Registered Nurses

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degrees

4 to 6 years beyond baccalaureate degree

Serve as health system executives, educators, deans, clinical experts/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), researchers, and senior policy analysts.

Mean faculty salaries range from $58,051.00 to $96,021.00 Administrators’ and other non-faculty salaries not available but are generally higher

Master’s Degree (MSN/MS)

Typically up to 2 years beyond baccalaureate degree

Serve as educators, clinical leaders, administrators or APRNs certified as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Median salaries for APRNs range from $81,708.00 to $144,174.00 Mean Master’s prepared instructor salary $54,426.00

Baccalaureate Degree (BSN)

4 years

Provide direct patient care, nursing leadership, and translating research into nursing practice across all health care settings.

Mean salary $66,316

Associate Degree (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing

2 to 3 years

Provide direct patient care in various health care settings.

ADN mean salary $60,890 Diploma mean salary $65,349

Other Nursing Care Providers

Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

12 to 18 months

Provide basic nursing care primarily in long-term-care or ambulatory settings under the supervision of the Registered Nurse or Physician.

Mean salary $40,110.00

Nursing Assistant (NA)

Up to 75 hours training

Provide basic care to patients most commonly in nursing care facilities and patient homes.

Mean salary $26,110.00