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, CCNE* The RN to BSN Completion Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Religious AffiliationFranciscan Roman Catholic Cost Per Credit$480: 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 (sunset) 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 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.
View Website for MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track Request Info
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.
View Website for MS in Nursing (MSN) Request Info
MS in Nursing (MSN-FNP) 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.
View Website for MS in Nursing (MSN-FNP) Request Info

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.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online LocationCharlotte, NC Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$572 per credit: Acquire the relevant skills and experience to advance your healthcare career with the Queens University of Charlotte online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Built around the demanding schedule of RNs, this program prepares students to graduate as a trained and principled nurse leader. Continue your higher education pursuits without compromising your current professional commitments. Licensed RNs can graduate in just over 2 years on the RN to MSN pathway. Immerse yourself in coursework that supports your career goals through specialization tracks such as Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics. There is no on-campus residency requirement so you can earn your MSN fully online and complete the program’s clinical requirement in your area, making the Queens MSN one of the more achievable nursing degrees available.
MS in Nursing (MSN-FNP) 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) LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationPrivate 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) 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 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.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner LocationPittsburgh, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE, CSWE, IACBE, ACEN, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$891 per credit hour: Carlow‘s MSN FNP offers unique flexibility as the only program in the Pittsburgh area that culminates with a Master’s yet is also linked to a DNP program for students seeking advanced degrees. Catering to practitioners seeking to partner with patients in disease prevention, course curriculum focuses on providing guidance for healthy life choices and treating developing diseases as they arise. Online or hybrid, the Carlow MSN FNP is the largest NP program in western PA and has recently maintained a 98-100% pass rate for graduates pursuing AANP or ANCC national board certification.
MSN in Health System Leadership LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, N/A Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Built to address the industry need for more nurses with graduate degrees, the MSN program track at Campbellsville University prepares medical professionals for administrative and management positions. The unique design allows BSN nurses to pursue their MSN during fulltime employment, continuing to serve the community and maintain training and income while advancing their career online. With special focuses in the areas of communications and relationship management, this master’s curriculum develops oral and interpersonal skills essential to both personnel management, professional representation, and patient care, fulfilling the University’s academic foundation of caring, compassion, and competency.
Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling LocationWest Haven, CT Accreditation(s)NECHE Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$700: Launch your Licensed Professional Counselor career with the University of New Haven’s online, low-residency M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Specialize your degree with one of two optional concentrations in forensics or community development and field experience through 700 hours of supervised clinical training. Curriculum establishes competence in all 8 core domains of counseling, a career field set to grow 25% over the next decade, and aligns with state of Connecticut and CACREP standards for licensed counseling professionals.
Online Master of Public Health LocationWest Haven, CT Accreditation(s)NECHE, Seeking CEPH Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$700: The University of New Haven offers one of the only STEM-designated programs with its Master of Public Health degree. Coursework focuses on global health, education, and health informatics and culminates with a faculty-mentored capstone. Gain the tech-based expertise sought after by employers and industry leaders in a field expected to grow faster than the national average in this decade.
Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration LocationWest Haven, CT Accreditation(s)NECHE, CAHME Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$700: The University of New Haven. offers the only fully CAHME-accredited program in southern New England, with an MHA built on practical application for the health sector, developing statistical analysis abilities. Delivering the 11 core competencies in a 1.5 year program, students develop an individualized course of study customed to support their unique career choice.
Online MSN – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner LocationPittsburgh, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE, CSWE, IACBE, ACEN, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$891 per credit hour: The Carlow University Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice registered nurses and increases the number of WH clinical experts in areas of Western PA that are traditionally underserved. Uniquely designed to culminate as an MSN with continuation toward a DNP as an option, Carlow’s NP program is not only the largest in its area, but has maintained a 100% board certification pass rate among graduates since inception.
Online RN-BSN LocationFayetteville, NC Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP, AACN, DPI, CCNE Religious AffiliationMethodist Cost Per Credit$400 per credit: The ideal professional nursing advancement is an RN to BSN program as offered by Methodist University. Allowing a collaborative decision making process for clinical placement, faculty and staff align with students to secure needed positions, supported by a curriculum designed by working professionals. Exploring evidence-based bedside care, research writing, health policy, pathophysiology, and nursing leadership, this CCNE-accredited degree is built on 31 semester-hour courses that can be completed in as few as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBoston, MA Accreditation(s)NECHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$350: Designed for current registered nurses seeking to further their education and advance their careers, Emmanuel College’s online RN to BSN program offers the flexibility to balance your studies with the demanding schedule of a professional nurse. The program’s accelerated format and option to transfer up to 96 credits allow you to earn your degree in 16 months.
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 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 Location– Accreditation(s), CCNE Religious Affiliation– 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 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 Location– Accreditation(s), 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 AffiliationLutheran 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, CCNE* The RN to BSN Completion Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Religious AffiliationFranciscan Roman Catholic Cost Per Credit$480: 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.
RN to MSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$725: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-MSN saves you time and money in earning the credentials you need to be recognized as a nurse leader and qualify for management roles. This program is designed to give registered nurses the opportunity to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on their way to earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Because we accept 90 associate degree credits, you can fast-track your online RN to MSN and make the most of your previous nursing education. Choose the track that matches your career goals — become a nurse educator, or a family nurse practitioner.
RN to MSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit282.13 and 425: The University of West Florida’s accelerated RN to MSN online program is designed for registered nurses who are ready to continue their education with advanced credentials. It allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on your way to completing your master’s, saving time and money. By completing the BSN program, you will earn 12 credit hours at the undergraduate rate which will be applied toward your Master of Science in Nursing