Nursing is the art and science of caring, healing, treating, curing, and educating patients of all ages in diverse health care environments. Nurses commit to the delivery of holistic patient care, preserving health, and improving nursing practices and patient outcomes.

Occupations

Registered Nurses (RNs) work as general duty nurses, critical care nurses, cardiovascular nurses, or ambulatory nurses. Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) work as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse mid-wives, and certified nurse anesthetists.

Degrees

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree prepares nurses for leadership, advanced clinical practice, specialization, and doctoral study. Areas of specialization include Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Administrator, and Adult Health Nursing, among others. The traditional research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree prepares nurses for academia or research, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses to advance their knowledge and competencies and attain leadership positions in clinical practice, administration, and research. 

Programs

NursingCAS is an online application service for students applying to nursing programs in the United States To see the list of participating nursing schools and application procedures, please go to NursingCAS.  Students are advised to look up individual nursing program websites for academic eligibility, admission requirements, and procedures. If the nursing school of your choice is not among those participating in NursingCAS, contact that institution directly. 

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC) are recognized accreditation agencies for U.S. nursing programs. Nursing schools should also be approved by the State Boards of Nursing. Learn the varying admissions requirements, trends, and current developments in the profession to identify programs that meet your preferences and goals. International students should consider recognition of U.S. nursing programs in their home countries before applying.