Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses (RNs) are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing comprehensive patient care across diverse settings from hospitals to home health.

Training Time

2 yr→

Education Cost

$30k–$45k→

Median Salary

$94k/yr→

Job Growth

6.2%→

Faster than average

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Getting Started

How to Become a Registered Nurse

At 2 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.

1

Complete Education

Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2 years) at an estimated cost of $30k–$45k.

2

Get Licensed or Certified

Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for registered nurse practice.

3

Begin Working

Registered Nurse earn a median salary of $94k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.

Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Overview

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered Nurses (RNs) are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing comprehensive patient care across diverse settings from hospitals to home health. You'll assess patient conditions, develop and implement care plans, administer medications and treatments, and serve as a vital link between patients, families, and the broader healthcare team. RNs combine clinical expertise with compassionate care, monitoring vital signs, documenting medical records, and educating patients about their health conditions and treatment plans.

On the Job

Assess patient conditions by monitoring vital signs, observing symptoms, and conducting physical examinations
Develop, implement, and modify individualized patient care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, documenting all aspects of patient care
Educate patients and families about health conditions, medications, treatment plans, and self-care techniques
Coordinate patient care by communicating with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals
Provide emotional support and advocacy for patients and their families
Oversee and delegate tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)

Compensation

How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make?

At $94k/yr, registered nurse earn more than most Associate Degree-level careers, where the average is $71k/yr.

$94k/yr

median annual salary

10th percentile90th percentile
$56k/yr$94k/yr median$140k/yr

How It Compares

CareerMedian Salary
Registered Nurse$94k/yr
Home Health Aide$34k/yr
Cardiologist$432k/yr
Physician Assistant$130k/yr
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)$39k/yr

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024

Future-Proofing

Registered Nurse Job Outlook (2024–2034)

Employment Growth

The BLS projects 6.2% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 7.1% average for Associate Degree-level careers.

10-Year Growth

6.2%

Faster than average

Current Employment

3.2 million

jobs nationwide

AI & Automation Risk

Significant Risk

Registered Nurse roles face significant AI automation risk — below average among Associate Degree-level careers. Several core tasks could potentially be automated or substantially changed by AI. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.

Why It's Safe

  • +Assisting and caring for others
  • +Performing general physical activities
  • +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
  • +Handling and moving objects
  • +Developing and building teams
State Licensed

What Could Be Automated

  • −Documenting/recording information
  • −Getting information
  • −Making decisions and solving problems
  • −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
  • −Working with computers

Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections

Explore More

Similar Careers to Compare

Home Health Aide

Salary$34k/yr
EducationHigh School Diploma

Cardiologist

Salary$432k/yr
EducationDoctoral Degree

Physician Assistant

Salary$130k/yr
EducationMaster's Degree

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Salary$39k/yr
EducationPostsecondary Certificate

Internal Medicine Physician

Salary$263k/yr
EducationDoctoral Degree

Learn More

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Sources

Data Freshness

BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12