Nursing careers span a wide range of qualifications, responsibilities, and compensation:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Completes a one-year diploma program; provides basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs. Median annual salary: $55,860.
- Registered Nurse (RN): Typically holds an associate or bachelor's degree; licensed after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Median annual salary: $93,600.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): Holds a master's or doctoral degree; includes Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Anesthetists.
- Nurse Practitioners: $124,680
- Nurse Midwives: $122,450
- Nurse Anesthetists: $205,770
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing License Map
