Nurses are the key to a working healthcare system and one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners have the highest projected growth rate of any occupation in the U.S., increasing by 46% by 2031. This number will likely increase even more as the population continues to age. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, nursing offers more paths, flexibility, and growth potential than almost any other field. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your credentials, understanding your career options can help you make confident, informed choices.
From fast-track licenses to leadership roles, nursing careers come in many forms, and each one plays a vital role in patient care.
Most nursing students can start working after completing a two-year associate degree and can gain direct experience with entry-level positions such as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). These nurses provide direct care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Many CNAs choose to further their studies to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be a good option for you if you want to fast-track your career. An LPN training program can be completed in as little as 12 to 15 months, and once you pass your examination and earn your licensure, you’ll be able to provide basic patient care.
Registered nurses (RN) can provide a higher level of care and educational support to patients. To become an RN, you’ll be required to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or other diploma from an accredited nursing program—and, like LPNs, you’ll need to make sure you’re licensed in the state you plan to practice in.
RNs are considered the backbone of the healthcare system and enjoy a median pay of about $93,600 a year, compared to an LPN’s average earnings of about $62,340 per year.
Registered nurses with a BSN or master’s degree in nursing can pursue a multitude of advanced career options. Best of all, you don’t have to stay in one career: Your knowledge and experience is applicable to many other nursing professions.
A nurse practitioner provides primary and specialty care and often works in collaboration with a doctor. Some states even allow NPs to open their own clinics. NPs are the fastest-growing profession in the United States and enjoy a median annual pay of $132,050.
Students interested in becoming a midwife will need to be a licensed RN and complete at least a BSN. Nurse midwives deliver babies, provide gynecological exams and family planning services, and advise women throughout their pregnancies. They enjoy an annual salary similar to NPs and can expect to see similar job growth.
RNs with a passion for teaching may consider becoming a nurse educator and training the next generation of nurses. Nurse educators usually work both in the classroom and clinical settings and earn a mean annual wage of $82,040.
Nurse informaticists integrate technology and information science with patient care. These professionals work to manage projects, develop systems, and analyze data in hospital settings. A nurse informaticist can expect to make around $86,844 a year. According to a 2020 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, about 51% of nurse informaticists report being highly satisfied with their position.
Health policy nurses integrate healthcare into public policy and the government. These kinds of nurses examine policies and practices in the healthcare system and can expect to make about $117,469 a year.
Nursing managers and other health services managers oversee, plan, and direct the business activities and workflow of healthcare professionals in each department. Nursing managerial occupations are a great option if you’re planning on taking on a leadership role in healthcare, with an annual salary of around $117,960 per year and expected job growth of 29% by 2033.
About 37% of nurses in hospital settings work in critical care and intensive care units (ICU).
These nurses usually perform direct care for critically ill or injured patients and provide immediate medical interventions for pre-surgery or post-surgery critical cases. CCNs can make up to $119,500 with a job growth outlook of about 6% by 2032.
Travel nurses are RNs with varying clinical backgrounds who are often on short-term assignments. If you enjoy new environments and the flexibility to move, this career path can be both adventurous and rewarding.
In addition to the opportunity to work in different states—and sometimes even internationally—travel nurses typically earn 10% to 15% more than permanent nursing staff, thanks to high demand and the temporary nature of their roles.
Wondering which nursing specialty fits your goals and your budget?
The chart below breaks down eight top nursing careers that require a BSN or higher, including their estimated median annual salaries as of 2024. Use this side-by-side view to help inform your next step in the nursing field.
Registered nurses who are interested in furthering their career may want to consider our CCNE-accredited RN to BSN. Our courses are entirely online and designed and taught by nursing leaders with firsthand knowledge of the challenges experienced in the healthcare field. Our online RN to BSN program can provide the education you need to pursue virtually any career path in healthcare.
In addition, most of our courses are asynchronous, which means you control the pace of your education. Study after shifts, during the weekends, or whenever you can make time.
Join the next generation of healthcare leaders at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Apply to our online RN to BSN program!
Sources:
https://www.registerednursing.org/nursing-careers
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/careers-for-nurses-opportunities-and-options.htm
https://www.topnursing.org/career/informatics-nurse
https://www.registerednursing.org/nurse-educator
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