Nursing school programs vary in length and intensity depending on the desired degree or certification. A college degree in nursing provides the opportunity for personal growth and professional development in this vital and exciting field. Students with college degrees in nursing will be prepared for a wide variety of professional opportunities in the field. The bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is the recommended professional degree for registered nurses.

There are many options for RNs who specialize in a work setting or type of treatment. Addictions nurses care for patients seeking help with alcohol, drug, tobacco, and other addictions. Ambulatory care nurses provide preventive care and treat patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries in physicians’ offices or in clinics.

Nurse administrators supervise nursing staff, establish work schedules and budgets, maintain medical supply inventories, and manage resources to ensure high-quality care. Office nurses usually work in physicians’ offices, surgical centers, emergency medical centers, and other specialized health services facilities.

In public health, the focus is on health promotion and disease/injury prevention; this is in contrast to the medical model of care, which focuses more heavily upon diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions after they occur.  Public health careers offer something for everyone. Health administration incorporates business and management skills. Health education involves skills required to develop community-wide prevention programs. Public health professionals work in both the public and private sectors.

Many public health graduates will find work in the public sector in local, state, or federal health departments. While it is possible to gain experience in the field without an advanced degree, most public health professionals need at least a Masters degree for career advancement. Public health professionals monitor and evaluate the health needs of entire communities, promote healthy practices and behaviors, and work to identify and eliminate environmental hazards to assure our population stays healthy.