Nursing B.S. :: Career Opportunities

Significant Points
  • Registered nurses (RNs) constitute the largest healthcare occupation, with 2.6 million jobs.
  • About 60 percent of RN jobs are in hospitals.
  • The three typical educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program; advanced practice nurses — clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners — need a master's degree.
  • Overall job opportunities are expected to be excellent, but may vary by employment and geographic setting; some employers report difficulty in attracting and retaining an adequate number of RNs.
  • Individuals considering a career in nursing should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in each type of education program. Advancement opportunities may be more limited for ADN and diploma holders compared to RNs who obtain a BSN or higher. Individuals who complete a bachelor's degree receive more training in areas such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are becoming more important as nursing practice becomes more complex. Additionally, bachelor's degree programs offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor's or higher degree is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching

Earnings
Median annual wages of registered nurses were $62,450 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,640 and $76,570. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,240. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in May 2008 were:
  • Employment services - $68,160
  • General medical and surgical hospitals - $63,880
  • Offices of physicians - $59,210
  • Home health care services - $58,740
  • Nursing care facilities - $57,060
Many employers offer flexible work schedules, child care, educational benefits, and bonuses. About 21 percent of registered nurses are union members or covered by union contract.
Projections Data
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2008 Projected Employment, 2018 Change, 2008-18 Number Change, 2008-18 Percent Detailed Statistics
Registered nurses 29-1111 2,618,700 3,200,200 581,500 22 [PDF] [XLS]