Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs You Can Get With a BSN
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Feb 10, 2026
The nursing profession has evolved since its origins in the 18th century. What was once a strictly hands-on field centered around bedside care has transformed into one of the most dynamic professions in health care. Early nurses gained their skills through observation and experience; today’s navigate a world of advanced education, specialization, and innovation.
While bedside nursing remains at the heart of the profession, modern nursing includes roles in research, technology, education, leadership, policy, and even fully remote care. Some nurses spend their entire careers positively impacting patients without ever meeting them face to face.
This expanded universe of nursing reflects not only the complexity of today’s health care system but also the wide-ranging talents and interests of the professionals who choose it.
Explore some examples of non-bedside nursing jobs that you can pursue with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
6 Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs to Consider
Although most people think of traditional clinicians when they think of nurses, several nursing roles involve minimal to no direct patient care. Below are some potential roles for BSN graduates that don’t focus on bedside care.
1. Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers coordinate long-term, personalized care by working with physicians, insurance providers, and patients to make sure every part of a treatment plan is clear and aligned with a patient’s needs. They assess patient conditions, help create and update care plans, and guide individuals and families through the complexities of the health care system. Acting as liaisons, they ensure everyone stays informed, supported, and working toward the best possible outcome.
These professionals are essential across hospitals, insurance companies, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.
According to data from Payscale, in December 2025, nurse case managers made a median annual salary of approximately $83,040.
2. Nurse Educator
A nurse educator is one of the primary non-bedside nursing jobs rooted in academic and professional training settings. Instead of providing direct patient care, these highly skilled nurses draw on their clinical backgrounds to teach, guide, and inspire the next generation of nursing professionals. They design courses, develop learning objectives, and stay current with emerging health care practices to ensure their curriculum reflects the realities of modern nursing.
A central responsibility of nurse educators is preparing learners for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). They oversee skills development, lead simulation labs, and help students strengthen their critical thinking so they’re fully equipped for licensure and entry into professional practice.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of postsecondary nursing instructors was approximately $79,940 as of May 2024.
3. School Nurse
Although school nurses provide basic clinical services to students, much of their work centers on education, prevention, and promoting overall well-being. They may administer routine vaccinations, conduct health screenings, and offer guidance on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, mental health awareness, and safe sex practices. Their role is as much about empowering students with knowledge as it is about treating minor ailments.
School nurses also manage everyday health concerns like minor injuries, headaches, or allergic reactions, ensuring students receive timely support without extensive medical intervention. When a more serious illness or injury arises, they serve as the first point of assessment and refer students to local hospitals or health care providers for comprehensive care.
School nurses made a median annual salary of approximately $51,530 as of July 2023, according to Payscale.
4. Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse is a non-bedside nursing job focused on preventing health issues that affect entire communities. Their work targets public concerns such as infectious disease spread, environmental hazards, exposure to harmful chemicals, and lifestyle-related risks such as smoking, substance use, and poor nutrition. Instead of caring for individual patients, public health nurses design and deliver education that empowers large populations to make healthier choices.
They may collaborate with government agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to assess health trends and develop targeted outreach programs. This can include organizing vaccination campaigns, leading workshops on disease prevention, or coordinating responses to emerging health threats.
According to Payscale, public health nurses made a median annual salary of approximately $74,430 annually as of July 2025.
5. Nurse Researcher
Nurse researchers focus on scientific inquiry rather than direct patient care. Instead of providing clinical services, nurse researchers generate valuable insights for the health care industry by designing studies, analyzing data, conducting vaccine and treatment trials, and exploring ways to improve patient outcomes across diverse populations.
Their expertise plays a pivotal role when new strains of influenza or other communicable diseases emerge. Nurse researchers investigate how these illnesses spread, evaluate the effectiveness of potential therapies, and contribute to the development of vaccines and evidence-based interventions. They may also study long-term health trends, assess the safety of new medical devices, or examine the social factors that influence health.
According to Payscale, clinical research nurses made a median annual salary of around $80,570 as of October 2025.
6. Occupational Nurse
Occupational nurses typically work for large companies, manufacturing plants, government organizations, or other employers that benefit from having on-site health professionals available to support their workforce. They provide immediate attention to employees experiencing minor injuries, sudden illnesses, or workplace-related health concerns. They may assess symptoms, administer first aid, and help determine whether an employee can safely return to work.
For more serious medical issues, occupational nurses refer individuals to local hospitals or specialized providers to ensure they receive appropriate care. Beyond responding to injuries, these nurses play an important preventive role. They may conduct workplace health screenings, evaluate safety hazards, teach employees about ergonomics, and collaborate with leadership to promote a healthier work environment.
According to Payscale, occupational health nurses made a median annual salary of approximately $86,130 as of December 2025.
Advancement Opportunities for Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs
Non-bedside nursing jobs offer strong potential for career growth, allowing you to advance into leadership, education, research, or administrative positions. You can move into titles such as clinical research coordinator, nurse manager, public health program director, or nurse educator.
Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can further accelerate advancement by opening doors to higher-level positions, expanded responsibility, and increased earning potential — making graduate education a strategic next step for long-term career development.
Make an Impact in Health Care in Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs
Clinical nursing doesn’t appeal to everyone. Fortunately, if you’re interested in a nursing career outside of clinical care, there are many non-bedside nursing jobs available to consider. Many of these roles have competitive salaries and stability.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and you’re ready to start your career in nursing, consider the online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program from The University of Tulsa. In under two years, you can earn your BSN and prepare for licensure as a registered nurse (RN), equipping you for both bedside and non-bedside roles in the field.
Find out more about the program so that you can see how it supports your professional aspirations in the health care field.
Recommended Readings
LVN vs. RN: Reasons to Get Your Registered Nurse License
Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program?
How to Become an RN in Oklahoma With an ABSN
Sources:
Payscale, Average Clinical Research Nurse Salary
Payscale, Average Nurse Case Manager Salary
Payscale, Average Occupational Health Nurse Hourly Pay
Payscale, Average Public Health Nurse Hourly Pay
