Nursing Career Guides
Prepare for your future.
Understanding Careers in Nursing
Nursing integrates clinical expertise and compassion to support patients in their health journeys. From taking vital signs and executing treatment plans to leading nursing teams and educating aspiring nurses, this multifaceted career field offers extensive opportunities to leave a lasting impact on patients and their families.
Nursing positions span across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, telehealth platforms and more. No matter the environment, careers in nursing contribute to the foundational mission of healthcare: pointing patients toward greater health and wellness.
Such responsibility is naturally in demand, especially for those aspiring to practice as registered nurses (RNs). The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 189,000 RN vacancies annually from 2024 to 2034.*
What Does a Career in Nursing Look Like?
A nursing career is a licensed healthcare profession focused on delivering quality direct patient care. All roles are focused on patient outcomes and are part of a larger system where each position serves a specific purpose – providers, nurses, medical assistants, case workers and more.
The scope of nursing work often involves assessment, treatment support, patient education, and care coordination and management. Even though a day in the life looks different for each role, they’re all contributing to leading patients toward healing and greater qualities of life.
Types of Nursing Careers
The field of nursing includes extensive opportunities to make a difference and serve others. There are specialized nursing roles as well as opportunities for leadership and administration. The first step of a nursing career path is exploring different roles and determining what interests you most.
American College of Education (ACE) offers nursing career guides that showcase various roles in the field with key information like responsibilities, salary potential, job outlook and steps to qualify for the job..
Patient Care Roles
Nurses who work directly with patients, regardless of specialty or setting, hold patient care roles.
Administrative Roles
Administrative roles in nursing involve leadership, team management and less direct interaction with patients.
Leadership Roles
Nursing leaders oversee departments, develop policies, manage budgets and serve on executive leadership teams.
Education Requirements
Many nursing career paths involve earning a degree in nursing, but the requirements are not the same across roles. For example, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) must complete a nurse anesthesia program.
Related Nursing Programs at ACE
ACE recognizes the critical need for nursing professionals, no matter the setting or role, and that quality preparation is essential. That’s why we offer affordable nursing programs designed for licensed nurses and healthcare professionals seeking advancement in leadership, administration or continued education with flexible coursework focused on relevant and evidence-based knowledge to support professional growth.
How to Start a Career in Nursing
Each nursing career will follow a different pathway. Once you explore options through our nursing career guides, you can review steps to reach your goals including skills you need, education or licensure requirements, salary potential, and more.
FAQs
What are the fastest-growing careers in nursing?
Reflecting various needs, fast-growing roles include but are not limited to:
RNs
Nurse practitioners
Home health nurses
Geriatric nurses
Mental health/psychiatric nurses
Travel nurses
What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?
The main differences between an LPN and an RN include education requirements, responsibilities, career opportunities and salary potential. It takes about a year to become an LPN, where you provide basic patient care and work under the supervision of RNs or doctors. It can take anywhere between two and four years to become an RN, where responsibilities are broader and you can choose a nursing specialty. As such, RNs generally have higher salary margins.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
The amount of time it takes to launch a nursing career largely depends on the role you’re aspiring to. Entry-level roles like an LPN or RN with an associate degree require less time in nursing school, so you can start sooner. However, if you’re looking to become an RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), it can take four years.
Can I become a nurse online?
Yes, however, there are exceptions. Online nursing programs often offer virtual coursework and require an in-person practicum, like at ACE.
What nursing careers are available outside of hospitals?
There are many nursing jobs that don’t require you to work in hospitals, like:
School nurse
Public health nurse
Home health nurse
Hospice nurse
Occupational health nurse
Correctional facility nurse
Telehealth nurse
Nurse educator or instructor
Case manager or insurance nurse
What skills are most important for success in nursing careers?
Those with successful nursing careers have a combination of clinical expertise and interpersonal strength with a passion for direct patient care. Skills that are most important include but are not limited to communication, critical thinking, compassion, empathy, attention to detail, time management, adaptability, and physical and emotional stamina.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed April 29, 2026.