In-Demand Careers in Nursing for 2019

Nursing is a rewarding field, best suited to those with the desire to help others. Qualified nurses are incredibly in-demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing jobs are expected to increase much faster than average, with an estimated 438,100 positions to be added nationwide by 2026. While this career can be a challenging one, it can also be incredibly rewarding, with a myriad of opportunities for professionals to broaden their skills and increase their income.

Careers in Nursing with a BSN Degree

Many people don’t realize the diversity of jobs available with the field of nursing. Nor do they realize how earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can open doors in their careers. Below are just a few of the many exciting options available for BSN graduates.

Flight Nurse

Salary: $69,213

Flight nurses care for patients who must be airlifted from remote or dangerous locations. They work in situations where speedy patient evacuation by aircraft is necessary, such as during hospital-to-hospital transport, search and rescue, or during fire emergencies. They are also commonly found in military settings. These professionals are truly specialists, requiring certification in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and advanced trauma.

RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic-Franciscan Cost Per Credit$460: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
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RN to BSN LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Designed for working nurses who seek to earn their bachelor’s degree, the online RN to BSN program at D’Youville College offers you a convenient and quality pathway toward elevating your career. The comprehensive curriculum teaches leadership skills within a service-oriented environment, and you will study topics such as vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and professional issues in nursing.
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RN to BSN LocationCanton, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$260: Malone University’s online RN-BSN program is designed for working nurses seeking to advance their careers and finish their bachelor’s degree. As a working professional, you will grow in professional competence and Christ-like compassion as you learn from a comprehensive curriculum that combines academically rigorous classes with biblical principles.
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RN to BSN LocationDavenport, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$386: Our fully online RN-BSN program is a bachelor’s completion program designed for working nurses and prepares you for career advancement in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum is specifically designed for working nurses and can enable you to progress in your career, while opening doors to new opportunities. SAU’s faculty are real-world professionals with nursing specialty expertise who have mentored and prepared nurses for diverse and fulfilling healthcare careers.
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Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Nurse

Salary: $61,588.

Those who work as neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses specialize in looking after babies with serious medical conditions. These infants often suffer from chronic illnesses, birth defects, or are born premature. NICU nurses are part of a team of medical professionals that offer round-the-clock care. These nurses may be responsible for assessing and evaluating patient care, performing assessments, tracking vitals, and other related duties. They also play a critical role in supporting a patient’s family members.

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Salary: $144,081

Nurse anesthetists specialize in pain management. Often working alongside anesthesiologists, they are charged with administering medication to patients and monitoring for complications. Their patients may include surgery patients, mothers in labor, individuals who suffer from chronic pain, or trauma survivors. They may also treat individuals in outpatient settings, such as those undergoing dental work.

Nurse anesthetists can work in hospitals, pain clinics, trauma centers, surgical centers, dental clinics, and more. Working as a nurse anesthetist requires at least a BSN degree, though pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing may be beneficial.

Nursing Career	Median Salary	Career Outlook
Flight Nurse	$69,136	15%
NICU Nurse	$73,550	15%
Nurse Anesthetist	$140,338	16%

Source: PayScale, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Nursing Career Options with an MSN Degree

While a BSN degree can offer a huge boost to your nursing career, an MSN degree can take your professional responsibilities—as well as your salary—to the next level.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Salary: $87,501

Clinical nurse specialists are nurses who have an advanced understanding of a certain area of practice within the field. Examples might include pediatrics, hospice care, gerontology, cardiology, or emergency medicine. Because of the degree of training required to enter this position, a CNS is often considered a leader within their field.

A CNS is responsible for management and improvement of nursing care and patient satisfaction. They work with other medical professionals to assess care standards and improve systems. They also provide medical service to patients.

MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Discover how to contribute to excellence in healthcare and provide quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities throughout the lifespan with Campbellsville University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a track in family nursing practice. The program teaches you how to be an effective, independent practitioner and use evidence-based practice to promote health and manage care for patients and families across the lifespan as you gain 660 clinical hours of experience.
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MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$700: D’Youville College’s online Master of Science in Nursing can prepare you for management roles and train you to become a change agent in your field. Combining a solid theoretical base with extensive practical training, you’ll gain the comprehensive learning experience you need to successfully advance to the next phase of your career. Choose between two concentrations: clinical focus and management and leadership.
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MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$630: Move into a leadership or education role with the ACEN-accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program from Rivier University. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and health systems management. Prepare to enhance patient care, improve the health outcomes and quality of life for others, and influence the next generation of nurses. The flexible, online format of the programs can be designed around professional and personal schedules.
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MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$500: Develop the skills needed to care for patients of all ages and meet the needs of tomorrow’s nurses with UWF’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Learn from experienced educators as you learn how to implement research- and evidence-based practices. This program helps you prepare for national exams, an academic career, or doctoral studies. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
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Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Salary: $92,730.

Although nurse practitioners are considered nurses, they perform many of the same duties as licensed physicians. These professionals are able to diagnose diseases, prescribe medicines, perform tests, and initiate plans for treatment. A nurse practitioner will often take a more holistic approach towards a patient’s health, helping to improve patient lifestyle instead of simply treating illnesses. Nurse practitioners can specialize in several areas, such as family health, psychiatry, oncology, or pediatrics.

In addition to earning an MSN, nurse practitioners must participate in medical training, which may include an internship or residency.

Nurse Educator

Salary: $73,874

Nurse educators teach students about the field of nursing and take the time to prepare them for their careers. Usually employed by colleges, universities, or hospitals with education programs, nurse educators must be both medically knowledgeable and enjoy working with students. Those in this role may teach generally, or specialize in areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or informatics. They may also develop training materials for hospitals and clinics. These might include manuals, training guides, procedures, systems, and other educational resources.

Nursing Career	Median Salary	Career Outlook
CNS	$87,265	15%
Nurse Practitioner	$85,552	36%
Nurse Educator	$73,726	16%

Source: PayScale, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For those with a passion for medicine who want to focus on patient care, nursing is a great career option. As a high-opportunity field that is both diverse and in-demand, it provides an exciting and secure pathway for professional advancement.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$465: The online online MSN from Bethel University prepares registered nurses for career advancement as nurse leaders in administration and education roles. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and includes core coursework in information systems, statistical literacy, advanced theory and more. Through a rigorous curriculum focused on effective communication and decision-making, this program promotes excellence in holistic, patient-centered care.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$499: The online Master of Science in Nursing program from Concordia University, St. Paul is designed for professional nurses who require the flexibility of attending classes on their schedule and are ready to advance their career. This program gives you the skills to lead teams in the complex and evolving healthcare system.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$700: D’Youville College’s online Master of Science in Nursing can prepare you for management roles and train you to become a change agent in your field. Combining a solid theoretical base with extensive practical training, you’ll gain the comprehensive learning experience you need to successfully advance to the next phase of your career. Choose between two concentrations: clinical focus and management and leadership.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$825: The online Master of Science in Nursing program from Fairleigh Dickinson University offers two concentrations to suit your professional goals: family nurse practitioner and nursing education. Depending on your concentration, the program prepares you to diagnose and treat diverse patients or become an instructor in collegiate nursing programs. Through a state-of-the-art curriculum, you’ll acquire the training you need to effectively work with students, parents, and patients.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$605.00: Advance your career through continued education with King University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Choose between two concentrations: nurse educator and administrator. Featuring a cohort model, the program allows you to earn your degree with the same group of peers. The program lets you collaborate on courses and projects and relay real-life work experiences into class discussions for a more interactive academic experience.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$630: Move into a leadership or education role with the ACEN-accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program from Rivier University. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and health systems management. Prepare to enhance patient care, improve the health outcomes and quality of life for others, and influence the next generation of nurses. The flexible, online format of the programs can be designed around professional and personal schedules.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$500: Develop the skills needed to care for patients of all ages and meet the needs of tomorrow’s nurses with UWF’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Learn from experienced educators as you learn how to implement research- and evidence-based practices. This program helps you prepare for national exams, an academic career, or doctoral studies. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
MS in Nursing (MSN) Education LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$590: Take your nursing career to the next level with Notre Dame College’s online Master of Science in Nursing Education. Designed for working nurses who wish to become instructors in the field, the program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and advocacy. You will gain hands-on experience that can be immediately applied to the real world through a required 120-hour practicum.
MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Discover how to contribute to excellence in healthcare and provide quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities throughout the lifespan with Campbellsville University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a track in family nursing practice. The program teaches you how to be an effective, independent practitioner and use evidence-based practice to promote health and manage care for patients and families across the lifespan as you gain 660 clinical hours of experience.
RN to BSN LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Designed for working nurses who seek to earn their bachelor’s degree, the online RN to BSN program at D’Youville College offers you a convenient and quality pathway toward elevating your career. The comprehensive curriculum teaches leadership skills within a service-oriented environment, and you will study topics such as vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and professional issues in nursing.
RN to BSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$600: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-BSN program trains working nurses for management and leadership positions. As a student, you’ll learn how to deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families in all environments and gain the skills necessary to make you competitive in the job market. Explore topics such as health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing administration and education, and more.
RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationCanton, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$260: Malone University’s online RN-BSN program is designed for working nurses seeking to advance their careers and finish their bachelor’s degree. As a working professional, you will grow in professional competence and Christ-like compassion as you learn from a comprehensive curriculum that combines academically rigorous classes with biblical principles.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
RN to BSN LocationPortsmouth, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$278: Led by experienced nurse educators, Shawnee State University’s RN to BSN online program features small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedication to your future success. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the accelerated curriculum equips you with the quality education needed to advance your career or pursue graduate studies.
RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$200: Southeastern University’s online RN to BSN program offers working registered nurses the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without interfering with their busy professional schedules. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you expand your knowledge and gain skills that are directly applicable to your nursing career. Become a top nursing professionals who provide the best possible healthcare services and patient care.
RN to BSN LocationDavenport, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$386: Our fully online RN-BSN program is a bachelor’s completion program designed for working nurses and prepares you for career advancement in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum is specifically designed for working nurses and can enable you to progress in your career, while opening doors to new opportunities. SAU’s faculty are real-world professionals with nursing specialty expertise who have mentored and prepared nurses for diverse and fulfilling healthcare careers.
RN to BSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$282.13: Gain more skills for career advancement in nursing and increased earning potential with the online RN to BSN from the University of West Florida. Through the program, you will demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication, and leadership. The CCNE-accredited program is taught by educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, and you will gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
RN to BSN LocationAda, OK Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$264.25 In-State, $541.19 Out-of-State: Designed specifically for those who currently hold their RN license, the RN to BSN online program enables nurses to provide safe, quality, patient-centered care in an environment of teamwork and collaboration. You’ll learn evidence-based practice, informatics, successful communication and other skills that will improve your effectiveness as a healthcare professional.
RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic-Franciscan Cost Per Credit$460: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.