Registered Nurse (RN) Career

Find an Ultrasound Tech Degree

Fill out this short form below, and we'll help match you to an accredited college program that suits your interests, whether online- or campus-based.

What You Do in This Career

Registered Nurses make up the largest healthcare occupation, and the demand for RNs is expected to grow. While 60% of nurses work in hospitals, Registered Nurses can work anywhere: in people’s homes helping the elderly, in care facilities, hospitals and doctors’ offices, even as traveling nurses. It is one of the most versatile professions. RNs treat, educate and advise patients, take medical histories and symptoms, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, administer medications, work closely with medical assistants and CNAs, and help with patient follow-up. Much of the job depends on communicating effectively with patients. RNs have to explain post-treatment home care, diet, nutrition and exercise, and self-administered medication. They also run health screenings, immunization clinics, blood drives, and inform the public about diseases. RNs pretty much do everything, which is why training requirements are so strict and salaries so generous.

Salary and Career Path

So how much do they pay a person to do a little of everything? The median annual income of registered nurses in 2008 was $62,450, with some making more than $92,240. Employers offer incentives to attract and retain nurses since there is such a demand, including flexible work schedules, child care, and educational benefits. Many online vocational programs offer Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner degrees, which combine the BA program with the advanced MA program and improves marketability and increases earning potential.

What Kind of Degree or Coursework You Need

To become an RN, you must have a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing, or an associate degree in nursing and a diploma. BSN programs take 4 years to complete, and AA programs are 2-3 years. However, BSN degrees are usually required for advancement. Registered Nurses usually start out as staff nurses in hospitals, but there are many opportunities to specialize even further. Registered Nurses can go on to become clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists, which all require master’s degrees.

Top Online Health Services Programs

There are multiple educational paths that students can take to become an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer. The schools below do not offer ultrasound-specific training, but they do offer medical assisting and other healthcare programs that are closely related. You can request information by clicking on any of the links below.

AS in Health IT	DeVry University — For over 80 years, DeVry University has focused on relevant areas of study, offering associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs and specializations that cover 34 different career fields. Earn your associate degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University, and prepare to be an HIT leader in contemporary hospitals, physicians' offices, medical clinics, and more. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
AS in Medical Assisting	Herzing University — With a 45 year history, Herzing University is an accredited university that offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees as well as diplomas in over 45 different programs. The AS in Medical Assisting program builds on the online diploma program by incorporating the general education requirements required for this level of degree. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
AS in Medical Assisting	Keiser University — Keiser University, founded in 1977, is a private, regionally accredited career university offering certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The AS in Medical Assisting program prepares students to perform medical assisting duties under the direction of a physician or practitioner. Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
AS in Health Info Mgmt AS in Health Admin	Hodges University — Founded in 1990, Hodges University is one the premier private universities in the State of Florida. The AS in Health Information Management and AS in Health Administration programs, while not ultrasound training programs, do teach students how to use information technology to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
AAS in Health IT	Rasmussen College — Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College has grown to now include 22 campuses and more than 40 diverse online degree programs where students can choose from many bachelor's and associate's degrees. The AAS in Health Information Technology program prepares students to become health information technicians. Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
BS in Health Services Mgmt	Virginia College — Founded in 1983, Virginia College is a private institution of higher education committed to offering associate degrees, diploma courses, and baccalaureate degrees at over 20 different campuses. The BS in Health Services Management program prepares you for mid-level management positions in health care organizations including hospitals, physician practices, and home health agencies. Virginia is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.