Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN)

Nursing is a sector of the healthcare field focused on the care of individuals and/or communities. There are many different types of nurses, and most can be distinguished by their level of education, which can be certificates, diplomas, baccalaureates, and masters. Nurses often choose specialties, the same way doctors do, and may also have the authority to prescribe medications depending upon education and state regulations.

CNAs, or Certified Nursing Assistants, typically work in long-term care and they are often the day-to-day assistants for patients. From a state-approved education program, becoming a nursing assistant can take anywhere between three to eight weeks. CNAs bathe patients, help them use the facilities, eat, and dress. They take vitals, as well as move patients from beds to wheelchairs.

The average salary for a CNA is around $26,500.

Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, typically hold either a certificate or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Most commonly, they work in long-term care, though occasionally they’ll work in hospitals or doctor’s offices. Primarily, LPNs will take vitals and speak with patients, reporting to an RN. Depending upon state regulations, LPNs may or may not be able to hook up an IV. To officially become an LPN, passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required.

LPNs make around $42,000 per year.

Registered Nurses, RNs, typically have a baccalaureate degree (though some states allow for an Associate’s degree) and have passed the NCLEX-RN. The majority of RN nurses work in hospitals and take on more responsibilities than an LPN, including assessing patient conditions, assisting in diagnosing patients, set up plans for patient care, and educate patients and families about care once at home, plus much more. RNs can work in specialities, including in critical care, genetics, neonatal, public health, and rehabilitation.

Salaries for RNs can vary based on specialty, but clocks in around $62,000 per year.

An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), sometimes referred to as a Nurse Practitioner, is likely to be the most educated form of nurse. On top of having a baccalaureate, NPs will have a master’s degree with a specialization. They work under the guidance of a physician, but have more autonomy than RNs. They can diagnose, treat, prescribe, and run medical tests independently.

Advanced Practice Nurses have an average salary of $90,000 per year.

Career options for nurses are heavily dependent on education level, as well as the accreditation of the institution.

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Colleges

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Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Every great journey begins with a moment of courage.

At Kennesaw State University, you’ll discover what you’re capable of doing. You’ll ask bigger questions, solve real problems, create alongside people who challenge your thinking, and step into...

“…

All my professors have different approaches, so the learning styles are very diverse. They all want their students to be successful and move forward, you just have to make an effort on your part. There are many different courses and each teaches...

” – Essance from Marietta, GA

average act composite

1111

average sat composite

69%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$21,784

average net price

45,069

number of students

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High Point University

High Point, NC

High Point University is The Premier Life Skills University. Having radically transformed the campus since 2005 under the leadership of President Nido R. Qubein, HPU knows transformation well. That’s why leaders commit to preparing students for the...

“…

Attend Summer Experience before your freshman year, you'll earn credit hours, meet other freshman and learn your way around.
Be sure you go to class. Classes are small and you will be missed.

” – Shana from Lexington, NC

average act composite

1193

average sat composite

77%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$40,719

average net price

6,052

number of students

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University of Louisville

Louisville, KY

The University of Louisville is a member of the Kentucky State University system and the first city-owned public university in the US. Louisville features three campuses hosting 12 colleges and schools and the university’s Health Sciences Center is...

“…

Not only is there a wealth of wisdom in every professor, every opportunity is given so that a student can thrive. People say that a big school isn’t as good because each student won’t get personal attention. This is totally false-even in my largest...

” – John from Louisville, KY

average act composite

1120

average sat composite

82%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$17,894

average net price

23,225

number of students

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University of British Columbia

Canada

The University of British Columbia is a public institution with campuses located in the city of Vancouver and the city of Kelowna. The college is deeply rooted in academic research and maintains a number of research facilities, such as the Bamfield...

“…

1. Although UBC is huge, it is easy to feel a little bit lost at times but it but because of its big size, it's also easy to find your nietzsche.
2. UBC has one of the most gorgeous campuses in the world, hands down.
3. UBC has a great international...

” – Anonymous

average act composite

1350

average sat composite

37%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$32,212

average net price

number of students

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University of Portland

Portland, OR

Established by the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1891, the University of Portland is a private Roman Catholic university. UP is home to colleges and schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing, and Education conferring...

“…

I can honestly say that I have never felt so well taken care of academically. All of the teachers here are dedicated to their job and to the students. They go out of their way to make sure that every student is keeping up with the material. The class...

” – Rosemary from Las Vegas, NV

average act composite

1250

average sat composite

95%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$37,317

average net price

3,457

number of students

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Southeastern University Online

Lakeland, FL

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acceptance rate

Not Available

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Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA

Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...

“…

The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.

” – Beth

average act composite

1188

average sat composite

77%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$25,767

average net price

2,152

number of students

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William Penn University - Online

Oskaloosa, IA

Established by the Religious Society of Friends in 1873, William Penn University is a liberal arts institution in central Iowa affiliated with the Quakers. William Penn is home to seven academic divisions conferring degrees in over 20 majors. As a...

average act composite

average sat composite

55%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

campus setting

$21,256

average net price

1,350

number of students

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Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Norton, MA

Wheaton College is a 4-year, coeducational college located halfway between Boston and Providence in Norton, Massachusetts. Students can choose between more than 100 majors and minors, all of which are influenced by the requirements-light Compass...

“…

Wheaton is a small, intensive liberal arts college in Norton, MA. While the town of Norton isn't a great college town and the campus is small, Wheaton has a great campus community with active and engaged students, faculty, and staff. Classes are...

” – Nicholas from Loudonville, NY

average act composite

1280

average sat composite

71%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$28,518

average net price

1,778

number of students

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Graceland University - Independence & Online

Independence, MO

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acceptance rate

Not Available

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SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, NY

SUNY College of Technology at Canton is located in northern New York State and part of the State University of New York System. Originally founded as the first 2-year college in New York, SUNY Canton now confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 career...

“…

SUNY Canton's main campus facilities are incorporated into the side of a hill making almost all window a pleasant view. The staff and the students here are intuitive and pleasant. Ethnic diversity at SUNY Canton is also a big factor when...

” – Scott from Heuvetlton, NY

average act composite

1022

average sat composite

96%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$13,431

average net price

2,919

number of students

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Drew University

Madison, NJ

Drew University is more than a place to earn your degree—it is the beginning of a successful, purpose-driven life. Choose from 40+ majors, 60+ minors, 18 Dual-Degree programs and 17 pre-professional programs. Every student graduates with a purpose...

“…

There is no doubt in my mind that I am learning a lot at Drew. This college is on the Princeton Review's list of top universities and top liberal arts colleges for a reason! The topics are very engaging and intense, and although I've had a couple of...

” – Eve from North Bergen, NJ

average act composite

1235

average sat composite

69%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$28,218

average net price

2,226

number of students

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Keiser University Flagship Campus

West Palm Beach, FL

Keiser University is a 4-year private school with a main campus in south Florida and satellite campuses throughout the state. Featuring a career-focused curriculum, Keiser confers bachelor’s and graduate degrees in over 100 academic programs. The...

average act composite

average sat composite

97%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

campus setting

average net price

1,510

number of students