There are three primary levels of nursing: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. At the non-degree level are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), while degree-level nurses hold either an associate or bachelor’s degree. At the highest level are advanced practice nurses who hold master’s or doctoral degrees.
There are several levels of nursing, ranging from nursing assistant to advanced practice registered nurse. The type of nurse you become largely depends on the amount of education you’re willing to pursue.
Whether you want to focus on bedside patient care or transition to leadership, a degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can help you achieve your goals. Our 12-month program combines online coursework with hands-on skills and simulation labs and in-person clinical rotations at top area healthcare facilities to give you a high-quality nursing education.
Explore the levels of nursing, the education needed, the specialties you might pursue, and how you can launch your nursing career.
Wondering what nursing is really like? Take a look at this blog describing a day in the life of a nurse.
Types of Nursing Degrees
Non-degree, degree, and advanced degree are the three primary categories of nursing degrees and certifications.
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) complete a vocational training program and earn a certificate.
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) typically complete a training course to earn a certificate and qualify them to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
- An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a BSN grants a nursing degree, enabling graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a registered nurse.
- A graduate degree in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), is often needed to pursue advanced nursing roles.
What Are the Levels of Nursing?
Different nursing levels have different requirements for each of these nursing careers.
| Nursing Level Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Level | Degree Needed | Median Annual Salary |
| CNA | Certificate | $39,530 |
| LPN or LVN | Certificate | $62,340 |
| RN | Associate or bachelor's | $93,600 |
| APRN | Master's | $132,050 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 | ||
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs typically work in home care and long-term care facilities. Also known as "nursing assistants" and "nursing aides," they often serve as the patient and family's primary point of contact with the healthcare facility. They help the patient with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and walking.
Depending on state laws and requirements, CNAs may perform activities that don't require advanced training, such as completing patient charts using electronic medical record software, taking vital signs, and administering medication.
Becoming a CNA typically requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of a state-approved CNA program, and passing exams.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs, or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, deliver patient care and serve as the patient's main point of contact with the healthcare team. LPNs assist patients and often take blood pressure, insert catheters, start IVs, change bandages and monitor general health, and record patient information.
Once they complete their LPN training, they must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Registered Nurse
Many people associate the term "nurse" with a registered nurse (RN). They might hold an associate or bachelor’s degree and must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs typically administer medication, help develop care plans, and collaborate with a healthcare team. They can oversee LPNs and CNAs and take on other leadership responsibilities. After a few years of clinical care, they can transition to an alternative RN career, such as a school nurse, travel nurse, forensic nurse, and more.
The University of St. Thomas’ ABSN program prepares you to enter the healthcare field as a BSN-educated nurse. The benefits of earning a BSN include diverse job opportunities, higher-salary positions, job security, and career advancement pathways.
The UST ABSN program prepares you for an exciting nursing career. Check out these nine nursing school tips for success in our program.
4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
RNs who want to pursue more leadership in patient care can become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. Additional education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is necessary to become an APRN.
To enroll in coursework to become an APRN, you usually need at least a year of experience working as an RN and a current RN license. After completing your degree, you must pass a certification exam administered by a reputable national organization, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. People earning education for these roles may also pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is considered a terminal degree and the highest level of nursing education.
Why Earn a BSN?
It’s possible to secure a nursing job with an associate degree; however, employers are increasingly preferring to hire BSN-prepared nurses. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree have a more comprehensive education and have been shown to improve health outcomes for patients, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The University of St. Thomas has both a traditional BSN and the ABSN program for two great options for those seeking a career in nursing.
RNs are in high demand across the U.S., and the role is expected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS.
Start Your Nursing Career
With the University of St. Thomas Houston’s ABSN program, you could earn your bachelor’s degree in 12 months and start working sooner. Our program combines a shorter timeframe with top-of-the-line baccalaureate nursing education. The comprehensive curriculum contains three main components:
- Online coursework covering nursing concepts
- Nursing simulation labs where students practice skills like assessments, vital sign measurement, and wound care
- Clinical rotations at Houston-area healthcare facilities, where students provide direct patient care under supervision
At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, we’ll review your background and answer any questions you have about our ABSN program and how to become a nurse in less time.
Request information today to learn more about how to begin your nursing journey.