Registered nurses (RNs) chose their career for a variety of reasons, including the meaningful work that positively impacts people’s lives. It also offers job stability in a field with persistent demand, as well as opportunities for continual growth and long-term flexibility.
“Many RNs enter their field because they are drawn to care for others, and are able to enter the workforce at a competitive salary,” says University of Phoenix’s Systematic Program Evaluator Sun Jones, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP. “Moreover, continuing education can provide opportunities for RNs to pursue growth and earning potential—all while remaining dedicated to the care that brought them there in the first place.”
However, working nurses face the same challenge that so many working adults do when continuing their education: Balancing professional development with their already busy work schedules. In fact, this can be even more of a challenge for RNs, who frequently work long hours and have unconventional schedules.
Fortunately, there are different programs and opportunities—including those that are offered online—that can provide RNs with the education they want while providing them with the flexibility they need.
Why Should RNs Consider Additional Education?
RNs already enjoy growing demand and competitive wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. As of May 2023, registered nurses earned between $63,720 and $132,680, with a median wage of $86,070.
But the demand for practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, is even more impressive: the projected growth rate is 38% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. For RNs looking for more career opportunities, continuing their education offers a path forward to pursue these roles. Moreover, RNs can balance their pursuit of these opportunities with their work and home life—once they understand what program is the best fit for them.
Finding the Right Nursing Program
Because RNs can enter their field from a variety of points, the best path for continuing their education can vary. Undergraduate and graduate programs offer different opportunities for RNs based on where each finds themselves in their career journey.
RNs with Associate’s degrees can pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). With a BSN, nurses can consider career opportunities including:
- Staff nurse in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings
- Charge nurse, charge management nurse, or other leadership roles
- Utilization review nurse
- School nurse
- Operating room nurse
- Emergency department nurse
RNs who have their Bachelor’s degree and are seeking other education opportunities can pursue their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). With this degree, nurses can consider opportunities as:
- Nurse educator
- Nurse administrator
- Clinical director
- Nursing director
- Informatics specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner (through MSN/FNP only)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (through MSN/PMH only)
Nurses can even continue their education by pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which nurses can consider for specialized practice, or for career opportunities that require a terminal degree. As noted by Patrick La Rose, DNP, MSN/Ed., RN, associate dean, College of Nursing at University of Phoenix: “The unique benefit and strength of the DNP program comes from the experienced faculty and the support and guidance they provide students. This level of engagement creates a learning community of scholars that role models doctoral behavior and supports the spirit of inquiry.”
RNs might consider their DNP if they are interested in:
- Executive leadership roles
- Healthcare policy development
- Quality improvement initiatives
Whether they’re diagnosing and treating illness, providing preventive care, or managing a unit, RNs are used to making complex decisions after careful consideration of a wide array of criteria—and selecting an education program is no exception. When determining the best program, RNs need to take a careful look at a variety of factors, including:
- Timeline: How long will the program take to complete?
- Credit for prior learning or experience: Does the program account for RNs’ previous education or on-the-job learning?
Clinical Experience: A Key Consideration
Of course, RNs must still understand how an online program manages required clinical experience, which may require in-person work. It’s crucial that RNs be able to manage any clinical requirements with the same considerations for flexibility that online programs offer.
“RNs know that there is no replacing hands-on experience and care,” says Dr. Jones, “and many programs require students to complete work in person—even primarily online programs. RNs should consider how to meet these requirements, or whether an online-only program is the best fit for them.”
Next Steps
RNs can consider all their education opportunities, including some broad guidance that includes the following:
- For RNs seeking to expand their skill set, an RN to BSN program can develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, and leadership skills.
- For those interested in education, administration, or an @d practice role, the various MSN tracks offer these opportunities.
- For those seeking leadership opportunities, the DNP program prepares students at the doctoral level for nursing leadership roles to improve population healthcare delivery and outcomes; the program focuses on population health through the lens of aggregate, systems, or organizational level practice employing advocacy, leadership strategies, scientific evidence, and innovations for improvement.
However, these are far from the only criteria to consider. “Just like every patient is different, every RN needs to carefully consider which educational opportunity best aligns with their individual goals,” explains Dr. Jones, “and every RN deserves the best possible guidance.”
Programs and universities should make navigating these decisions as accessible as possible for prospective students, including responsive advisers and counselors. RNs can also consider taking individual courses to better understand what is available: For those interested in pursuing a nursing degree, University of Phoenix offers individual nursing courses that provide a preview of the full program experience. These courses are available to individuals with a valid, unencumbered RN license.
RNs considering education can evaluate programs like those at University of Phoenix according to the criteria above and consider how well they meet their needs. In particular, University of Phoenix programs offer flexibility and accelerated timelines; moreover, while courses are typically online, nursing programs include clinical components at approved facilities in the student’s state of residence. For advanced practice nursing programs like the Nurse Practitioner tracks, there is a five day in-person residency component at the campus in Phoenix, Arizona.
Learn more here about how University of Phoenix provides registered nurses with pathways to enhance their careers and improve patient care.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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