Nursing careers: Surprising paths you can take with your degree

But what many students don’t realize is that a nursing degree is incredibly versatile — it can take you far beyond hospital walls. Whether you’re passionate about direct patient care, technology, leadership, education or travel, the career opportunities with a nursing degree are vast and ever-growing.

At the University of Cincinnati, we’re proud to offer one of the nation’s top nursing programs, preparing students to enter a dynamic healthcare industry that’s rapidly evolving. So if you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a nursing degree, keep reading — we’re breaking down both traditional and alternative paths, salary potential, and how to find your unique fit.

Let’s start with the basics. A nursing degree equips you with medical knowledge, critical thinking skills, patient care techniques, and the ability to lead and adapt in high-stress environments. It’s no wonder employers across a wide variety of fields are eager to hire nursing graduates.

In addition to bedside care, this degree can launch you into leadership, informatics, education, research, policy, public health, and even the corporate world. So, whether you want to work in scrubs, suits, or somewhere in between, you have options.

If you're passionate about clinical care, there are numerous routes you can take. Here are some common (and high-demand) nursing degree jobs:

The most familiar path, RNs work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and even homes. The demand for RNs is strong nationwide, and it’s a great launching point for further specialization.

After additional education (like a Master of Science in Nursing), NPs provide advanced care, diagnose conditions, and even prescribe medications. Many specialize in areas like pediatrics, psychiatry, or women’s health.

If you thrive under pressure, ICU or ER nursing might be your calling. It’s fast-paced and rewarding, especially for those who enjoy solving complex medical puzzles.

One of the highest-paying nursing specialties, CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgeries and procedures. It requires a doctoral degree, but the nursing degree salary potential here is significant, often exceeding $200K annually.

Want to explore the country while doing what you love? Travel nurses fill in short-term needs at hospitals and clinics across the U.S. They often enjoy higher pay, housing stipends, and plenty of adventure.

Not sure if bedside care is your endgame? You’re not alone. Many grads wonder what to do with a nursing degree besides nursing in a traditional setting. Here are some exciting, less conventional options:

Passionate about teaching? Nurse educators work in universities, colleges, and hospitals to train the next generation of nurses. It’s perfect for those who love both nursing and mentoring.

Use your knowledge of the human body and health systems to coach individuals toward better health. These roles are common in corporate wellness programs, insurance companies, and startups.

Healthcare companies highly value the expertise of nursing graduates in their sales and product development teams. These roles combine business, communication, and clinical knowledge.

Blend nursing with the legal field by analyzing medical records for attorneys, assisting in medical malpractice or personal injury cases, and testifying in court.

If you're drawn to community health and outreach, this path allows you to work with populations on prevention, education and policy — think vaccines, nutrition, and social determinants of health.

Love data and tech? Informatics nurses analyze patient data to improve systems, software, and outcomes. This is a growing field as healthcare continues to go digital.

One of the best things about earning your degree from the University of Cincinnati is that you’re not limited to a one-size-fits-all career. Whether you dream of working in underserved communities, traveling the world, or using your skills behind the scenes, there’s a match for your personality, goals, and lifestyle.

Here are a few niche but best careers with a nursing degree that blend personal interests with professional impact:

• For the social justice advocate: Work in public policy or for nonprofits focused on healthcare equity.
  

• For the research buff: Become a clinical research nurse or work in evidence-based practice.
  

• For the entrepreneur: Start a consulting firm or health-focused business, like mobile IV hydration services or telehealth platforms.

• For the techie: Dive into AI in healthcare or medical app development.

• For the creative: Write for medical journals, start a blog, or create educational content on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.

Beyond versatility, the financial rewards of a nursing degree are worth noting. While salaries vary based on location, experience and specialty, here’s a snapshot of what you might expect:

These numbers show that a nursing degree salary potential is not only competitive but grows steadily with experience and further education.

At the University of Cincinnati, our College of Nursing is committed to preparing students for both traditional and innovative roles. Our programs emphasize hands-on experience, interdisciplinary training, and leadership development.

Here’s what sets UC apart:

• State-of-the-art simulation labs
  

• Access to nationally recognized hospitals and research centers
  

• Accelerated direct-entry MSN options
  

• Mentorship and career placement support
  

• Flexible online RN-BSN programs
  

Whether you’re just starting or considering an advanced degree, we help guide you through your nursing degree career paths with purpose and passion.

From hospital rooms to boardrooms, data labs to courtrooms — there’s no shortage of nursing job opportunities waiting for you. A nursing degree doesn’t box you in; it opens doors. It allows you to care, lead, educate, innovate and advocate — wherever your heart takes you.

So if you’re ready to make an impact and want the flexibility to carve your own path, a nursing degree from the University of Cincinnati could be your perfect starting point.

Interested in learning more about nursing at UC? Explore our nursing programs.