Top 5 Advanced Nursing Degrees for Career Advancement
Explore the top five advanced nursing degrees that offer excellent career opportunities and high salaries. From nurse-midwives to anesthetists, discover how specialized master's programs can enhance your nursing career and meet growing healthcare demands. Whether you're looking to work in critical care, family health, or anesthesia, these degrees provide pathways to rewarding roles with competitive pay.
Top 5 Advanced Nursing Degrees for Career Advancement
The nursing profession is experiencing rapid growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Projections indicate a significant increase in demand for nurses across various healthcare sectors, making a master’s degree in nursing a smart choice for a lucrative and rewarding career. Whether you aim to specialize or take on leadership roles, advanced degrees open doors to higher salaries and better job stability.
Certified Nurse-Midwife Program
This degree leads to a certification as a nurse-midwife, allowing practice in clinics and hospitals. There's an increasing need for professionals to assist expectant mothers through childbirth, boosting demand for this role. The typical annual salary is approximately $79,000.
Master’s Degree in Critical Care Nursing
Building upon your Bachelor’s in Nursing, this specialization prepares you to care for critically ill patients in intensive care units. Extra certifications in critical care are often required. The average salary for a critical care nurse is about $61,000 annually.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
An MSN degree qualifies you to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, working in community health and supporting families. Additional certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center can enhance your salary prospects, with earnings around $94,000 per year.
MSN with Nurse Practitioner Certification
Combining an MSN with certification can lead to roles such as Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, focusing on elder care. Licensing from credentialing bodies may be required, and the median salary is approximately $94,000 annually.
Nurse Anesthetist Programs
Specializing in anesthesia through a master’s program provides substantial growth opportunities and high earning potential. Experienced nurse anesthetists working in emergency settings can earn up to $154,300 per year, making this one of the top-paying nursing careers.
