Earn the Right Degree for Your Personal Nursing Career Trajectory

St. Catherine University offers nursing degree programs for a wide variety of career paths

As Katie Nurses complete degrees throughout their academic careers, job opportunities expand and evolve to match their growing knowledge and competencies. To strive for advancement, current and aspiring graduates benefit from understanding the different types of nursing degrees and how they can prepare individuals to make a difference in the field.

Different Nursing Career Paths

With each nursing degree earned, the opportunity to pursue more advanced roles in the nursing field increases. While the scope of practice changes as nurses move up the ladder, the core goal remains quality patient care and outcomes. More information about degree programs that prepare you for the careers listed below is available on the St. Catherine University School of Nursing webpage. The following lists a variety of careers nurses can pursue.

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Certified Nursing Assistant

CNAs aid in basic care under supervision of nurses and healthcare staff. They also monitor a patient’s health status. Additionally, they assist in key activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and movement.

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Registered Nurse

A registered nurse (RN) is a highly trained and licensed healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in providing patient care and promoting overall well-being. Using critical judgment and knowledge, RNs are responsible for assessing and monitoring patients, administering medications, coordinating and implementing treatment plans, and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team. Registered nurses possess a strong foundation in healthcare knowledge, clinical skills, and compassionate communication, enabling them to address the diverse needs of patients and contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

RN to BSN Completion Program

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators provide nursing education in a variety of settings to both nursing students and those practicing in healthcare settings. Nurse educators may be involved in teaching nursing curricula, instructing prospective nurses in various healthcare subjects, and supervising students’ clinical lab work. They may also provide unit-based or institution-level education for a variety of healthcare providers.

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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

APRNs perform physical exams, conduct and order diagnostic tests, diagnose and manage various health problems, build healthcare strategies to promote patient wellness and analyze patient conditions to ensure treatment effectiveness. The APRN umbrella covers several advanced practice roles including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife. Within those roles, APRNs are often certified to practice in a specific patient population and/or practice setting. For example, AGPCNPs specialize in providing primary care for adult and gerontological patients. Another example is primary care PNPs, who specialize in primary care for children from infancy to early adulthood. PMHNPs, meanwhile, specialize in the treatment of patients across the lifespan dealing with mental or behavioral health challenges and practice in a variety of settings.

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