1. Master of Science in Nursing

All four advanced practice nursing specialties require at least a master’s degree. Most programs include about 2 years of full-time study and require a BSN degree for entry; some programs require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience as an RN for admission. In 2006, there were 342 master’s and post-master’s programs offered for nurse practitioners, 230 master’s and post-master’s programs for clinical nurse specialists, 106 programs for nurse anesthetists, and 39 programs for nurse-midwives.

Potential Careers:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Administrator
Certified Nurse Midwife

Salary Range:
$60,00 – $134,000

2. Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Many Health Sciences programs offer two different tracks: The pre-professional track and the clinical manager track. The pre-professional track is designed for students who wish to further their studies with a master’s level health professions program such as health administration, physical therapy, or health informatics. The clinical manage track is for students who are already healthcare professionals or hold an associate or technical degree.

Potential Careers:
Health Informatics
Emergency Medical Services
Health Educator

Salary Range:
$35,000 – $76,000

3. BS in Health Administration

A Bachelor of Science in Health Administration provides a balance of health sciences knowledge with business administration skills. The degree is awarded by a college or university after completion of a minimum number of academic units, with a specific number of units in the Health Administration major. A BS in Health Administration is often the minimum requirement for most medical and health services manager positions. A BS is also a stepping stone toward a Master of Science in Health Administration or a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on healthcare administration.

Potential Careers:
Healthcare Administrator
Medical and Health Services Manager
Administrative Assistant

Salary Range:
$42,000 – $74,000

4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for a rewarding and challenging career as a nurse. While studying for your BSN, you will take classes in anatomy, physiology, and advanced patient care. The clinical experience will equip you for working in a variety of nursing settings, from hospitals to schools. Many employers prefer nurses who hold BSN degrees because their advanced knowledge and extensive training.

Potential Careers:
Registered Nurse
Case Manager
Genetics Nurse

Salary Range:
$40,000 – $70,000

5. Associate Degree in Nursing

Offered through community and technical colleges, an ADN can be completed in as little as two years if you took all the science prerequisites (typically microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, algebra and psychology) in high school. It will take you three or even three-and-a-half years if you need the science prerequisites, which are part of every nursing program, to complete your ADN. Once you’ve finished your ADN, you’ll be eligible to become an RN upon completing the NCLEX.

Potential Careers:
Registered Nurse
Medical Assistant
Holistic Nurse

Salary Range:
$35,000 – $65,000