There are many different types of nurses that each have their own place in the greater healthcare system. Some nursing positions only require a BSN while others require an MSN. But confusion can arise with something like an RN to BSN degree compared to a BSN degree or a Family Nurse Practitioner when compared to a nurse practitioner. What’s the difference between all these nursing degree programs?
As part of our Nurses Week 2025 celebration, this blog will help provide some clarity for nurses and aspiring nurses wondering what level of education they might need for their chosen career path.
RN to BSN vs BSN
South University offers both an RN to BSN degree program and a separate BSN program. What is the difference between these two programs?
The RN to BSN program is for registered nurses who are looking to expand their skill set as they pursue advancement in their nursing career1. Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities look for nurses with a degree, and a BSN may help RNs achieve their goals. South University’s RN to BSN is part of South’s online2 nursing programs.
The BSN program is for those who are new to nursing, but are not yet registered nurses. At South University, both BSN degree programs focus on preparing students to become competent individuals3 who can synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, apply critical thinking skills, and demonstrate proficiency using the nursing processes.
Becoming a Registered Nurse
BSN pre-licensure programs help students prepare for licensure exams4 after graduation. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is the standard examination for the United States.
What is an FNP?
The next step for nurses who want to pursue a more specialized branch of nursing is a Master’s in Nursing Degree (MSN). These programs open up more opportunities for career advancement and a concentrated skillset. One of the most common MSN degree programs is a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner.
A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) works to provide patient-centered care for individuals and families across the lifespan. They are often a generalized primary caregiver and can find employment in a variety of healthcare organizations. In addition to providing healthcare to patients, FNPs also maintain patient records, prescribe various medicines, create treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions, and other conditions that most would consider general care.
Additional Nursing Specializations
In addition to a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization, South University also offers other MSN specializations for those looking to pursue different tracks of nursing.
MSN with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNP) are responsible for the care of the elderly. This program is designed to prepare you to exercise advanced leadership, clinical judgment, and critical thinking as you work to prevent, diagnose, and treat common health problems with evidence-based practice.
This program is also available as an RN to MSN degree.
MSN with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator
Nurse Administrators may transform the care of patients and communities through evidence-based, outcome-oriented nursing leadership. They develop strategic plans and systems which guides practices that support patient centered care for a number of populations in many areas.
This program is also available as an RN to MSN degree.
MSN with a Specialization in Nurse Educators
Nurse Educators are among those who train up the current and next generation of nurses in a variety of classroom and healthcare settings. They are primarily responsible for developing curriculum and focus on advancing the nursing practice through evidence-based policies.
This program is also available as an RN to MSN degree..
MSN with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics
Nursing Informatics is the study of healthcare data and using that data to provide insight for quality improvement and strategic planning. By analyzing data, nurses can help predict patient outcomes and work to provide a more robust strategy for taking care of patients.
This program is also available as an RN to MSN degree.
To enroll in South University’s MSN programs, any future nursing student interested in pursing a MSN must meet the requirements for the MSN programs.
What is a DNP?
Some nurses want to expand their leadership and management skills even further. For them, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree may be the right course of action. Many DNPs work to provide the highest level of nursing practice as they demonstrate organizational and care systems leadership for quality improvement. DNPs also focus on elevating scientific findings for health promotion and advocate policy changes to help resolve multiple healthcare problems.
South University’s DNP program has many requirements. As this is the highest level of nursing education, the requirements are more strict and much is expected of these students.
Conclusion
South University nursing programs are designed to prepare the next generation of nurses as they pursue their educational goals. With such a wide array of nursing programs available, prospective nurses can find the degree program that best suits their aspirations.
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1South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
2Clinical/Medical programs have a required ground clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
3Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
4Must meet the admission requirements to receive the transfer of credit. 57 credits assumes academic progression throughout the program. Additional costs for course retakes.
