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Nursing Careers and Advancement: How to Find Your Next Steps in Nursing

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Where do you want to go in your nursing career? Whatever your goals are, they start with attaining the right nursing education and experience. Explore this page for resources on how to decide on your next move in nursing, what education and experience to pursue, and what to expect as you continue to advance.

Whether you’re pursuing expanded practice, more autonomy, higher pay, or further specialization, Bradley University can help you chart your path.

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Explore graduate nursing degrees and certificates designed for career advancement

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Ready to take the next big step in your career? Choose Bradley and choose a path designed to help nurses advance in their careers and expand their practice. We offer MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate options that can help you specialize your practice, pursue nurse practitioner certification, or explore nursing career leadership opportunities. Choose from four in-demand specializations:
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
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See the degree and certificate options below to find the one that fits your background and your nursing goals.
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*RN to MSN tracks include 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses.
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Compare nursing careers, salaries, advancement pathways, and more

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As you prepare to advance as a nurse leader, it’s important to understand what to expect — both on your advancement journey and once you achieve your next step. Explore the resources below to learn more about nursing career opportunities, job satisfaction, mental wellbeing, and more.
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  • Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
    Bradley University can help you achieve your goals in nursing practice, leadership, and advancement. Check out all the advanced NP pathways and nursing degrees available to you, including MSNs, DNPs, and post-master's certificates.
  • A Look at the Job Satisfaction of Nurse Practitioners
    For nurses who pursue advanced careers and leadership opportunities, the benefits outweigh the difficulties — most notably, job satisfaction. Read about what makes being an NP so rewarding.
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  • Is a Public Health Nursing Career Right for You?
    Public health nursing is a popular career that offers a wide range of opportunities, work settings, and practice options. Learn more about this path, and see if it fits your goals in your nursing career.
  • Principles of Nursing Leadership: Jobs and Trends
    As you pursue advancement in your nursing career, it's important to understand the trends, techniques, and information that are driving the future of the field. Examine some of the factors informing nursing practice today.
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Why study nursing online at Bradley?

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Ready to set yourself apart and prepare for advancement in your nursing career? Choose Bradley, and choose a university dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and service. We can help you find your next step as you pursue advanced practice and leadership opportunities.

Here’s what you can expect from your Bradley University education:

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  • Learn from passionate, experienced faculty. Our programs are innovative, immersive, and collaborative. Study with expert faculty and benefit from their wealth of real-world nursing and advanced NP experience.
  • Choose the pathway that works best for you. Whether you’re an RN exploring your next step or an NP looking to expand your practice, we have advanced nursing degree and certificate options that can help you achieve your goals.
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  • Graduate with confidence from an accredited institution. Our nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, and Bradley University holds regional accreditation from the HLC, so we meet a high standard of quality.*
  • Prepare for real-world practice. Benefit from personalized support, 100% online coursework, and hands-on experience throughout your MSN, DNP, or post-master's certificate program. Complete clinicals locally and choose preceptors that fit your expectations.
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CCNE-accredited education
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Expert support from advisors and faculty
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Online flexibility and convenience
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Coursework designed for certification prep
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* The master’s degree program in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Bradley University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
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