Once you decide you want to work in the medical field you may want to consider the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). This is a two-year degree for people who want a career in nursing. The two-year option works for students who may not have the money or time to pursue the four-year degree. Once completed the list of the top paying careers for associate degree nurse may be helpful.









After completing an ADN, you then take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). When you pass the exam you become an RN and have the option to pursue the RN to BSN degree.

If you choose to get started into the workforce here are some top paying ADN careers.

Registered Nurse In Hospital

In the hospital, you work standard shifts and may work in the ER, obstetrics, operating room or medical surgical ward. Your duties consist of standard nursing tasks to include taking vital signs, administering medication, and helping doctors manage patients and care.

ADN will make up 29.5% of RN workforce

Job growth is expected to be 26% by 2020

Average salary for associate degree nurses is $69,490

Outpatient Care Nurse







Outpatient care nurses work in outpatient care facilities. These nurses provide routine care for patients following medical procedures, minor surgeries, and treatments. Duties often include wound care, assisting in surgical or other medical procedures, and more. Dialysis nurses and other specialized nurses are growing in demand. Due to the need for skilled nursing professional salaries for this career are among the highest in the industry.

RN in these specialties make up 14.4% of workforce

Job growth is expected to be 26% by 2020

Average Salary for this specialty is $71,200

Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses are among the fastest growing types of nurses in the field. These nurses visit patients in their home and provide care as prescribed by their physician. These visits occur on a regular basis. Care may be provided on a short visit or for a full 8 or even 10 hours shift. Duties include personal care and treatments. Home hospice care is increasing in popularity and the demand for these specialized nurses is growing. Salaries are expected to rise as a result of the demand.

RN in these specialties make up 13.7% of workforce

Job growth is expected to be 26% by 2020

Average Salary in the field is $65,530







Physician’s Office Nurse

The physician’s office nurse provides routine care to patients. Duties may include vital signs, patient history, initial assessment and consultation with patients. You may give vaccinations, medications, injections or consult with the physician on the best course of treatment. There is a growing opportunity in this field due to the increase in private practices opening up in the country.

There is a growing opportunity in this field due to the increase in private practices opening up in the country. The opportunity to specialize is an advantage since physicians are becoming more specialized. You might work in pediatrics, geriatrics, OB GYN, or many other specialties.

RN in these specialties make up 7.46% of workforce

Job growth is expected to be 26% by 2020

Average Salary in the field is $62,120

Nursing Care Facility Nurse

As a nurse in these facilities, you help provide high levels of care to the residents in the nursing home. Work usually involves caring for the elderly or special needs patients. You may also be providing rehabilitation for some patients. Care will include administering medication, vital signs and assisting physicians providing care in the facility. There is a growing demand for nurses in this area as more long-term facilities open in towns across the country.