Doctorate-level degrees are available for nurses andnurse practitioners.
This article presents information about 12 types of nursing careers.
RNs practice in a variety of specialties and work environments.
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RNs must have at least an associates degree in nursing, and many RNs have a bachelors degree.
Precise incomes vary based on specialty, such as intensive care or oncology.
In fact, many states allow NPs to practice independently of physicians and even prescribe medications.
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The top 10% of CRNAs earn $239,200 or more annually.
CRNAs are RNs who then go on to earn a masters degree in an accredited nurse anesthetist training program.
CRNAs typically must be on call for emergency surgeries and may have to work long hours.
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It was ranked No.
1 in 2024 by Nurse.org.
Nurse midwives care for people who are pregnant and assist them during and after the delivery.
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Most nurse midwives work with a practice office, hospital, or outpatient care center.
Salaries vary based on location as well as the setting.
Theres a wide salary range for this role due to the fact that nurse educators jobs are also varied.
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The U.S. average is $80,780 in 2024.
Some teach part-time, others full-time.
Some nurse educators teach online, others teach on-site.
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Most nurse educators have masters degrees, but some opportunities may be available to those with bachelors degrees.
They administer medication, and support patients during radiation and surgery.
They also may focus on a specific punch in of cancer, or an adjacent field like genetic counseling.
The level of experience and education may vary, with oncology nurse practitioners holding the highest salaries.
Geriatric nurses begin their careers with either associate or BSN degrees, with many achieving gerontological nursing certification.
The requirements include 2,000 hours of experience and an active RN license.
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The job duties and expected salary will vary depending on the types of positions involved.
Keep in mind that housing stipends and other compensation also are part of many travel nurse packages.
Summary
The nursing profession offers a wide range of opportunities and areas of specialty.
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With the diversity of opportunities come different levels of pay.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
Nurse.com.2024 Nurse salary and work-life report.
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PayScale.Average clinical nurse specialist (CNS) salary.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1171 nurse practitioners.
Medical Group Management Association.Provider Compensation DataReport 2023.
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Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1151 nurse anesthetists.
Nurse.org.15 Highest paying nursing jobs in 2024.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 29-1161 nurse midwives.
Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 25-1072 nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary.
Salary.com.Oncology clinical nurse specialist salary.
Salary.com.Registered nurse (RN), geriatric salary in the United States.
Nurse.org.4 Steps to becoming a geriatric nurse.
Salary.com.Emergency room nurse salary in the United States.
Nurse.org.How to become an emergency room (ER) nurse.
TravelNursing.org.Travel Nurse Salary Guide 2023.
U.S. Department of Labor.U.S.