What is an RN Degree?

Nursing education typically requires students to complete classes in anatomy, physiology, evidence-based practice, and patient care to prepare for patient care in the field.

In order to become a registered nurse (RN), students need to complete specific training, obtain supervised clinical experience, and pass a licensure exam. There is no single RN degree; instead, nurses have a few options for education.

Many earn bachelor's degrees — typically in nursing — before pursuing RN licensure. Others may pursue an associate degree, also typically in nursing, or a nursing diploma. All of these nursing degrees help students build the necessarily patient care knowledge and clinical skills to provide care for patients in hospitals, doctor's offices, and other healthcare settings.

Registered nurses benefit from above-average salaries and strong demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn a median pay of over $73,000 per year, with faster-than-average projected job growth.

This guide introduces RN-appropriate degrees, online RN programs, and common career paths in nursing.

What Kinds of RN Degrees Are There?

Nursing schools offer degrees that lead to RN licensure at several levels. An associate degree or nursing diploma meets the minimum requirement for an RN license. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) also leads to RN licensure. In highly competitive locations, a BSN helps job candidates stand out in the job market. Some specialties are more likely than others to prefer nurses with BSNs.

At the graduate level, RNs can advance their career opportunities by pursuing master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees or doctorates. A graduate nursing degree leads to advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner (NP) or nurse anesthetist. RNs with graduate degrees work as nurse administrators, nurse educators, and nursing professors, or they can pursue research careers.

LPN vs. RN: What's the Difference?

Early-career nurses often work as either an RN or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Both can be entry-level roles. But what's the difference between an LPN vs. an RN?

LPNs provide basic care, such as helping patients with daily needs, taking vital signs, and administering medication, while RNs offer more specialized care in areas like pediatrics, surgery, and acute care. RNs also earn higher salaries and have more options for career advancement, including advanced practice nursing roles. However, becoming an RN requires meeting higher licensure requirements than becoming an LPN.

Learn more about the top online pre-nursing programs, online RN-to-BSN programs, and online BSN programs.

Professional Licensure and Certification

An RN must earn a professional license to practice. Each state sets its own licensure requirements, but licensees typically need an accredited nursing degree or diploma, a minimum number of clinical hours, and passing scores on the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs must regularly renew their licenses by meeting competency and continuing education requirements.

In addition to licensure, RNs can pursue specialty certifications, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support, and advanced cardiac life support. Nurses can also earn credentials to become certified pediatric nurses, certified radiology nurses, and certified emergency nurses.

Are There Online RN Degree Programs?

Many schools offer online programs for aspiring RNs who require a flexible class schedule. During an online program, nursing students complete coursework requirements through a virtual learning platform.

Nurses must also meet clinical hour requirements to earn their RN degrees. Online programs work with nursing students to meet clinical requirements, often letting them arrange their clinical hours at local hospitals or other clinical sites.

What Can You Do With a College Degree in Nursing?

RNs can pursue careers in many specializations. For example, they can work as pediatric nurses, geriatric nurses, or perioperative nurses. RNs can also work in oncology, critical care, emergency care, cardiac nursing, and acute care.

In many nursing specialties, RNs can demonstrate experience through board certification. Certification helps nurses compete for positions and increase their earning potential. Below are some common specializations for nurses, including related job duties, requirements, and certification options.

What Does an RN Salary Usually Look Like?

The median RN salary exceeded $73,000 as of 2019. However, nursing salaries vary depending on work setting, specialty, and geographic location. Nurses who work in hospitals earn salaries above the average RN salary. Similarly, locations like Los Angeles, Boston, and New York all offer higher average salaries.

Learn more about how to become an RN and check out the salary and career data below.

Salary and Job Growth for Registered Nurses

Professional Organizations

Accreditation for RN Programs

Nursing students should only attend accredited schools. Schools with accreditation meet high standards for educating students and follow the best practices for training nurses. Attending an unaccredited program affects job prospects and may even affect the RN licensing process, as graduates with unaccredited degrees may not qualify for licensure.

It's best to look for nursing programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. You can learn more about accreditation by checking out our accreditation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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