Completing an associate’s degree or bachelor’s nursing program is a surefire way to advance your nursing career. Earning a master’s degree or higher certification in nursing will result in greater career opportunities and much higher pay. Many nurses are aware of this, but the issue is often having to balance work and school. But one of the solutions could be right under their nose. Online learning offers the opportunity for nurses to further their education with enough flexibility to maintain their current positions. There are tons of different reasons why getting an online nursing degree is a good idea. Here are a few of them.
The Demand for Skilled Nurses
The country is currently experiencing a nursing shortage. This is partially due to the wave of Baby Boomers retiring from the nursing profession and because of the general aging of society that dramatically increases the need for nursing care. Demand for RNs grew 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the growth of all professions. Demand for RNs and skilled nurses like nurse practitioners and nurse midwives will grow even faster in the foreseeable future. If you complete your RN or advanced nursing degree, you’ll be in demand for high paying jobs that have a strong future.
The Career Opportunities
An online nursing degree allows you to move from RN to BSN without quitting your current job. Once you have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for higher pay rates and managerial positions. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can upgrade your credentials without traveling.
For instance,online FNP programs in Texas allow BSN prepared nurses with a TX license to take their career to the next level without having to go back and forth to class. This could open you up to many family healthcare positions. FNPs in the state can stand to earn up to $102,000 per year depending on experience, which puts it as one of the states with the highest pay for this specialization in the country.
The Pay Raise
Nursing pay is proportional to education. A nurse with an associate’s degree averages $67,000 a year in pay. The average bachelor’s degree holder earns around $80,000 a year. If you complete a master’s degree in nursing, the average pay jumps up to $92,000 a year. A newly minted family nurse practitioner earns roughly a hundred thousand dollars a year, while one with experience can earn several thousand dollars a year more than that. A nurse anesthetist earns around $150,000 a year. This is why advanced online degrees for nurses have a high return on investment.
The Greater Flexibility at Work
A master’s degree holder will often be among the most senior or specialized nurses in the workplace. This gives them more flexibility at work. You are also able to move to less stressful roles or the job of your choice. You could lead the nursing team or move into management instead of being assigned physically demanding 12-hour shifts. Your advanced degree could also open you up to more stable positions with conventional office hours.
Online education allows nurses to balance work, life and school. But more importantly, they are a great opportunity to advance your career and get the position you’ve always dreamed of without sacrificing your current one.
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.
