There are several types of nursing courses, including pre-licensing courses and associate's degree programs. A four-year bachelor's degree in nursing typically leads to a nurse practitioner license or a registered nurse (RN) certification. Some states also require an advanced practice nurse (APN) credential, which can be earned after completing a baccalaureate degree in nursing and either additional graduate study or an advanced practice endorsement from the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Pre-licensing courses may provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for licensure as a registered nurse. In some cases, students may be able to complete these programs in just two years. Associate's degree programs enable students to develop deeper understanding of nursing theory while also acquiring hands-on experience in clinical settings. They typically take three years toComplete and may lead to both a RN certificate and an APN credential.
Bachelor's degree programs in nursing offer students more opportunities for specialization. While some