1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $174, 790/yr*

2.Nurse Practitioner- $85,522*

3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – $81,305*

4. Nurse Educator – $73, 150*

5.  Travel Nurse – $63,039*

6. Obstetrics/Gynecology Nurse (OB GYN) – $60,000*

7. Labor/Delivery Nurse – $56,858*

8. Registered Nurse – $57,077*

9. LPN/LVN – $44,030*

10. Certified Nursing Assisgtant (CNA) – $25,710*

*The salary data is based on averages. Your years of experience has an effect on salary. Salaries are averages from bls.gov and payscale.com

Aspiring RNs may earn a diploma, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN route is the most common way to obtain licensure as a registered nurse, and usually involves a two-year program at a community or junior college.

There are several reasons as to why nursing is a good career choice. Not only is it a rewarding occupation with unlimited job opportunities, it is a profession that will be in high demand for decades to come. Nursing also ranks high in the annual Gallop poll for being an honest, ethical profession.

An aspiring RN can earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) in four years at a college or university. If you’re already an RN, you can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program which is geared specifically for RNs who have an associate’s degree or nursing diploma. This path usually takes about two to three years.

To become a nurse you can earn a 2-3 year RN diploma or associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

More than one online nursing degree program can help you become an RN and prepare you to sit for the licensing exam.

There are three steps to becoming an RN online:

1. Complete the minimum required nursing education—usually a certificate or diploma.
2. Work at a healthcare facility under an RN to gain supervised clinical experience.
3. Pass the national RN examination (NCLEX-RN exam).

More than one online nursing degree program can help you become an RN and prepare you to sit for the licensing exam.

RNs may follow one of three educational paths:
1. Earn a diploma or certificate from an approved nursing program

2. Complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN)

3. Earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree (BSN)

Entry-level nurses usually spend the most time with patients, unlike more experienced nurses who may supervise a shift or work closely with doctors developing treatment plans for patients. You’ll assess patient needs by taking a history when they come to the office or hospital.

There are three steps to becoming a registered nurse:

1. Complete the minimum required nursing education—usually a certificate or diploma.
2. Work at a healthcare facility under an RN to gain supervised clinical experience.
3. Pass the national RN examination (NCLEX-RN exam).

Between attending class, completing clinicals and studying for exams, a full-time work schedule may not be feasible for many nursing students.  However, do not let this discourage you. 

It is possible to work part-time while in nursing school. In fact, it can even be an advantage to find a part-time job in the healthcare field, according to Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, CSP and author. Experience working in healthcare can help you stand out so that when you graduate, you can have an easier time finding a position as a nurse.