Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. Due to the increasing demand for nurses, there are plenty of opportunities available that you can consider. But to unlock your true potential and attain the top position as a nurse, getting high-level qualifications is a must.
As an aspiring nurse, you have plenty of options available to choose your specialty. You have to identify your area of interest and make the decision accordingly. The duties and responsibilities of every nursing position are different, so you also have to harness relevant skills accordingly.
Also, it has become convenient nowadays for students to enroll in online degree programs and pursue a degree. You can also opt for the online degree as it can provide you ease and flexibility to manage your academic and personal life.
Without further ado, let’s find out some of the online degrees that can help you build your nursing career.
1. MSN – FNP
One of the most popular nursing career choices is a family nurse practitioner (FNP). As an FNP, you are supposed to perform physical exams, create treatment plans, manage patients’ records, and prescribe medications. To become an FNP, you should opt for the MSN-FNP (Master of Science in Nursing – family practitioner). It is one of the high-level degrees that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge required to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Also, considering virtual education platforms will be the right option for you. It will help you to attend classes from anywhere conveniently.
Therefore, you should enroll in online fnp programs as you will be able to maintain the right balance between your studies and personal obligations.
FNPs get the chance to build great relationships with patients and their families as they spend the most time with patients.
2. BSN
If you want to be a registered nurse, then you must get a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree as it is the basic requirement. By earning this degree, you can explore different nursing career options to begin your career and make your way into the healthcare industry.
BSN takes four years to complete, so after graduating, you can become eligible to avail of relevant job opportunities. You can apply for different positions after earning a BSN degree, including school nurse, occupational health nurse, staff nurse, and nursing informatics analyst.
3. MSN
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree is for registered nurses who want to advance in their careers after earning a BSN degree. The MSN degree makes you eligible for non-clinical leadership roles in administration, data analysis, executive management, and teaching.
By earning this degree, you can qualify for the nursing leadership roles that can help you and positively contribute to serving the healthcare sector.
Earning an MSN degree not only helps you to grab better career opportunities but it helps you gain valuable nursing knowledge. It helps you enhance your nursing skills and prepares you for managerial-level positions.
After earning an MSN degree, you can opt for different nursing positions. It includes clinical genetics nurses, informatics nurse specialists, nurse administrators, public health nurses, and certified nurse educators.
4. DNP
The DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) is a high-level degree designed to prepare nursing leaders. Nurses with this degree are known to have the highest level of expertise. They offer services in clinical and non-clinical settings to provide patient care and create health policies.
Nurses with DNP degree becomes automatically eligible for high-level positions in healthcare settings. But with this degree, you also have to be prepared to handle big challenges and responsibilities. With a DNP, you can also opt for management or patient care positions. After earning a DNP degree, organizational leadership, health informatics systems, and nurse management are some career paths.
Nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists who want to offer the highest clinical care to patients should consider a DNP degree. It can make a valuable addition to their professional profile and help them flourish in their careers.
5. RN to MSN
Another online nursing degree that you can consider is RN to MSN. It is a bridge program that allows registered nurses to get a master’s degree in less than two years. Also, it allows students to get a master’s degree in less time and continue working as registered nurses.
The online RN to MSN degree programs offer flexible part-time hours to students, so they can maintain the right balance between education and work. The popularity of bridge programs has grown over the years due to the flexibility it offers to students.
6. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
If you are interested in research and theory, this degree can be the right option. The structure of this degree is designed to produce intellectuals in the healthcare landscape. By earning this degree, you can play a key role in the development of nursing science.
This degree program is also known as Ph.D. in nursing, so it prepares you to do clinical research to improve healthcare systems quality. By earning this degree, you will also be able to develop leadership qualities, so you can serve the healthcare industry in a better way.
7. ASN
The ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) degree is the right fit for those students who want to become registered nurses and earn a license. This degree program comprises of two-years, so it can help you become RN in a short duration.
The ASN degree is the minimum qualification that you require to start your career as a registered nurse. Therefore, this degree program can be your first step to begin a professional journey as a nurse.
Conclusion:
As an aspiring nurse, you have plenty of career options to explore. But at the same time, it is important to understand that every nursing position requires different skills and qualifications. Therefore, you need to have clarity on which nursing degree program is appropriate for you. Do not get carried away by top-level nursing positions’ perks and high-paying salaries.
Analyze yourself and decide with which position you can do justice. After deciding, choose your online nursing degree and start focusing on your academic career to have a promising career as a nurse later on.
