subject: Educations Options For Registered Nursing [print this page] According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 2.6 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, making it the largest single occupation within the healthcare profession. This number is expected to grow significantly over the next decade for several reasons, including the aging American population and a greater emphasis being placed on preventative care.
While statistics show that 60 percent of jobs in the field are currently in hospitals, Bureau of Labor Statistics projections show that office jobs will have the greatest growth within the next ten years. Many RNs prefer these jobs because they offer stability and steady working hours; others prefer the fast-paced work environment found in a hospital setting. The career is also well-paying: national estimates place the mean average yearly salary for registered nurses at more than $65,000.
For many patients, registered nurses are their primary caregivers. They perform many of the functions of doctors, including check-up, patient care, running and evaluating diagnostic tests and prescribing medicine and other forms of treatment. But unlike becoming a physician, this career path does not require the lengthy and often expensive path of attending medical school, making it a popular choice for many individuals. In many cases, a registered nurse simply receives a two-year to four-year bachelor's degree, associate's degree or diploma from an approved nursing program before starting to work in the field. People with bachelor's degrees in other fields can even take a "fast-track" program and complete their nursing requirements in 12 to 18 months.
So which educational path is the right one to take? That answer depends on many factors, including how much time a person is willing to commit to their education. There are definite advantages to achieving a higher level of education: RNs with a better educational background stand a better chance of career advancement. People who wish to become advance practice nurses and move into careers such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists must complete a master's program along with any requirements from their state's board of health.
A lower-level nursing degree can help prospective nurses get started in their career, but higher levels of education can give individuals greater skills and allow them to advance in the careers. Many nurses choose to continue their education and pursue bachelor's degree or master's degrees while working. Although juggling a career and education can be difficult, it's one way for many nurses to gain the skills and accreditation needed to advance their career while remaining employed.
