1. Five Great Choices of Nursing Career
Nursing makes a stable and rewarding careerchoice even when the economy is unstable. If you’re
thinking about going back to school to receive further training, you might want to consider choosing
from some of the following specialties. Bear in mind each of these specialties require post-secondary
education and extensive training.
Nurse educator
Nurse educators are registered nurses (RNs) who work in classroom and practice settings to prepare
nursing students with the necessary skills and expertise for entry into practice positions. Nurse educators
play a pivotal role in shaping future generations of nurses. Nurse educators who wish to work in an
academic setting must hold a master’s degree at minimum. If you wish to work in a clinical setting, a
bachelor’s degree is the basic requirement.
Average salary: $47,478 to $92,820, commensurate with experience, education, and location.1
Nurse administrator
Nurse administrators overlook the activities of nursing staffs. Their job role requires them to plan,
coordinate, and supervise nurse duties.If you wish to become a nurse administrator, you should earn a
master’s degree in nursing or nursing administration, though in some cases a bachelor’s degree may
suffice.
Average salary: $40,851 to $139,950, depending on experience, education, and location.2
Critical care nurse
Critical care nurses work in the intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals and nursing homes to provide care
to patients who are critically ill. Critical care nurses also have the option of working in emergency units,
trauma units, post-operative units, and more. In order to become a critical care nurse, a student must hold
a master’s degree in a related nursing field.
Average salary: Depending on education, location, andyears of experience, a critical care nurse can
earn a salary of up to $100,162.3

2. Clinical nurse specialist
Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are advanced practice nurses who participate in clinical research,
education, consultation, advocacy, and in many cases management within a healthcare institution.
Their scope of responsibility extends to direct patient care, nursing staff, and management within
the organization. In order to become a clinical nurse specialist, you must hold a master’s degree in a
specified area of nursing practice.
Average salary: $58,807 to $107,120, depending on education, location, and years of experience.4
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA)
Certified registered nurse anesthetists have one of the highest salaries among professionals in the
nursing profession. They work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and other medical
professionals to safely administer anesthesia to patients. In order to become a certified registered nurse
anesthetist, a student must first have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, plus have a
minimum of one year’s work experience before applying to a master’s nurse anesthetist degree program.
Upon successful completion of the program, students must pass the national certification exam in order to
practice legally as a CRNA.
Average salary: $77,004 to $189,642, depending on location, education, and experience.5
Where should you begin your search for a college?
Today, a number of accredited colleges across America offer well-rounded programs in a variety of
nursing professions. These programs are designed to provide students with the relevant skills and
expertise to be responsible, competent professionals in the healthcare industry. Colleges like California
College San Diego offer a variety of healthcare programs, including nursing programs. As is true with any
college, reviews go a long way in helping you understand more about the college, so if you’re interested
in learning more, read up on some California College San Diego reviews.
Remember: Make a smart, well-informed decision about your education to minimize the possibility of
mistakes!
Resources:
1. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Educator/Salary
2. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Administrator/Salary
3. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse%2c_Intensive_Care_Unit_(ICU)/Salary
4. http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_(CNS)/Salary
5. http://www.payscale.com/researchUS/Job=Nurse_Anesthetist_%28CRNA%29/Salary