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Finding the Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

Searching for the best career isn't easy. If you're a nurse, finding the profession that's right for you can be a challenge given the wide variety of specialties. Of course, many different factors must be taken into consideration, like what you actually enjoy doing and who you want to help. Knowing which offer the highest salaries will enable you to strive for a position that will keep you financially secure.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn the most of all nursing professions because their work is highly specialized. They're responsible for administering anesthesia to patients who undergo minor and major surgery. Because of the sensitive nature of the drug and its varied effects on patients, they carry lots of responsibility. If they give the wrong amount, it could negatively affect the health of their patient. CRNAs work closely with dentists, doctors and surgeons – their specialization is crucial to the day-to-day operations of hospitals, dental facilities and outpatient clinics. According to PayScale, CRNAs earn an average salary of $131,365 per year. With less than a year of experience, they average $111,504. Not a bad reward after earning your BSN degree, RN licensure, master's of science in nursing and license to practice anesthesia.

Behind CNRAs are Nurse Practitioners (NPs), who earn a salary ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 per year depending on their specialty. They hold advanced degrees that enable them to undertake additional responsibilities. They assist doctors in clinics by diagnosing and treating patients, performing physical examinations and writing prescriptions. Nurses who enjoy dealing with patients – and perhaps enjoy the work doctors perform – thrive in the profession. NPs must become licensed after they've earned their master's degree. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) also average high salaries after attaining their master's degree. They earn between $62,883 and $84,224 per year for their work, which entails diagnosing and treating patients' health problems. They perform many of the same duties as NPs, but in a wider range of settings. For example, a CNS might work to ensure health care in a school district is efficient. Each of these professions offers high pay because qualified individuals are always in demand. If you're willing to go the extra mile past earning your RN, new opportunities will arise.

Top Online Nursing Programs

University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
South University
South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College
LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University
Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
Herzing University
Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
The College Network
The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
Jones International University
Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College
Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University
Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College
Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University
Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University
Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.

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