"A career as an advanced practice registered nurse requires a graduate degree, so either a master’s or doctorate is necessary to enter this lucrative profession, which boasts median annual salaries that exceed $100,000.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends that aspiring advanced practice registered nurses pursue Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. “The changing demands of this nation’s complex healthcare environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes,” the association states on its website.
Nevertheless, the significant time commitment involved in pursuing a nursing practice doctorate may lead someone to enroll in a master’s program instead. For an applicant who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, a Master of Science in Nursing program will typically take only two years to complete, while a Doctor of Nursing Practice program would require three to four years of study." …
https://wtop.com/news/2020/08/10-nursing-masters-programs-with-the-lowest-acceptance-rates/