There are two major educational paths to registered nursing: A bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), and an associate degree in nursing (ADN). BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, typically take four years to complete (U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2005). ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take two years to complete. Nursing students are advised by professional nursing associations to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in a BSN program, because, if they do, their advancement opportunities are typically broader and they are better prepared to handle today's complex nursing demands. .

             The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recently issued a position paper, promoting baccalaureate-level preparation for entry into professional nursing practice (Rosseter, 2004). The organization is making many efforts to increase the education level of the nation's registered nurse workforce. Efforts to increase the availability of baccalaureate programs and increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses nationwide aim to create a more highly educated nursing workforce.

             Some career paths are open only to nurses with a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2005). A bachelor's degree is often the minimum requirement for administrative positions and is a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs in research, consulting, and teaching, and all four advanced practice-nursing specialties-clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. In most health care settings, management-level nursing positions require a graduate or an advanced degree in nursing or health services administration. BSN nurses get more extensive training in communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are increasingly important and desirable as nursing care becomes more complex.