A master of science in nursing (MSN) can open the door to some of the highest paying nursing roles today. Nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, and nurse educator are just a few. Because of the tremendous demands associated these roles, hospitals, outpatient centers, and educational services are willing to pay six figures or more to qualified candidates. For example, nurse practitioners working in state, local, and private hospitals averaged $114,630 in 2016, while those working in outpatient care centers earned $107,090. At a notable $175,170, high performers earned even more.

Registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor of science of nursing (BSN) are in such high demand, that RN-to-BSN programs can be found at just about every nursing school in the U.S. And because most RN-to-BSN students are working nurses, some schools have developed online programs to make it easier for these professionals to continue working while earning their degree. Some of the best online options are offered at Grantham University, SUNY Empire State College, University of Maryland University College, California Southern University, and Galen College of Nursing.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is fast becoming the preferred degree for registered nurses (RNs) at top hospitals across the U.S. In fact, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that many major hospitals have already established “BSN-preferred” hiring policies for new hires. Thanks to the popularity of this degree path, aspiring nurses hoping to land a position at a top hospital won’t have to look far for an accredited program. Even better is, some schools offer programs online, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree.

The fastest path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) is an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). While a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes four years to complete, an ADN takes just two to three years, and qualifies you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). If you decide to earn a higher degree down the road, ADN programs also qualify you to enter BSN or RN to master of science in nursing (RN-to-MSN) program.

To secure a nursing position in the Sebastian-Vero Beach area, Florida, you will need to earn a certificate or degree in a specific nursing role. The most common nursing roles in the area are registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). With more than 1,000 professionals working in the field, RNs comprise the area’s largest group of nursing professionals. Salaries range from $61,380 (average) to $68,390-$76,960 for high performers. Expected employment growth for RNs nationwide is 15% over the coming decade (2016-2026).

The path to a successful nursing career begins with a degree from one of the best nursing schools in your area. If live in Sarasota, Florida, some of the best nursing schools are University of South Florida - Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota, Keiser University – Sarasota, and Suncoast Technical College. Collectively, these schools offer nursing programs of all kinds.

Plantation, Florida,is part of the Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach metropolitan area, which is home to approximately 14,800 registered nurses (RNs), 2,860 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 5,310 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). RNs in the area are highly educated, typically holding a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) in a specialized area. BSN and MSN programs are offered at local nursing schools such as Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University.