{"id":58318,"date":"2023-05-09T11:03:08","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T15:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58318"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:43:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:43:49","slug":"different-nursing-career-paths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/different-nursing-career-paths\/","title":{"rendered":"A map of different nursing career paths"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses are essential healthcare professionals that help keep patients in clinics, hospitals, and communities healthy. They touch every part of the healthcare system. For those considering a nursing career, it can be difficult to navigate all the possible career options; nurses can pursue a variety of educational routes and work in any number of settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to figure out which nursing career path is the right fit for your goals and aspirations is to research them fully. This guide covers the basics of the educational requirements for the top nursing jobs and what you can expect when you start in the workplace. If you&#8217;re excited to start your new career, consider all of these nursing specialties available today.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-nursing-could-be-the-career-path-for-you\"><b>Why nursing could be the career path for you<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nursing career has many benefits, including competitive pay and job security. The universal demand for nurses makes it an attractive career path for those who crave variety and want the flexibility to live and work almost anywhere in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A majority of schools offer nursing certificates and degrees, with some even offering evening and weekend classes for those who already work full-time. Some programs allow students to do at least part of their coursework virtually, giving even more flexibility to those who want to start on this exciting career path.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, nurses are in high demand, due to the number of professionals expected to retire. The number of RNs decreased by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacnnursing.org\/News-Information\/Fact-Sheets\/Nursing-Shortage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 100,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between 2020 to 2021, which was the largest decrease over the past 40 years.&nbsp; &ndash; the largest drop ever observed over the past four decades. With many more nurses needed than those available to fill the roles, it provides job security for those looking for a stable industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nursing-salaries-and-job-growth\"><b>Nursing salaries and job growth<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurse salaries range depending on the education received and the industry. In one example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6% increase<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in registered nurse (RN) positions over the next ten years. These jobs in the nursing field come with a range of salary options, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Median salary of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$48,070<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per year for licensed practical nurses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Median salary of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/registered-nurses.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$77,600<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per year for registered nurses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Median salary of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$123,780<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per year for Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"different-levels-of-nursing\"><b>Different levels of nursing<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The registered nurse (RN) is just one level of the nursing profession, with opportunities for those with less education and experience as well as more. Each of these types of nurses has unique training, requirements, and certification. The timeline for getting into the workplace varies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"certified-nursing-assistant-cna\"><b>Certified nursing assistant (CNA)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The certified nursing assistant (CNA) is also called a nursing assistant or nurse&rsquo;s aide. They help with day-to-day patient care, including helping patients who can&#8217;t perform activities of daily living on their own. Their work varies by state, with some able to dispense medication or measure vital signs. There is no minimum timeframe for becoming a CNA. It is an entry-level nursing position and the start of the nursing career ladder.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High school diploma or GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of a state-approved CNA program at a trade school or community college<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A satisfactory score on a state-approved certification exam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pay<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National average of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nursing-assistants.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$14.56\/hr<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Job Growth<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nursing-assistants.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over the next ten years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 id=\"licensed-practical-vocational-nurse-lpn-lvn\"><b>Licensed practical\/vocational nurse (LPN\/LVN)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed practical nurses (LPN) or licensed vocational nurses (LVN) provide basic health care under the supervision of the registered nurse. Their duties may include checking vitals, provide basic care, and assist with maintaining patient comfort. Their exact scope of practice depends on the state where they practice.. The time to become an LPN is about a year, making it a good higher education option for busy adults.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High school diploma or GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of a state-approved LPN program at a trade school or community college<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination Exam for Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pay<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National average of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$23.11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/hr<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Job Growth<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over the next ten years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 id=\"registered-nurse-rn\"><b>Registered nurse (RN)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses that you see handling medication, helping with a plan of care, working directly with doctors, and managing other nurses are most likely registered nurses (RN).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two options for becoming a registered nurse: the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ASN route takes just a year or two, with career advancement possible through more education. The BSN route takes two to four years, depending on the number of courses taken through other programs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements for ASN<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of an associate degree in nursing program at an accredited institution&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements for BSN<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of a bachelor of science in a nursing degree program at an accredited institution<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pay<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National average of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/registered-nurses.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$37.31<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/hr<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Job growth<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/registered-nurses.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over the next ten years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 id=\"graduate-nursing-degrees\"><b>Graduate Nursing Degrees<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you would like to continue your nursing education and licensure to become an advanced practice nurse, you have several options: the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Ph.D.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These nursing professionals are leaders in their workplaces, often teaching or managing other nurses. They often work independently, with the doctor overseeing their care plans, and can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With an MSN degree, you may go on to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), which includes roles like nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree, which is a level above the MSN. It is the highest level of nursing, along with the Ph.D. These professionals work in healthcare policy, administration, research, education, and information systems and are leaders in their fields.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both paths take a minimum of four years and possibly up to eight, depending on the degree choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements for MSN<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN licensure, Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of master&rsquo;s degree program<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements for APRN<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN licensure and either an MSN or DNP degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of the APRN certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements for DNP<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN licensure and either a BSN or MSN degree&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of the DNP program<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements for Ph.D.<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN licensure and either BSN or MSN degree&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of the Ph.D. program<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pay<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting national average of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$59.51<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/hr<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b> Job growth<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40%<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"common-nursing-work-settings\"><b>Common nursing work settings<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses can work anywhere that healthcare services are required, even in environments not traditionally associated with healthcare, such as schools.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hospitals-and-surgical-centers\"><b>Hospitals and surgical centers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just over<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of nurses work in hospitals and surgical facilities. Here they cover a wide range of specialties, including labor and delivery, oncology, and emergency rooms. Their skills are put to the test daily, with many opportunities to jump in and make a difference in urgent and life-threatening situations. Since hospitals remain open all the time, nurses who work there keep non-traditional schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"medical-offices\"><b>Medical offices<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical office nurses are crucial for a variety of healthcare services, including treating common ailments like a cold, conducting annual physicals, and administering immunizations during doctor&#8217;s visits. This role is more traditional in schedule, with a typical 9-5 workday and some weekends. Nurses may have a more long-term relationship with their patients who may come into the office for regular, ongoing care. Just over<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7% of nurses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> work in medical offices for doctors, dentists, or specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"community-health-clinics\"><b>Community health clinics<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses are essential for both for-profit and nonprofit healthcare clinics that often cater to low-income or disadvantaged communities. They not only provide medical care to patients but also educate them on making healthy living choices. An important part of this role is to connect patients with resources that promote their overall well-being, such as social services, food assistance, and child health services. Just around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.9% of nurses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> work in these social services settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"outpatient-care-facilities\"><b>Outpatient care facilities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses specializing in outpatient care make up just under<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5% of the nurses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the field today. They provide routine care and help with minor surgeries that don&#8217;t require an inpatient stay. Outpatient care nurses can help with medication plans, wound care, and ongoing treatment scheduling. As healthcare transitions to performing more procedures on an outpatient basis, this nursing category may be expected to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"assisted-living-facilities\"><b>Assisted living facilities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At an assisted living facility, nurses play a critical role in caring for individuals who can no longer reside safely at home, including older adults, those recovering from major surgeries or accidents, and those requiring ongoing residential care for a disability. Their duties may include administering medication, monitoring vital signs, providing wound care, assisting with activities of daily living, and ensuring the overall health and well-being of the residents. Assisted living and ongoing residential care nurses make up<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.8% of the nursing population<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"schools\"><b>Schools<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All schools need at least one health professional onsite or available to come onsite when needed. This includes elementary schools, high schools, and even colleges. They can help students with non-urgent care and refer them to emergency care, as needed. School nurses also specialize in keeping illness from spreading in schools by teaching proper hygiene; they may assist teachers with sex, nutrition, and health education programs. Only<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2.9% of nurses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> work in schools.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"home-health\"><b>Home health<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When sick, disabled, or aging persons need assistance with healthcare tasks in their homes, they rely on home health nurses to keep them healthy. These nurses make up just <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.bls.gov\/projections\/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-1141&amp;ioType=o\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.5% of the nursing workforce<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and have an important role in our aging society. Home health nurses can work long hours around the clock, including days, nights, and weekends, as patients may need assistance at any time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-nursing-roles\"><b>Common nursing roles<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These nurse jobs are the ones you may be most familiar with.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"clincal-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Clincal nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNA, LPN\/LVN, or RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-5 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/position\/clinical-nurse-salary\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$85,192<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"or-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; OR nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional OR certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-5 years of nursing hospital experience may be required<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/alternate\/or-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$83,650<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"critical-care-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Critical care nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-5 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 years of additional field experience may be needed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/alternate\/critical-care-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$82,000\/yr<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"cardiac-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Cardiac nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-3 years of clinical experience may be required<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/hiring\/cardiac-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$99,875<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"dialysis-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">Dialysis nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license, work experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional dialysis certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-3 years of clinical nursing experience may be required<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional dialysis certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/position\/dialysis-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$67,836<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"pediatric-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pediatric nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pediatric care certification (optional)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional pediatric care certification (optional)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/alternate\/pediatric-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$76,800<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"neonatal-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Neonatal nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional neonatal care certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-3 years of clinical experience caring for children and infants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional neonatal care certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/hiring\/nicu-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$82,269<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"oncology-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Oncology nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional oncology care certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional oncology care certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/staff-nurse-rn-oncology-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$82,177<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"hospice-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hospice nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license, work experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional hospice care certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 year of education for LPN&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure as an RN<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional hospice care certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/staff-nurse-rn-hospice-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$81,754<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"home-healthcare-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Home healthcare nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed Practical Nurse degree, Associate degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPN or RN license and work experience<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 year of education for LPN or 2-4 years of education and licensure as an RN<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/position\/home-health-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$60,386<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"infection-control-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Infection control nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work experience&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional infectious disease certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/alternate\/nurse-infection-control-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$98,590<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"emergency-department-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Emergency department nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/position\/er-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$74,903<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"public-health-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Public health nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Health certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 years for MSN degree and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional public health certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/recruiting\/public-health-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$65,058<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"school-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; School nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/school-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$54,264<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"occupational-health-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Occupational health nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Occupational Health Nurse certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional occupational health certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/staff-nurse-rn-occupational-health-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$88,815<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"travel-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Travel nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/recruiting\/travel-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$92,996<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"advanced-practice-nursing-careers\"><b>Advanced practice nursing careers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those committed to getting an advanced degree and putting in more learning hours, there are many career roles to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"nurse-practitioner-np\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nurse practitioner (NP)<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree or Doctor of Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/nurse-practitioner-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$120,575<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"clincal-nurse-specialist-cns\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Clincal nurse specialist (CNS)<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree or Doctor of Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNS certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNS certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/clinical-nurse-specialist-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$115,307<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"certified-registered-nurse-anethetist-crna\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Certified registered nurse anethetist (CRNA)<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree or Doctor of Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CRNA certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CRNA certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/alternate\/crna-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$207,701<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"certified-nurse-midwife-cnm\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Certified nurse-midwife (CNM)<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree or Doctor of Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNM certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Midwife certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/benchmark\/certified-nurse-midwife-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$119,701<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"nurse-educator\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nurse educator<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree, Doctor of Nursing Degree, Ph.D&nbsp; degree, or Ed.D Degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/listing\/nurse-educator-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$106,890<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"informatics-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Informatics nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4-6 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/hiring\/informatics-nurse-specialist-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$74,538<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"health-policy-analyst\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Health policy analyst<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree (or Doctorate degree)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health Policy certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4-6 years for RN and health policy education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional health policy certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/recruiting\/health-policy-analyst-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$70,076<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"nursing-management-and-administration-careers\"><b>Nursing management and administration careers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have more of an interest as a leader and administrator, these nursing paths may be more to your liking.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"nurse-administrator\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nurse administrator<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree,Doctor of Nursing degree, or Ph.D degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/posting\/nurse-administrator-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$99,831<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"nurse-manager\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nurse manager<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-6 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/opening\/registered-nurse-nurse-manager-salary\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$89,294<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"advanced-clinical-educator\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Advanced clinical educator<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science with additional teaching experience,Master of Science degree or Doctor of Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-6 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3-5 years of experience in nursing or teaching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/offering\/advanced-practice-clinical-educator-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$53,805<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"director-of-nursing\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Director of nursing<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science,Master of Science degree, or Doctor of Nursing Degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-8 years for education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/hiring\/nurse-director-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$111,032<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"chief-nursing-officer\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Chief nursing officer<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science degree or Doctor or Nursing degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/posting\/chief-nursing-officer-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$138,319<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"other-nursing-careers\"><b>Other nursing careers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other exciting careers await those who want to help others but aren&rsquo;t interested with the more traditional nursing roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"geriatric-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Geriatric nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate Degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/position\/geriatric-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$73,681<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"military-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Military nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility for military service and enlistment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Office training<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years for RN education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Application and acceptance into service<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of Officer Basic Leadership Course (BOLC)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militaryrates.com\/military-pay-charts\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">varies by rank<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3 id=\"forensic-nurse\"><span class=\"title\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Forensic nurse<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN license<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Timeline for career<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-4 years of education and licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Average salary<\/b><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/research\/salary\/hiring\/forensic-nurse-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$68,893<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"additional-resources-on-nursing-careers\"><b>Additional resources on nursing careers<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/careeroutlook\/2020\/article\/careers-for-nurses-opportunities-and-options.htm\"><b>US Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vacareers.va.gov\/careers\/nursing-jobs\/\"><b>Department of Veterans Affairs Nursing Jobs<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/jobs?q=nurse&amp;l=&amp;vjk=0b6c8dd8f3beef1f\"><b>Nursing Jobs on Indeed.com<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"nursing-careers-faq\"><b>Nursing careers FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Will demand for nursing grow?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that jobs in the nursing field will grow<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">around 6%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over the next decade or the average for all jobs. However, some nursing positions will be harder to fill and require more experienced nurses to meet the demand. Demand also varies by geographic region, so take a look at the open positions in your area to see which nurse opportunities are more common.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is it possible to work while getting a nursing degree?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many nursing programs are designed to be flexible, with some offering evening and online classes for busy, working professionals. You should expect to have time set aside to complete your clinical experiences, however, which must be done in person, and in a healthcare setting. Once you&rsquo;ve become a nurse, it&rsquo;s possible to continue your education, completing a Bachelor&rsquo;s degree, Master&rsquo;s degree, or even a Doctorate while still working as a nurse. These programs are geared toward the professional already working in the field.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Can I work as a nurse while studying to become one?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must first have your nursing license before you can work in the field. Once you&rsquo;ve gotten your LPN or RN, however, you can continue earning college credits and working toward an advanced degree in your off hours. It&rsquo;s common for nurses to work toward higher levels of education while still employed as a nurse.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What are the challenges of a nursing career?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While nursing offers opportunities to help people in a variety of settings, it&rsquo;s not a perfect career. Challenges include long or unpredictable hours, being on your feet all day, and working with difficult people. Depending on the healthcare setting, you may see excessive trauma, as well.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nurses are essential healthcare professionals that help keep patients in clinics, hospitals, and communities healthy. They touch every part of the healthcare system. For those considering a nursing career, it can be difficult to navigate all the possible career options; nurses can pursue a variety of educational routes and work in any number of settings. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":58358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-58318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A map of different nursing career paths<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This guide goes over the various roles and responsibilities, education requirements, and career prospects for different nursing careers. Read on to learn which nursing career path is right for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/different-nursing-career-paths\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A map of different nursing career paths\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This guide goes over the various roles and responsibilities, education requirements, and career prospects for different nursing careers. 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