Nursing is one of the most versatile careers in healthcare. With the right education, a nurse can move from bedside care to advanced practice, classroom instruction, executive leadership, or population health—often without ever leaving the profession.
This guide outlines the major nursing education levels in the United States, from the licensed practical or vocational nursing diploma all the way up to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). It also outlines the most common next step for nurses at each stage, and how long completing that step typically takes for nursing students at West Coast University (WCU).
Quick Answer: How to Choose Your Next Nursing Step
The best next step depends on the credential you already hold. In brief:
- Licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) typically advance by becoming registered nurses (RNs) through a bridge program.
- RNs with a diploma or associate degree typically advance by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- BSN-prepared nurses typically advance by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in a chosen specialty. This includes clinical specialties, such as family nurse practitioner (FNP), and non-clinical specialties, such as nursing leadership.
- MSN-prepared nurses typically advance by adding a post-master’s certificate in another specialty or by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
- The DNP is the terminal nursing degree. However, DNP-prepared nurses can also add specialties to their skillsets with a post-master’s certificate program.
Nursing Pathways at a Glance
The table below shows the most common next step for nurses at every stage of their education, along with the WCU program option that fits, and the typical time to complete the program.
| Nurse Starting Point | Best Next Step | Program Option(s) | Typical Time to Complete |
| LPN/LVN | Become a registered nurse | LPN/LVN to BSN | 34 months, plus NCLEX-RN exam and licensure |
| RN with a diploma or associate degree | Earn a bachelor’s degree | RN to BSN (online) | As few as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus pace; 12 months at the Accelerated pace; 20 months at the Working Professional pace |
| RN ready to advance into graduate study | Skip the gap between bachelor’s and master’s coursework | RN to MSN (online, 6 specialization tracks) | 16 to 44 months, depending on track and pace |
| BSN-prepared nurse | Specialize at the graduate level | MSN (online, 6 specialization tracks) | 8 to 36 months, depending on track and pace |
| MSN- or DNP-prepared nurse | Add a new clinical or leadership focus | Post-Master’s Certificate (online, 6 specialization tracks) | 8 to 16 months, depending on track and pace |
| MSN-prepared nurse | Move into executive leadership | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP, online) | As few as 20 months at the Accelerated pace |
| Aspiring nurse without a nursing license | Become a registered nurse | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), on campus | As few as 39 months at the Accelerated pace |
Note: Completion times reflect WCU’s fastest published program paces. Actual time to complete depends on the pace selected, transfer credit, and clinical placement.
Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN)
Many nurses begin their careers as licensed vocational nurses (LVN), known as licensed practical nurses (LPN) in some states. LPNs and LVNs deliver foundational patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, including:
- Checking vital signs
- Changing bandages
- Helping patients bathe or dress
- Listening to patient concerns
What’s the Best Next Step for an LPN/LVN?
Most LPNs and LVNs advance by becoming registered nurses (RNs). At WCU, the LPN/LVN to BSN program lets you apply previous nursing coursework and licensure toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, qualifying you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Students can complete the program in as few as 34 months
Program: LVN to BSN | LPN to BSN (Miami): 34 months
Registered Nurses (RN)
A registered nurse is a licensed clinician who has passed the NCLEX-RN and is qualified to deliver a broader scope of care than an LPN/LVN. In addition to the responsibilities of a vocational nurse, an RN can:
- Assess patient condition
- Develop and update care plans
- Assist with diagnostic tests and procedures
- Educate patients on their health conditions
What’s the Best Next Step for an RN?
RNs who hold a diploma or associate degree typically advance by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The most recent new graduate employment data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that 69.8% of employers express a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses, and 25% of hospitals and healthcare settings require new hires to hold a bachelor’s degree. WCU offers two online pathways for working RNs:
RN to BSN (online): Earn your bachelor’s in as few as eight months at the Accelerated Plus pace, 12 months at the Accelerated pace, or 20 months at the Working Professional pace. Explore the RN to BSN program.
RN to MSN (online): Move directly from undergraduate to graduate coursework in 16 to 44 months, depending on the specialty track and pace you choose to pursue. Note that some employers may require nurses with an MSN to have also earned a BSN—make sure you understand the requirements of your current workplace (or workplaces that interest you) before you commit to a program. Explore the RN to MSN program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students to practice as registered nurses. At the turn of the century, it was more common for RNs to begin their careers with an associate degree or a nursing diploma. Today, the BSN is the standard. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)’s most recent National Nursing Workforce Study found that 73% of RNs hold at least a BSN degree.
WCU’s BSN curriculum combines coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care with supervised clinical hours where students work directly with patients. The Accelerated pace can be completed in as few as 39 months.
What’s the Best Next Step After a BSN?
BSN-prepared nurses typically pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in a chosen specialty. At WCU, BSN-prepared nurses can complete an online MSN in as few as eight to 20 months, depending on the track and pace selected.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing (online)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate nursing degree that prepares nurses for advanced practice, teaching, and leadership roles. At WCU, we offer six specialty tracks for our online MSN program:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner—as few as 20 months
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner—as few as 20 months
- Family Nurse Practitioner—as few as 20 months
- Nurse Educator—as few as 8 months
- Nurse Leader—as few as 8 months
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—as few as 20 months
Our Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader programs can be completed in as few as 8 months with our Accelerated Plus pacing. All other programs can be completed with our Accelerated pacing or our Working Professional pacing—choose a study schedule that aligns with your goals.
What’s the Best Next Step After an MSN?
MSN-prepared nurses who want to add a new clinical or leadership specialty can complete a post-master’s certificate. Those who want to take on executive leadership or shape healthcare policy can pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the terminal nursing degree.
Post-Master’s Nursing Certificates
A post-master’s certificate allows an MSN-prepared nurse to add a new specialty without completing a second master’s degree. The coursework is designed to prepare students to sit for the relevant board certification exam. WCU offers the same six specialty tracks online as the MSN, with completion times of eight to 20 months depending on the track.
Program: Post-Master’s Certificates (online)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal practice degree in nursing. The curriculum prepares nurses for executive leadership roles and includes coursework in strategic leadership, healthcare informatics, and policy development.
WCU’s online DNP is designed for MSN-prepared nurses, and can be completed in as few as 20 months at the Accelerated pace.
Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (online)
Choosing the Path That Fits
Every nurse brings different goals, schedules, and life situations to their education. There is no single right pathway, but understanding the next step at each level makes it easier to plan ahead.
To talk through your options with a WCU advisor, request information at the bottom of the page or schedule a campus tour or information session. We can’t wait to help you make your next move in nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest nursing degree?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest practice-focused nursing degree. It prepares nurses for executive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and influence over healthcare policy. WCU’s online DNP can be completed in as few as 20 months at the Accelerated pace.
How long does it take to go from LPN/LVN to RN?
At WCU, the LPN/LVN to BSN program takes 34 months. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam required to practice as a registered nurse.
Do you need a BSN to become a registered nurse?
No. A BSN is not legally required to become an RN—a diploma or associate degree in nursing also qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. However, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that nearly 70% of employers express a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses, while 25% now require new hires to hold a bachelor’s degree.
Can you earn an MSN without a BSN?
Yes. Registered nurses who hold a diploma or associate degree can enroll in WCU’s online RN to MSN program, which combines bachelor’s-level and master’s-level coursework into a single pathway. Total time ranges from 16 to 44 months, depending on the specialty track and pace.
What’s the difference between an MSN specialty track and a post-master’s certificate?
An MSN specialty track is part of earning a master’s degree for the first time. A post-master’s certificate is designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to add a new specialty without earning a second master’s.
Both prepare students to sit for the relevant board certification exam, and WCU offers the same six specialty tracks in either format.
Which WCU nursing program can I complete the fastest?
The Accelerated Plus pace of the online RN to BSN program is WCU’s fastest nursing pathway, with degree completion in as few as eight months. The Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader tracks of both the MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs can also be completed in as few as eight months at the Accelerated pace.
Practice experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree, and Post-Master’s Certificate programs.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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