Entry-Level vs. Advanced Practice
Entry-level programs prepare you for hospital and inpatient roles. You can enter through a licensed practical nursing (LPN) program or a registered nursing (RN) degree. Depending on whether you pursue a diploma, an associate degree, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), entry-level education takes one to four years.
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and take on specialized roles, performing many of the same duties as a physician. The main APN categories are:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Choosing a Specialty
The right specialty depends on where you want to take your career and what you care about. Nurses drawn to direct patient care might pursue adult, parent-child, or pediatric nursing. Those focused on prevention and population health often move into public health nursing. If you lean toward technology, nursing informatics is another route.
Where Nurses Work
Beyond hospitals and physicians' offices, nurses work in:
- Outpatient care facilities
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Schools
- Community health centers
- Patients' homes, for some specialties
Forensic nurses and legal nurse consultants spend much of their time investigating cases in research settings, offices, or interviews with the people involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nursing a stable career? Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth in registered nurse jobs from 2025 to 2035 and roughly 180,800 openings per year, driven by an aging population and the need to replace nurses who retire or leave the field (BLS, 2025 to 2035 projections, checked 3 Oct 2026).
How much do registered nurses earn? The median annual RN wage was $97,550 in May 2025 (BLS, May 2025, checked 3 Oct 2026). Pay varies by location, setting, experience, and specialty.
Which nursing roles pay the most? Advanced practice roles lead. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners had a median wage of $134,920 in May 2025, and that group is projected to grow 36% from 2025 to 2035 (BLS, May 2025 wages, 2025 to 2035 projections, checked 3 Oct 2026).
What education do I need to start as a nurse? You can enter through an LPN program or an RN pathway. RN education runs from a diploma or associate degree (about two to three years) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (about four years).
What is an Advanced Practice Nurse? An APN holds at least a master's degree and takes on a specialized role such as Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Certified Nurse Midwife, often with duties that overlap a physician's.
Where do nurses work besides hospitals? Nurses work in outpatient centers, clinics, nursing homes, schools, community health centers, and patients' homes, along with research, legal, and forensic settings.