Different types of nursing degrees: Which path is right for you?

When navigating through your nursing career, choosing which degrees to pursue is a critical decision. In nursing, determining your academic path can affect your career opportunities, the skills you'll acquire, and the type of impact you could make on patient care and the broader community.

At Oklahoma City University, we understand the significance of this choice. That's why we provide a robust selection of nursing degrees, curated to meet the diverse needs and ambitions of our students. Whether you are at the onset of your nursing career or seeking to advance your expertise and leadership potential, OCU offers a nurturing yet challenging environment to cultivate your professional growth.

This blog will guide you through the various nursing degrees available at OCU, discussing the essentials of each and how they fit into the modern healthcare landscape. We are dedicated to empowering our students to make informed decisions about their education, setting a foundation for success and excellence in their nursing careers.

Understanding the nursing profession

Nursing is a profession built on knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to patient care. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses perform a wide array of critical tasks; from direct patient care to administrative duties. With 4.7 million registered nurses in the country, nursing is the largest health care profession in the U.S. and is integral to the functioning of health systems around the world.¹

In their day-to-day roles, nurses assess and monitor patient health, administer treatments and medications, and offer support and advice to patients and their families. They must be adaptable, able to respond swiftly to emergencies and maintain composure under pressure. Nurses also play a vital role in educating communities on health practices, preventive care, and disease management.

Currently, the nursing profession is experiencing great demand due an aging population, retirements in the workforce, staffing shortages and a need for higher capacity for enrollment in nursing degree programs.² Faced with these challenges, gaining specialized knowledge and pursuing continual professional development is even more critical for nurses or prospective nurses. Oklahoma City University prepares students to excel in this dynamic environment, ensuring they are not only equipped with current clinical expertise but also the foresight to anticipate and adapt to future healthcare needs.

The different types of nursing degrees

The Kramer School of Nursing offers degrees covering a wide spectrum of the field from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). From entry-level qualifications to advanced practice specialties, our programs are designed to equip students for the challenges and opportunities nursing practice provides. The following sections offer a look at each of OCU's nursing degree programs with some of the most important details. View each program's website to get more information and see a full list of admissions requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs

For registered nurses aiming to gain responsibilities and progress their careers, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a logical next step. Nurses with a BSN are well-prepared for a variety of positions in the field, such as leadership roles, public health positions, and specialized areas. Additionally, the number of BSN nurses in a health care setting have been tied to better patient outcomes and can provide increased job security by preparing you to work in Magnet hospitals.³ Each of the Kramer School of Nursing BSN programs prepares graduates to demonstrate competence, collaborate in care, manage health systems, and promote health across all patient demographics.

Traditional BSN

Curriculum: 56 credit hours
Completion time: 24 months
Modality: Oklahoma City campus
Nursing prerequisites: None

The traditional BSN pathway at Oklahoma City University is designed for recent high school graduates and college transfers. This route allows students to immerse themselves in a comprehensive curriculum over four semesters, with courses offered in-person in Oklahoma City. Nursing courses are conducted Monday through Wednesday, with clinical rotations later in the week. Once they meet all graduation requirements students can apply to take the NCLEX-RN, and then upon passing become eligible to apply for RN licensure.

Accelerated BSN

Curriculum: 56 credit hours
Completion time: 12 months
Modality: Oklahoma City campus
Nursing prerequisites: None

For individuals with a non-nursing degree seeking to enter the field swiftly, the 12-month accelerated BSN program offers an expedited path. This intense, full-time program features 56 credit hours taught in-person, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. This track is crafted for those ready to commit to an immersive, rigorous educational experience.

RN-BSN

Curriculum: 124 credit hours (94 hours credit given for RN license)
Completion time: ≤24 months
Modality: Oklahoma City campus or online
Nursing prerequisites: Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license, completion of associate degree in nursing program approved by a state board of nursing

The RN-BSN pathway at Kramer School of Nursing caters to current registered nurses who aim to further their education without the burden of additional prerequisites. This program emphasizes flexibility, offering students the option to study online or on-campus with an expedited process culminating in as little as nine months for course completion. Applicants receive 94 hours of credit for their active RN license and experience (e.g. minimum three years of RN experience, continuing education units, skills certifications) needing just 30 credit hours at OCU to graduate.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) -BSN

Curriculum: 43 credit hours
Completion time: ≤24 months
Modality: Oklahoma City campus or online
Nursing prerequisites: Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking to transition into a role requiring a BSN can make the leap through OCU’s LPN-BSN program. Candidates could qualify for a 12-month track, depending on their prior education and completion of admission requirements. This program offers LPNs the opportunity to undertake general education and elective courses, propelling them toward careers with potentially better patient outcomes and advancement options.³

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Curriculum: 33 credit hours, 46 credit hours for RN-MSN
Completion time: ≤24 months
Modality: Online
Nursing prerequisites: Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license

Elevating one's nursing credentials to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can unlock doors to advanced roles, leadership positions, and specialty fields within the healthcare system. An MSN empowers nurses with expertise for positions such as nurse educators, administrators, and public health professionals. It also positions nurses to lead improvements in patient care quality and health care policy.

Oklahoma City University’s online MSN degree includes pathways for both RN and BSN degree holders seeking advancement. This program is delivered entirely online, accommodating working professionals with a balance of rigor and flexibility. MSN students study core courses like Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Research Integration in Nursing Practice and complete a nursing practicum project. The Kramer School of Nursing primes graduates to lead with ethical, legal, and professional standards, design impactful health programs, integrate nursing research, and foster environments conducive to health and wellness.

Education Specialization

Nurse educators play a pivotal role in shaping the nursing workforce. This specialization equips nurses to assume educational roles, teaching future generations to elevate care standards. Career prospects range from academic settings to hospital education departments.

Leadership Specialization

The leadership track molds nurses into executives capable of policy enforcement, caregiving oversight, and organizational management. Graduates often pursue roles in executive management, nurse administration, or as directors of nursing services.

Community-Based Public Health Nursing Specialization

Public health nurses serve by working with communities to advance healthcare access and outcomes. This specialization prepares nurses for roles in community health advocacy, policy-making, and leading public health initiatives.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the move for nurses seeking to expand their scope of practice and impact health care on a systemic level. The DNP is the highest practice degree in nursing, preparing nurses for advanced clinical roles, leadership positions in health care operations, and public health advocacy. OCU provides two DNP pathways, tailored to facilitate advancements in health care systems, practice innovation, and execution of evidence-based health strategies.

Advanced Practice DNP

Curriculum: 67 credit hours
Completion time: 4 years
Modality: Primarily online, some on-campus requirements
Nursing prerequisites: Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a cumulative GPA of ≥3.00, active, unencumbered licensure, BSN level health assessment and statistics courses, minimum of one year of professional nursing experience

OCU’s Advanced Practice DNP programs are designed for post-BSN students who aspire to reach the top levels of nursing practice. The curriculum, which blends online learning with minimal residency requirements, facilitates flexibility without sacrificing the depth of learning.

The Advanced Practice DNP offers specializations in:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): This track prepares nurses to address complex medical needs often encountered in acute and critical care settings. Graduates are expected to work in environments such as hospitals, managing patients who require sophisticated care due to their vulnerability to complications.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Focused on comprehensive health management from infancy to old age, the FNP track educates nurses to oversee care in a primary setting. Emphasis is on both the treatment of illnesses and the promotion of health, catering to diverse populations with varying health needs.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This specialization aims to enhance mental health care provisions for individuals across their lifespan. Nurses in this track are instrumental in inpatient and outpatient settings, promoting mental health through the management and treatment of a wide array of mental health issues.

These specializations allow nurses to dive deeply into their practice areas, equipping them with the knowledge to influence patient outcomes significantly and lead in specialized fields.

DNP Completion

Curriculum: 30-32 credits depending on track
Completion time: 3 years
Modality: Primarily online, some on-campus requirements
Nursing prerequisites: Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license

The DNP Completion pathway is for nurses who have a master’s degree and are looking to complete their terminal degree. This program consists of 30-32 credit hours post-master's study and includes practicum hours designed to deepen expertise in one’s practice area.

Available tracks for DNP Completion include:

Clinical Track: For nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or clinical nurse specialists, this track emphasizes translating evidence-based research into improved clinical practice.

Community-Based Public Health Focus: This track lays the groundwork for understanding and improving the health of communities through nursing's unique perspective, equipping nurses with the skills to address public health challenges.

Executive Leadership Focus: Targeting nurses aspiring to hold high-level leadership roles, this focus develops the acumen necessary for navigating complex health care operations and spearheading health care innovation.

Nurse Educator Track: Aimed at master-level nurses focusing on education, this track enhances the skills necessary for the professional development of the next generation of nurses as nurse educators and curriculum developers.

Both the Advanced Practice DNP and the DNP Completion programs at Oklahoma City University provide rigorous, specialized training to enable nurses to champion the integration of evidence-based care, improve patient outcomes, and assume leadership roles in an array of health care settings.

Accelerated and online nursing degrees

In a field as dynamic and demanding as nursing, educational programs must adapt to the realities of their students' lives. That's why Oklahoma City University offers accelerated and online pathways that cater to the needs of working professionals. These programs uphold the exceptional standards of nursing education while delivering unprecedented flexibility—ensuring that nothing stands in the way of achieving your academic and career goals.

Accelerated nursing programs offer a short route to advance in the nursing field. Designed for motivated individuals, these options compress what would typically be years of coursework into shorter, intensive study periods. This pathway appeals to those who have completed prior relevant education or hold degrees in other fields, allowing them to leverage their foundational knowledge and quickly transition into advanced nursing roles. With a strong focus and commitment, graduates emerge ready for the NCLEX-RN and equipped for immediate entry into professional practice.

Benefits of online nursing programs

For busy nurses, online nursing programs represent a balanced approach to advancing education without compromising work or personal commitments. As healthcare environments evolve, online degrees have become not just a practical alternative but a platform of choice for many in the nursing profession. Online nursing degrees offer:

• Flexibility and convenience: Online programs can be tailored around personal schedules, allowing nurses to engage in learning at times most suitable for them. This flexibility is invaluable for those who work irregular hours or have family obligations
• Cost-effective learning: Often, online programs reduce or negate additional costs typically associated with on-campus learning, such as transportation and accommodation expenses, offering an economical route to further education
• Geographical reach: For nurses in rural areas or those with limited nearby educational options, online programs dissolve geographical barriers, granting access to quality education no matter their location.
• Access to leading-edge knowledge: Online curriculums frequently integrate the latest research and advancements, providing nurses with contemporary insights and practices to enhance patient care

The respect and recognition for online nursing programs have grown, particularly in the wake of global shifts toward digital platforms. Online degrees from accredited institutions like Oklahoma City University carry the same weight and value as those earned on campus. What matters most to employers is the caliber of your clinical skills and the interpersonal qualities you bring to your practice.

At Oklahoma City University, the accelerated and online nursing programs continue a tradition of excellence. Coupled with our commitment to student success, these flexible degree paths equip nurses with the tools to thrive in their careers, drive innovation in healthcare, and provide compassionate, high-quality patient care.

Choosing the right nursing degree path

While earning advanced nursing degrees can be good for your patients, your focus should be on what's right for you. There are several factors to weigh when selecting a nursing degree program.

When considering programs, reflect on:

• Practical aspects: First, consider some of the admissions requirements and prerequisites. Do you have any prerequisites to complete first? Does your GPA meet requirements?
• Career goals: Visualize where you see yourself in the healthcare landscape. Do you aspire to clinical leadership, specialized patient care, or perhaps education? Choose a degree that directs you toward that vision.
• Program accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited by reputable bodies, ensuring the education you receive meets the highest standards.
• Flexibility and format: Assess whether an on-campus, online, or hybrid format suits your lifestyle and learning preferences.
• Curriculum and specializations: Examine the curriculum to ascertain it covers the competencies you seek. Look for programs offering specializations that match your interests.
• Faculty expertise: Consider the faculty's qualifications and clinical experiences—as mentors, they play a crucial role in shaping your professional development.
• Time and investment: Think about the time you can commit. Accelerated programs might suit those eager to progress quickly, while part-time options may benefit those balancing work and study.

Echoing the significance of career goals, the nursing degree you select sets the tempo for future opportunities. It’s the foundation upon which you will build expertise and determine the trajectory of your professional journey.

Find a variety of nursing degrees at Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University provides many types of nursing degrees and paths for all types of nursing careers. Whether you are starting your journey with a BSN, advancing practice with an MSN, or seeking the pinnacle of clinical expertise with a DNP, OCU provides the environment, resources, and mentorship necessary to achieve exceptional outcomes whether on-campus or online. Experience the strength of a degree built with proven excellence and a supportive, expert faculty wholly invested in your academic and professional growth.

Explore the different pathways to nursing excellence at Oklahoma City University and find the one that leads in the direction you want to go. Schedule a call with our admissions outreach advisors to discuss your aspirations and how our programs can facilitate your goals.