What are the levels of nursing and degrees required?
Written by Michael Feder
This article was reviewed by Raelene Brooks, Dean, College of Nursing.
It’s important for aspiring nurses to understand the different levels of nursing so they can set career goals and plan their continuing education. Let’s look at the various levels of nursing, education and certification required for each.
Understanding levels of nursing
Levels of nursing can be broken down by the type of certification or degree required. There are certified, degree and advanced degree positions, and different responsibilities and compensation accompany each level. Some nursing professionals can only work under the supervision of a licensed nurse and provide basic care for patients such as feeding and bathing. Other nursing professionals are qualified to work autonomously and prescribe medications.
Certified nursing assistant
Becoming a CNA is a great career choice for someone interested in working with patients as soon as possible. It’s also a valid option for nursing students who are pursuing advanced degrees but want to gain experience working with patients in the meantime.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) work under the direction of licensed nurses to provide basic care and support to patients. CNAs are a vital part of the healthcare system, working to keep patients comfortable during their treatment. They perform many tasks, including feeding, bathing, toileting, grooming and dressing patients.
They may also be responsible for monitoring a patient’s health status and administering medications.
- CNA students must attend a state-approved education program. Prior to this program, students typically have at least a high school degree.
- After finishing this training program, students need to pass a competency certification exam
to be eligible for hire.
University of Phoenix does not offer a CNA program. Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is not geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Licensed practical nurse
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) lets you build leadership skills by working with nursing assistants and gain valuable nursing experience.
A licensed practical nurse (in some states, the term “licensed vocational nurse,” or LVN, is used for the same license/occupation level) works under the supervision of a registered nurse in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and similar institutions. LPNs monitor and record patients’ health status throughout the day, documenting such information as blood pressure, weight, heart rate, urine output, digestive activity, temperature, respiration, hydration and nutrition. They report abnormal assessment findings to RNs for follow-up with nursing interventions and prescribed further nursing care.
Licensed practical nurses also provide basic care and treatments such as dressing wounds, treating bedsores and performing catheterizations. Additionally, LPNs are responsible for supervising nursing assistants, answering patients’ calls and administering prescribed medications.
- To become a licensed practical nurse, students need to attend an accredited practical nursing program. This is a non-degree program that typically takes a year to complete.
- After completing training, students need to pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX-PN® examination .
NCLEX-RN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
Registered nurse
A registered nurse (RN) is qualified to assess a patient’s health problems and needs, create and implement a nursing care plan, and maintain medical records. This is one of the levels of nursing that requires a degree.
Registered nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools and more. A bachelor’s in nursing even qualifies a nurse to apply for U.S. military officer status. Nurses are vital to many patients’ health and recovery and are a source of information and education for patients’ families as well as members of the public.
Registered nurses also supervise other healthcare professionals, such as licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses and certified nursing assistants.
- To become a registered nurse , there are three paths. An associate or bachelor’s degree are two options. A third is to receive a diploma from an approved nursing program. They then need to be licensed in their state.
- After earning a degree, a process that generally takes two to four years, aspiring RNs must pass the NCLEX to be eligible for licensure.
- Licensure requirements to become an RN can vary by state, so it’s important to research the desired state’s requirements ahead of time.
For those interested in a typical 9-to-5 work schedule, a position at a doctor’s office might be best. To experience new cities, a job as a travel nurse may align better.
Nurse managers and directors
Although an advanced master’s degree in nursing is often preferred for leadership positions in clinical practice, nurse managers or directors need at least a bachelor’s degree to be considered for these levels of nursing. Nurse managers are responsible for overseeing the entire nursing staff at their workplace. This includes setting work schedules, evaluating nurse performance, making budgeting decisions and coordinating meetings. Professionals looking to move into this position should prepare for less direct patient interaction in their day-to-day life.
- While earning a bachelor’s degree is typically required to be considered for open roles, earning an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Administration, can help attain skills and knowledge to pursue higher administrative positions.
Managers help create a healthy work environment for nurses and, by extension, improve patient care.
Advanced practice registered nurse
Certified nurse practitioner
A certified nurse practitioner (CNP) is a nursing professional who specializes in family, neonatal, pediatric or geriatric medicine, women’s health/sex-related health or mental health. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioners Faculties is moving to endorse all CNPs to be prepared with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
CNPs can function in a variety of roles beyond diagnosing and treating diseases, including health education and disease prevention. CNPs can work with a great deal of autonomy as they provide treatment to their patients.
- CNPs typically have a master’s degree in their specialty role , are licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provides anesthesia services to patients. Unlike a CNP or a CNS, a CRNA does not specialize in a specific area of healthcare. Instead, CRNAs provide anesthesia-related care to all kinds of patients.
CRNAs commonly work in surgical suites at hospital, obstetrical delivery suites, plastic surgeons’ offices, dental offices and pain management specialists’ offices.
- CRNAs typically have a master’s degree in their specialty role , are licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
Certified nurse-midwife
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a nursing professional who provides health services for women. These services include gynecologic care, family planning and prenatal care, and childbirth. CNMs also help women with postpartum care and the care of newborn babies.
CNMs work in many different settings, from private practices to clinics. They help women give birth at home, in birthing centers and in hospitals.
- CNMs typically have a master’s degree in their specialty role, are licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.
No matter the kind of APRN, professionasl at these levels of nursing are able to benefit from the autonomy and expertise afforded to nursing professionals of this level.
The University of Phoenix only offers programs for CNS in Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nurses interested in earning an even higher degree than a master’s can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This degree is a great option to be qualified for nursing roles such as a clinical nursing instructor, nurse educator or health information management director . It can also be a good choice for nursing professionals interested in earning a terminal degree.
DNP candidates could prepare to be a professor or clinical nursing instructor at an accredited nursing school. By earning a doctorate, nurses can contribute to the education and training of the next generation of nurses.
No matter what level of education a nurse is interested in pursuing, there is a nursing opportunity to match. Nurses of all levels help countless patients and make a difference every day.
Education for various levels of nursing
If you’re eager to learn more about different levels of nursing and education required and to grow your knowledge and skill set within the nursing field, University of Phoenix offers several online degree programs depending on your current occupational status. Here are just a few:
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based)
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Education
- Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Contact University of Phoenix for more information .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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