As a prospective nursing student, understanding all the possible nursing pathways is important. While there are many degree options, the best pathway for most students is to earn a BSN degree. You can finish sooner through an accelerated nursing program. Plus, you’ll be able to advance your career later.
Nursing is a career that requires comprehensive education and applied skills, but not every nurse comes to the field the same way. There are multiple nursing pathways available to prospective registered nurses (RNs), but not all offer the same career opportunities.
Whatever path you take, Concordia University, St. Paul is here to help. Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon, can help you earn your degree in as few as 16 months. Conferring a well-respected BSN degree, our ABSN program is a faster pathway for students who would like to transfer to a nursing degree or working professionals who want to switch careers.
To find out if our ABSN program is the right pathway for you, you’ll need to explore all the options available. Learn about the different degrees available and discover how to get started.
Nursing Career Pathways: Degree Options
What education is needed to become a nurse? All registered nurses need a nursing degree, but not all earn the same one. For this level of nursing, the two most common degree types are the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
ADN
An Associate Degree in Nursing qualifies future nurses to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become RNs. It’s typically a two-year degree program offered at community colleges.
An ADN offers both didactic coursework and immersive training, but the level of education is considered introductory compared to a BSN, which is more rigorous. Nurses who earn an ADN may have to return to school for a BSN later.
BSN
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, compared to the ADN, offers a far more comprehensive and in-depth educational experience, with more robust immersive learning. In fact, employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN instead of an ADN because multiple studies show that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to better patient outcomes.
A BSN is typically a four-year degree. Not everyone needs four years to earn a BSN, however. Our Accelerated BSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months, providing a faster nursing pathway for students who already have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or have earned at least 54 college credits.
MSN, DNP, and PhD
Another benefit of earning a BSN instead of an ADN is that a BSN prepares you to pursue a graduate-level education, which, in turn, can provide a pathway toward career advancement. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are advanced degrees that you may choose to pursue after you’ve gained clinical experience.
The MSN and DNP are practice-focused degrees designed for future advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) like nurse practitioners (NPs). In contrast, PhD is a research-focused degree, which is ideal for future nurse researchers and higher education administrators.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse
Once you’re familiar with what education is needed to become a nurse, you can choose the nursing pathway that works best for you. Students often prefer ABSN programs like ours at CSP Global because of a quality education delivered on an accelerated timeline. The first step is to connect with an admissions advisor.
1. Connect With an Admissions Advisor
Your nursing journey starts with a chat with an admissions advisor at Concordia University, St. Paul. You’ll be asked about your interest in nursing and your academic history. This will help gauge your eligibility for the program.
If you are a suitable candidate, your admissions advisor will help you choose a goal start date and map out any requirements or prerequisite courses you’ll need to fulfill before applying to the ABSN program. At CSP Global, your admissions advisor will be available every step of the way to answer questions and guide you in the admissions process.
2. Complete ABSN Requirements and Prerequisites
To apply to Concordia University, St. Paul, you’ll need at least 54 non-nursing college credits or a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and you’ll need to complete any prerequisites that your previous education doesn’t fulfill.
Another requirement for many nursing schools is passing an entrance exam. At CSP Global, we require prospective students to pass the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of at least 65%.
After fulfilling the admission requirements, you’ll be able to submit an online application, along with your official college transcripts. You’ll also need to clear a background check and, if English is not your first language, demonstrate English language proficiency.
Is nursing the right path for you? See what calls nurses to the profession.
3. Complete Your BSN
At CSP Global, you’ll benefit from a hybrid approach to learning while experiencing a full. Our ABSN program is comprised of the following:
- Coursework: You’ll complete didactic coursework online, with accessible faculty to help you out along the way.
- Skills labs: You’ll learn crucial nursing skills during in-person labs.
- Clinical learning: You’ll complete in-person clinical learning experiences at nearby healthcare facilities, community-based agencies and simulation opportunities.
You’ll have a strong support system of faculty and fellow cohort members as you navigate this fast-paced ABSN curriculum.
4. Pass the NCLEX-RN-RN and Obtain Your License
After graduating, your last steps to becoming a nurse are passing the NCLEX-RN and obtaining your RN license. The NCLEX-RN is a rigorous exam that tests patient care decision-making. Expect to need plenty of prep time in the months leading up to the exam. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and fulfill the other requirements from your state’s board of nursing, you’ll be eligible to receive your nursing license.
5. Optional: Explore Advanced Nursing Pathways After You Earn a BSN
Many nurses look for ways to grow in their careers, from taking on greater responsibility in their current role to advancing into leadership roles. Consider options such as:
- Earn an advanced degree (master’s or doctorate) and become a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, clinical nurse leader, nurse scientist, or nurse educator.
- Get one or more specialty certifications.
- Rise into a clinical leadership role, such as a nurse manager, or administrative roles.
CSP Global ABSN students need the following prerequisites before starting the program:
- Lifespan developmental psychology
- Quantitative reasoning for healthcare professionals
- Chemistry for health sciences
- Microbiology (general biology I with lab is a prerequisite to this course)
- Human anatomy & physiology I with lab (general biology I with lab is a prerequisite to this course)
- Human anatomy & physiology II with lab
Another requirement for many nursing schools is passing an entrance exam. At CSP Global, we require prospective students to pass the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of at least 65%.
4. Apply to Nursing School
Once you’re ready to apply for the ABSN program, your admissions counselor will walk you through the process. To apply, you’ll need these components:
- Completed online application
- Official college transcripts
- Clearance from a criminal background check
- English language proficiency
Learn more about how to become a nurse practitioner.
The ability to pursue graduate-level education is a compelling benefit of choosing a BSN as your nursing pathway. It serves as a launching pad for career advancement.
Breakdown of Nursing Pathways Based on Degree
Because a BSN opens the door to career growth and is in demand by employers, it’s the recommended nursing pathway for most students. Explore the breakdown of pathways to decide which is right for you.
| ADN | BSN | MSN | DNP | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Earn associate degree | 1. Earn BSN degree | 1. Earn BSN | 1. Earn BSN | 1. Earn BSN |
| 2. Pass NCLEX | 2. Pass NCLEX | 2. Pass NCLEX | 2. Pass NCLEX | 2. Pass NCLEX |
| 3. Get RN license | 3. Get RN license | 3. Get RN license | 3. Get RN license | 3. Get RN license |
| 4. Start career | 4. Start career | 4. Gain RN experience | 4. Gain RN experience | 4. Gain RN experience |
| 5. Earn MSN degree | 5. Earn DNP degree | 5. Earn PhD | ||
| 6. To become advanced practice nurse, pass certification exam. | 6. To become advanced practice nurse, pass certification exam. | 6. To become a nurse scientist | ||
| 7. Get APRN license | 7. Get APRN license |
Advancement Options
| ADN | BSN | MSN | DNP | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Enter ADN-to-BSN or RN-to-BSN track to advance your degree | 1. Nurse manager | 1. Some advanced practice nurse specialties (e.g., nurse practitioner or midwife) | 1. All advanced practice nurse specialties (e.g. nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner) | |
| 2. Specialty certifications | 2. Specialty certifications | 2. Specialty certifications | 2. Specialty certifications | |
| 3. Healthcare administration | 3. Healthcare administration | 3. Healthcare administration | 3. Healthcare administration | |
| 4. Eligibility for MSN and DNP programs | 4. Nursing education | 4. Nursing education | 4. Nursing education |
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The career outlook and salary expectations for all nurses with a BSN are strong, but there are differences between specific jobs. Consider the following projected job growth rates from 2024 through 2034 and median annual salaries as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- RN: 5%, $93,600
- APRN: 35%, $132,050
- Nurse practitioner: 40%, $129,210
- Nurse midwife: 11%, $128,790
- Nurse anesthetist: 9%, $223,210
Start Your Nursing Pathway With CSP Global
CSP Global’s ABSN program is your pathway toward an exciting future in nursing. Choose from three start dates and two program locations. No matter where you attend, you’ll benefit from dedicated faculty, extensive NCLEX-RN prep, and immersive training.
Contact an admissions advisor today to get started.