According to a report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in April 2011, 428,000 jobs were added in the healthcare industry during the 18 months of recession from December 2007 till June 2009, with the industry showing steady growth since. The report also stated that this growth has not been affected by previous recessions or fluctuations in the business cycle either.
Another report issued by the BLS on 19th December, 2013 pointed out that occupations related to the healthcare sector are projected to add new jobs compared to every other sector from the year 2012 to 2022. BLS also projected that total employment in this sector would increase by 10.8 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Nurses work within the healthcare industry, and assist physicians, doctors and therapists in treating patients.
Nursing degree programs
Several universities across the United States provide online and on-campus degree programs in nursing education. These programs may include:
This program compliments your degree rather than replacing it. A certificate can help you further your education. Different universities and colleges offer different specialized certificates in nursing. Several of these specialized certificates may include:
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Certificate in health informatics
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Clinical research management certificate
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Post master’s nursing certificate
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Certificate in nursing education
These certificates may be offered on-campus or online, depending upon your preference and your choice of university or college. Normally, the certificate emphasizes areas such as patient safety, online data management and health records etc.
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Bachelor of Science in nursing
The Bachelor of Science in nursing program focuses on nursing courses along with biological and social sciences. This degree program is offered at most of the universities and colleges across the United States. Students may successfully complete this degree program within four years. Core courses may include assessment of health and illness, structure and function of the human body, pharmacology, research approach in nursing and community health nursing etc.
A student may complete this degree both online and on-campus depending on the choice of university or college and the student’s preferences.
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Master’s of nursing degree
Students who pursue a master’s of nursing degree program are typically registered nurses. This master’s degree program is designed to enhance various abilities and train students to respect the patients regardless of their gender, cast or creed, analyze various social, political and technological implications for nurses and the healthcare sector, acquire advanced knowledge of behavioral and social sciences, examining healthcare delivery issues and investigate the different theories of nursing practices.
This program may be offered on-campus as well as online, depending upon the university or college choice a student makes. Various specializations may include:
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Clinical nurse specialist program
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Acute care pediatric nurse program
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Primary care nurse program
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Nurse-midwife program
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Family nurse program
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Health systems and nursing leadership program
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Peace corps international program
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Occupational health nursing program
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Doctoral nursing programs
Normally, there are several doctoral programs in nursing that are offered by various colleges and universities across the United States. You may get yourself enrolled in one of these programs for both on-campus classes as well as online classes, depending on your university or college options and preferences. Several universities allow students to take both online classes and on-campus classes at the same time. The doctoral programs in nursing may include:
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Doctor of philosophy (PhD) in nursing
This program emphasizes on the development of nursing theory and aims at enhancing the student’s researching and critical analysis abilities. The curriculum focuses on various areas including health promotion, vulnerable population and chronic illness care. The program provides advanced knowledge of a scientific research area to a student and trains the student to conduct research on new and already established nursing theories.
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Post-masters doctor of nursing practice
This program has been designed to incorporate leadership abilities and advanced practice in the candidates. The program is focused on clinical research and methods. The curriculum aims to enhance your abilities in making health policies and using information technology to potentially improve the healthcare system.
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Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
An LPN assists and helps physicians, doctors and registered nurses. If you are interested in increasing your prospects of becoming an LPN, then you must get yourself enrolled in a state approved LPN program. Several nursing schools and community colleges offer programs with Online LPN Classes. After completing this program you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to increase your chances of becoming an LPN.
Career and job outlook
A nurse may work in several capacities; a case-manager, clinical nurse, nurse educator and research nurse etc, depending upon your educational level.
According to BLS, the median annual salary of registered nurses was $65,470 in 2012, while the median salary of licensed nurses (LPNs) was $41,540 in the same year.