There are various levels of nursing degrees a person can choose to pursue in order to enter the nursing field. The level of responsibility given to them, as well as their salary when entering the work field, will depend heavily on how much education and training a person has received. Obviously the higher the degree a person has acquired, the wider range of choices they will have in securing the job of their choice. They will have the added benefit of experiencing a wider range of activities throughout their day and they will also generate a higher income.

Although it is not considered one of the nursing degrees, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is considered the entry level of the nursing field. This position is commonly referred to as a nurse's aide and only requires a few short weeks of training before one is certified and can begin work.

The education and experience for a CNA is limited, therefore so are the job responsibilities. A CNA is not considered a nurse but performs tasks directed by a nurse. Their job duties can include but are not limited to basic day-to-day non-invasive patient care such as assisting in dressing, feeding and bathing the patient, checking their vital signs and making beds.

It is not required that a person begin their nursing career as a CNA. There are various types of nursing programs a person can choose from in order to achieve one of the nursing degrees there are available. Online courses can be taken through accredited schools offering nursing courses, however these type of courses tend to limit a person in having clinical experience.

At one time all nursing schools were affiliated with hospitals, however that is no longer the case. The added benefit one has in receiving their education through a hospital program is the clinical experience. A four-year program at a college may supply more book learning, but one does not actually experience time with patients until the last two years.

Community colleges tend to offer two different types of nursing degrees, a nursing diploma and an Associate Degree in Nursing. Some community colleges may also offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that may be completed in as little as three years.

Once a nurse has graduated with a nursing diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing, they must become licensed by the board of nursing in their state of choice. When they finish, they become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) depending on their type of license examination.

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) are considered the basic nurses on the front lines of nursing care. They perform all job duties of a CNA, plus more in-depth care, such as administering certain medications, giving certain injections, starting IVs, helping develop patient care plans and assessing patient's progress, helping in delivery rooms, feeding and bathing newborns, and performing CPR as necessary. LPNs/LVNs cannot fill doctor's orders directly, they must take their orders from higher level nurses. The nursing diploma for an LPN/LVN usually takes about one year to complete.

A Registered Nurse (RN) can perform all tasks of CNAs, LPNs, and LVNs and can take orders directly from doctors. They also operate medical equipment, administer IVs, give medications and injections, assist in surgery, administer care plans and sign off another nurse's work. Some RNs must have a minimum of two years education and have an Associate Degree in Nursing, however, most hospitals prefer RNs to have a four year bachelor's degree.

Undergraduate programs and graduate programs offer more nursing degrees for RNs wishing to continue their education. Both types of programs can typically be found at traditional colleges and universities. Many offer BSN programs as well as RN to BSN programs for registered nurses who only have diplomas or associate degrees. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, RN to MSN programs, and graduate specialty diploma programs are available, as well as PhD doctorates for students who wish to pursue advanced nursing work and/or research.

An Advanced Practical Registered Nurse (APRN) specializes in certain types of complex nursing care. Various examples of being an APRN include but are not limited to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Specialist for Psychiatric/Mental Health (CNS/PSYCH) or Nurse Practitioner (NP). Most APRN licenses require at least four years of study with a bachelor's degree and some post graduate study, others may require a master's degree or more.

There are many nursing degrees available to someone who wishes to have a nursing career. With some thought and consideration, one can enter this field at the level of their choice and advance over time, enjoying quite a rewarding career.