Types of Accredited Nursing Degree Programs

A number of licensed practical and registered nurses seek to increase their job skills and education. Men and women who wish to be nurses also seek schools that offer degrees in nursing. Healthcare needs qualified nurses to care for patients, and many accredited nursing degree programs are answering the need.

Practical Nursing

Licensed practical nurses (LPN) typically begin their careers after taking nursing assistant programs. LPN professionals obtain their education and skills from traditional vocational, college and university schools. They study curriculums consisting of hands-on patient care, medication assistance and many more areas of healthcare. Accredited programs for LPN students must complete a set number of clinical hours prior to graduating and receiving a degree. This type of nurse may earn a certificate or associate's degree in nursing.

Registered Nursing

After completing their licensed practical nursing education, many professionals work toward a registered nursing degree. They may only achieve this goal when they have worked as an LPN and spent a year or more gaining nursing experience.

Accredited registered nursing (RN) programs may be online or off. Programs typically offer bachelor's degrees; however, some nurses specialize in certain healthcare areas. Those who train in surgery or some other in-depth medical specialty generally take graduate programs and receive master's degrees or higher.

Advanced Nursing

Advanced nursing programs are found at accredited schools around the United States. Accredited schools offer a number of higher learning healthcare programs. Registered nurses take advanced programs to increase their authority and skills in healthcare. After completing their program, RN professionals may work as nurse practitioners. They may earn either a master's degree or doctorate; however, most obtain doctorate degrees.