Nursing Degrees and Programs
MY VIEWS ON NURSING DEGREES & PROGRAMS:
- It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by all the options (I did too!)
- There’s no one right path—the best program is the one that fits you
- You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start—just take it one step at a time
Choosing a nursing program is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel lost in all the options. But with the right guidance (and a little reassurance from nurses who’ve been there), you can confidently take the next step toward your nursing career. You’ve got this!
Kati Kleber, MSN, RN“Just pick a nursing program and go for it.”
Umm, no. Once you start digging into your options, you realize it’s not that straightforward, and it quickly becomes overwhelming. Do you go for an associate’s or a bachelor’s? Is an accelerated program worth it? Online or in-person? And how do you know if a school will actually prepare you for real nursing—not just passing exams?
At FreshRN, we get it—because we’ve been there. We know how frustrating it can be to sift through endless options, trying to figure out what’s really important. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of resources to help simplify the process and give you actual clarity. We break down different degree options, offer insight into what to expect in various programs, and provide honest guidance (based on our own experiences) to help you make the best decision for your future.
No matter where you are in your nursing journey, we’re here to support you with practical advice, trusted resources, and a realistic look at what to expect—so you can confidently take the next step toward your nursing career.
My partner created this awesome tool to help you find the program that’s perfect for you. Just click below to indicate where you are now and what degree you’re considering, and it will generate a list of schools accepting students in your area!
Featured Content
How Long Does it Take to Go From BSN to DNP? Let’s Discuss.
How long does it take to go from BSN to DNP? Let’s talk what affects the timeline, and how BSN to DNP programs compare to other nurse practitioner paths. Plus tips for choosing the right program.
So You Wanna Be an Adult Gero NP? Here’s What to Know First
The Adult Gero NP role focuses on caring for adults across the lifespan, including older adults. This guide breaks down what AGNPs do, how they compare to other NP specialties, and what it takes to earn your AGNP degree and certification.
Nursing Informatics Degree Online: Everything to Know Before You Enroll
Want to get a nursing informatics degree online? Let’s break down what your options are, and how to choose a path that aligns with your personality and career goals.
Freebie
Nursing School Planner
Free Spreadsheet
The Ultimate LPN School & Budget Planner
Free Spreadsheet
Want to make nursing school more affordable? 👇
We’ve partnered with Juno to help aspiring nurses access lower private student loan rates. They negotiate with lenders by pooling borrowers together, so you can focus on school, not stressing over high interest rates.
Nursing Degrees and Programs Articles & Resources
How long does it take to go from BSN to DNP? Let’s talk what affects the timeline, and how BSN to DNP programs ... The Adult Gero NP role focuses on caring for adults across the lifespan, including older adults. This guide breaks ... Want to get a nursing informatics degree online? Let’s break down what your options are, and how to choose a path ... Learn how the post master’s certificate in nursing works, who they’re for, and how to expand your practice with ... Thinking about becoming a women’s health nurse practitioner? Learn what WHNPs actually do, where they work, what ... Wondering how to become a pediatric nurse practitioner? This step-by-step guide breaks down the exact path, ... When should nurses refinance student loans? Let’s break down: when it makes sense, how much you could save, and ... Wondering how to lower your monthly student loan payments as a nurse? Learn how student loan refinancing for ...
How Long Does it Take to Go From BSN to DNP? Let’s Discuss.
So You Wanna Be an Adult Gero NP? Here’s What to Know First
Nursing Informatics Degree Online: Everything to Know Before You Enroll
Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing: What Is It?
What It’s Really Like to Be a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (with steps)
Should Nurses Refinance Student Loans? A No-Fluff Guide for Nurses
Student Loan Refinancing for Nurses: How to Lower Your Monthly Payments
All Free Nursing Degrees and Programs Content
Articles
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Quality BSN Programs in Texas: What You Need to Know
- Why RN to BSN Programs Online Could Be Your Next Best Career Move
- What is a BSN Program Like? A Nursing Student’s Perspective
- The Essential Difference Between ADN and BSN: Which Nursing Path is Right for You?
- LPN vs RN vs BSN: Why the Right Choice Could Transform Your Career
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
By Location
- The Ultimate Guide to Online Nursing Degree Programs: Flexible Options for Every Nurse
- Quality BSN Programs in Texas: What You Need to Know
- Best RN Schools in Florida: Your Guide to Top Nursing Programs in the Sunshine State
- Top Nursing Schools in Georgia: Your Guide to Becoming a Nurse in the Peach State
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Competency-Based
Kati Kleber, MSN, RN
Founder of FreshRN
The founder and educator behind FreshRN® is a nurse educator, author, national speaker, host of the FreshRN Podcast, and owner of FreshRN® – an online platform created to educate, encourage, and motivate newly licensed nurses in innovative ways.
