What Degree Should I Get?

Whether you are just starting your journey to becoming a nurse or would like to expand your current nursing career, Kent State offers the nursing degree that’s right for you.

Which One Are You?

I’m a recent high school graduate

Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life! With so many career options out there, it can be difficult to choose which path to follow. Today’s professional nurses are in-demand and a nursing degree from Kent State can lead to a rewarding career with many exciting opportunities. Find out why you should consider a nursing career at Why Nursing? 

Many professional nurses begin their careers with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. This degree program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a professional nurse. Also, receiving your BSN will allow you to move up in the nursing profession, giving you the opportunity to work as an advance practice nurse, in research, in healthcare management, and as a nurse educator.

Learn More about our BSN Program


I’m an RN and I work full-time. Can I get my BSN degree online?

Absolutely! Our Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN-to-BSN) program is a convenient and affordable option for working RNs, especially those with families. You can take the knowledge you received in your associate's degree or diploma program and apply it toward a two-year program.

With the number of health care employers preferring to hire bachelor-prepared nurses increasing, getting your BSN degree can be a smart choice. Plus, becoming a bachelor-prepared nurse has never been easier with our 100% online program.

Learn More about our RN-to-BSN Online Program 


I have a bachelor’s degree in another field, but now want to become a nurse.

You’re not alone! Nursing is one of the fastest growing career fields in the United States. Many people who are unsatisfied with their current careers are looking for a more stable and fulfilling career.

The Accelerated Second Degree BSN concentration is a great option for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. The concentration can be completed in as little as 15 months, and graduates are well prepared to be professional nurses.

Learn More about our Accelerated BSN Concentration


I’m interested in advanced practice nursing.

A graduate degree in advanced practice nursing will allow you to work in a leadership role, and in many cases as a primary care provider.

Kent State offers six Nurse Practitioner concentrations at the master’s level (MSN), including Adult Gerontology Acute and Primary Care, Family, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric/Mental Health, and Women’s Health.

You can lead and manage nurses in a large clinical setting as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). This concentration will give you the skills to inform and educate staff nurses in your specialty and is recommended for the lifelong learner who enjoys staying informed about the latest in nursing research and science.

As a Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will most likely work in an outpatient setting. NPs in most states work alongside physicians as primary care providers and are authorized to diagnose, treat, and prescribe some medications.

Learn More about our Master’s program


I’ve been working as a nurse, and now I would like to share my knowledge with future nurses.

Remember when you first knew you wanted to become a nurse? And how nervous you were on your first day in lecture... the excitement you felt when you completed your BSN?

Every year, many new nursing students begin nursing school and experience those same emotions. If you’re interested in helping develop and prepare the next generation of nurses, our Nurse Educator master’s degree concentration may be the right choice for you. This program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to educate the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders.

According to the AACN, there is currently a major shortage of nursing faculty in the United States. So, you see, you couldn’t choose a better time to become a nurse educator!

Learn More about our Nurse Educator MSN concentration


I am interested in working in management in a healthcare setting.

The Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership master’s degree will prepare you to work in middle- or upper-management in healthcare organizations. You’ll learn about management, health care leadership, and advanced nursing from leaders and managers in health care. Programs are customized and flexible with many courses offered online for your convenience.

Kent State University offers a dual MSN/MBA degree—a great choice for nurses who want to integrate nursing knowledge and skills with business. Once you’ve completed this program, you will receive both an MSN and MBA in a much shorter timeframe and at a significant cost-savings than if you took the programs separately.

Learn More about Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership Learn More about our MSN/MBA Dual Degree