Five starsTrusted by 70,000+ Future Students
Nursing & Healthcare study and career guide

Area of interest

Nursing & Healthcare

Nursing and healthcare degrees are becoming increasingly popular as people become more interested in pursuing careers in the medical field⁴. These degrees can be very beneficial for those looking to enter into careers in the medical field, as they provide a strong foundation in the principles of nursing and healthcare. Additionally, these degrees can also be helpful for those looking to pursue careers in other fields, as they often include coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology. Based on national data, not school- specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. BLS occupational outlook for Healthcare Occupations.

Nursing & Healthcare Overview

Nursing and healthcare degree programs are becoming increasingly popular as people become more interested in pursuing careers in the medical field.⁴ These degrees can be very beneficial for those looking to enter into careers in the medical field, as they provide a strong foundation in the principles of nursing and healthcare. Additionally, these degrees can also be helpful for those looking to pursue careers in other fields, as they often include coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology.

There are a variety of different nursing and healthcare degree programs available, depending on the specific area of interest. Some of the most popular programs include registered nursing, licensed practical nursing, and medical assisting. These programs typically take two to four years to complete, and often include a mix of classroom instruction and clinical experience.

Those with nursing and healthcare degrees can find careers in a variety of different fields. Many choose to work as nurses, while others find jobs in the medical field.

Based on national data, not school- specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. BLS occupational outlook for Healthcare Occupations.

⁴“Occupational Outlook Handbook: Healthcare Occupations”, US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2 October 2023,

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm

Which Nursing & Healthcare degrees can you study?

There are many different types of nursing and healthcare degrees that you can pursue. Some of the most popular nursing degrees include: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Nurse Practitioner (NP). Healthcare degrees include: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Some example degrees include:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Arts in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
  • Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Which Nursing & Healthcare degrees can you study? illustration

What are the entry requirements to get onto the Nursing & Healthcare Degree?

There are many different requirements that you must meet in order to get into a nursing or healthcare program. Some of the most common requirements include: completing high school or equivalent, completing prerequisite coursework, taking the ACT or SAT, and submitting an application.

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
  • A satisfactory score on the Nursing Entrance Exam
  • A personal interview
  • A criminal background check
What are the entry requirements to get onto the Nursing & Healthcare Degree? illustration

What experience do I need to be able to apply for the Nursing & Healthcare degree

There is no one specific type of experience that you need in order to apply for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, most programs will require you to have some type of healthcare experience, such as working as a certified nurse assistant (CNA), before you can apply.

  • Healthcare experience
  • CNA
  • Strong Academic Background
What experience do I need to be able to apply for the Nursing & Healthcare degree illustration

Nursing & Healthcare careers

There are many different careers in nursing and healthcare, each with their own set of responsibilities and duties. Nurses care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide primary and specialty care. Registered nurses must have a bachelor's degree in nursing and pass a national licensing exam. Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care and must have a diploma or certificate in nursing. Certified nursing assistants provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Home health aides provide basic care and assistance to patients in their homes.

There is a lot of potential to earn a good income as a nursing or healthcare graduate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024. Registered Nurses Salary (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook)

For advanced practice roles, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $129,210 in May 2024. This figure comes from the combined category of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, in which nurse practitioners specifically reported a median of $129,210. Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners Salary (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook)

The median annual salary for physicians and surgeons was about $239,200 or more in 2024, making medicine one of the highest-paid healthcare fields according to BLS data. Physicians and Surgeons Salary (BLS overview)

These figures are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. For more detailed outlooks, see the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook pages for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians and surgeons linked above.

There are many different types of jobs that a nursing or healthcare student can get. Some of the most popular nursing jobs include: registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), and licensed practical nurse (LPN). Healthcare jobs include: doctor, dentist, and veterinarian.

Ready to compare Nursing & Healthcare programs?

Share your study preferences once and explore relevant school options.

Find school options