With many degrees of nursing practice available to ambitious professionals, the discipline of nursing offers a variety of rewarding job prospects. These levels can be identified by particular work responsibilities and educational requirements. This page seeks to give a general overview of the many nursing levels by describing the duties, educational requirements, and chances for career progression connected with each level.
Understanding the Levels of Nursing Credentials
The nursing profession encompasses a range of credentials, from entry-level positions to advanced practice roles. Let’s explore the different levels of nursing credentials, ranked from lowest to highest:
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A Certified Nursing Assistant also known as a CNA plays a crucial role in providing direct patient care and assisting with daily activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Their duties typically include assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, as well as monitoring vital signs, reporting any changes to the nursing staff, and maintaining a safe and clean environment.
CNAs often work in :
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private homes
- Nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Educational Requirements for this Level of Nursing
To become a CNA, a college degree is not mandatory, instead, you can:
- Enroll in a 1 to 3 month training program offered at a licensed establishment such as community colleges, technical schools, or local hospitals.
- Pass the certification exam
- Get a state license
The trainings received usually combine classroom learning, online learning, and practical application.
National Average Annual Salary:
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills and years of experience.
According to the bureau of labor statistics, the median salary is $30,290 as at 2021 and the overall employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide basic patient care and support under the supervision of RNs or physicians. LPNs/LVNs typically work in a variety of settings which includes:
- Hospitals
- Residential care facilities
- Physicians’ offices
- Private homes
- Nursing homes
The duties performed by LPNs/LVNs vary based on the facility in which they work, but generally some of the duties include:
- Providing routine care such as checking blood pressure, inserting catheters, changing dressings and providing wound care.
- Communicating instructions to patients regarding medication.
- Maintaining accurate and detailed patient record.
- May supervise nursing assistants ensuring they are providing high quality care to patients.
Educational Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Graduate from an accredited LPN or LVN program
- Pass the National council Licensure Exam (NCLEX_PN)
This level of nursing degree program typically last for one year and include coursework and training at hospitals, community colleges, or technical schools.
Average National Annual Salary:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary to be $48,070 as at 2021, while the employment of LPNs/LVNs is projected to grow by six percent from 2021 to 2031.
3. Registered Nurse (RN)
An RN is a qualified nurse who works in clinical settings like hospitals and clinics and gives direct patient care. They evaluate their patients’ health conditions, and they also create nursing care plans to enhance patient health conditions. RNs don’t typically get training programs to get into units, they can however take certification programs and continuing education programs to maintain their certifications afterwards. Most of the certifications have to completed during orientation. After passing NCLEX they can apply to work in a variety of settings, hospitals, clinics (walk-in / outpatient clinics), schools, research institutes, sports or aviation industries.
Some of the units in which an RN can work are listed below.
- Cardiovascular Units
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Unit
- Gerontology Unit
- Women’s Health Unit
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Pediatric Unit
Educational Requirements for this Nursing Degree
To become an RN, you can pursue either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a college or university accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). An ADN program typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete, while a BSN program lasts for 4 years. After completing the respective program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license.
RN Salary and Job Outlook
RNs earn an average annual salary of $77,600, according to the BLS. The job outlook for RNs is expected to grow by 6% in the coming years.
Related: Nursing Career paths for New Graduates
4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are highly educated and experienced RNs who have obtained a master’s degree in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. APRNs have specialized knowledge and skills that allow them to provide advanced healthcare services and take on leadership roles within the nursing profession.
APRNs are licensed through the state board of nursing in which they practice. In many states, APRNs can prescribe medication and practice independently, while in other states, they do so under the oversight of a Medical Doctor (MD).
APRNs can choose from four distinct roles:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs provide primary and specialized healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as oncology, pediatrics, or critical care, and provide expert clinical guidance and support to nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): CNMs provide comprehensive healthcare services to women, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs are responsible for administering anesthesia during surgical procedures and monitoring patients’ vital signs throughout the process.
Educational Requirements for this Nursing Degree
To become an APRN, you must complete either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. An MSN program typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete, while a DNP program requires 3 to 4 years of study. APRNs must also complete in-person clinical hours and pass a certification exam in their area of specialization.
APRN Average Annual Salaries
The salaries of APRNs vary depending on their role and specialization. Here are the average annual salaries for different APRN roles:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $123,680
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): $104,107
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): $106,407
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $195,610
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): $112,830
Job Outlook
Between 2021 and 2031, it is anticipated that employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will expand by 40% overall, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations according to BLS.
5. Non-Clinical Advanced Nursing Specialties
Nurses who wish to explore non-clinical career paths can pursue advanced nursing specialties that focus on areas such as administration, research, education, or informatics. These nursing levels offer opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential while utilizing nursing expertise in non-traditional settings.
Educational Requirements
To enter non-clinical advanced nursing specialties, nurses typically pursue advanced degrees such as an MSN, DNP, or PhD. These programs provide specialized knowledge and skills required for non-clinical roles in nursing.
Average Annual Salary
The salaries for non-clinical advanced nursing specialties vary depending on the specific role and level of education. Nurses in non-clinical specialties can earn competitive salaries while contributing to the advancement of healthcare through research, education, or policy development.
Conclusion
The nursing profession encompasses various levels of practice, each with distinct job duties and educational requirements. From certified nursing assistants providing direct patient care to advanced practice registered nurses delivering specialized healthcare services, each level of nursing plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. Aspiring nurses can choose their desired career path based on their passion, interests, and long-term goals, knowing that nursing offers opportunities for growth, personal fulfillment, and a lasting impact on the lives of others.
