate families on child health and care

Average annual salary: $91,000

Nursing Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree Clinical Nurse Specialist

What they do: Specialized nurses provide expert care in specific areas like oncology, cardiology or critical care.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop care plans for complex cases
• Educate staff and patients on best practices
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor

Average annual salary: $95,000

Nurse Manager / Supervisor

What they do: BSN-prepared nurses oversee nursing teams, ensuring quality patient care and efficient operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage staff schedules and assignments
• Monitor patient care quality
• Serve as a liaison between administration and nursing staff

Average annual salary: $100,000

Public Health Nurse

What they do: Public health nurses focus on community health, disease prevention and health education initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and run community health programs
• Provide immunizations and screenings
• Educate the public on health and wellness

Average annual salary: $80,000

Nursing Careers with a Master’s Degree Nurse Practitioner (NP)

What they do: NPs diagnose and manage illnesses, often practicing independently in clinics or hospitals.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct physical exams and order tests
• Prescribe medications and treatments
• Educate and counsel patients

Average annual salary: $125,000 per year

Nurse Educator

What they do: Nurse educators teach nursing students in colleges, universities or hospital training programs.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop curriculum and lesson plans
• Teach clinical skills and theory
• Mentor and evaluate students

Average annual salary: $95,000

Nurse Administrator / Nurse Executive

What they do: MSN-prepared nurses manage nursing teams, departments or entire healthcare organizations.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee staff and operations
• Develop budgets and policies
• Ensure quality and compliance in patient care

Average annual salary: $100,000

Nursing Careers with a Doctorate Advanced Clinical Nurse

What they do: DNPs provide advanced patient care, lead clinical initiatives and implement evidence-based practices.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage complex patient cases
• Lead healthcare teams and quality improvement projects
• Implement evidence-based practices

Average annual salary: $145,000

PhD in Nursing – Researcher / Academic

What they do: PhD-prepared nurses conduct research, teach at universities and advance healthcare knowledge.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and conduct nursing research
• Publish findings and present at conferences
• Educate graduate and doctoral nursing students

Average annual salary: $110,000

Nurse Executive / Healthcare Policy Leader

What they do: Doctoral-prepared nurses lead healthcare organizations or influence policy at local, state and national levels.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop organizational strategies and policies
• Lead healthcare initiatives and teams
• Advocate for improved healthcare practices and legislation

Average annual salary: $150,000

How to Choose the Right Nursing Degree

Choosing the right nursing degree means thinking about your personal and professional goals. The right program can set you up for the ideal opportunity with room to grow in the future.

Consider the following to help guide your decision:

• Career goals: Do you want to provide direct patient care, specialize, lead teams or focus on research?
• Time commitment: How quickly do you want to start working, and how much time can you dedicate to school?
• Education level: Are you starting with entry-level training or aiming straight for advanced degrees?
• Long-term opportunities: Which degree opens the doors to the roles and growth you want?
• Lifestyle and cost: Consider your schedule, personal commitments and financial investment.

This approach helps to realistically compare programs and choose the degree that aligns with your career path and life priorities.

Nursing Programs at Marshall University

At Marshall University, nursing students can start at any point in their career and build toward advanced practice and leadership. Programs span entry-level pathways to graduate and doctoral degrees, all designed to provide hands-on experience and opportunities to specialize.

The online RN-to-BSN program gives nurses who have completed an accredited associate degree or diploma a flexible way to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It helps RNs expand their clinical expertise, develop leadership skills and open doors to advanced career opportunities.

Already have a BA or BS? The BA/BS to BSN program offers the same opportunities for career growth and specialization.

Whichever route you choose, Marshall’s flexible programs and supportive faculty are there to help you reach your goals and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.