NURSING CAREER ROADMAP So, you’ve decided to become a nurse. That’s great! Nursing is a challenging and rewarding field, with high growth and excellent job opportunities. Nurses are in demand across the country and nursing leaders are changing the face of health care delivery. No matter where your nursing career takes you, you’ll directly impact the health and wellbeing of entire communities. What sort of education and training you will need as a nurse depends on your career aspirations. Explore the different levels of nursing credentials below and continue planning your future.
Degree
Education Required
Exams Required
Time to Complete Degree
Median Annual Salary
Job Growth (through 2029)
Role
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)*
Certificate
NNAAP state exam
1-3 months
$29,660
8%
Provide basic care to patients and help them with daily activities
9%
Provide basic nursing care to patients while working under the supervision of a RN or doctor
7%
Broad roles on health care team, depending on department and specialty
26%
Direct patient care, lead programs and develop innovative strategies to improve health care systems
45%
Diagnose illnesses, treat conditions and provide evidence-based health care to patients
31%
Combine advanced nursing skills and scientific research to drive quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and systems leadership
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)*
Certificate or diploma
Registered Nurse (RN)*
Associate and/or bachelor’s degree
M.S. Nursing Leadership (MSN)
Nurse Practitioner (Neonatal, Family Nurse, Psychiatric Mental Health)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Post-BSN to DNP Pathway
NCLEX-PN
NCLEX-RN
Master’s degree
Active RN license
Master’s degree
AANP, ANCC, and/ or NCC. Varies by state.
Doctorate
Active RN license
Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics * CNA and LPN programs are completed at a Colorado Community College. RN programs can be completed at a Colorado Community College or Regis University.
About 1 year
2-4 years
$47,480
$73,300
1-2 years
$89,933
2 years
$115,800$175,000
2+ years
$125,440
Loretto Heights School of Nursing Founded on Jesuit values and a commitment to service to others, the Loretto Heights School of Nursing is committed to providing a high quality, values-centered, professional nursing education and to strengthen our students’ commitment to community service. In the Jesuit tradition, we challenge students of all cultural backgrounds to seek excellence in academic pursuits, and to think logically, critically and creatively in formulating a global view of nursing and health care. At Regis, we prepare our students for the rewarding and demanding work of nursing and nursing leadership. We’ve made a name for ourselves in Colorado and beyond as a place where high ideals are put into practice every day. Our shared sense of purpose and desire to help others comes from a deep-seated belief that everyone deserves a high quality of life.
Did You Know? Regis University is ranked #25 on the list of Top 75 Nursing Schools in the West by the American Society of Registered Nurses. Upon completion of your RN or BSN at one of the Colorado Community Colleges, we hope you’ll continue advancing your skills with a graduate nursing program or certificate. A 10% tuition discount for the Regis MS in Nursing Leadership program is available to Colorado Community College graduates who pursue this degree within 18 months of their community college graduation.
Get in touch with a Regis admissions counselor at ruadmissions@regis.edu or 800.944.7667 . You can also apply at regis.edu/apply . The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science degree in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202.887.6791.