Exploring Nursing Degree Career Options: Options You Have Never Thought About.

An Array of Degrees

Available degrees span from two-year associate degrees to final graduate degrees, catering to diverse career aspirations and goals.

Associate Degree

An associate degree lays the foundation to become a registered nurse. Completed within 2 years, it equips graduates for entry-level roles.

The curriculum for ADN encompasses:

• Human Anatomy
• Healthcare Principles
• Professional skills
• Clinical trainin

Each school setting its passing score may necessitate passing TEAS exam scores, among other prerequisites.

Bachelor of Science (BSN)

A BSN educates on theoretical and practical aspects of the job over a 4-year duration, preparing you for diverse roles in clinical care, research, or pain management.

A BSN program often involves courses like:

• Nutritional science
• Human Anatomy
• Clinical expertise
• Public health

Varied prerequisites might include mandatory scores on the HESI exam, prior coursework, and background checks.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An MSN course molds aspirants for leadership roles in administration, education, or clinical practice. Typically a two-year commitment, some colleges also offer expedited or bridge programs, such as a BSN-to-MSN program.

An MSN curriculum delves into theoretical foundations, disease prevention, and health assessment, requiring concentration in specific areas. Concentration options include:

• Clinical Specialist in adult gerontology
• Family practitioner
• Practitioner specializing in pediatrics or psychiatric mental health
• Leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings

Prerequisites might involve a minimum GPA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a specified level of clinical work experience.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A terminal degree empowering individuals for leadership roles in clinical or non-clinical healthcare capacities, DNPs engage in healthcare administration, public service, health informatics, and leadership positions.

The course structure typically covers aspects like:

• Healthcare policy and advocacy
• Leadership within systems and organizations
• Information systems/technology
• Clinical prevention and population health
• Project implementation and evaluation

DNPs usually choose a specialized concentration from areas such as family nursing, psychiatric mental health, and adult gerontology, while requirements may include an active RN license, transcripts, and a resume.

Diverse Career Options for ADN and BSN Graduates

To practice as an RN, passing the National Council Licensure Examination is imperative. RNs seek roles in hospitals, community clinics, or physician offices, with BSN-prepared nurses increasingly in demand.

Endocrinology Nurse

Median Salary: $77,600

Role Description: Caring for patients with diabetes or thyroid disorders, requiring at least a BSN or ADN to begin in the field.

Travel Nurse

Average Salary: Approximately $81,000 

Role Description: Offering temporary healthcare support in response to personnel shortages, natural disasters, or high-need areas.

Surgical Nurse

Average Salary: Around $64,700

Role Description: Assisting patients before, during, and post-surgery, requiring at least an ADN or BSN.

Home Health Nurse

Average Salary: About $68,800 

Role Description: Providing in-home patient care, wound treatment, and monitoring, with ADN or BSN as a requirement.

Nurse Advocate

Average Salary: Approximately $70,500

Role Description: Assisting patients in navigating healthcare systems and advocating for their treatment choices, needing at least an ADN or BSN.

Critical Care Nurse

Average Salary: Approximately $84,400 

Role Description: Tending to patients in ICU, cardiac units, and emergency departments with life-threatening conditions, requiring at least an ADN or BSN.

Varied Opportunities for BSN and MSN Graduates

Nurse Researcher

Average Salary: About $74,000

Role Description: Engaging in research studies or patient care, with a preference for MSNs, but entry-level positions for BSN holders are also available.

Informatics Nurse

Average Salary: Around $82,900

Role Description: Handling medical software applications and computer systems, where BSN or MSN qualifications are sought.

Pain Management Nurse

Median Salary: $77,600 

Role Description: Assisting patients with acute or chronic pain management, necessitating at least a BSN.

Pain Management Nurse Practitioner

Median Salary: $120,680

Role Description: Prescribing medication, surgery assistance, and addressing pain management, requiring an MSN or DNP.

Diverse Career Paths Beyond Clinical Nursing

Legal Consultant

Average Salary: About $86,600 

Role Description: Providing medical case support and analysis for law firms and insurance companies, typically requiring an ADN or BSN.

Nurse Attorney

Median Salary: $127,990

Role Description: Representing medical professionals, advocating for policy changes, or delivering expert witness testimony, needing a BSN or MSN alongside a law degree.

Nursing Instructor or Nurse Educator

Median Salary: $77,440

Role Description: Guiding students in honing their skills for effective practice, demanding an MSN in an education program.

Nurse Administrator

Average Salary: Around

Role Description: Overseeing medical operations, compliance management, and team performance reporting, necessitating an MSN or a master of healthcare administration degree.

Nurse Case Manager

Average Salary: Approximately $77,000

Role Description: Connecting patients with appropriate care plans and resources, requiring an ADN or BSN for the role.