Top Nursing Programs
Maria Delgado, RN
June 26, 2025
Top Nursing Programs near me
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Traditional RN Degree Types
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
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- Length: 2-3 Years
- Pre-reqs: High School Diploma
- Outcome: Qualify for NCLEX-RN
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program offered at community and technical colleges that blends classroom learning in sciences with supervised clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin working as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. ADN programs are valued for their shorter length and lower cost compared to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), making them an accessible entry point into the profession. While many healthcare employers now prefer BSN-prepared nurses, ADN graduates often advance through RN-to-BSN bridge programs to expand their opportunities.
Registered Nurse Diploma
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- Length: 2-3 Years
- Pre-reqs: High School Diploma
- Outcome: Qualify for NCLEX-RN
A Registered Nurse (RN) diploma is a hospital-based program that traditionally takes two to three years to complete. These programs emphasize hands-on clinical training in direct patient care, supplemented with classroom instruction in basic nursing and health sciences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and work as registered nurses in hospitals and other healthcare settings. While once the primary path into nursing, diploma programs have become rare in the U.S. as most states now rely on ADN and BSN pathways. However, existing programs remain valued for their strong clinical focus and practical preparation for bedside care.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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- Length: 4 Years
- Pre-reqs: High School Diploma
- Outcome: Preferred by many employers
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree that provides comprehensive training in nursing practice, leadership, research, and community health. Programs combine classroom instruction with extensive clinical experiences, preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce as registered nurses. BSN-prepared nurses are often preferred by hospitals and healthcare systems, as the degree equips them for a wider range of roles and advancement opportunities. Many schools also offer accelerated BSN tracks for students with a prior bachelor’s degree and RN-to-BSN options for licensed ADN nurses.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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- Length: 2 Years (Post-BSN)
- Pre-reqs: High School Diploma
- Outcome: Prepares for advanced practice roles
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that typically takes two years after a BSN. MSN programs prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or healthcare administrator. Coursework blends advanced health sciences with clinical training, policy, and management skills, equipping graduates to expand their scope of practice and influence. Many MSN graduates work in specialized areas, deliver primary care, or lead nursing teams. For those pursuing higher credentials, an MSN also serves as a stepping stone to doctoral programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
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- Length: 3-6 Years (post-BSN or post-MSN)
- Pre-reqs: High School Diploma
- Outcome: Qualify for NCLEX-RN
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest practice-focused degree in nursing, typically completed in three to six years depending on entry from a BSN or MSN. DNP programs emphasize advanced clinical training, leadership, and evidence-based practice to improve patient care and healthcare systems. Graduates are prepared for top-level roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical leader, or executive, and in many states they have full practice authority to work independently. As the field continues to advance, the DNP is increasingly recognized as the terminal degree for clinical nursing, offering the highest level of preparation for direct practice.