• Learn the difference between registered nursing degree programs.nurse chris image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
  
  There are several different educational tracks that registered nurses can follow. With everything from a basic associate degree in nursing to a doctoral degree in nursing science, there are a variety of options available all with different focuses and time commitments. While not all degree programs are right for everyone it is important to understand the difference between educational options in order to make the best vocational decisions for your nursing career.
  
  

Registered Nurse

• Registered Nursing degrees can be obtained from a degree granting or non-degree granting institution. Registered nursing programs usually grant associate degrees in science or an associate degree in nursing. Some registered nursing programs grant bachelor's degrees in nursing and require two extra years beyond the two years required for an associate program. Most hospitals require a bachelor's degree in nursing, although there are some exceptions. There are many Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Nursing degree programs offered to LPNs who wish to get a bachelor's degree in order to take the NCLEX examination--the accrediting examination for nurses.
  
  

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs prepare students directly for certification on the NCLEX examination. These programs are all typically four year programs and require clinical or practicum experience for graduation. BSN degrees are offered at four year institutions as well as some online programs with clinical placement. These programs are carried out much like a traditional college degree program, with the first two years dedicated to general education requirements and the last two fulfilling nursing-specific topics.
  
  

Master of Science in Nursing

• Master of Science in nursing programs are typically 2 to 3 year programs that grant BSN students a master's degree. Many students fulfill requirements for dual degrees for business or healthcare management in addition to the coursework for the nursing degree. Individuals must typically be registered nurses before beginning an MSN program and take the General Records Examination and fulfill certain GPA requirements as defined by the institution.
  
  

RN to MSN program

• These accelerated programs are for registered nurses with an associate degree to take an accelerated (usually 3 to 4 year) track to obtain a master's degree in nursing. Some registered nursing programs offer accelerated courses to help prepare associate degree seeking students for acceptance into a master's level program in nursing.
  
  

Post Graduate Certificates

• Post graduate certificates in nursing are available to registered nursing students who have passed certification requirements for RN as well as having received a master's degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Certificates are offered in fields such as mental health nursing, women's health nursing and gerontology. There are exams for these certificates which are offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
  
  

Doctorate of Nursing

• Doctorate of Nursing programs are available to students who are both certified Registered Nurses and who have received Master's degrees in nursing from an accredited institution. Doctorate programs have a variety of focuses, including doctorate of nursing practice, which prepares students to become nurse practitioners; doctorate of nursing science, which is a clinical research-based degree; and Ph.D programs, which prepare students for academic research or academic teaching careers in nursing.