9 BSN Careers for Graduates to Consider

Written by: University of Tulsa • Jul 13, 2026

A group of caregivers gathered around a table.

The knowledge and skills that registered nurses develop throughout their careers make them versatile and capable professionals. For many, nursing is a calling as much as it is a career, and working in a medical facility allows them to dedicate their careers to making a meaningful impact in the lives of their patients. For others, choosing a role outside of a health care facility can be a better fit, offering them an opportunity to apply their skills in different fields.

With the well-rounded education that an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program provides, qualified nurses can pursue many roles. BSN careers range from hands-on nursing positions to non-bedside positions.

What Are the Educational Options for RNs?

To become a practicing nurse, you’ll need to obtain a registered nurse (RN) license. Qualifying for RN licensure requires completing either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, an approved nursing diploma program, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

While the ADN, diploma, and BSN pathways are all valid routes to entering the nursing workforce, each path has different time requirements, financial investments, and educational preparation.

Why Earn a BSN?

While a BSN is longer than an ADN or a diploma, it provides the most well-rounded education and is preferred by most employers.

Choosing to pursue a BSN is a big step, but it can hold many benefits and career opportunities, including the following:

You can qualify for roles with increased responsibility and autonomy.
A higher level of education and experience can often lead to more desirable career opportunities and salaries.
Most institutions require a BSN to qualify for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Outlook for Nursing Professionals

Demand is rising for qualified nursing professionals across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 189,100 openings for nurses are projected each year.

Multiple factors have contributed to the nursing shortage. Many nurses left the field during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many in the baby boom generation have retired or will soon be retiring. This means that opportunities for qualified nurses in a variety of positions will continue to increase over at least the next decade.

Clinical BSN Career Opportunities

Investing the time and finances to earn a BSN requires a big commitment. However, if you decide to pursue this foundational degree, you can qualify for the clinical roles below.

Registered Nurse

Qualified nurses are in high demand nationwide. Working in hospitals, private practices, and medical facilities in both urban and rural areas, nurses work closely with patients and handle a range of day-to-day responsibilities that can vary.

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024. The BLS projects that jobs for nurses will increase by 5% between 2024 and 2034.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses analyze health trends in an area or demographic, and work to develop programs to improve them. While nurses working in medical facilities treat patients one-on-one, public health nurses look at the health of an entire community and pinpoint issues that require focused attention.

According to Payscale, the median annual salary for public health nurses was about $74,000 as of January 2026.

Utilization Management Nurse

Utilization management nurses play a key role in ensuring patients receive the care they need. Utilization management involves understanding the needs of patients, health care facilities, and medical professionals, and allocating resources properly.

According to Payscale, RNs specializing in utilization management had a median annual salary of approximately $84,000 as of March 2026.

Travel Nurse

Travel nursing is a career BSN graduates pursue that can be challenging in its unpredictability, but offers great flexibility for many nurses. Typically, travel nurses work for nursing agencies that place them in short-term roles around the country. Depending on a nurse’s level of education, certification, and specialty, their duties from one facility to the next can look quite different.

According to Payscale, the median annual base salary for travel nurses was around $91,620 as of March 2026.

Nurse Manager

Nurse managers act as supervisors within medical facilities. They coordinate nurses’ duties and schedules, implement health care programs, and help coordinate care.

The BLS reports these professionals had a median annual salary of $117,960 as of May 2026.

Nonclinical BSN Careers Worth Considering

A BSN doesn’t limit graduates to bedside care. Below are some relevant nonclinical BSN career paths.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical sales representatives educate health care providers and facility executives about the advantages and features of different medical devices, medications, or treatments.

Depending on sales region, products, and commission rates, annual salaries can vary. Pharmaceutical sales representatives earned a median annual salary of approximately $98,150 as of April 2026, according to Payscale.

Health Care Recruiter

From small community clinics to large urban hospitals, many organizations require the help of recruiters to fill vacancies with qualified candidates. Health care recruiters interview both parties to compile lists of needs and qualifications and help nurses find the right role.

According to Payscale, health care recruiters earned a median annual salary of approximately $56,000 as of March 2026, with specialized recruiters earning higher median salaries.

Nurse Lobbyist

Nurse lobbyists advocate for the advancement of medical regulations and the well-being of both nursing professionals and the public. Lobbyists focus on legislation that affects nursing, working to put laws and regulations into place that can improve the medical system and nurses’ ability to provide patients with quality care.

According to Payscale, lobbyists earned a median annual salary of approximately $89,600 as of December 2025.

Medical Writer

Medical writers cover health care topics for academic institutions as well as manufacturing, marketing, insurance, and pharmaceutical companies. Medical writers cover a larger variety of topics and, depending on their employers, may specialize in specific areas.

Medical writers earned a median annual salary of approximately $87,260 as of October 2025, according to Payscale.

Build a Fulfilling Career With a BSN

With the rising demand for skilled nurses, you can pursue a BSN career that fits your needs and professional goals.

A well-rounded education is a key step to moving into your dream career. The online ABSN program at The University of Tulsa provides the practical skills they need to excel in as few as 21 months. TU offers students an online degree program with a growth-minded approach that builds on their existing education.

Find out how you can advance your career with a BSN.

Recommended Readings

What Are the 3 P’s in Nursing?

Nurse Advancement Opportunities for RNs

RN vs. BSN: Why Earn Your BSN?

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet

American Nurses Association, Federal Advocacy

American Nurses Association, “How to Become a Travel Nurse”

American Nurses Association, “Nurses in the Workforce”

American Nurses Association, “What Is a Utilization Management Nurse?”