-----

Learn more about your educational opportunities...

Home >> Degrees >> Health & Nursing >> Nursing Overview

Nursing Degree Overview

If you are interested in entering the field of nursing, the first step is to make certain you are eligible to get a license by the board of nursing in the state of your choice. Typically, in order to qualify, you must have either a nursing diploma or an associate�s degree. Based upon the type of licensing exam you take, you will either become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).Once this has been accomplished, you can enter the working world in an entry-level position. As you are working, you can continue with your education by applying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses who have earned their BSN degree have a greater potential for higher salaries and career advancement. With a bachelor�s degree and a few years of work experience, you can take your career to the next level by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. By having an MSN degree, you will have the ability to reach the pinnacle of nursing positions � an advanced practice nurse. Nurses can also continue their pursuit in education by getting a doctorate degree. They can obtain either a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) or opt for a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a DNP. These doctorates will allow them to pursue a career in clinical and nursing research or a career in teaching in nursing schools.

There are a variety of options for pursing your nursing degree � online, campus-based or a blend of both. The first step is contacting a school that meets your requirements today.

Careers In Nursing

Nurses are the largest single group of healthcare providers in the United States. Over the years, professional nurses have shed their handmaiden role to become caregivers on the frontlines of health care. In addition to providing hands-on care for sick or injured patients, nurses also support the general practitioners, physicians, dentists and surgeons.
From surgery rooms to neonatal intensive care units to community health clinics, exciting and unlimited career opportunities are available for nurses. And, as the health care field becomes increasingly complex and specialized, more and more nurses are finding steady, rewarding careers beyond the traditional hospital or office setting. If you have a desire to help others, a fascination with cutting-edge medicine or want to explore new places and meet new people, check out a few of the hottest careers in nursing, including: traveling nursing careers, legal nurse consulting, military nursing careers, forensic nursing careers or surgical nursing careers.

Salary Expectations & Employment Outlook

Although salaries will differ by state, position and education level, the median annual earnings of registered nurses was $52,330 in May 2004, according to the US Department of Labor. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,370 and $63,360. The US Department of Labor also says that job opportunities for nurses in all specialties are expected to be excellent. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, and, because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result. In fact, registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations.
This job growth can be attributed to a few factors -- the first being the need to replace experienced nurses who no longer want to work in the profession or are retiring. Another reason for the growth is the technological advances in patient care, which permit a greater number of medial problems to be treated and by an increasing emphasis on preventive care. Additionally, the number of older people who may need health care is starting to grow rapidly.
Salary opportunities coupled with job growth potential make it an exciting time to enter the field of nursing and pursuing a higher education degree. Take the first step by researching a college or university of your choice today.