Nurses play a vital role in health care today. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in this field need to know the various nursing degrees offered. With this information, they can choose which path best meets their needs.
Practical Nursing
Many people start their nursing career by becoming a licensed practical nurse. This is the fastest way to begin a career in the field. Licensed practical nurses provide basic care, working together with doctors and registered nurses when doing so. They work in a range of healthcare settings today.
One reason a person might choose to become a licensed practical nurse rather than pursing one of the other nursing college programs is the salary they can earn. The median annual wage for an LPN in America in May 2020 was $48,820. The individual can begin working as a nurse and bringing in a good salary while deciding whether to pursue an advanced degree.
Associate in Nursing
Anyone wishing to work as a registered nurse will need an associate in nursing (ASN) degree. Individuals with this degree remain in high demand today. A registered nurse can expect to earn a median annual wage of $77,600. Once a person earns this degree, they can choose to specialize in a particular area.
Bachelor’s in Nursing
Many healthcare organizations require registered nurses to obtain a Bachelor’s in Nursing. The Institute of Medicine called for this to be the educational standard for registered nurses, and the industry has responded. Individuals who obtain this degree find they receive a pay raise when doing so. In addition, they have more job opportunities.
Master’s Degree in Nursing
Nurses wishing to work in management and those who want to specialize in certain fields will need additional training and education before they can take on one of these positions. A person with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will find they have several specialties they can choose from.
Many individuals with an MSN choose to work as a nurse practitioner. These nurses remain in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting this demand will increase by 40 percent between now and 2031. Nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $118,040.
Nurse educators (NE) train other individuals to work as nurses. They take on the responsibility of sharing critical and lifesaving information with the nurses they oversee, which helps to mitigate risks.
Finally, some individuals with a Master’s Degree in Nursing will choose to work in nurse leadership and administration. These men and women work within healthcare organizations to help doctors, nurses, and other staff members navigate changes in the industry.
Individuals who have an MSN in nurse leadership often take on management roles. They may serve as a Director of Nursing, a Chief Nursing Officer, or a Healthcare Manager. Many consider one of these positions to be the pinnacle of the nursing industry.
The demand for health services executives and managers is expected to remain high in the coming years. Individuals working in this field earn an average annual wage of $119,840. However, wages vary by the organization and the area in which the executive or manager works.
Individuals find nursing to be a rewarding career. With different paths to becoming a nurse, every person will find the one that best meets their needs. In addition, there are ample opportunities for advancement in this field. Learn more today about the different nursing programs offered by colleges to start on a journey that will change a person’s life for the better.
