• After completing a degree course in nursing, one may work in a variety of health care settings.nurse on duty image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  There are three educational degree courses a student in nursing may pursue, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They are an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree or a diploma in nursing received from an accredited training program. Upon completing her educational requirements, a nurse must complete certification in the state where she practices through the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
  
  

Diploma of Nursing

• Generally, a Diploma in Nursing is offered to students attending high school, but some states have accredited programs for others who want to enroll. Students in grades 11 or 12 complete credits that count towards a diploma in nursing. A student studying in the Diploma of Nursing program learns clinical skills as well as meets high school educational requirements. Courses include child and family nursing, clinical practices, diabetes management and education, aged care nursing and women's health. A Diploma in Nursing prepares a student to complete certification to become an RN. Employment opportunities include entry-level jobs in the health care industry.
  
  

Associate's Degree

• An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) generally takes two years to complete and is designed to prepare students for working in the field of nursing upon graduation and certification. With an ADN, a nurse meets the educational requirements to offer care and education to patients concerning illness and conditions. To further employment opportunities, a nurse with an ADN may specialize in one or more patient care specialties such as Cardiology, Day Surgery, Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cardiopulmonary ICU. Receiving specialty training allows a RN to have better employment opportunities with advanced salaries. Courses in this degree program include pharmacology, nursing concepts, interventions in health, surgical nursing and clinicals.
  
  

Bachelor's Degree

• To complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), it takes a nursing student four years at an accredited college. A BSN program offers a student stepping stones to more specialized careers, such as teaching. When completing a BSN, a student studies courses including adult health and mental health, pharmacology and therapeutic modalities, health care systems, professional foundations and nursing synthesis, according to Degree Directory. Upon completing a BSN, a nurse is prepared to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and medical offices. Receiving a BSN offers opportunities for a nurse to work in other areas that are less physically demanding, such as management and education.