Nursing Field Outlook: Opportunities, Growth, and Education Requirements
The nursing field offers rewarding opportunities to work on the front lines of healthcare and transform care for people and communities. Driven by factors such as an aging population, increased healthcare access, and a continuing nursing shortage, the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow. Read on to learn more about the nursing career outlook, types of nursing jobs, and educational requirements to enter the nursing field.
Nursing Career Outlook
The nursing field offers excellent job security and growth potential in addition to the fulfillment of serving communities and helping others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% through 2032, faster than average for all careers. RNs make about $81,220 annually, according to the BLS.
The BLS indicates that the nursing career outlook is even more positive for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. These positions are expected to grow 38% through 2032 (more than six times faster than the national average) and nurses in these positions earn around $125,900 annually.
Types of Nursing Jobs
The nursing field is no longer confined to traditional bedside roles. Today, there are many types of nursing jobs, ranging from clinical specialties to administrative and leadership positions.
With a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can pursue a diverse range of rewarding and impactful careers within the healthcare sector. One common path is becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), working directly with patients to provide comprehensive care, administer medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Nursing specializations such as pediatric nursing, critical care, or psychiatric nursing allow for a more focused and nuanced approach to patient care. You may also explore roles in community health, public health, or school nursing, promoting wellness and preventive care within broader populations.
If you are interested in earning a more advanced degree, like a master’s in nursing, you may also pursue nursing specializations such as nurse educator, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. These positions are in high demand and may take on expanded responsibilities in the future by filling critical gaps in healthcare delivery.
No matter the type of nursing job, all nurses will be empowered to contribute significantly to primary care, preventive services, and holistic patient management.
Nursing Education
As healthcare services become more advanced and complex, the educational requirements for nurses have also grown. Today, many employers prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree.
Beyond the fundamental clinical skills acquired in associate degree programs, a bachelor's education in nursing delves deeper into critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice. The expanded curriculum covers topics such as community health, nursing research, and healthcare policy, fostering a holistic approach to patient care. To work as a registered nurse, you will need to pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX), the premiere nurse licensure and certification exam. The BSN program at Illinois College boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
A bachelor’s in nursing not only enhances clinical expertise but also prepares nurses to navigate complex healthcare systems, advocate for patients, and contribute to improving overall healthcare quality.
The nursing field's educational landscape — and our BSN program at Illinois College — is evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic healthcare environment. Online education, simulation labs, and innovative teaching methods are enhancing nursing education.
Technology in Nursing
Technology in nursing is revolutionizing healthcare. Telehealth and remote patient monitoring are becoming integral components of the nursing field.
Today’s nurses must be prepared to use wearable devices, smart sensors, and artificial intelligence to monitor patients in real-time, providing proactive and personalized care. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will also play a significant role in training and simulations, enhancing the skills and competencies of nurses.
The curriculum at Illinois College offers the hands-on learning you need to leverage new and future technology for patient care.
Data-Driven Healthcare
The nursing field is intrinsically linked to data-driven decision-making. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) will continue to evolve into sophisticated platforms that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
All specializations in nursing must be adept at interpreting and utilizing vast amounts of data to make informed decisions, optimize patient outcomes, and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Interdisciplinary Nursing
Regardless of nursing specialization, all nurses are expected to work seamlessly with physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. Interdisciplinary teams foster a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses not only physical but also emotional and social aspects of well-being. A bachelor’s degree in nursing equips you with the communication and teamwork skills necessary for effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
The nursing field is also recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Efforts to create a more inclusive workforce are underway, aiming to reflect the diverse communities nurses serve. This emphasis not only enhances the nursing field’s cultural competence but also contributes to improved patient outcomes.
Get Your Start in the Nursing Field at Illinois College
Join a nursing program with a 100% first-time pass rate on the national exam and a 100% placement rate for graduates.
The BSN degree at Illinois College offers diverse clinical experiences in a wide range of nursing specializations to prepare you for the high-demand field of nursing.
There is no waitlist and Illinois College offers guaranteed admission and free tuition for qualified nursing program applicants. You can also study abroad through IC’s unique BreakAway program.
Learn more about the BSN Degree at Illinois College and prepare to Graduate READY.