How much time does it take to complete?
For the main nursing degree at a 4 year college that would be a BSN. It takes at least 4 years. Some programs are 5 year, and there are accelerated 3 year programs as well but they may go all year.
You can qualify to take the RN exam after a 2 year degree from a community college. However, your job opportunities will not be as good as if you have a BSN. You can get a BSN later. Also entry into community college nursing programs is very competitive, and there are often waiting lists…
Every nurse, regardless of what they wish to specialize in, must obtain a BSN. There are a variety of ways to get their degree. The most popular is direct entry from high school into a 4 year program. Then theres the 2+2 program (pre nursing for 2 years, then nursing for the last 2 years), getting an associate’s degree first (takes about 1.5 years), etc.
There is really only one nursing major. If you go to grad school, you can go for your speciality, like women’s health, neonatal, psychiatry, pediatric, family health, midwifery
Many employers prefer to hire BSNs. However, you can become a RN with an associates degree from an accredited program or from an accredited hospital-based program. Most of the 3 year hospital based programs have disappeared, but there are still a few left. Many of the hospital based programs are now partnering with other organizations to offer a BSN, but it is not required.