New Hampshire

Each aspiring nurse must choose which nursing position is the best fit for her career aspirations. Broadly speaking, nurses can pursue one of three roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN). Each role carries a unique job scope and requires a significantly different investment in one’s education.

Certified nursing assistant

New Hampshire’s healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth, and registered nurses (RNs) sit at the forefront of this change. As U.S. healthcare evolves and grows in complexity, providers are increasingly seeking RNs with at least a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. With over 12,000 RNs across the state, a BSN degree helps its holder stand out in a pool of applicants. A bachelor’s degree can also result in higher pay: while New Hampshire’s RNs earn about $63,000 on average, BSN-holders often earn top-quartile pay of $77,000 or more annually.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide both bedside care and basic medical care for patients. Bedside care enables sick, injured, and elderly patients to accomplish important quality-of-life tasks, such as bathing, eating, and using the restroom. LPNs are also trained to complete basic medical tasks like recording a patient’s vitals, monitoring catheters and medical equipment, dressing wounds, and administering medications. LPNs are often supervised by registered nurses (RNs), working in tandem to monitor a patient’s health and solve any arising issues.

Private universities and colleges are institutions that offer four-year bachelor’s degrees (and in many cases, graduate degree programs) across a wide range of fields. These schools may be more expensive than their public counterparts, but they are often held in very high regard by employers, improving graduates’ job prospects upon completing their nursing degree.