Students interested in a nursing career should plan a college preparation curriculum. The academic requirements of most Schools of Nursing have strong science, math and liberal arts components. High School students should focus particularly on these types of courses.
High School Courses Required By Most Schools Of Nursing
High school general college curriculum:
- Math…………………………………….2 to 3 years, include algebra & geometry
- Science………………………………….2 to 4 years, include chem, bio, physics, & comp sci
- Foreign Language………………….2 Years
- English…………………………………..4 Years
- Social Studies………………………..2 Years
Nursing Programs
For information about specific course requirements for undergraduate nursing programs, please refer to Peterson’s Guide to Nursing Programs (available at www.Petersons.com).
Personal Characteristics
In general, the following individual qualities are important to develop to be successful in a nursing career:
- Caring and Sympathetic
- Responsible and Adaptable
- Team Player
- Able to Direct and Supervise Others
- Able to Follow Directions
- Leadership Skills
- Research Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Good Judgement
- Technical Skills
- Problem Solving Ability
Nursing Salary and Trends
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings ofregistered nurses were $44,840 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $37,870 and $54,000. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,890 and the highest 10% earnedmore than $64,360.1
Nurses getting out of school will earn a base median salary of $40,000 and a topmedian salary of over $65,000. Salaries may be higher based on location and areaor practice.
Advanced practice nurses such as Clinical Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Anesthetist offer salaries in the range of $50,000 to $88,000.Educators and researchers can earn between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. Administrators have a salary rangeof $50,000 to $120,000. Earnings are also determined by experience, work setting, and geographical location.2
Federal data states that job opportunities for RNs will grow faster than average for all occupations through 2008.By 2010, demand for RNs will be greater than the supply, and that by 2020, demand will grow nearly twice as fast as the expected increase in the RN workforce.3
One of the advantages to a career in nursing is the ability to work part- or full-time with flexible schedules in a variety of settings.
