A degree in nursing opens a wide range of possibilities in the health care industry. Nurses assist doctors and physicians by performing tests, analyzing results, operating medical machinery, administering medications, helping with follow-ups and recording patients’ medical histories and symptoms for future reference. They treat patients, educate patients about their medical conditions, provide advice and offer emotional support to patients’ family members. Depending on their education level and years of experience, nurses may perform a wide assortment of other activities.

Individuals interested in assuming a role as a nurse could do so in as little as 2 years by attending a college, university, or vocational school and obtaining a diploma. Those who complete 2-year nursing programs typically qualify as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), associate of science in nursing (ASN), licensed vocational nurse or registered nurse (RN).

In order to get a broader scope of nursing practice, individuals will need to receive a bachelor’s degree. This 4-year degree in Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing allows them to perform many other complex responsibilities that are not open to other nurses. These include administrative positions and those of higher authority. A bachelor’s degree will also qualify them for admission into graduate nursing programs.

Nurses with a bachelor’s degree often come back to enter into a master’s program and gain more knowledge in a particular field of interest. By obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, individuals will have better advancement opportunities and potential increases in their earnings. They will be eligible for management and leadership positions within their institutions as well.

Nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient settings, private clinics, offices, and private homes. Depending on their health care setting, years of experience, level of education, and location, nurses’ salaries could range drastically. However, nurses tend earn quite decent salaries. Registered nurses, one of the most popular nursing positions, usually earn between $47,710 and $69,850.

Choose from an online college that will offer you a degree in Nursing:

• Duquesne University
• ECPI College of Technology
• Excelsior College
• Gonzaga University
• Indiana State University
• Indiana Wesleyan
• Jacksonville University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University
• Penn State Online
• Rasmussen College
• Rowan University
• Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
• Saint Xavier University
• Seton Hall University
• Thomas Edison State College
• University of Delaware
• University of Illinois-Chicago
• University of Mary
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of North Alabama
• University of Northern Colorado
• University of Saint Mary
• University of Southern Indiana
• Vanderbilt University
• West Coast University