Choosing a Nursing Career in the US – what you must know

Nurses are in the business of saving lives. Although they do not perform surgery, they work hand in hand with doctors and other experts so that the patient may recover. Sadly, there is a shortage of such professionals in the industry. If you don’t know yet what you want to do with your life, maybe the information provided here will make you consider nursing as a possible career choice.

Anyone who wants to start a career in nursing must at least be a high school graduate with good academic standings. He or she must also have a sufficient score in the SAT and the nursing entrance exam.

There are over 1,500 nursing programs currently available and there are three types that will enable the student to start their nursing career. There is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing that is a 4 year course, the Associate Degree in Nursing and the Hospital Diploma both of which are 2 year courses.

Aside from working in the hospital, you will have the opportunity to find work in other places such as schools, correctional facilities, research labs, private companies, health care centers and private homes.

A full time employed resident nurse makes about $46,800 annually while staff nurses make about $42,100. This isn’t that bad when you are working in an entry level position. If you decide to pursue advanced studies later on like a masters or a doctorate degree, you can expect to earn around $61,000 to $63,550.