When a prospective student is considering one of the vast nursing programs Kansas City has to offer, there is always the question of which field is having a high demand, which specialty is looking to grow, and which program provides the greatest return on investment. Although many prospective nurses will pursue a field that pertains to a personal interest, it is a good idea to have some knowledge on what specialties are expected to grow over the next five years, so that the question of job security can be answered. Out of dozens of different nursing positions, these four have some of the highest rates of projected growth, lining up from a new student’s timeline of entering and completing their studies.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners have one of the highest projected demand increases at about 25% over the next two years. The average salary for this position is just under $94,000. A nurse practitioner can have their own practice, but they commonly work under a doctor in areas when the number of medical doctors is limited. They have knowledge in all areas of medicine and have the capability of ordering tests, prescribing medications, and diagnosing their patients. Many individuals who are seeking a clinical checkup are more likely to meet with a nurse practitioner than a doctor these days, for the simple fact, they can do the footwork in practices when doctors are in short supply.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
When a patient is getting ready for surgery, a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) will accompany an anesthesiologist. They work with the medical team to ensure that the patient is not only comfortable but also safe as the medications are being administered and taking effect. They monitor the patient’s vitals and play a crucial role in the success of the surgery. With a median average salary of $135,000 and with the patient base growing in an age demanding a higher need for surgical procedures that require anesthesia, CNRA careers are booming.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The field of mental health has grown exponentially over the past two decades. The need for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners has grown in several different institutions such as jails, rehabilitation centers, and mental health hospitals. This job combines social work and counseling with medical nursing, and most follow a patient’s progression over a period. Starting nurses who specialize in behavior and psychiatric disorders can make around $60,000 per year, while those who have been in the field for several years can make upwards to $95,000 per year.
Certified Nurse Midwife
For nurses who love working with children and their mothers, becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife is becoming a more in-demand field. Responsibilities include assisting with pre and post-birth procedures, along with assisting in delivery. For students who are interested in working with newborns, neonatal nursing is also a field that has a high demand. A CNM will make upwards to $85,000 per year. Neonatal nurses care for babies up to a month old and start at $65,000 a year. There is an expected increase in demand for this field of nursing that is estimated at 20% over the next three years.
There are many different nursing programs Kansas City has to offer, and many different practices available for new students to enter. Carefully examine the projected field of interest and determine if it aligns with your interest and your expected salary. Although some nurses enter a program and successfully find work in the original field they started out in, many nurses will crossover into other fields in time as their knowledge and experience grow. Nurses are one of the most respected professions and demand rigorous application of training and dedication to improving the wellbeing of medical teams and their patients.
