A Northwestern professor watches as a nursing student cares for a patient simulator.

Nursing employment outlook

The employment outlook for nurses is excellent. According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation will need nearly 440,000 new nurses by 2024. That makes nursing the second-hottest career choice in the country.

Why get a BSN degree?

The Institute of Medicine recommends that at least 80% of nurses hold at least a BSN (currently, only around 55% of nurses have a BSN degree or higher). In today’s healthcare environment, the BSN is the most desired nursing credential, with a median salary of $70,000. A bachelor’s degree in nursing will enable you to work as a nurse in any healthcare setting, and it is the recommended initial degree if your goal is to be a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse researcher or nurse educator.