Understanding Nursing Degrees: A Simple Comprehensive Guide

A nursing degree serves as the gateway to a rewarding career in healthcare; it represents an investment in one’s potential to make a substantial difference in other people’s lives.

Understanding Nursing Degrees: A Simple Comprehensive Guide

Embark on a dynamic and gratifying journey in healthcare with a nursing degree, unlocking an array of opportunities to impact and uplift lives. A diverse spectrum of degrees, from the foundation ADN to research-focused PhD, allows you to customize your nursing career, based on your goals and aspirations.

Benefits of getting a nursing degree

One of the main benefits of earning a nursing degree is eligibility for federal financial aid and the assurance that your degree meets national standards. This is due to the recognition and accreditation of most nursing programs. More so, the knowledge you gain during your nursing education is easily transferable, thus allowing you to expand your career across different healthcare institutions and specialties. 

woman in white button up shirt and blue stethoscope
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM / Unsplash

Another valuable advantage is the opportunity for specialization. With a nursing degree, you can pursue different career pathways in areas such as Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Learning Disability Nursing among others. With a growing demand for health care professionals, having a nursing degree enables you to contribute significantly to various healthcare settings and lays the foundation for future advanced studies, if desired. 

How much does a Nursing Degree Cost 

The cost of acquiring a nursing degree is subject to a variety of elements such as the chosen program, the duration of the degree, and the institution. Often times, those interested in nursing can choose from a selection of degree programs that include diplomas, associate degrees, Bachelor of Science in nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing Education, to Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. Furthermore, the choice of studying full-time or part-time, or online or on-campus can also affect the total cost. 

Despite the numerous factors influencing the cost, a generalized estimate can be provided. For instance, the cost of a diploma or associate degree in nursing typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. Bachelor degree programs, due to their increased depth and duration, may range from $40,000 to $100,000. And for individuals aspiring for advanced degrees like Master's or Doctorate, the cost can go beyond $100,000. These figures, however, are merely estimates and prospective students should always revert to a specific institution for the most accurate figures.

Why You should get a nursing degree

Having a nursing degree opens a world of opportunities in the health care industry. As medical technology advances, the demand for profoundly skilled nurses is on a consistent rise. By getting a nursing degree, you would be arming yourself with the knowledge and skills needed for this evolving industry. Whether you earn a diploma, associate degree, or a Bachelor of Science in nursing, you'll be primed to meet the growing need for experienced healthcare professionals. 

With a nursing degree, you also have the flexibility to specialize in different areas such as Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Learning Disability Nursing among others. This allows you to align your career with your personal interests and motivations in health care. More so, possessing a degree in nursing positions you for quality job growth. According to projections, a 22% job growth in the nursing field is expected by 2022. Hence, by getting a nursing degree, you align yourself favorably in the booming healthcare job market.