As more studies show the connection between nurses who have their bachelor's degrees and improved patient care, more employers are requiring degrees beyond an associate degree. Here are some of the career possibilities and salaries that await registered nurses who pursue a BSN degree or higher.
How Far Can You Go?
Nursing Careers by Degree and Pay
As more studies show the connection between nurses who have their bachelor’s degrees and improved patient care, more employers are requiring degreed beyond an associate’s degree. Here are some of the career possibilities and salaries that await registered nurses who pursue a BSN degree or higher.
55% of Nurses have a Bachelor’s degree
72% of Chief Nurse Officers prefer to hire nurses with bachelor’s degrees because they have stronger critical thinking and leadership skills.
79% of employers strongly prefer BSN Graduates.
Job Titles By Career, Education, Salary, and Annual Average Salary
$117,152 to $152,760
Chief Nursing Officer (Masters)
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) (BSN)
Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer (BSN)
$80,000 to $90,705
Nurse Executive/Director, Nursing (BSN)
Nurse Manager (BSN)
Psychiatric Advanced Registered Nurse (Masters)
$61,079 to $79,953
MDS Coordinator (BSN)
Occupational Health Nurse (BSN)
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (Masters)
$57,619
Registered Nurse (ADN & BSN)
Unique Careers by Education
Cruise Ship Nurse | Nurse Diploma / AA
Exotic locations. Great food. Entertainment every night. Cruise ship nurses get to enjoy all that while being at work. These Nurses Work with the ship’s Physician to provide day-to-day care for the guests and crew as well as respond to emergencies.Since potential Patients can often be hundreds of miles from land, the care a cruise ship nurse provides can make a big impact.
Forensic Nurse | Bachelor's Degree
If the idea of working with law enforcement or providing care to victims of crimes is appealing, becoming a forensic nurse might be a good fit. In addition to caring for victims or Perpetrators of crimes, Forensic Nurses may aid an investigation by serving as an expert witness, collecting fluid samples to serve as evidence, or acting as a liaison between victims and law enforcement.
Chief Nursing Officer | Master's Degree
A Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the hub of a nursing unit. From managing staff levels effectively to enforcing safety policies to deciding when to purchase new equipment, a CNO does everything to make sure a department, floor, or office runs smoothly. Nurses who are known for being great team builders, sticklers for processes and are always making the effort to improve efficiency should consider a career as a CNO.
