RN and advanced practice

Really there aren't any specialties that require a BSN where I live except for public and community health

so what education is required to be a certified nurse midwife or a neonatal nurse practioner

Really there aren't any specialties that require a BSN where I live except for public and community health

so what education is required to be a certified nurse midwife or a neonatal nurse practioner

A BSN, plus a Masters degree. (Though I am sure there are some programs that allow an ADN to enter and earn a MSN directly, most require a BSN before beginning the program).

There are quite a few RN to MSN direct programs. Give me a state and I'll let you know what colleges have programs.

With "just" an associate's degree, most RN's can work anywhere in the hospitals, "speciality areas" such as peds, L and D, ICU, etc., included. You can also do home health care in the communities. But if you want to be a school or community health nurse, as fergus already said, you need a BSN or higher. Now, If you want advanced practice certification/eligibility, (Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practicioner such as Pediatric NP, Neonoatal NP--etc.), plan on a post-graduate program of study, at least Master's and post-graduate certification classes, as well.

The only nursing jobs that I've seen in which a BSN is absolutely required are management (ie. nurse manager for floor) and research -- at least in my hospital. However, the organization is very supportive in assisting RNs to obtain higher degrees, including at the Master's level.