When most people think of nursing, they picture someone providing hands-on care in a hospital. While that’s a vital part of the profession, the truth is, you have a world of opportunities waiting for you in nursing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, the nursing field offers flexible career paths in direct care, leadership, education, and even research, career paths that match your goals and timeline.
Types of nurses and salaries
Let’s break down the different types of nursing degrees and salaries, job outlook, and required education.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
If you want to enter the field quickly, becoming a CNA may be the ideal first step. As a CNA, you’ll provide basic care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). This is a solid entry point into the nursing field, requiring the least amount of education.
- Education: 4-12 week state-approved training program + certification exam
- Salary: $39,430/year ($18.96/hour)
- Job Growth: 4% (average)
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
As an LPN, you’ll play a more advanced role in patient care. You’ll assist with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications, while also helping families understand care plans.
- Education: 1-year certificate program at community college
- Salary: $62,340/year ($29.97/hour)
- Job Growth: 3% (average)
Registered nurse (RN)
As an RN, you’re at the heart of patient care. Most of the time, RNs assess health conditions, administer medications, provide documentation, and coordinate treatment alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Education: ADN or BSN + NCLEX-RN exam
- Salary: $93,600/year ($45.00/hour)
- Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)
Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
Want to take your nursing career to the next level? As an APRN, you’re an RN who has gone on to complete graduate-level education, typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Your advanced education includes specialized clinical training.
- Education: MSN or DNP + specialty certification + state licensure
- Salary: $129,210/year
- Job Growth: 46% (much faster than average)
Nurse administrator
If you’re interested in leadership, policy, or healthcare operations, this path may be for you. As a nurse administrator, you’ll step away from direct patient care to focus on the broader operations of a healthcare facility. This role involves managing nursing staff, developing departmental goals, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Education: BSN (required), MSN or DNP (preferred) + leadership or healthcare administration certification
- Salary: $117,960/year (median, varies by setting and experience)
- Job Growth: 29% (much faster than average)
Take the next step in your nursing career through Goodwin’s nursing programs!
How to choose the right nursing path for you
When you think about your long-term plan in healthcare, consider how quickly you want to start working. There are different types of nursing degrees, and salaries depend on location, experience, training, and higher education.
You can start off at an entry-level role like CNA or LPN and advance with more education and specialization. Take a look at the chart to see the clinical specializations or types of nurses and salaries.
Types of nursing jobs and salaries
| Role | Median Annual Wage | Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist | $233,210 | Master’s or Doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia (CRNA program), Must pass National Certification Exam, RN license required | 10% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 | - Master's or Doctoral degree in nurse practitioner track - National certification in a population focus (e.g., FNP, AGNP) - RN license required | 46% |
| Nurse Midwife | $128,790 | - Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited midwifery program - Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) - RN license required | 7% |
| RN - Government employed | $106,480 | - Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing (ADN or BSN) - Must pass NCLEX-RN | 6% |
| RN - Hospital | $97,260 | - ADN or BSN; NCLEX-RN; State license - BSN increasingly preferred by hospitals | 6% |
| RN - Ambulatory | $83,780 | - ADN or BSN; NCLEX-RN; State License - Ambulatory settings may also seek experience in outpatient care | 6% |
| RN - Residential care facilities | $81,820 | - Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing (ADN or BSN) - RN license (NCLEX-RN) | 6% |
| RN - Educational services; state, local, and private | $74,360 | - Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing (ADN or BSN) - RN license (NCLEX-RN) | 6% |
Advance your career with a nursing degree
Many nurses begin their careers as bedside RNs—a highly respected, in-demand role that serves as the foundation for future advancement. Starting as an RN is not only common, but it’s also a strategic way to accelerate your career growth in nursing.
Many RN programs are designed to prepare students for this critical role with flexible scheduling, hands-on clinical experiences, and strong support from expert faculty. Many individuals choose to pursue advanced education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, to qualify for higher-paying, more autonomous roles.
Career paths RNs can advance in
After earning an MSN or DNP, RNs can become nurse practitioners and provide primary or specialty care. NPs often diagnose and treat patients independently.
- Nurse educator: RNs with teaching experience and an MSN can transition into academic or clinical instruction roles to help train the next generation of nurses.
- Nurse administrator: For those interested in leadership and operations, administration allows RNs to shape policies, manage teams, and oversee budgets.
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): RNs can specialize in a patient population or condition and become expert consultants and researchers.
- Certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or nurse midwife: These are advanced roles with focused responsibilities, higher autonomy, and top-tier salaries.
If you’re an RN or planning to become one, your nursing journey doesn’t stop at the bedside. With the right education and experience, you can align your professional goals without putting your life on pause.
Apply today! Find out how you can start or advance your nursing career at Goodwin University.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.