What Are the Different Levels of Nursing?

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are not nurses. Instead, they are professionals who help nurses by providing basic care to patients, such as bed transfers, feeding, and changing clothes.

CNA certification does not require a college degree. Instead, aspiring CNAs must complete a 3-8 week CNA program, which includes 75 hours of clinical experience. Candidates then apply with their state boards to take the CNA exam and gain certification.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), have more high-level caregiving responsibilities than CNAs, such as administering medication and taking patients' vital signs. They communicate daily with doctors and nurses, usually working in hospitals, residential facilities, and clinics.

The position requires 500-750 clinical hours completed through a state-approved program, then passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Registered nurses (RNs) uphold a high standard of patient care by performing health evaluations, providing consultations, and delivering treatment for various illnesses. They usually work in hospitals, physician's offices, and nursing care facilities. In some states, they must work under the supervision of an APRN or a physician.

RNs need at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN), though some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Clinical hour requirements vary by state, but most RNs complete 200-400 clinical hours. They must then take the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for licensure.

APRNs have more responsibilities than RNs, often functioning independently and creating treatment plans. They also generally see more patients in hospitals, physician's offices, and other healthcare facilities.

Becoming an APRN requires a master of science in nursing (MSN) and 500 clinical hours, along with passing an exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The specific exam depends on the specialization, which could include one of the following:

• Nurse practitioner
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist
• Certified nurse-midwife

Nursing diplomas typically take less than a year to complete, with some offering timelines of only a few weeks. Most nursing diploma programs include under 100 hours of clinical experience. Earning a diploma prepares a candidate for work as CNAs or LPN/LVNs, handling basic caregiving duties and serving as a bridge between patients and nurses. Nurses at this level usually work in hospitals, residential care, or nursing homes.

An ADN takes at least two years to complete and requires learners to complete around 300 hours of clinical experience. This degree provides the minimum level of education required for working as an RN in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Associate-level education qualifies individuals to handle more responsibilities in patient care than a diploma.

A BSN takes around four years to complete, though some programs allow students to complete their studies at an accelerated two-year pace. Programs usually require 300-400 clinical hours. Having a BSN is a competitive edge when seeking work as an RN, especially in a job market where many employers prefer candidates with four-year degrees. Nurses with BSNs usually work in hospitals, doctor's offices, and health clinics.

An MSN generally takes at least two years to complete. As part of an MSN program, students complete at least 500 hours of clinical experience. An MSN prepares graduates to work as APRNs, which encompasses specialized roles like nurse practitioner (NP) or certified nurse-midwife (CNM). Master's-level nurses are usually employed in hospitals, doctor's offices, or specialized settings. In some states, they can open private practices.

A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) takes 3-6 years and 1,000 clinical hours to complete. This degree qualifies graduates to work as APRNs, professors, or nurse researchers. DNPs generally work in hospitals, health clinics, or their own autonomous practices, but they can also work as educators and researchers in higher education and healthcare policy organizations.

A doctor of philosophy in nursing (Ph.D.) takes 3-6 years to complete. As part of the degree, students also complete 1,000 clinical hours. These nurses work as educators, researchers, and policymakers. A Ph.D-level nurse can commonly find specialized employment in colleges, universities, and healthcare policy organizations.