Demand for Health Administrators

The labor demand for careers in health administration and technical employees had dropped tremendously in April. This was as a result of the declines in posted vacancies for speech pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists as well. On the other hand, the positions for healthcare support personnel grew considerably in the month of April despite a decline in the slots for physical and occupational therapist assistants.

Decline in Healthcare Job Listings

Despite the decline in online job listings in May, still there were around three job opportunities for healthcare technician and practitioner job seekers with an aggregate pay of $34.27 per hour. For health support workers, there were 1.9 slots for every online job ad with an average salary of $12.94 per hour.

The trends of online listings of jobs continue to vary from month to month. In April, the labor demand for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations fell by over 28,000 listings whereas support positions had fallen by over 11,000 new listings for the same month. In March the reverse was observed with an increase in the job listings for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations while the healthcare support slots posted over 4,000 new listings. The main labor demand was for physical therapist assistants, nursing aides, home health aides and medical assistants.

In January, over 78,000 new listings were reported for healthcare practitioners and technicians and there were over 16,000 new ads for the health support slots as healthcare jobs began with a strong first month of the year 2011. However, due to drastic decreases in posted vacancies for registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists, the online ads for practitioners and technicians dropped in February by over 4,000. Similarly, the healthcare support positions also posted a decrease of slightly over 4,000.

Health Administration Career Outlook

A general look into the overall market indicates that the labor demand rose to the “pre-recession monthly high” of about 4.5 million online advertised job vacancies in May. This is a reasonable increase from the 14,800 listings posted in April. Overall, it was reported that the trend in online advertised job slots has been quite positive this year. There has been a steady increase in the online job ads.

On average, it is argued that for each of the four months since January, the increase in the advertised online vacancies is estimated at 66,000 per month. Another notable difference is that, over the four years the number of unemployed people looking for jobs has increased greatly.

Report shows that there were 3.18 unemployed for every advertised vacancy in April 2011. This is unlike in April 2007 when there were only 1.5 unemployed for every slot advertised. The labor demand is still uneven across all occupations. This demand is bound to continue fluctuating over time due to various factors.

Health Care Degrees

One thing that remains clear, that obtaining a graduate degree increases your chances of a better salary and a better career.  Below are some of the top Health Care Degrees & Resource Guides.

• Masters in Health Administration
• Masters in Public Health
• Master of Social Work
• Clinical Sciences Degree
• Health Communications Degree
• Health Informatics Degree
• Imaging Degrees
• Doctorate of Pharmacy
• RN to MSN Program Online
• Doctor of Nurse Practitioner
• Masters in Nursing (MSN)
• Online RN to BSN Degree Program
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Programs
• Healthcare Management Degrees
• MBA in Health Care
  

Popular Online Degrees

It’s never too late to consider starting your nursing career – even if you are already working in a completely different field. As one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, nurses are considered by many to be the heartbeat of the health care system. With the number of older Americans increasing and the nurse shortage growing, there’s a greater demand than ever for compassionate, driven professionals who are able to care for the sick, elderly, or disabled.

Qualified registered nurses play an integral part in the world of health care. Their nurturing helps bring people back to a healthy state after operations and sickness. As the industry already has a great shortage for this rewarding and recession-proof career choice, now truly is the best time to join this booming profession.

If you’re considering making a move into this thriving industry, take a moment to look over these frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse.

Will I be able to still work full time while I go to school?

Yes. Many schools offer part-time programs that can fit your schedule if you’re also balancing a full time job. Plus, online degree programs also provide you with flexibility in schedule that’s ideal if you’re balancing your education with a regular workload.

If I have previous medical field experience, will I be able to complete my degree program faster?

If you have previous experience in the medical field – whether it’s educational or work-related – you should talk to the nursing schools you are considering and find out if they offer advanced placement within their program.

If I already have a Bachelor’s Degree, can I earn a nursing degree faster?

Absolutely. Many schools offer Second Degree BSN, Accelerated BSN, Direct Entry MSN, or RN to BSN programs aimed specifically at students with previous bachelor’s degrees, allowing them to complete their nursing degrees at an accelerated pace.  You may also want to consider a nurse practitioner program.

I’m over 40 years old. Am I too old to start a nursing career?

No. Even though the life of a nurse can be physically and emotionally exhausting, many professionals in the industry have entered their professions from outside career fields. In fact, check out the information revealed in recent studies:

According to the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, the average age of all licensed RNs is 47 years old. That same survey also reveals that nearly 45 percent of RNs surveyed were 50 years of age or older in 2008, a dramatic increase from 33 percent in 2000 and 25 percent in 1980.

According to several nursing school administrators, second-career nursing students usually provide energy to their studies that many younger students lack, and are often some of the highest achievers in their classes.

How can I learn more about becoming a Registered Nurse?

If you feel that becoming a nurse is the job for you, there’s plenty that you can do now to get a better idea about how to move towards this exciting career path. Find out how to find the right school, degree program, and learn about salaries for nurses as you move forward.  There are several degree options to get started.  Obtain your BSN Degree, or become a RN then obtain your RN to BSN Degree.

Get Started Become a Nurse Today!

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Nursing Resources below.

Nurse practitioner programs – A guide to the various online nurse practitioner programs.

Step by Step How to Become a Registered Nurse – Read our faq’s guide on what it takes to become a nurse.

Registered Nursing Careers – There are numerous career path and choices today for registered nurses such as a Traveling Nurse, Military Nurse, Home Health Nurse and more.

Guide to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees – There are many different educational options to become a nurse read our bachelors guide to learn more.

Resource Guide to Registered Nursing – Learn more about degree options, certification, salaries , and frequently asked questions.

Job Opportunities for RN’s – There are many options for nurses in the health care industry today.  Discover the types of jobs and what skills you will need.

The Definitive Guide to Registered Nurse Salaries – The demand for nurses continues to grow, and due to the demand so are salaries, even in this economic downturn.

Selecting the Right Nursing School – There are important aspects to consider when selecting the right nursing school, read our guide to learn more.

Popular Online Degrees

There’s no better time than now to attend a nurse practitioner program online.  The demand for qualified nurses continues to increase as baby boomers across the country continue to age. Registered nursing is anticipated to be one of the hottest careers over the next several years due to the shortage of qualified professionals.

Reuters reports that an estimated 116,000 registered nurse careers are unfiled at U.S. hospitals, and nearly 100,000 jobs go vacant in nursing homes. There are a variety of factors that play into the shortage of nurses in the healthcare industry. This includes an aging U.S. population, limited nursing school faculties, and an overall slow enrollment in nursing school programs.

The repercussions of this shortage are nothing short of devastating. A study conducted by nursing work force expert Peter Buerhaus at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee reveals that 6,700 patient deaths and 4 million days of hospital care could be avoided annually if the number of nurses were to increase.

Efforts to Relieve the Shortage

The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) has made moves to work with schools, policy makers, the media, and other organizations to bring attention to this healthcare crisis. Additionally, President Obama signed an economic stimulus bill that included $500 million to address shortages of health works, with about $100 million potentially aimed at dealing with the nursing shortage.  Many nursing colleges and universities  have also formed strategic partnerships and have sough private support to help expand the student capacity in schools.

Moving Online

Another dilemma in the quest to produce more nurses in the healthcare industry is the fact that there simply aren’t enough qualified teachers and space to accommodate new students into nursing schools. To alleviate this problem, many schools have developed immersive, high-quality online nursing programs.

Thanks in part to technological innovations of the past decade and an increased effort by both educators and medical care professionals to provide an all-encompassing online experience, online nursing programs can now rival that of their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Many of these online programs incorporate curricular components that you can complete at local clinics or hospitals.

Moving Forward

If you’re interested in becoming involved in the in-demand profession of nursing, you should investigate more about nursing as a career , the different jobs that exist in today’s market, nursing salaries, and learn about the different degree programs that are out there. Taking the right steps now can put you on the path to a long and successful career!

Online Nursing Degree Options

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and change your career path with an online nursing degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

RN to BSN Degree
Advance your career by obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
Become a nurse by obtaining your bachelor of science in nursing.  Read our guide for more information.

Adult Nurse Practitioner Program
Help fulfill the need for nurses who can provide adult primary care to patients with an online adult nurse degree.

Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Learn how to help treat families dealing with illnesses by enrolling in an online family nurse degree.

Clinical Nurse Practitioner Program
Focus your nursing education in a specialized area with a degree that focuses on clinical training, research, and more.

Nursing Education Degree
Help respond to the industry’s nursing shortage by beginning your career as a nurse educator and train the nurses of tomorrow.

Midwifery Program
Help women as they prepare to give birth with a career as a nurse midwife.

Nursing Administration Degree
Start your career as a nursing administrator and help to manage and coordinate your own team of nurses in the workplace.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Devote your nursing skills to helping treat patients suffering from some form of mental illness.

Women’s Health Program
Take a women’s health nursing degree and learn how you can help to treat medical conditions that commonly affect in female patients.

Resources for Becoming a Nurse

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Nurse Careers
Find out more about the variety of careers available to nurses who are able to work in the medical care industry.

Nursing Schools
Find a school that will best prepare you to enter a health care industry in need of educated and skillful nurses.

NCLEX Examination
Find out what’s covered on the National Council Licensure Examination – also known as the NCLEX – and learn how this test is essential in launching your nursing career.

Nursing Programs
Explore the variety of nursing degree programs that exist for students looking to enter into the health care industry.

Nursing Salaries
See how the nursing shortage has affected salaries for nurses working in the industry, and learn how earning your degree can help you increase your earnings.

Popular Online Degrees

This demand is particularly high in nursing specialty areas. That’s why nurses with a specific focus and advanced training are able to take advantage of several career opportunities  that best suit their interests. In order to qualify for many of the careers though you will need to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an Accredited Nursing School and be a Registered Nurse.  Some positions such as a Nurse Practitioner require a Masters in Nursing Degree.  Here are just some of the nurse jobs that you can consider as you move towards beginning your career.

Adult Nurse Practitioner Programs

Adult Nurse Practitioners, are graduates of a nurse practitioner program and  provide a broad range of services, including diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illness, conducting physical examinations, performing minor surgeries and procedures, and counseling/educating patients about preventative measures to avoid illness.

Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

Family Nurse Practitioners deal with illness through the perspective of how it affects the family as a whole. Their focus deals with patients within a wide age range, from children to the elderly.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses specialize in the psychiatric care of those who suffer with various forms of mental illness. They help to treat patients dealing with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other disorders.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners specialize in the diagnosis and management of common and complex medical conditions in female patients such as osteoarthritis, migraines, and depression.

Hospital Registered Nurse

Hospital registered nurses experience a wide variety of career advantages. They’re able to accrue extensive patient care experience, and have the opportunity to supervise a junior nursing staff. They also receive the benefit of on-the-job training to prepare them for specific care settings, such as radiology, pediatrics, or surgery.

Home Health Care Services Registered Nurse

Registered nurses working in home health care services provide many different services for patients within their homes. This often entails seeing patients who have recently been discharged from the hospital who are recovering from illnesses or conditions such as cancer, surgery, or childbirth.

Physician’s Office Nurse

The office environment requires registered nurses who are able to perform a wide variety of duties, including assisting in examinations, administering injections, dressing wounds, and performing routine lab work. The biggest perk for this type of RN job is the relative stability and ‘normal’ office hours associated with this line of work, in stark comparison to the round-the-clock nature of hospitals or facilities.

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses position themselves in short-term assignments throughout the United States. These assignments can last anywhere from eight to 26 weeks. These types of RNs pick the locations of their choice through travel nurse employment agencies that staff particular health care facilities. The perks associated with this branch of nursing include free housing, relocation costs, and sign-on and renewal bonuses.

Military Nurse

In both times of war and peace, the military has a need for nurses. After completing their registered nursing programs, many RNs apply for active duty or work as a civilian in a military hospital. This position comes with many specific benefits, including specialized training, travel around the world, and registered nursing school tuition reimbursement.

Nursing Degrees to Jump Start Your Career

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online nursing degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Programs
• RN to BSN – Bachelors in Nursing
• Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Resource Guide to Registered Nursing (RN)
• Nursing Administration Degree
• Guide to Nursing Degrees
• Masters in Nursing Degree (MSN)
• Guide to Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Family Nurse Practitioner Program
• Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Program
• Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
• Adult Nursing Program
• Womens Health Program
• Midwifery Programs

Nursing Career Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Nursing Careers
Find a job in nursing that best suits your interests, skills, and career goals.

Nursing  Schools
Before you go about choosing a nursing school, take a look and see what’s out there and decide which one best suits your career goals.

Nursing Programs
Learn more about the different nursing programs that are available to students, and find the one that will put you on track to starting your career.

The Demand for Nurses
Learn about the high demand in the health care industry for professional nurses, and see how this demand can help land your dream nursing career.

NCLEX Exam
Read about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and find out how this test plays an important part in getting you into your nursing career.

Popular Online Degrees

How can I become a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Before you can become a registered nurse, you’ll have to meet the set of requirements set by your state’s Board of Nursing. In order to earn a professional nursing license, you must first complete a nursing education program that is approved by the board. You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX examination, a comprehensive nursing test administered by each state. Once you’ve passed that exam, you’ll get your professional nursing license  Several states also require that you continue your nursing education even after you have earned your license in order to keep the license current.

Which RN programs qualify me for the NCLEX examination?

In order to take your NCLEX exam, you have to have one of these three nursing degrees:

A hospital diploma program
An associate’s degree in nursing program
A bachelors degree in nursing program

Click here to find out more information regarding different nursing degree programs

What are the nursing school prerequisites?

While every nursing school has its own set of guidelines when admitting students, this list should provide you with a basic outline of what you can expect:

SAT or ACT exam (this minimum varies from school to school)
GPA range from 2.0 to 3.25 (this average also depends upon the school)
3 years of math, including geometry and algebra II
3 years of science, including biology and chemistry
4 years of English
2 years of a foreign language

How long will my degree program take to complete?

Nursing Diploma: 3 years
Nursing Associate’s Degree: 2 years
Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
RN-to-BSN: 2-3 years

How much does it cost to become a registered nurse?

The cost of getting an education in the field of nursing can vary depending on the school, type of degree program, geographic location, and more. Community colleges may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per year, whereas a private 4-year college can cost more than $20,000 per year.

What is nursing school accreditation and how important is it that my school be accredited?

Nursing schools are evaluated by a thorough group of standards that are determined by accreditation organizations to be essential in providing students with a quality education. This rating is very important, as a nursing school’s accreditation is a marker for the quality of the institute’s education. Most states also require that your degree be from an accredited school in order to take the NCLEX exam.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Nurse Practitioner Programs
Learn more about the demand for nurse practitioners and the many specialties that you can choose from.

Registered Nurse Careers
Explore the wide scope of registered nursing career paths that exist within this branch of the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Schools
As you prepare to begin an education that will put you on track to becoming a registered nurse, find out which nursing school is best for you.

Registered Nurse Programs
There are a variety of registered nurse programs available to students today – find out which one is the best for you.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Find out about the high demand for registered nurses and see why now is a great time to start a career in this field.

Registered Nurse Salaries
Learn about the trends that have affected – and will continue to affect – registered nurses’ salaries in the health care industry.

NCLEX
Get the information that you need to know about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Popular Online Degrees

Here are just some of the potential career paths that registered nurses can expect to find as they enter the job market.

Hospital Nurse

Hospital registered nurses experience a wide variety of career advantages. They’re able to accrue extensive patient care experience, and have the opportunity to supervise a junior nursing staff. They also receive the benefit of on-the-job training to prepare them for specific care settings, such as surgery, pediatrics, or radiology.

Home Health Care Services Nurse

Registered nurses working in home health care services provide many different services for patients within their homes. This often entails seeing patients who have recently been discharged from the hospital who are recovering from illnesses or conditions such as cancer, surgery, or childbirth.

Nursing Care Facilities

Registered nurses who operate within a nursing care facility help to provide long-term medical care for the elderly. They may assess the health of the facility’s residents, develop treatment plans, perform medical procedures, or supervise other nurses.

Physician’s Office Nurse

The office environment requires registered nurses who are able to perform a wide variety of duties, including assisting in examinations, administering injections, dressing wounds, and performing routine lab work. The biggest perk for this type of RN job is the relative stability and ‘normal’ office hours associated with this line of work, in stark comparison to the round-the-clock nature of hospitals or facilities.

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses position themselves in short-term assignments throughout the United States. These assignments can last anywhere from eight to 26 weeks. These types of RNs pick the locations of their choice through travel nurse employment agencies that staff particular health care facilities. The benefits associated with this branch of nursing include free housing, relocation costs, and sign-on and renewal bonuses.

Military Nurse

Many nurses are able to find great career opportunities through the military. After completing their registered nursing programs, many RNs apply for active duty or work as a civilian in a military hospital. This position comes with many specific benefits, including specialized training, travel around the world, and registered nursing school tuition reimbursement.

Learn More About Careers in Registered Nursing

As one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, registered nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system. The industry already has a great shortage of nurses for this rewarding and recession-proof career, so take the time now to learn more about starting your career path as a registered nurse. Find out more about nursing schools, nursing degree programs , getting licensed   as an RN, and find the answers to all your questions as you take your next step into the world of nursing.

Get Started with your Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN to BSN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Career Resources for Registered Nurses

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Nurse Practitioner Programs
Find out more about the schools that offer nurse practitioner programs online and the specializations they offer such as family nursing, psychiatric, adult, womens health and more.

Registered Nurse Schools
Get on the right track to launching your career as a registered nurse by finding the online nursing school that’s right for you.

Registered Nurse Programs
Take a look at the many available registered nursing programs and find the one that will help you get on track to launching your career.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Learn more about the demand for registered nurses in the health care industry as you prepare to launch your career.

Registered Nurse Salaries
As you get ready to start your career as a registered nurse, learn about salary trends for RNs and see how earning your degree can help increase your earnings.

NCLEX Exam
Learn about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), an integral step in your journey as you move closer to becoming a registered nurse.

Popular Online Degrees

For many registered nurses, and nurse practitioners who have completed a BSN or nurse practitioner program, the idea of becoming a travel nurse is an appealing one. As a distinct career path in the healthcare field, travel nurses enjoy a unique set of benefits, perks, and travel opportunities in their line of work.

Travel nurses take on short-term assignments in the cities of their choice throughout the United States. These assignments can last anywhere from eight to 26 weeks. The employment agencies that help travel nurses land these jobs do more than just connect them with work; they also often provide free housing, relocation costs, sign-on and renewal bonuses, medical benefits, a 401k plan, and more. Many agencies will also assist in licensure reimbursement. If you enjoy traveling, new experiences, and an overall sense of professional autonomy, becoming a travel nurse may be the career path that’s right for you.

Responsibilities

Outside of the difference in work environments, the responsibilities of a travel nurse do not greatly differ from that of a non-traveling nurse. They are responsible for administering medicine to patients, documenting medical information, receiving and discharging patients, and coordinating patient care with other hospital departments such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and more.

Educational Requirements

Just as nurses in non-traveling career paths need an education to further their career, traveling nurses must complete a registered nursing program at a nursing school. Many agencies also require that RNs have worked a certain amount of time and gained experience before they are able to accept a travel assignment.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses enjoy their career path as it allows them to visit different parts of the country on a regular basis and gain different kinds of work experience in a constantly changing set of environments. The fact that agencies pay for housing, relocation, utilities, vacation, and bonuses is also a unique perk that is not found in other registered nursing jobs.

One disadvantage of becoming a traveling nurse is that you will be dealing with different employers through both the agency and the selected assignment facility. These intertwined relationships may sometimes conflict with one another, and create contractual snafus, on a case-by-case basis.

Traveling Nurse Salary Ranges

Travel nurses enjoy a fairly lucrative salary (SALARY LINK) that, according to PayScale.com, typically ranges anywhere from $30 to $40 an hour. They also receive a good amount of benefits, including having their relocation costs covered by their employer.

While being a travel nurse may not necessarily be a perfect career fit for everyone in the field of nursing, it is an excellent path to move towards for registered nurses who love to travel and experience new environments and challenges.

Get Started with your Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. Learn more about other career opportunities for registered nurses, and find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Traveling Nurse Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Registered Nurse Careers
Become aware of the many career options that are available to professional registered nurses in the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Schools
Before you make a decision in choosing the right registered nursing school, find out more about the important factors to consider and get on track to launching your career.

Registered Nurse Programs
As you ready yourself for an education that will lead you to becoming a registered nurse, learn more about the different RN programs that are available for students.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
The demand for registered nurses in the health care industry is at an all-time high. Find out why, and how a degree can help you land your dream job.

Registered Nurse Salaries
Get the scoop on the salary trends affecting registered nurses today and find out how earning a degree can help you to increase your salary.

NCLEX Exam
All registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before starting their careers. Learn more about the NCLEX.

Popular Online Degrees

Salary Determining Factors

There are a number of factors that play a part in determining the salary of a registered nurse (RN). Some of these include:

• Level of nursing degree and nursing education
• Years of experience in a chosen field
• Location and cost of living
• Job responsibilities
• Type of nursing specialty

Salaries

In order to begin work as a registered nurse, students need to first complete a degree program from a nursing school or complete a nursing diploma program. Upon completion of the program, they will then be eligible to take the NCLEX exam. Students who pass this test then earn their nursing license

Average RN Hourly Rate by State

This data from a June 2009 survey on PayScale.com reveals the median hourly rates for RNs in the following states:

California: $33.73
New York: $27.91
Texas: $26.14
Illinois: $25.84

RN Specialties

There are several specialty jobs within the field of nursing that come with their own salary sets. These typically pay by the hour, and vary based on factors such as location and specific duties.

Travel Nurse

Travel Nurses earn $30 to $40 an hour, plus benefits including relocation costs (PayScale.com)

Legal Nurse Consultant

$125 to $150 per hour (The Medical-Legal Consulting Institute)

Forensic Nurse

$26 to $100 per hour, or a flat fee of $150 to $400 per case (TheForensicNurse.com)

Registered Nursing Salary Trends

Large cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are the top spots for the number of available nursing jobs. These locations also boast higher salaries and come with better benefits.

As the largest single profession in the health care industry today, being a registered nurse has a very promising potential for career  advancement. Despite the saturation of quality RNs in the job market, the demand for these skilled individuals has not decreased.

However, in keeping that saturation in mind, it is important for registered nurses to differentiate themselves from their contemporaries in order to stand out to potential employers. By furthering their education through nursing degree programs through both traditional brick-and-mortar schools and online degree programs RNs have been able to create upward mobility in their careers and increase their salaries. No matter what type of degree or experience you have, there are steps that anyone can take to further their education and, consequently, their career in this field of healthcare.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN to BSN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Registered Nurse  Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Registered Nurse Careers
Investigate the many different career paths that are available to registered nurses and find the one that’s best for you.

Registered Nurse Schools
Find the registered nursing school that best fits your ambitions, goals, and projected career path in this branch of the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Programs
Take the time to learn about the different registered nurse programs that are out there and find the one that’s best for you.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
See why there is a greater demand now than ever for registered nurses in the health care industry.

NCLEX Exam
Take the time to learn more about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and find out how this exam can guide your career as a registered nurse.

Popular Online Degrees

The nurturing and professional aesthetic that registered nurses bring to health care helps bring people back to a healthy state after operations and sickness. As the industry already has a great shortage of nurses for this rewarding and recession-proof career choice, now truly is the best time to join this booming profession.

The first and most important step in launching your career as a registered nurse is to choose the RN nursing school that’s best for you. Earning your Bachelors in Nursing degree typically takes between two and four years, and even less in the case of an accelerated BSN degree , or a RN to BSN Degree.

If you’re considering a registered nursing career  read on to learn what life as an RN entails, the skills necessary to succeed in a registered nursing job, and the different choices you have when picking a registered nursing school .

Careers as a Registered Nurse

Find out more about the different types of Bachelors in Nursing degrees you can choose from, what you can expect from a RN career in this exciting field, and find the answers you’re looking for in the RN frequently asked questions

RN Schools and Training Programs

Does the school you’re interested in assist in work placement after you complete the program? Will your program document your course hours? These are all important questions to consider as you choose which RN Nursing School is right for you. Learn what online RN to BSN degree programs are out there, and see what requirements you’ll need to meet in order to get your nursing license . You can also learn what to expect from the different kinds of RN to BSN Programs

Career Paths for RNs

Learn more about the different kinds of registered nurse (RN) career options that exist in the industry, and what you can expect from each setting, whether you’re working in a hospital, in home health services, in physicians’ offices, or as a travel nurse.

RN Jobs

As a registered nurse, you’ll have a variety of career options to choose from when you enter the workplace. Discover the different kinds of registered nurse (RN) jobs that are out there, learn more about registered nurse (RN) salaries, and find out more about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and how it plays an important part in getting your nursing license .

Frequently Asked Questions

This list of registered nursing frequently asked questions will assist you in learning what you need to do to become a registered nurse before you choose a nursing school. Learn about your state’s licensing requirements, the different nursing degree options, and what kinds of registered nurse (RN) careers exist in the industry.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of 213,500 RNs in 2010. Consequently, there are a variety of registered nursing career opportunities that exist in this ever-expanding field. Learn more about the different kinds of registered nursing (RN) jobs in the health care industry.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and RN to BSN degree program that’s right for you today!

Registered Nurse RN Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Registered Nurse Careers
Learn about the various career options that are available to professional registered nurses in the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Schools
Learn about your options when choosing a school that will help you gain the education needed to become a registered nurse.

Registered Nurse Programs
Explore the different registered nurse programs that exist for students and learn which one best suits your career goals.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Find out more about the health care industry’s demand for registered nurses as you prepare to enter this line of work.

Registered Nurse Salaries
Become aware of the salary trends for registered nurses and discover how earning your degree can help you increase your earnings.

NCLEX Exam
Prepare yourself for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and learn how it plays into your professional development as a registered nurse.

Popular Online Degrees

But registered nurses aren’t just limited to working in hospitals. As a registered nurse, you can expect to find work in offices, nursing care facilities, home health care services, public health agencies, and all other professional environments that provide several career opportunities  for registered nurses.

Depending on the type of job, the schedule of a registered nurse can also vary. While long-term care facilities like chronic care hospitals or nursing homes typically require RNs to work long hours (as well as nights and weekends), other environments like physicians’ offices offer a more ‘normal’ eight-hour schedule during regular, daytime business hours.

Registered Nursing Job Responsibilities

Here are just some of the tasks that a career in nursing requires:

Treat patients for illnesses, injuries, and chronic medical conditions
Observe and record patient symptoms
Develop nursing care treatment plans
Perform routine laboratory work
Instruct patients on self-care tasks
Determine patient progress based on treatment plans
Help physicians in examinations and during surgeries
Administer medications and injections
Provide support to patients and their families in coping with a specific illness or medical condition

Ideal Traits and Qualities for Registered Nurses

Compassion

Registered nurses need to offer a caring and sympathetic nature to work each day. While the job can be taxing and comes with its own set of unique challenges, a caring, professional demeanor can make a world of a difference to patients.

Good Health

Since the job of a registered nurse often involves long hours, it’s important that RNs maintain a good sense of physical fitness and health.

Go With The Flow

Emergencies are a frequent factor in the life of a registered nurse. Scenarios involving severe pain, mental capacity, and even death can be stressful – but if you’re able to maintain a cool head in those kinds of situations, you can rest assured that the job will become much smoother and easier.

High Attention to Detail

As an RN, you’ll need to be detail-oriented, as the ability to analyze patient care tasks in an effective and efficient manner is of the utmost importance in this profession. From interpreting physicians’ orders to treating patients, the utmost care and attention must be given to the everyday tasks of a registered nurse.

Should You Become a Registered Nurse?

While other careers may find themselves feeling the effects of a recession and a struggling job market, job opportunities for registered nurses continue to increase. If you think you have the skills that it takes to provide quality patient care, an RN degree may be right for you.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online rn school and rn to bsn degree program that’s right for you today!

Registered Nurse RN Career Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Registered Nurse Careers
Find out more about the different job options that exist for professional registered nurses.

Registered Nurse Schools
Learn which factors are important to consider when selecting the registered nursing school that fits your career goals.

Registered Nurse Programs
Find the registered nurse program that will put you on track to starting your job as a registered nurse.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Learn about the high demand for registered nurses in the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Salaries
Find out about the salary trends for registered nurse jobs and learn how a degree can increase your earnings.

Popular Online Degrees

Nurse Practitioner Career Overview

So what will your responsibilities entail when you become a nurse practitioner? As NPs diversify their skill set and take on more tasks that benefit from their unique approach to nursing, the answer to that question becomes more and more all encompassing. NPs fulfill a variety of patient needs, from diagnosing and treating conditions to writing prescriptions to counseling patients. As you might imagine, such a wide range of abilities and responsibilities means that nurse practitioners can be found practically anywhere that health care is needed, including clinics, schools, hospitals, emergency rooms, private practices, and public health departments.

Career Trends for Nurse Practitioners

Of course, it’s important to consider things such as longevity and room for growth before embarking on any career path. So what is the current climate like for working nurse practitioners, and what does the future look like? According to a 2009 AANP report, 125,000 NPs practice in the U.S., with nearly half of those nurses specializing in family practice. Adult care, pediatrics, and women’s health are also all popular specialties for NPs. The solid reputation that NPs have built for themselves with their high quality, personalized care means that job opportunities are looking good if you’re seeking to get into this health care profession. But it’s also worth noting that advancing your education through a Masters in Nursing via a Nurse Practitioner Program will play an important factor for incoming NPs; 88 percent of NPs hold advanced degrees and 92 percent are nationally certified. The bottom line? Top-notch educational and professional credentials are essential things for you to have in order to stay competitive in this career field.

Nurse Practitioner Salary

Across all specialties the average base salary for a nurse practitioner of $84,250, according to 2008 data from the AANP. Total average income for full-time NPs is $92,100. PayScale.com also indicates that many of the NP specialties and sub-specialties that pay the highest can be found in ER, surgery, geriatrics, intensive care, case management, and acute care.

Find the Right Nurse Practitioner Program

Now truly is the best time to get on the path to becoming a nurse practitioner – if this career seems like the right one for you, you should learn more about your advanced nursing education options, and then find the nurse practitioner school  that offers the program  that works best for you.

Adult Nursing Program
Launch your career in adult primary care as you gain extensive clinical practice in school.

Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Start your career in working with children and adult practice as you study how illnesses affect the family.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
Choose your career path by focusing on a specialization such as research, clinical practice, management, teaching, and more.

Nurse Educator Program
Begin a career in teaching the future generation of nurses with an online nurse educator degree.

Midwifery Program
Provide medical care to women and help guide them through their pregnancies with a career as a nurse midwife.

Nursing Administration Degree
Enjoy a career in coordinating and managing a team of nurses as a nursing administration professional.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Make your career in caring for and treating patients suffering from various forms of mental illness.

Womens Health Program
Build a career in diagnosing and managing medical conditions for female patients with a women’s health nursing degree.

Looking for More Information about Careers for Nurse Practitioners?

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Nurse Practitioner Schools
Find the nurse practitioner school that’s best suited to match your professional career goals.

Nurse Practitioner Programs
Learn how different nurse practitioner programs can help you move towards your dream nurse practitioner career.

The Demand for Nurse Practitioners
See why the demand for nurse practitioners has made now a great time to start a career in this branch of the health care industry.

Nurse Practitioner Salaries
Find out how a career as a nurse practitioner can help you to increase your earnings and move forward on your professional path.

Popular Online Degrees

Nurse Practitioner Salary Trends

According to PayScale.com, nurse practitioners can make on average anywhere between $68,000 and $90,000 annually. Some NPs can earn even more if they work in an independent practice. Certain areas of focus have been proven to be more lucrative than others in this field. For instance, the salary of a nurse practitioner specializing in Acute Care, Case Management, or Intensive Care Unit work will typically be higher than the salary of a nurse practitioner working in other areas. According to the Nurse Practitioner Salaries by Hospital Setting report, nurse practitioner salaries tend to be higher in a general hospital or surgery setting in comparison to the salary of a nurse practitioner employed in a school or private practice. Many nurse practitioners are able to leverage their salaries by progressing their careers into some of the more higher-paying specialties, such as Family Nurse Practitioner ($65,117-$84,993), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) ($63,926-$84,518), and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner ($66,562-$84,512).

Location also plays a significant part in determining the salary of a nurse practitioner. New York and Boston are two cities that currently have the highest paid nurse practitioners, with Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Indianapolis also ranking as top-paying cities in the United States.

Nurse Practitioner Education

Getting a good education from a quality Nurse Practitioner School and earning your Nurse Practitioner Degree is instrumental in being able to advance your nurse practitioner career and earn a comfortable salary as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners who hold their Masters in Nursing Degree have been able to increase their salary and enjoy upward mobility within their career field. If you want to take your career to the next level, find the nurse practitioner program that’s right for you and get on track to furthering your career as a nurse practitioner.

Get Started with your Online Nurse Practitioner Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your Nurse Practitioner salary with an nurse practitioner program. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse practitioner, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Adult Nurse Practitioner Program – Prepare for your career in adult primary care by going through extensive clinical practice.

Family Nurse Practitioner Program – Prepare for a career working with children and adult patients as you study how illness affects the family.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Program – Find a degree program that specializes in areas such as research, clinical practice, management, teaching, and more.

Nurse Educator Program – Move towards a career in educating future generations of nurses with a degree program that combines your nursing skills and passion for teaching.

Nurse Midwife Program- Help guide women through their pregnancies and provide medical care to the woman and infant after delivery.

Nursing Administration Degree - Learn what it takes to coordinate and manage a team of nurses in the workplace.

Psychiatric Nursing Program- Prepare for a career in caring for and treating patients who suffer from various forms of mental illness.

Womens Health Program- Learn how to apply your nurse practitioner skills to diagnosing and managing medical conditions for female patients.

Nurse Practitioner Career Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Nurse Practitioner Careers – Find out what kinds of different career options exist for professional nurse practitioners.

Nurse Practitioner Schools – Learn what you need to think about when considering nurse practitioner schools and find the one that best fits your goals.

Nurse Practitioner Programs – Explore the different areas of study that are out there and find the one that best fits your career goals.

The Demand for Nurse Practitioners – Find out why nurse practitioners are in such high demand within the health care industry.

Popular Online Degrees

But what makes NPs so special that they’re the ones who best fill these needs? For starters, nurse practitioners are more highly educated and able to perform more procedures today than any time in the last four decades.

They’re able to make a difference in the lives of others, and as the industry moves more towards a system concentrated on promoting health and wellness, the philosophy of the nurse practitioner is a vital asset to any hospital, doctor’s office, nursing home, school, or health center.

Nurse Practitioners are Everywhere

One of the primary perks of becoming a nurse practitioner is that you’ll have the ability to choose from quite a large selection of professional settings when it comes to deciding what area you’d like to work in. Here are just some of the work environments where Nurse Practitioners can be found:

• Public health departments
• Community clinics and health centers
• Health departmentsNursing homes
• Physician offices
• Nursing schools Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
• Home health care agenciesSchool/college clinics
• Hospitals and hospital clinics
• Hospice centers
• Nurse practitioner offices
• Private offices
• Veterans
• Administration facilities
• Walk-in clinics

Tasks and Job Responsibilities of Nurse Practitioners

So now that you’re aware of the variety of environments that NPs can be found in, you may be wondering what it is that nurse practitioners actually do. Here are just some of the tasks and responsibilities that nurse practitioners lend their talents to on a daily basis:

• Take patient’s history
• Administer physical exams
• Counsel and educate patients
• Give prescriptions and coordinate referrals
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies like lab tests, x-rays, and EKGs
• Diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic diseases
• Order appropriate laboratory tests and procedures
• Diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic diseases
• Provide prescriptions and coordinate referrals
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies like lab tests, x-rays, and EKGs
• Provide prenatal care and family planning services
• Provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations
• Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals

Nurse Practitioner Salaries

With the high demand for NPs and the great set of skills that they bring to the table, nurse practitioners enjoy a fairly lucrative salary PayScale.com shows that the average annual full-time salary for a nurse practitioner ranges anywhere between $68,000 to $90,000; but NPs are able to earn even more in an independent practice setting.

Of course, education and salary correlate in a huge way in the healthcare industry. As NPs further their education and add more knowledge and skills to their professional resume, they are able to command even higher salaries from employers. This explains why enrollment in nurse practitioner schools has continued to rise over the past few years.

Choose Your Nurse Practitioner Career Path

Another great aspect of a career as a nurse practitioner is that you’ll be able to pick from a variety of specialty areas to work in, including:

• Acute Care
• Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner
• College Health
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Gerontology or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
• Community or Public Health Nurse Practitioner
• Dermatology
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Holistic Health Nurse
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• School Nurse

Move Towards Your Future as a Nurse Practitioner

The nurse practitioner position represents what almost everyone wants out of a job; it’s a well-respected title, it allows you to earn a comfortable wage and you get to make a difference in the lives of others every day. With rising job opportunities, now is the best time to dive into this world and take the steps towards starting your dream career Now is the time – find the nurse practitioner school that’s right for you.

Get Started with your Online Nurse Practitioner Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your Nurse Practitioner salary with an online nurse practitioner degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse practitioner, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Online Adult Nurse Practitioner Program
Gain extensive clinical practice as you prepare for a career in adult primary care.

Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Study how illness affects the family and work with both children and adult patients.

Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
Choose your direction with focuses that include research, clinical practice, management, teaching, and more.

Online Nurse Educator Degree
Combine your knowledge and passion for teaching to help shape the future generation of nurses.

Online Nurse Midwife Program
Help guide women through their pregnancies and provide medical care to the woman and infant after delivery.

Online Nursing Administration Degree
Ensure quality care for patients as you coordinate and manage a team of nurses in the workplace.

Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Help care for and treat patients suffering from various forms of mental illness.

Online Women’s Health Program
Apply your nurse practitioner skills to diagnosing and managing medical conditions for female patients.

Nurse Practitioner Career Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

Nurse Practitioner Careers
Learn more about the different career options that exist for professional nurse practitioners.

Nurse Practitioner Schools
Find out more about what to consider when choosing a nurse practitioner school and find the one that’s best for you.

Nurse Practitioner Programs
Explore the different areas of study that are out there and find the one that best fits your career goals.

Nurse Practitioner Salaries
Learn more about salary trends for nurse practitioners and find out how you can increase your earnings.

The healthcare industry has one of the fastest growing job markets and brings in some of the highest average salaries, so those looking to get into healthcare management careers have chosen the right industry at the right time, especially if you have your Masters in Health Administration. On average, a healthcare manager earns $80,240 annually. The lowest recorded salaries are around $48,300 while the top-paying positions yield wages above $137,800. The financial reward of the healthcare management career path when paired with the quickly growing job availability is a perfect storm for professionals who understand that this industry is a business like any other. Read our article on a high healthcare management salaries to learn more.

Healthcare careers reflect 10 of the top 20 fastest growing careers in today’s economy.  To snag the best positions and ensure a successful run in this industry, healthcare managers will need to pursue an advanced degree in the form of a Online MBA in Healthcare Degree.

Effect of an MBA on Healthcare Management Career

To graduate to the best careers in healthcare management, an Online MBA Program is not just a suggestion, but a necessary part of any resume. Healthcare managers must coordinate, plan, direct and supervise all aspects of healthcare services. As such an essential cog in the healthcare system, the most qualified professionals are sought to fill management roles, so first way an Masters in Business Administration can help your healthcare management career is simply by getting your foot in the door for that first interview.

A recent education gives professionals seeking healthcare management careers the assurance that they are current in their industry knowledge and are aware of how things have changed and advanced because of technology. Some of these advancements include medicine home delivery, electronic patient records, new diagnostic machines as well as a recent direction toward selling preventive care to patients in order to protect the public against the latest healthcare threats.

Healthcare Online MBA Options

Academic programs offer a variety of concentrations in the healthcare industry, including tracks that lead to careers in Pharmacy, Alternative Medicine, Nutrition, Nursing and Psychology, among many others. While some positions only require certification, others can demand advanced degrees in order to climb the ladder to higher paying positions. Depending on the type of career you want, any number of healthcare degrees become appealing, but in terms of healthcare management positions, the best possible degree choice is an MBA in Healthcare Management. At Marylhurst University, their specific focus on Healthcare Management for their online MBA offers an attractive route for professionals seeking an education while maintaining a regular work schedule.

Qualities to look for in a leading edge Healthcare Management MBA program include an emphasis on how business decisions are made in a healthcare setting, how current industry trends will influence those decisions and how to shape the future of healthcare based on those trends. For those wondering how an online MBA can help your healthcare management career, the answer seems to be simply by educating professionals on the latest industry trends.

MBA Degree Programs

Click on the links below for more information about online mba degree programs.

• Executive MBA Programs
• Masters in Business Administration
• No GMAT MBA Programs
• Finance MBA
• Government Policy MBA
• Healthcare MBA
• Management MBA
• Marketing MBA
• Nonprofit Management MBA
• Real Estate MBA
• Online MBA Programs
• Professional MBA Programs

Green MBA Programs

Click on the links below for more information about Green MBA programs.

• MBA in Green Building Development
• MBA in Government Policy
• MBA in Natural & Organic Resources
• MBA in Renewable Energy
• MBA in Sustainable Business

New Technologies Improve Job Opportunities for Healthcare Managers

As new information technology impacts doctors’ offices across the country, it becomes more apparent how an online MBA degree can help your healthcare management career. Individually, different technologies come with different costs, but having the sort of management know-how to spread an organization’s dollars to incorporate necessary new technologies and have the lowest impact on the budget is a skill healthcare facilities are eager to discover in professionals.

Jobs for Healthcare Managers

Healthcare management professionals ordinarily deal with day-to-day operations of facilities, whether they’re large or small. Specifically, healthcare managers fill these job types:

Clinical Managers:

In this line of work, professionals choose a certain niche of healthcare and are employed in the implementation of policies to assist in evaluating the best use of staffing resources, coordinating with other managers to effectively work as a team and providing a budget plan to make sound investments for the organization.

Assistant Administrators:

For larger facilities, assistant administrators work below head administrators to take care of the daily organization methods that impact the big picture of how the facility runs. This position provides the touchstone between the head managers and the lower level personnel.

Health Information Managers:

Rising in importance is the health information manager who must conquer leading trends dealing with the protection and security of patient records as information is transitioned to electronic form. Accuracy and availability of these documents is of utmost significance to this line of work.

Nursing Home Administrators:

A large number of nursing administrators choose to work providing home services for patients who cannot come into facilities regularly. This job necessitates that the professional work closely to manage the finances of the patient so that they receive the best medical attention from the comfort of their homes. The administrator is in constant contact with the healthcare provider to make sure the patient is getting what they need and monitoring the best solutions for what they can afford.

Healthcare Job & Salary Resources

Interested in learning more about other career advancement opportunities, you may want to review some of the resources listed below:

• MBA Marketing Salaries – Top Marketing Salaries for MBA Graduates
• MBA Marketing Careers – Top Marketing MBA Careers and Jobs
• Nonprofit Salaries, You Can Earn More Than You Think
• Business Management Salaries, Jobs and the MBAs Needed to Get Them
• Healthcare MBA Careers, Jobs and Outlook
• Top MBA Salaries and the Degrees needed to Get Them
• MBA Career Paths and Jobs for Graduates
• MBA Finance Salary Resources
• Career Options for Finance MBA Graduates

The best healthcare management salaries exist in a variety of facilities, not just hospitals, and are readily available to those who have an advanced degree such as a Masters in Health Administration. Professionals can find rewarding careers with health insurance organizations, clinics, rehabilitation centers, universities, public health departments and even a career as a nurse practitioner. By expanding the environments in which to seek a healthcare management career, professionals can find a growing resource for their job-hunts. With an estimated 3.1 million jobs becoming available in this industry for managers in the next five years, potential to grow a lasting career is high.

Healthcare Managment & Administration Salaries and Healthcare Reform

The healthcare reform that was hotly debated recently is finally impacting the industry, and as organizations prepare to manage these reforms, they’re going to be looking out for the best-educated leaders to hire on. Recent graduates from programs like the Online MBA in Healthcare Management at Marylhurst University will find themselves with a head start on their competition for the best positions because of their updated expertise in this industry. It seems that in current times, an education could prove more valuable than experience for professionals who wish to acquire upper management positions in healthcare.

Highest Level of Pay in Healthcare Management

The opportunity for growth in management careers in the healthcare industry is perhaps the most attractive quality for ambitious professionals. An advanced degree can provide strong credentials for professionals who wish to have the type of background that companies are happy to promote to higher paying roles within an organization. The worst-case scenario is that through dedicated work in one position, professionals can at least expect a raise through advanced education. To get a better idea about how to much to anticipate from the best healthcare management salaries, consider what the top 10 percent of managers make in this common positions:

Medical assistant: $39,570
Health information technician: $50,060
Nursing home administrator: $136,290
Health specialties teacher: $136,290
Health services manager: $137,800

Looking quickly, professionals will take note that some careers have a much higher payout than other positions, which is why most will aspire to advance from lower paying positions into higher paying roles. Investigating the difference in pay within a certain position can be a good indicator of how much opportunity there is for growth within a certain position, though. Typically professionals begin their careers in healthcare management as assistants then move up to become department heads and eventually assume general management roles.

Obtain an MBA in Order to Achieve Competitive Salaries

Entry-level positions in healthcare management can be achieved with just a bachelor’s degree, but advancement possibilities are restricted without an advanced degree. An Masters in Business Administration with a Concentration is Healthcare is a natural requirement for some organizations when hiring healthcare management positions. Please see our article on healthcare management careers to learn more. To gain the best understanding of how the best healthcare management salaries can vary according to one’s education and experience levels, compare these lower-level salaries in desired management jobs with what the majority of professionals earn in the same positions.

Entry-level Salary Earnings for Healthcare Management

Health information technician: $20,440
Medical assistant: $20,600
Health specialties teacher: $38,610
Nursing home administrator: $45,400
Health services manager: $48,300

The above listed salaries reflect what the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports as the earnings for the bottom 10 percent of management salaries in these jobs. Sometimes, the difference in pay between the lower-level earners and the average earner contrasts by more than $30,000 when compared with what the middle market earns.

Median Salary Earnings for Healthcare Management

Health information technician: $30,610
Medical assistant: $33,050
Nurshing home administrator: $62,170
Health services manager: $80,240
Health specialties teacher: $84,390

Healthcare Management Salaries for Specialty Practices

Other aspects of the healthcare industry can impact the amount of money managers can earn in a given position, too. Oftentimes the pay is higher for professionals working with a specialty physician. In 2009, healthcare managers reported the following annual salaries earned in various specialty practices:

Gynecology: $44,910
Ophthalmology: $48,793
Orthopedics: $51,263
Pediatrics: $51,466
Dermatology: $54,201
Gastroenterology: $54,314
Cardiology: $58,899

Healthcare Management Salaries Impacted By Other Factors

Physicians’ offices, residential care facilities, nursing homes and hospitals employ half of healthcare management professionals. Out of that selection of professionals, 38 percent work in hospitals. It often follows that the larger facilities are able to pay higher salaries. The Medical Group Management Associated reported that administrators who work in facilities with more than 26 physicians earn on average $119,000, whereas those who work in smaller offices with six or less doctors typically earn $83,423. So, size of a facility should be a consideration for professionals seeking the best healthcare management salaries.

Overall, the primary considerations professionals should make in order to ensure they earn the very best healthcare management salaries are the type of practice, the size of the organization, and the level of their own education. An advanced degree like an Online Masters in Business Administration MBA is often an impressive part of a resume that can have an immediate impact on earnings.

Get Started with Your Online MBA

Today’s online degrees have made it easier than ever before for you to further your education and increase your Healthcare Administration and Management Salary. If you want to move forward in int the world of healthcare, find the Online MBA that’s best for you today!

• Online MBA in Finance Degree
• Online MBA in Marketing Degree
• Online MBA in Real Estate Degree
• Online MBA in Health Care Management
• Online MBA in Management Degree
• Online MBA in Non-Profit Management
• Green MBA
• MBA in Green Development
• MBA in Natural & Organic Resources
• MBA in Renewable Energy
• MBA in Government Policy & Administration
• MBA in Sustainable Business

Popular Online Degrees

Laboratory technicians work in research facilities, hospitals, crime laboratories, and in private labs to analyze material samples and record data. Laboratory technicians typically work alongside scientists and laboratory technologists to set up and experiments, as well as interpret the results. Those who work in clinical laboratories collect and study blood and tissue samples from patients, while those who work in scientific research laboratories frequently perform tests on chemical or biological substances. Laboratory technicians in forensic crime labs analyze evidence from a crime scene to help solve cases.

Laboratory technicians also compose very detailed reports about their findings and communicate their results to the appropriate authorities, such as doctors, police detectives, or scientists.

Responsibilities

Laboratory technicians are responsible for performing extremely careful observations and recording exact details of their procedures and results. In research laboratories they are responsible for setting up equipment, monitoring experimental procedures, cleaning up after experiments, and keeping labs well stocked. They must be comfortable handling potentially dangerous chemicals and other hazardous substances.

Clinical laboratory technicians are responsible for detecting the presence of abnormalities in a sample and passing on their findings to physicians, who can prescribe an appropriate treatment. They must be comfortable operating high tech instruments such as cell counters and microscopes. In addition, all laboratory technicians must be computer proficient, as they typically dedicate significant amounts of time to data entry, creating graphs, and analyzing mathematical and statistical results from experiments.

Educational Requirements

There are three academic paths to becoming a laboratory technician: a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, an Associate degree in science or medical technology, and a high school diploma coupled with formal laboratory training. In addition, clinical laboratory technicians must complete a certification program offered by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

The differences between these three educational paths are as follows:

• Bachelor of Science programs are offered by colleges and universities and usually take about four years to complete. Bachelor degrees are required for some laboratory positions, such as biological and nuclear technicians.
• Associate degree programs are offered by community colleges, junior colleges, and several accredited online schools. Associate degree programs typically take one to two years to complete.
• A high school diploma or GED is sufficient for employment as a laboratory technician assistant, though about two years of on the job training are required to advance to the position of laboratory technician.

Areas of Specialization

Laboratory technicians can specialize in three different areas, though many combine specialties. For example, a forensic science technician may use tools and techniques of clinical laboratory technicians when analyzing evidence. The three means of specialization are:

• By general discipline, as technicians typically choose to work either in clinical labs or science labs.
• By work setting, as technicians might work in research facilities, hospitals, or crime labs, among other settings.
• By working with one or more specific materials or substances, as do DNA analysts and plant scientists.

Below are general job categories for laboratory technicians:

• Biological technicians, who examine plant and animal tissue, study animal behavior, and conduct lab tests.
• Chemical technicians, who experiment with chemical solutions and analyze different compounds.
• Environmental science technicians, who gather samples of air, water, and soil and test them for traces of contaminants.
• Forensic science technicians, who analyze and interpret material evidence from crime scenes.
• Medical laboratory technicians, who work in hospitals or research labs to determine the presence of disease or bacteria in a human sample.
• Phlebotomists, who specialize in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of blood samples.

Career Opportunities

There are numerous career opportunities for qualified laboratory technicians. The list below is a small sample of potential career paths.

Agricultural Technician
Blood Bank Specialist
Clinical Chemistry Technician
Conservation Technician
Cytotechnologist
DNA Analyst
Food Science Technician
Forensic Science Technician
Forest Technician
Histotechnician
Immunohematology Technician
Immunology Technician
Medical Laboratory Technician
Molecular Biology Technologist
Nuclear Technician
Phlebotomist
Plant Scientist

Salary Ranges

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual earnings of laboratory technicians in May 2006 were $32,840, with the middle 50 percent earning between $26,430 and $41,020, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $21,830, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $50,250. The median annual earnings for the industries with the largest number of laboratory technicians in May 2006 are listed below.

General medical and surgical hospitals: $34,200
Colleges and universities: $33,440
Physician’s offices: $31,330
Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $30,240
Ambulatory health care services: $29,560

Professional Organizations
There are many professional organizations dedicated to the laboratory science field. These organizations can provide excellent resources and information for future clinical laboratory technicians.

AAB – American Association of Bioanalysts
www.aab.org

AIBS – American Institute of Biological Sciences
www.aibs.org

ASCLS – American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
www.ascls.org

ASCP – American Society for Clinical Pathology
www.ascp.org

NAACLS – National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
www.naacls.org

NCA – National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
www.nca-info.org

As a heath informatics professional, you will need to treat technology as a tool that helps people – both patients and medical personnel, and to realize that it is a means to an end, not an end unto itself. In this realm, technology is an enabler to the ultimate goal of health care: taking care of people.

Many people embarking on new careers want to help people and are drawn by the field of medicine. However, medical school is costly and takes time. Also, many doubt their abilities to deal with the more difficult clinical aspects of patient care. Health informatics is a perfect way to be intrinsically involved in patient care without the additional schooling and direct patient care aspects. Overall, individuals who enjoy technology, health care science, communication, and administration, and business management are excellent candidates for a career in health informatics.

These are a few of the areas in which information systems need to be developed for these areas: medical records, telemedicine, clinical decision support, health policy, and hospital support systems, amongst others.

Responsibilities

Health informatics generally focus either on management or technical duties. The Health Informatics Management Professionals:

• Oversee design and development of information systems that meet the needs of management
• Work with management to develop policies and procedures for handling information to ensure patient privacy and overall security requirements
• Ensure that information systems meet budget requirements
• Develop and manage inter-agency systems and policies
• Train users in the information systems

On the technical side, Health Informatic pros:

• Design and develop information systems that meet the needs and requirements of management, users, and stakeholders.
• Oversee development of high tech systems that allow for real-time communication, diagnosis, and consultation using video, audio, and web-based technologies
• Design, develop, and implement systems that operate between and among agencies
• Develop systems that adhere to policies and procedures for handling information to ensure patient privacy and overall security requirements
• Seamlessly integrate the requirements of the many areas in an enterprise into one user-friendly system

Educational Requirements

The minimum requirement for entrance into this career is a bachelor of science degree in disciplines such as

• Health Information Management and Administration
• Information Technology; many programs offer specialization in health informatics
• Health Informatics; many colleges now offer a BS degree in this program

There are also master’s degree programs in health informatics which enable individuals with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines to prepare for a career in the field.

For those who want to acquire additional certification, there is the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) job, which requires both a BS degree and successful completion of the RHIA certification examination.

Areas of Specialization

Since this is a new field, the options are many, as well as evolving. But some possibilities include:

• Hospitals and doctors’ offices: It is a challenging and necessary task to implement information systems for medical records without interfering with the day-to-day need for providers to give quality care.
• Insurance companies: As insurance companies consolidate and grow, the need to design and implement records systems is growing.
• Pharmaceutical companies: Systems are needed to keep track of the various studies and reports associated with drug manufacture.
• Medical non-profit organizations: Systems are needed for record keeping and patient status
• Government agencies: Systems are needed for medical record keeping.
• Academia: Programs in Health Informatics are literally exploding across the country, and the world. The need for qualified instructors with advanced degrees and some teaching experience is significant.

Career Opportunities

As mentioned previously, the fast growth of this profession lends for a “make your own career” situation. But in the meantime, here are some existing job titles to consider:

Health Informatics (HI) Department Director
HI Administrator
HI Systems Manager
Data Quality Manager
Chief Privacy Officer
Information Security Officer
College Instructor
Consultant

Salary Ranges

According to information gathered from the Medical College of Georgia, starting salaries for new graduates average $30,000 to $50,000. After 5 years, salaries raise from $50,000 to $75,000.

Professional Organizations

You can find more information about a career in health informatics by contacting any of the following professional organizations or reading the listed publications.

American Health Information Management Association
www.ahima.org

American Medical Informatics Association
www.amia.org

National Center for Health Care Informatics
www.nchci.org

Federal Report on Health Care Informatics
http://aspe.hhs.gov/DATACNCL/fedstds1.htm

Nurse Practitioner Job Responsibilities

Nurse practitioners counsel and educate patients on treatment options and preventative care, while collaborating with other health professionals as needed. They prescribe medications, diagnose and treat acute injuries and illnesses, and provide family-planning services as well as prenatal care. Nurse practitioners also treat and monitor chronic diseases, conduct physical examinations, and provide health-maintenance care for children, teenagers, and adults. Since the profession is state-regulated, specific duties and regulations vary.

Educational Requirements for Nurse Practitioners

To be eligible as a licensed nurse practitioner, one must first become a registered nurse. Registered nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners should have 3-5 years of clinical experience before obtaining their higher degree. Additionally, nurse practitioners are required to have successfully completed a nurse practitioner master’s degree at minimum.

Nurse Practitioner Career Opportunities

The majority of nurse practitioners specialize in one area of medical care, and there are as many areas of specialization as there are medical fields. See Career Opportunities for potential areas of specialization.

Below is a list of possible career options for qualified nurse practitioners. This is only a sampling and should not be taken as an exhaustive list.

• Adult Health Nurse Practitioner
• Anesthesiology Nurse Practitioner
• Family Health Nurse Practitioner
• Geriatric/Elder Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwife
• Pediatric/Child Health Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist- Nurse Educator
• Nursing Administration
• Women and Newborn Infant Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner Salary Ranges

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual earnings of registered nurses were $57,280 in May 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $47,710 and $69,850, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $40,250, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $83,440. This is the median annual earnings breakdown for the industries with the largest number of registered nurses in May 2006:

Employment services: $64,260
General medical and surgical hospitals: $58,550
Home health care services: $54,190
Physicians’ offices: $53,800
Nursing care facilities: $52,490

Nurse Practitioner Professional Organizations and Resources

There are many professional organizations for the nursing field. These organizations can be a powerful resource and provide a wide range of useful information.

AACN – American Association of Colleges of Nursing
www.aacn.nche.edu

AMSN – Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses
www.medisurgnurse.org

ANA – American Nurses Association
www.ana.org

NCSBN – National Council of State Boards of Nursing
www.ncsbn.org

NINR – National Institute of Nursing Research
www.ninr.nih.gov

NLN – National League for Nursing
www.nln.org

Midwives work to promote the health of babies, mothers, and families. Their presence during childbirth provides support throughout the process of labor and delivery along with general care for women and children immediately after birth. Midwives also provide medical care for women throughout pregnancy and are on call should complications occur. Since a midwife’s work also includes promoting public health, he or she touches the lives of families and greater communities.

Responsibilities

Certified nurse-midwives provide a wide range of primary healthcare for women, including preconception care, prenatal care, gynecological exams, health maintenance counseling, menopausal management, labor and delivery care, care after birth, disease prevention, newborn care, and family planning assistance. In addition, they routinely collaborate with other medical professionals to coordinate medical care.

On a community level, nurse-midwives are advocates of birth education, natural childbirth, and entire-family participation in the birthing process. Since they work to promote uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, they perform episiotomies and cesarean sections far less often than in traditional birthing environments.

Educational Requirements

Direct entry midwives (DEM) enter the field via community-based training, an apprenticeship, or some other field than standard nursing. As of 1996, DEMs are eligible for certification from the North American Registry of Midwives. This certification is known as Certified Midwife, or CM.

Nurse-midwives are formally educated through accredited midwifery programs and must pass a national certification exam through the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Both paths are legally recognized, and certification requires childbirth training as well as the commitment to providing care for women during the birthing process. Certified midwives must successfully complete prerequisite health science requirements, graduate from a recognized midwifery course of study, earn a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, and successfully pass a national certification exam.

Areas of Specialization

While direct entry midwives typically specialize in home births, certified nurse-midwives provide a full range of healthcare services for women and preside over births in hospitals, birth centers, and private homes. Midwives can also choose to put a more political spin on their careers, working in the community to advocate for changes in public policy along with increasing awareness of the profession.

Career Opportunities

Below is a list of possible career options for qualified midwives. This is not a complete list and serves only as a guide to potential career paths.

• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Director of Nurse Midwifery
• Professor of Nurse Midwifery
• Nurse Midwifery Administrator

Salary Ranges

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which lists salaries for nurse-midwives under the registered nurse category, median annual earnings were $57,280 in May 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $47,710 and $69,850, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $40,250, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $83,440. However, salaries may vary with work environment, geographical location, and amount of experience in the field.

Professional Organizations

There are several professional nurse midwife organizations and advocacy groups. These can prove a powerful resource and offer helpful information.

ACNM – American College of Nurse Midwives
www.midwife.org

ICTC – International Center for Traditional Childbearing
www.blackmidwives.org

MANA – Midwives Alliance of North America
www.mana.org

Registered nurses (RN) work with patients to treat medical conditions along with providing advice and emotional support to patients’ loved ones. RNs are responsible for establishing or contributing to an existing plan of care through recording patients’ medical histories and symptoms, administering medications and treatment, performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results, and supporting patients’ follow-up and rehabilitation efforts.

RNs also do outreach work to enhance public understanding of medical warning signs and disease symptoms, along with spearheading health screenings, blood drives, and public seminars.

Responsibilities

RNs are responsible for promoting health, preventing disease, and assisting patients in coping with illness. They also serve as health educators and advocates for patients, loved ones, and the community at large. Direct patient care requires RNs to observe, assess, and record medical conditions, including any progress or negative reactions. RNs must also administer medications and treatments, assist physicians while working with patients, support nursing care plans, and act as a resource to patients as well as their loved ones. Specific responsibilities vary and it is important to clarify your job description before accepting a position.

Educational Requirements

There are three academic paths to becoming a registered nurse: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, an Associate degree in nursing, and a diploma from an approved nursing program. After graduating from one of these programs, individuals must obtain their nursing licenses by completing a national exam. Licensed graduates of any of these types of programs will qualify for an entry-level position in the nursing field.

The differences between these three educational paths are as follows:

• Bachelor of Science (BSN) programs are offered by colleges and universities and take about four years to complete. In 2006, there were just over 700 nursing programs offering BSN degrees.
• Associate degree (ADN) programs are offered by community and junior colleges and take three years to complete. As of 2006, there were about 850 RN programs offering ADN degrees.
• Diploma programs are offered by hospitals and, like ADN programs, take three years to complete. As of 2006, there were 70 programs offering diplomas.

Areas of Specialization

RNs can specialize in four different areas of patient care. It is also possible to combine specialties. For example, a geriatric oncology nurse works with elderly patients diagnosed with cancer. The four means of specialization are:

• By work setting or type of treatment, such as surgical nurses, who provide care and support to patients throughout the process.
• By specific health conditions, such as oncology nurses, who work with patients diagnosed with cancer.
• By working with one or more organs or body-system types, such as endocrine nurses, who work with patients suffering from diseases of the endocrine system.
• By population, such as pediatric nurses, who work with children and adolescents.

Below are general job categories for RNs:

• Hospital nurses, the largest group in the RN field. Though most hospital nurses are staff nurses, others include licensed practical nurses and aides. Hospital nurses typically work in one department, but some may also rotate on a regular basis.
• Office nurses, who provide outpatient care in doctors’ offices, clinics, surgical centers, and emergency centers. They are responsible for assisting with patient needs and maintaining medical records, while sometimes doing office and laboratory work.
• Nursing-home nurses, who oversee managed care for residents and sometimes work in specialty-care departments.
• Home health nurses, who carry out doctor-prescribed services on a periodic basis at the patient’s home. They work with patients and loved ones to provide medical and emotional support.
• Public health nurses, whose work is in government and private agencies as well as other community settings. Public health nurses work with specific populations and plan and implement community programs.
• Occupational health or industrial nurses, who provide nursing care and counseling at worksites to treat and prevent on-the-job injuries.
• Head nurses or nursing supervisors, who are responsible for directing nursing activities and providing supervision.
• Nurse practitioners offer basic primary health care. Nurse practitioners are licensed to prescribe medication and this is considered an advanced level of the field.

Career Opportunities

There are many career opportunities for qualified registered nurses. The list below is just a partial sampling of potential professional paths.

Certified Nurse-Midwife
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Emergency Room Nurse
Endocrine Nurse
Home Health Care Nurse
Hospital Nurse
Nurse Supervisor
Oncology Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Surgical Nurse

Salary Ranges

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual earnings of registered nurses were $57,280 in May 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $47,710 and $69,850, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $40,250, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $83,440. This is the median annual earnings breakdown for the industries with the largest number of registered nurses in May 2006:

Employment services: $64,260
General medical and surgical hospitals: $58,550
Home health care services: $54,190
Physicians’ offices: $53,800
Nursing care facilities: $52,490

Professional Organizations

There are many professional organizations for the nursing field. These organizations can be a powerful resource and provide a wide range of useful information.

ANA – American Nurses Association
www.ana.org

AACN – American Association of Colleges of Nursing
www.aacn.nche.edu

AMSN – Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses
www.medisurgnurse.org

NCSBN – National Council of State Boards of Nursing
www.ncsbn.org

NLN – National League for Nursing
www.nln.org