Nursing Degree Levels
Most colleges and universities offer following degree levels for nursing.
Associate Degree - Associate degree in nursing takes 2 years to complete and qualifies one for a registered nurse (RN) job.
Bachelor's Degree - Bachelor's degree in nursing takes 4 years to complete and qualifies one for a registered nurse (RN) job. Compared to an associate degree, a bachelor's degree has more opportunities for career growth and for management and leadership positions.
Master's Degree - Master's degree in nursing qualifies one for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) job. APRNs can be Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Doctorate Degree- Doctorate degree in nursing qualifies one for advanced research and leadership roles.
Nursing Degree Majors
There are a few common nursing majors offered by colleges and universities.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Bachelor Of Science In Nursing (BSN)
- Master Of Science In Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
- Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS)
Top Nursing Colleges in USA
University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing)
Philadelphia, PA
| Degree Programs - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - Penn Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the USA and the world in the rankings by QS World University and US News & World report. |
| Cost - $85,738 - including Tution+Fees+Housing+Dining+Books+Transportation - 2022-2023 Academic Year |
Duke University
Durham, NC
| Degree Programs - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - Duke University - School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the USA in the U.S. News & World report. |
| Cost - $85,738 - including Tution+Fees+Housing+Dining+Books+Transportation - 2022-2023 Academic Year |
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
| Degree Programs - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the USA and the world in the rankings by QS World University and US News & World report. |
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Emory University
Atlanta, GA
| Degree Programs - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - Emory University - School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the USA in the U.S. News & World report. |
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University of Washington
| Degree Programs - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - University of Washington School of Nursing consistently ranks as one of the top 10 nursing schools in the USA in the U.S. News & World report. |
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Columbia University
New York, NY
| Degree Programs - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - Columbia University School of Nursing consistently ranks as one of the top 10 nursing schools in the USA in the U.S. News & World report. |
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University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
| Degree Programs - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Ranking - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - School of Nursing consistently ranks as one of the top 10 nursing schools in the USA in the U.S. News & World report. |
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