Career Resources

The Growing Nursing Demand

The demand for talented, dedicated nurses has never been higher, and the demand is only expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the AACN calculates that one in three nurses will retire by 2030, further increasing the need for trained health care professionals.

It is predicted that there will be 203,200 new RN jobs each year, on average, over the next decade, meaning a 19% growth in job postings since 2015.

Program Themes

Elmhurst University’s online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) programs help equip students to take the next step in their health care careers, providing them with the competencies required to impact their community through various skill sets.

Accelerated BSN

Foundational Skills

Develop the core competencies required to ensure high-quality patient care when working in a health care setting

Experiential Learning

Expand your hands-on skills in simulated scenarios led by faculty in Elmhurst University’s innovative Simulation Center

Patient-Centered Care

Foster the beginnings of leadership skills and ethical practice in promoting optimal care outcomes through evidence-based decision-making

Career Preparation

Become fully prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and be well-positioned for your new role providing direct patient care

MENP

Leadership Skills

Prepare for a new role providing direct patient care and emerge with the skills of a clinical nurse leader

Organizational Structure

Become an expert in the structures, functions and forces that shape U.S. and global health care delivery systems

Convenience

The MENP program is the first of its kind in the country to be offered online, with the exception of clinical rotations and one residency that will take place on Elmhurst’s campus

Evidence-based Practice

Become familiar with epidemiological and statistical knowledge and skills that are fundamental to an advanced nursing role

It pays to earn your BSN

Nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and those with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) will both learn essential nursing skills, but the BSN program also teaches the critical thinking, leadership and research skills that are often preferred by employers.

BSN-prepared nurses typically have higher starting salaries and greater room for growth, as they can leverage their degrees and advance their careers by stepping into leadership roles.

According to PayScale, the average salary for a BSN-prepared nurse is 18% higher than an RN with an associate degree.

It pays to earn your MSN

When you earn your online MENP at Elmhurst University, you are achieving more than a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. This program trains you to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL) in delivering health care across the continuum of care. CNLs are highly skilled nurses who work collaboratively with and lead the health care team to improve the safety and quality of patient outcomes.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to transition into a nurse practitioner role by pursuing post-graduate certification programs or by enrolling in a doctor of nursing practice program. Nurse practitioners are in high demand, with a projected 38% job growth in the sector by 2032

The demand for master’s educated nursing professionals is also on the rise. According to the BLS, Clinical Nurse Specialists are expected to see an expected job growth of 9% between 2019 and 2029.

For health care workers with a master’s degree, they can expect an additional salary bump. For example, the BLS lists the median salary of a Clinical Nurse Leader to be closer to $85,000.

Job Title	Median Annual Salary (IL)	Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
Nurse Entrepreneur	$84,303	N/A**
Informatics Nurse	$93,732	7%
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)	$85,972	9%
Nurse Educator	$76,572	9%
Legal Nurse Consultant	$85,858	N/A
Public Health MSN	$85,163	11%

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary.com

More Nursing Careers

There are a variety of careers available to students who graduate with advanced degrees in nursing, such as:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Nurse Midwives
Clinical Nurse Leader
Nurse Educator

Want to learn more about the career opportunities an MSN can open for you? Check out our blog to learn about the variety of pathways that an MSN can help prepare you for.

Nursing Associations Resources

State and national nursing associations are a great resource for recent graduates and working professionals. They serve as advocating bodies and keep members informed about policies and issues affecting the workplace today and future changes within the health care industry and nursing profession.

Nursing association membership lends your voice to the nursing profession and offers you the opportunity to become an active leader in the nursing community. They are extremely useful for networking, educational resources and job searches; many employers will look for nursing association membership on your resume.

Active nursing association membership is a valuable tool that can help you grow both personally and professionally.

There are a variety of nursing associations students might be interested in, including, but not limited to:

Additional Sources

While Elmhurst University Department of Nursing is recognized for our quality education and excellent outcomes, our commitment to student success is what defines us. Our faculty provides students with individualized attention and are passionate about helping students succeed and achieve their dreams.

Diane Salvador, Executive Director, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences