Online Nursing Courses for Every Career Path
Are you a nurse looking to grow your career or try new things? Nursing has changed a lot, offering many career paths beyond just bedside care. You can become a nurse practitioner or administrator, among other roles, each needing its own training and skills. But how do you start growing your career?
This guide covers the best nursing specialties. It looks at the education, job outlook, and pay for each one. It’s perfect for both new and experienced nurses. You’ll find all the info you need to pick a nursing path that fits your dreams.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in the employment of registered nurses from 2018-2028.
- Nurse practitioners are projected to see a 45% growth in employment by 2032, with a median annual salary of $121,610 in 2022.
- Online nursing courses offer flexible learning opportunities to advance your nursing career, with options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
- Nursing specialties like CRNA, AGNP, and CNM offer higher salaries and faster job growth compared to general nursing roles.
- Pursuing a nursing specialty can open doors to leadership positions, such as the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) role.
Top Nursing Specialties by Job Growth and Salary
The healthcare industry is changing fast, making some nursing specialties very promising. Registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can find roles that are in high demand. These roles offer great job growth and good pay.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs are the top earners in advanced nursing. They give anesthesia to patients during surgery. They also check on patients before and after surgery. CRNAs need a DNP from a program focused on nurse anesthetists and two years of critical care nursing experience. They must pass a national exam to become certified.
Job growth for nurse anesthetists is expected to be 16% from 2021-2031. They earn a median salary of $195,610, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
AGNPs work with elderly patients and treat common health issues in older adults. With more baby boomers aging, AGNPs will see more job opportunities. They can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or even at home.
To become an AGNP, you need a valid RN license, an MSN degree, and a national nurse practitioner certification. Job growth for nurse practitioners is 16% from 2021-2031, with a median salary of $123,780, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
CNMs focus on prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care for women and newborns. More women are choosing natural childbirth and birthing centers, increasing the need for CNMs. To become a CNM, you must finish a graduate degree in midwifery and get certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Having a DNP can improve your career and salary chances. Job growth for nurse midwives is 16% from 2021-2031, with a median salary of $103,360, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Career Path
Thinking about a career in healthcare? The family nurse practitioner (FNP) path could be thrilling and fulfilling. FNPs are advanced nurses who give primary care to people of all ages. They’re expected to grow by 38% from 2022-2032, with an average salary of $102,560.
To become an FNP, start by getting your RN license. Then, finish a graduate-level nursing degree. Finally, pass the FNP national board exam. Online programs like Chamberlain University’s MSN FNP can help you get your degree in under three years. You might even transfer up to six semester hours.
As an FNP, you’ll lead in healthcare teams. You’ll work with doctors and other providers to give top-notch care. You can take the FNP exam from the ANCC or AANP.
The FNP role also offers chances for growth and specialization. You could get a graduate certificate to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. This would let you expand your skills and what you can do.
Choosing the FNP career means you’ll make a big difference in patients’ and families’ lives. With its strong job outlook and good pay, the FNP role is a great pick for those who want to lead in healthcare.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Opportunities
As a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP), you play a key role in meeting women’s healthcare needs at every stage of life. These nurses offer primary care and specialized services in reproductive, obstetric, and gynecologic areas. They help women of all ages.
Education and Certification Requirements
To start a WHNP career, you need a registered nurse (RN) license and a graduate degree in WHNP. This is usually a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. After graduating, you must pass a national certification exam to become a certified WHNP.
Job Outlook and Salary Potential
The job outlook for nurse practitioners, including WHNPs, is very promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 38% increase in nurse practitioner jobs from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than the average job growth rate. WHNP salaries average $100,730 a year, according to Payscale.
There’s a growing need for skilled women’s health nurse practitioners due to more focus on women’s health issues. If you’re dedicated to giving patient-centered care to women, a WHNP career could be ideal for you.
Leadership Roles: Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the top nurse in a healthcare group. They play a key role in making patient care better and improving how things run. CNOs manage nursing work every day, check on nursing staff, handle money, and bring in new tech and strategies to better patient care and make the organization work better.
There’s a big need for skilled CNOs because healthcare wants to give better care, spend less, and work more efficiently. To be a CNO, you usually need a nursing license and a graduate degree like an MSN or DNP.
The job outlook for medical and health services managers, like CNOs, looks great. It’s expected to grow by 28% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than usual. CNOs make about $138,260 a year on average, and those with more experience can earn up to $154,000.
| Location | Average CNO Salary | Salary Variance from National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $195,000 | 41% higher |
| Miami | $165,000 | 19% higher |
| Chicago | $170,000 | 21% higher |
| Houston | $152,000 | 10% higher |
| San Antonio | $124,000 | 3% lower |
| Dallas | $118,000 | 8% lower |
It usually takes at least 10 years to become a CNO. You need a BSN degree, a graduate nursing degree, and lots of experience in healthcare. By working on their skills and professional growth, those who want to be CNOs can get into this important role in healthcare.
Nursing Administration and Management Careers
Nursing administrators are crucial in healthcare, leading and managing teams. They handle daily operations, staff, and business tasks in healthcare settings. Their work includes recruiting, training, and developing staff, and managing the business side of things.
Nurse Administrator Responsibilities
To start, nurse administrators usually have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree. Their main tasks are:
- Recruiting, training, and managing nursing staff
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Overseeing budgets and financial management
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Facilitating team-based collaboration and communication
- Advocating for the nursing profession and patient care
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says medical and health services managers, including nurse administrators, will grow by 28% from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than average. The average salary for nurse administrators is $93,690 a year. It’s a great career for those who want to lead in healthcare.
| Nursing Administration Career Paths | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nurse Administrator in Hospitals | $90,580 |
| Nurse Administrator in Outpatient Clinics | $92,270 |
| Nurse Administrator in Research Facilities | $95,140 |
“Nursing administrators are the key to the efficient and effective management of healthcare organizations, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.”
Exploring Specializations: Online Nursing Courses for Every Career Path
As a nurse, you can explore many specializations and grow your career. Southern New Hampshire University offers online nursing degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare you for specialized nursing roles.
These programs are flexible, letting you learn online without disrupting your work or personal life. They’re made by experts in nursing and meet the latest industry standards. This means you’ll get the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen nursing area.
| Nursing Specialty | Average Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $75,330 | 9% growth (2019-2029) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) | $47,480 | 9% growth (2019-2029) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $30,720 | 8% growth (2019-2029) |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $111,680 | 45% growth (2019-2029) |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $105,030 | 12% growth (2019-2029) |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $183,580 | 14% growth (2019-2029) |
These are just a few nursing specializations you can explore with online courses. If you want to become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Anesthetist, Southern New Hampshire University can help.
“The online nursing program at Southern New Hampshire University has been a game-changer for me. The flexibility and high-quality curriculum have allowed me to continue working while advancing my nursing expertise.”
Discover the online nursing courses and degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University today. They can open new doors for your nursing career.
Nurse Attorney: Blending Healthcare and Law
Nurse attorneys combine nursing skills with legal knowledge. They work in places like hospital legal departments and law firms. Their unique skills are very valuable.
To become a nurse attorney, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and an active RN license. You also need to finish three years of law school and pass a bar exam. This training lets them offer legal advice and support, linking healthcare and law.
The need for nurse attorneys is growing. Few lawyers know as much about medicine as nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says attorneys will grow by 8%. Nurse attorneys make an average of $110,680 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.
| Certification Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lecture/Study Hours | 165 hours |
| Minimum College-Level Semester Credits | 11 |
| Continuing Education Hours (4-year period) | 50 hours |
| Certification Fee | $200.00 plus shipping and handling |
| Recertification Fee | $200.00 plus shipping and handling |
To get certified, you need a current RN license and at least five years of RN experience. You also need 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting in the last five years. The certification lasts four years and you must do 50 hours of continuing education to renew it.
Nurse attorneys are a mix of healthcare and legal knowledge. They offer great services in many areas. With a high demand for their skills and good pay, this career is a great choice for nurses looking to grow.
Nurse Educators Shaping the Future
Nurse educators are key in training the next generation of nurses. They blend their love for teaching with their deep nursing knowledge. This creates education programs that prepare students for nursing success. With the nursing shortage affecting healthcare, the need for skilled nurse educators is greater than ever.
Requirements for Nurse Educator Roles
To be a nurse educator, one needs a valid RN license and either an MSN or DNP in nursing education. Some places want educators with a Ph.D. in nursing research. This ensures they can teach and research effectively.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says postsecondary teachers, including nurse educators, will grow by 8% in the next ten years. This is faster than most jobs. Nurse educators earn an average of $82,850 a year. It’s a fulfilling career for nurses who love teaching and want to influence nursing’s future.
| Online MSN in Nursing Education Program | Retention Rate | Acceptance Rate | Online Enrollment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 81% | – | 97% |
| Stony Brook University | – | 49% | – |
| University of West Florida | – | – | 97% |
| Cedarville University | – | – | 41% |
| Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences | – | – | 61% |
| Duquesne University | – | – | 82% |
| Union University | – | – | 46% |
| Texas Christian University | – | – | 95% |
| Western Governors University | – | 0% | – |
Pain Management Nursing Specialty
As a registered nurse, you can find a rewarding career in pain management nursing. These nurses check how much pain patients feel, give them treatment, and help patients and their families deal with chronic pain. There’s a big need for these nurses because more people want to use non-drug ways to ease pain.
To be a pain management nurse, you need a valid RN license. You can have either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Plus, you should have at least two years of experience as an RN in pain management. Getting certified in pain management is not required but shows you’re an expert.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says registered nurses, including pain management nurses, will grow by 6% from 2022-2032. The average salary for these nurses is $136,930 a year, as of November 2023, according to Salary.com.
“Pain management nurses play a vital role in helping patients find effective ways to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.”
If you want a career that mixes nursing skills with a focus on easing pain and caring for patients, pain management nursing could be perfect for you.
Neonatal Nursing: Caring for Infants
As a neonatal nurse, you are crucial in caring for premature and newborn infants. You also help older infants with chronic issues. This job lets you greatly impact the lives of these fragile patients and support their families in tough times.
To be a neonatal nurse, you must finish an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You also need a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license. Getting a critical care RN-neonatal certification can open up more job options.
The job outlook for registered nurses, including neonatal nurses, looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth. Payscale reports an average salary of $135,950 per year.
Education and Certification
- ADN Degree: Two years to complete
- BSN Degree: Four years to complete
- Most employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses
- Neonatal nurses can pursue advanced degrees such as MSN and DNP
- MSN Degree: 12-22 months to complete
- DNP Degree: Four years to complete
- All neonatal nurses must hold valid RN licenses
- Neonatal nurses generally need at least 24 months of RN experience to qualify for certification
As a neonatal nurse, your duties include clinical supervision and monitoring vital signs. You’ll also manage pain and help with code/resuscitation for infants. These infants may have prematurity, birth defects, or other conditions.
| Degree Required | How Long to Become | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|
| ADN or BSN | 4-6 Years | Most employers require certifications like Neonatal Resuscitation and Basic Life Support. Advanced Cardiac Life Support is less common. |
Choosing neonatal nursing means you can change lives and keep growing in your career. You’ll get to help infants and their families, and you can earn advanced degrees and certifications.
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Nurses are key to improving nursing through research and using evidence in practice. Nursing research aims to better patient care, improve healthcare, and shape nursing’s future. Nurses in research and evidence-based practice in nursing work in many places, like schools, hospitals, and government agencies. They help make nursing better over time.
Research in nursing looks at patient safety, how to help patients, and how to manage the nursing team. By doing thorough studies, researchers find out what works best. This helps nurses make better choices, care for patients better, and bring new ideas to nursing.
| Nursing Research Priorities | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Patient safety and quality of care | Identify and address risks, improve patient outcomes |
| Workforce development and retention | Enhance job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and promote professional growth |
| Technology integration and innovation | Streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and leverage data-driven insights |
Nurses who do research and use evidence make a big difference in nursing’s future. They try new things, question old ones, and share what they learn. This helps make healthcare better and advances nursing as a whole.
“Nursing research is essential for identifying best practices, improving patient outcomes, and driving innovation in healthcare. By embracing evidence-based practice, nurses can make a significant impact on the lives of their patients and the healthcare system as a whole.”
Nurses can contribute to nursing research through school, quality improvement, or working with others on projects. By doing so, they help shape nursing’s future. This makes a big difference in patients’ lives and in the communities they help.
Online Nursing Degree Programs Overview
Aspiring nurses can find flexible, accessible education in online nursing degree programs. Schools like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offer these programs. They let nurses grow their careers while handling work, family, and other life duties.
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Options
SNHU’s online nursing curriculum includes degrees at all levels: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program starts with nursing basics. It prepares students to give top-notch patient care.
For those wanting more skills, SNHU’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs have special tracks. These include family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse executive leadership.
For the highest education, SNHU offers online doctoral programs like the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This program prepares nurses for leadership roles, research, and innovation in healthcare.
| Program | Median Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist | $212,650 | 9% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,260 | 45% |
| Registered Nurse | $86,070 | 6% |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse | $59,730 | 5% |
| Nurse Midwife | $129,650 | 6% |
| Nursing Assistant/Orderly | $38,130 | 4% |
SNHU’s online nursing degree programs are flexible and accessible. They help nurses move forward in their careers and shape the healthcare world.
Flexible Learning for Working Nurses
Getting a higher education while working full-time as a nurse can be tough. But, online nursing programs offer a flexible solution for working nurses. These programs let students learn on their own time, without strict class schedules or long commutes.
Online nursing programs let you keep your current nursing job while getting more education. This balance is key for nurses who want to grow in their careers without giving up their personal or work life. With 24/7 support for tech and library needs, students can easily fit school into their busy lives.
If you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing, flexible online programs can help. They don’t require you to be on campus, so you can learn at your own speed. This means you can keep working and still get the education you need, opening up more career paths and helping the nursing field grow.
| Program Type | Typical Completion Time | Average Tuition Range |
|---|---|---|
| Online LPN Programs | 1-2 years | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Online ADN Programs | 2-3 years | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Online RN-to-BSN Programs | Flexible, typically 120 credit hours | Varies by program and institution |
| Online MSN Programs | Flexible, with various specializations | Varies by program and institution |
Online nursing programs offer working nurses the chance to reach their goals without losing their work-life balance. These programs use new learning methods to help nurses improve their skills, open up more career paths, and advance the nursing field.
Conclusion
The nursing field has many special career paths. Each path has its own education needs, job growth, and pay. By looking into online nursing degrees from places like Southern New Hampshire University, you can move up in your career and feel fulfilled.
These online programs are flexible and don’t require you to be in class at the same time every day. They let working nurses get better at their jobs and earn more without giving up their current work or life. If you’re just starting or have been a nurse for a while, online education can help you change healthcare for the better and touch more lives.
Nursing has many special areas, like being a CRNA or AGNP, or leading as a CNO or Nurse Educator. By matching your interests and strengths with the needs of these areas, you can find a fulfilling career path. This way, you can grow personally and professionally in nursing.
FAQ
What are the top nursing specialties with the highest job growth and salaries?
What is the career path for a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?
What are the education and certification requirements for a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)?
What are the responsibilities and career outlook for Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs)?
What are the key duties of a Nurse Administrator?
What are the educational requirements to become a Nurse Attorney or Legal Nurse Consultant?
What are the qualifications needed to become a Nurse Educator?
What is the role of a Pain Management Nurse?
What are the key responsibilities of a Neonatal Nurse?
How can nurses contribute to nursing research and evidence-based practice?
