{"id":3757,"date":"2023-06-26T18:54:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T18:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=3757"},"modified":"2025-10-03T13:52:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T21:52:50","slug":"how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities","title":{"rendered":"How to Navigate Your Nursing Career: Paths, Progression, and Opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Becoming_a_nurse\" >Becoming a nurse<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Licensed_Practical_Nursing_LPN\" >Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Registered_Nursing_RN\" >Registered Nursing (RN)&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#There_are_several_options_to_become_an_RN\" >There are several options to become an RN.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Starting_your_career\" >Starting your career&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Advancing_your_career\" >Advancing your career&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Certifications_in_Nursing\" >Certifications in Nursing&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Masters_in_Nursing\" >Master&#8217;s in Nursing&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Doctoral_degrees\" >Doctoral degrees&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#Outside_of_nursing\" >Outside of nursing&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#What_to_consider\" >What to consider<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\/#References_Resources\" >References &amp; Resources&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>You&#8217;ve decided that a career in nursing is in your future, but how do you get started, and what kind of professional path should you follow? Today&#8217;s Osmosis blog offers helpful guidance on how to become a nurse, different types of nursing career paths, and how to pursue them.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations on embarking on your journey to explore career paths in nursing! The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2023\/05\/22\/a-look-at-nursing-the-fastest-growing-occupation-in-the-us-infographic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">field of nursing<\/a>&nbsp;is incredibly diverse, presenting a multitude of avenues to become a nurse and an abundance of opportunities for professional growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Becoming_a_nurse\"><\/span>Becoming a nurse<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s start by describing some of the most common ways to become a nurse. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, you should decide whether you want to be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). While the titles are similar, LPNs and RNs have key differences, including education, licensure, and scope of practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Licensed_Practical_Nursing_LPN\"><\/span>Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LPNs work in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, nursing homes, home care, and clinics. They work under the supervision of RNs and other members of the healthcare team. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LPN programs require a high school diploma or equivalent; however, a few vocational programs allow you to simultaneously obtain your high school diploma and your LPN. Another avenue is to go through an LPN program. Students typically complete a practical nursing program in 1 year to 18 months. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After graduation, you must pass the LPN licensure examination, called the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/publications\/2023-nclex-pn-test-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCLEX-PN<\/a>, and you can begin your career with an average income of around&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes292061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$27 per hour or $56,000 per year<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Registered_Nursing_RN\"><\/span>Registered Nursing (RN)&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like LPNs, RNs are vital healthcare team members and work in about every setting where patients require care. RNs manage patient care, participate in health promotion for their patients, and advocate for individuals and communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"There_are_several_options_to_become_an_RN\"><\/span>There are several options to become an RN.&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first is completing a diploma program, which is typically 2-3 years long, associated with a hospital, and includes lots of clinical experience. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next is an Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, program. These typically last around two years and can be associated with community or junior colleges. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then there&#8217;s the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs take about four years to complete.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After you graduate from any of these RN programs, you must pass the RN licensure examination, called the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nclex.com\/files\/2023_RN_Test%20Plan_English_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCLEX-RN.<\/a>&nbsp;You can begin your career with an average income of nearly&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291141.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$43 per hour or $89,000 per year<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of your initial path into nursing, there are local, state, and national initiatives to allow for more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/oadn.org\/resource\/statement%E2%80%84of%E2%80%84ana%E2%80%84and%E2%80%84oadn%E2%80%84joint%E2%80%84position-academic-progression-to-meet-the-needs-of-the-registered-nurse-the-health-care-consumer-and-the-u-s-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seamless academic progression<\/a>\u00a0to further levels of nursing education. For example, there are programs for students with an associate degree in nursing who want to get their BSN. Those programs are called BSN completion programs or RN to BSN programs, as well as programs for students who have a degree in a field other than nursing, called second-degree programs or accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs; and programs where you become a nurse while pursuing a master&#8217;s degree called Master of Science in Nursing Entry programs. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"701\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_b9fce4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_b9fce4.png 701w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_b9fce4.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Starting_your_career\"><\/span>Starting your career&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you&#8217;ve passed the NCLEX and received your State Board of Nursing license, you are ready to begin your nursing career!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common piece of advice used to be that all new graduates should start working on a medical-surgical (med-surg) floor to gain experience caring for patients with a variety of conditions. While med-surg is a great place to start, you may decide that working in a setting you feel passionate about, like oncology, pediatrics, geriatrics, ICU, or community health, is the right decision for you.&nbsp;While exploring your career options and interviewing for positions, be sure to ask about the facility&#8217;s orientation process. Some hospitals have a new graduate residency program that provides new graduate nurses training, guidance, and mentorship. Some residency programs also allow new nurses to work on multiple units within the first year to see where they fit best. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s normal to feel nervous or overwhelmed, especially in the first few months following graduation. Finding someone to talk to about your experiences can be helpful, like your nurse preceptor, the facility&#8217;s nurse educator, another new nurse, or a former classmate. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advancing_your_career\"><\/span>Advancing your career&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As time passes, you&#8217;ll gain confidence, and you may even decide that it is time to take your career to the next level through certification or even formal education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Certifications_in_Nursing\"><\/span>Certifications in Nursing&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nursing certifications help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to your patients, colleagues, and employers. Obtaining a certification can help you stand out from the crowd on job applications, climb the clinical ladder, and receive promotions. Certifications are typically tied to a specialty in nursing, like wound care, nephrology, education, lactation, oncology, dialysis, and diabetes education, as well as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nurse.org\/articles\/nursing-certifications-credentials-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">many others<\/a>. Typically, there&#8217;s an examination you must pass to receive your initial certification. Oftentimes there are review books and study courses to help you prepare for the exam. Once you&#8217;re certified, you must demonstrate that you have maintained your expertise every few years by submitting proof of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/university.osmosis.org\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">continuing education<\/a>&nbsp;or retaking the certification exam. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Masters_in_Nursing\"><\/span>Master&#8217;s in Nursing&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another way to advance your career is through more formalized education by obtaining a Master&#8217;s or Doctoral degree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several options when it comes to furthering your education in nursing, like becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP), a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), or a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide primary and specialty care. NPs specialize in a population and must be certified in their population to practice in most states. They can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. Salary ranges for NPs vary depending on the specialty and location, but the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">median annual wage<\/a>\u00a0is approximately $111,680-$165,000, depending on the specialty. \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures. They play a critical role in the operating room. CRNAs have a high earning potential, with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291151.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a median annual wage<\/a>\u00a0of approximately $183,580.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs): CNMs provide care to women throughout their lifespan, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. They also offer family planning services. The median annual wage for CNMs is around $111,130-$130,000, depending on the setting.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs): CNSs are advanced practice nurses who specialize in a particular patient population, clinical setting, or medical subspecialty. They provide expert care, education, and research within their specialized area. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">median annual wage<\/a>\u00a0for CNSs is approximately $117,670-$135,000, depending on the settings.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each school and\/or program has its own set of admission requirements, but they generally include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Baccalaureate degree in nursing\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GPA of 3.0-4.0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RN license\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letters of recommendation (can be academic, professional, and clinical)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current resume\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interview\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Application fee\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. Some programs, particularly NP, CRNA, and CNS, also require a certain amount of relevant clinical nursing experience (e.g., 1-2 years as a nurse in the ICU).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These programs take 2-4 years to complete, and there are options for both in-person and remote classes, which means you can choose a program even if it&#8217;s far from where you live. Once you&#8217;ve graduated, you will also need to take a certification examination and apply for a practice license. One other factor to keep in mind is that some professional organizations are advocating that all\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.ymaws.com\/www.nonpf.org\/resource\/resmgr\/dnp\/04_12_23_reaffirming_the_dnp.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">entry-level NP education moves to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) level by 2025<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"986\" height=\"583\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a26376.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a26376.png 986w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a26376.png?resize=300,177 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a26376.png?resize=768,454 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 986px) 100vw, 986px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Doctoral_degrees\"><\/span>Doctoral degrees&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are three primary doctoral degrees, also called terminal degrees, that nurses can achieve. Doctorally prepared nurses can work in a variety of settings and can follow many different career paths. Therefore, the median salary for a nurse with a doctoral degree will depend on the career chosen by that nurse. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). DNP programs have a clinical, or practice, focus, and graduates of DNP programs serve as leaders in nursing. A DNP program typically takes 1-2 years to complete and culminates in a DNP capstone project where you implement and report on a complex project in a healthcare delivery system. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next is the Doctor of Education (EdD). An EdD program takes around 2-4 years to complete and prepares graduates to serve as innovators and leaders of nursing and health professions education. EdD programs include a dissertation, where the student must conduct and then report on original educational research.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which focuses on nursing science, theory, and research. PhD graduates often go on to conduct research in their preferred field to expand and share knowledge as well as teach future nurses and nursing scholars. Usually, a PhD program takes 2-4 years to complete, and, like an EdD, a dissertation is the last step of the process. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Outside_of_nursing\"><\/span>Outside of nursing&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2022\/05\/16\/alternative-careers-in-nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">career options<\/a>&nbsp;that aren&#8217;t specific to nursing but allow you to advance your nursing career in other ways. These can include business training (e.g., becoming a nursing entrepreneur or executive), architecture (designing spaces where nurses care for people), and informatics (creating the technology that nurses use). &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_consider\"><\/span>What to consider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Various personal and professional factors should be considered when choosing a nursing path that&#8217;s right for you. These factors include time commitment, program format (e.g., online or in-person), and career prospects following graduation. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to paying for school, there are many options for financial assistance. Since there&#8217;s a national shortage of nurses, there are also a variety of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/08\/09\/a-list-of-usbased-nursing-school-scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nursing-specific scholarships<\/a>&nbsp;and grant opportunities to help increase and advance the nursing workforce, with awards that range from $100 to $18,000. Many healthcare facilities offer tuition assistance to their employees, meaning you can enter the workforce as an LPN or RN and receive money from your employer while working to go to school.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;re excited to help get you on the path to your nursing career! Nursing offers a variety of paths and opportunities for growth. Make sure to keep personal factors and financial assistance options in mind. And make sure to take time to enjoy the journey!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/liz-lucas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Liz Lucas<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0has been an RN since 2008 and has an Ed.D. with Emphasis in Nursing and Health Professions Education. Liz\u2019s clinical background is in oncology, and she later transitioned into nursing academia where she taught in a pre-licensure nursing program for several years. Liz feels passionate about building a strong nursing workforce through increasing education accessibility and believes in the role of technology in that pursuit. At Osmosis, Liz manages the nursing assessment and scripting teams. Liz currently lives near Baltimore, MD with her husband, two sons, and dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/osmosis.org\/login\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_ccab50.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_ccab50.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_ccab50.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References_Resources\"><\/span>References &amp; Resources&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/publications\/2023-nclex-pn-test-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/publications\/2023-nclex-pn-test-plan<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes292061.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes292061.htm<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nclex.com\/files\/2023_RN_Test%20Plan_English_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nclex.com\/files\/2023_RN_Test%20Plan_English_FINAL.pdf<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291141.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291141.htm<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oadn.org\/resource\/statement%E2%80%84of%E2%80%84ana%E2%80%84and%E2%80%84oadn%E2%80%84joint%E2%80%84position-academic-progression-to-meet-the-needs-of-the-registered-nurse-the-health-care-consumer-and-the-u-s-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/oadn.org\/resource\/statement%E2%80%84of%E2%80%84ana%E2%80%84and%E2%80%84oadn%E2%80%84joint%E2%80%84position-academic-progression-to-meet-the-needs-of-the-registered-nurse-the-health-care-consumer-and-the-u-s-health\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nurse.org\/articles\/nursing-certifications-credentials-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/nurse.org\/articles\/nursing-certifications-credentials-list\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/university.osmosis.org\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/university.osmosis.org\/courses<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291151.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291151.htm<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.ymaws.com\/www.nonpf.org\/resource\/resmgr\/dnp\/04_12_23_reaffirming_the_dnp.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cdn.ymaws.com\/www.nonpf.org\/resource\/resmgr\/dnp\/04_12_23_reaffirming_the_dnp.pdf<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2022\/05\/16\/alternative-careers-in-nursing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2022\/05\/16\/alternative-careers-in-nursing<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/08\/09\/a-list-of-usbased-nursing-school-scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/08\/09\/a-list-of-usbased-nursing-school-scholarships<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You&#8217;ve decided that a career in nursing is in your future, but how do you get started, and what kind of professional path should you follow? Today&#8217;s Osmosis blog offers helpful guidance on how to become a nurse, different types of nursing career paths, and how to pursue them. Congratulations on embarking on your journey [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":3758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,867,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","category-lpn","category-nursing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Navigate Your Nursing Career: Paths, Progression, and Opportunities - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-navigate-your-nursing-career-paths-progression-and-opportunities\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Navigate Your Nursing Career: Paths, Progression, and Opportunities - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"You&#8217;ve decided that a career in nursing is in your future, but how do you get started, and what kind of professional path should you follow? Today&#8217;s Osmosis blog offers helpful guidance on how to become a nurse, different types of nursing career paths, and how to pursue them. 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