Explore Nursing Colleges & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Today’s nurses are better educated and more specialized than ever before. Some advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) perform many of the same tasks as physicians. As the Baby Boomer generation enters into old age, a robust and modern nursing workforce is crucial for providing the nation with access to the high-quality healthcare it needs.

Already, nurse practitioners (NPs) belong to the fastest growing occupation in America, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) predicting 46 percent growth in new NP positions nationally between 2021 and 2031. That high demand is reflected in a high annual pay, with the average salary for NPs reaching $120,800 per year. These figures aren’t an anomaly, but indicative of the nursing field as a whole: the need for other APRNs, such as nurse executives, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) is also set to grow by 40 percent between 2021 and 2031 (BLS 2022). 

NursingColleges.com is your comprehensive guide to the sophisticated, diverse, and rapidly evolving world of modern nursing. Whether you’re a new, aspiring, or veteran nurse, we’ve done the research on the issues that matter most—and we’re here to support you every step of the way through your nursing journey.

The Latest in Modern Nursing

Discover the latest advocacy issues, expert interviews, and other resources within nursing professions at all levels.

By Matt Zbrog
Calendar IconMarch 20, 2023

What to Know About the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Collaborative Agreement

If you are a nurse practitioner (NP) in one of the 23 states that do not have full practice authority, then you will need a collaborative agreement. These agreements, which can go by several different names, detail the working relationship between an NP and a supervising physician.

By Matt Zbrog
Calendar IconMarch 13, 2023

Nurse Practitioner Student Loan Forgiveness

Student loan forgiveness and repayment programs mean that many NPs won’t need to pay back their loaned amount in full. But to access them, an NP will need to be aware of their options.

By Kimmy Gustafson
Calendar IconFebruary 16, 2023

Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health – What Nurses Should Know

In June 2022, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling that shook the nation and took away women’s right to privacy in reproductive decisions. The Dobs v. Jackson verdict overturned the long-standing Roe v Wade decision that granted this autonomy to women across the country.

Nurse Practitioners & Other Careers in Nursing Leadership

Modern nursing careers are as varied as the people they serve, and each nursing role has its own educational, certification, and licensure requirements. While this complexity is a sign of a maturing profession, it can also be confusing, even to veteran nurses; a growing number of specializations and sub-specializations can complicate the process further. 

Whether you’re beginning your nursing career, curious about specialization options, or are looking to brush up on certification requirements, our detailed career guides for NPs, APRNs, and other nursing roles have everything you need.

Nurse Practitioner Programs, Leadership Degrees & More

Today’s NPs and APRNs are expertly trained to perform a wide range of different services, and choosing the right degree program is the first step in any successful nursing career. 

Hybrid and online learning models mean it’s never been easier to complete your nursing education, but not all programs are created equal: accreditation, tuition, coursework, faculty, and residency requirements are all important factors for aspiring nurses to consider. We’ve done all the research necessary to help find the program that’s right for you.

Nursing & Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure By State

State licensure ensures that nurses are competent to perform their unique scope of practice. Every nurse, NP, and APRN needs to be licensed, but their licensure requirements vary from role to role and from state to state. 

While most NP and APRN degree programs model their curriculum to match the requirements of the state in which they’re based, the rise of online programs means there are often more nuanced factors at work. We give you comprehensive and detailed information on what requirements apply specifically to you.

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Nursing Programs, Careers & Leadership Roles – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It’s easy to get lost in acronyms, jargon, and bureaucracy, so we’ve made it even easier to find the information you need. Our FAQs cover nursing schools, degrees, certifications, licensing, careers, and salaries, allowing you to compare and contrast different options. 

Between in-depth explanations, side-by-side comparisons, and step-by-step guides, we have detailed, easy-to-read answers to your questions.

Features – Expert Interviews, Guides & Advocacy Issues in Nursing

Modern nursing is a rapidly evolving field, and nurses themselves are the ones championing that change and growth. Combining expert interviews, case studies, and academic research, we amplify the most relevant conversations in modern nursing, profile the nurses who are leading those conversations, and spotlight the advocacy issues that matter most to them. 

We also offer resources and guides to help aspiring nurses join the profession and start making a difference, too. Check out the features section of our blog to join in on the conversation.