Nursing Ranks In Top 10 Best College Majors And Career Choices
According to Kiplinger.com, nursing ranks in the top ten of best college majors across the country. With over 1 million annual online job postings, it is a career choice that is in demand and has a ten-year project job growth rate of 19.4 percent.
While a bachelor's degree is preferred as the minimum education, the majority of large cities look to nurses with master's degrees in a growing field specialty. Those with a bachelor's degree can expect a median starting salary of around $55,400. Mid-career salary median range for a bachelor's degree is $71,700 and with a master's degree median range of $89,960. The median difference mid-career salary between a master's and a bachelors' degree is $18,260 annually.
Those with a master's degree or higher in nursing and health administration will be in the best position to handle the needs of the aging population.
"In our field, we are always teaching. We are teaching other nurses and our patients. I am going back to school so I can keep on top of all of the changes and be able to teach people," said Lana Cooper, a pediatric charge nurse in the emergency room at Medical City.
"If you are not willing to advance your scope of knowledge then you won't be marketable. There are times when it is frustrating but stick with it because the benefits far outweigh the little sacrifices you make," said Cooper.
Marieshia Hicks is the chief financial officer and associate administrator for Dependable Care Health Service, LLC. "There is a different mentality than being an undergrad. Be fully invested in your graduate program. Take advantage of everything. Network. Shadow other professionals. The master's program is an expensive education. Remember, a master's degree is to help you become a master of a particular field of study. Be dedicated and the success will come," said Hicks.
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com