
Pathways
Choose your path to a career in nursing leadership and administration
As an RN who currently holds an associate degree as your highest degree earned, you have multiple educational choices to advance your career to nursing leadership and administration. You can choose to advance straight to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) first before committing to a graduate-level pathway.
Here are a few of the primary pathways from an associate degree to a career in Nursing Leadership and Administration (NLA):
ASN to MSN-NLA
You can potentially qualify for an accelerated program designed for RNs with an associate degree to work towards an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration.
- Time to complete: 20 monthsi
- Program: Accelerated RN to MSN-NLA
ASN to BSN to DNP-NLA
Start by completing an RN to BSN program, then go from BSN to DNP in Nursing Leadership and Administration and earn the highest degree in nursing.
- Time to complete: 40 monthsi
- Programs: RN to BSN, BSN to DNP-NLA
iBased on average program lengths for students attending full-time. In the case of tracks with multiple programs, average program lengths are added together.
Comparing each degree pathway
We’ve purposefully designed our nursing programs to be flexible and stackable to fit every student’s preference and overall career goals. Here’s a starting point for why current associate-level RNs might elect different degree program pathways in nursing leadership and administration:
Why choose
ASN to MSN-NLA?
- Fastest path to a master’s degree in the Nursing Leadership and Administration specialization
- Fewest credits required = lowest overall cost vs. alternatives
- Earn the master’s degree required to qualify for advanced career opportunities
Why choose
ASN to BSN to MSN-NLA?
- Earn a BSN in as little as 12 months and increase employment opportunities as an RN faster
- Allows time to continue evaluating advanced specialization options without having to commit now
- Earn the master’s degree required to qualify for advanced career opportunities
Why choose
ASN to BSN to DNP-NLA?
- Earn a BSN in as little as 12 months and increase employment opportunities as an RN faster
- Allows time to continue evaluating advanced specialization options without having to commit now
- By the end, you’ll have earned the terminal degree in nursing with excellent qualifications for advanced career opportunities
Discover your potential
Get in touch to learn more about our school and how we can help you reach your highest career goals.