2006 Nursing Salary Survey Says...

The seventh annual nationwide survey from Nursing2006 shows that nurses who have attained higher education and specialty certifications are making more money. Over 1,100 nurses responded to the salary survey that was initially published in January 2006. Among all nurses, those who reported being certified in a specialty made $9,200 more annually than nurses who weren't certified. Compensation also increased with advances in education, as indicated by these annual average salaries:

* LPNs, $36,700
* RNs with a diploma, $57,400
* RNs with an associate degree, $50,100
* RNs with a BSN, $55,300
* Masters in Nursing, $60,500

In addition, nurses who are pursuing advanced education are frequently finding that their employers are picking up the tab. Tuition reimbursement was reported as a benefit by 64% of all respondents and by 80% of hospital nurses. Sign on bonuses were reported by 26% of respondents while 36% of hospital nurses were most likely to report this benefit.

Here are a few other select salary findings:
* Managers reported an average salary of $62,800
* Advanced practice nurses reported an average annual salary of $69,600
* Nurses in salaried positions made an average of $10,000 more per year than those paid by the hour.

Investigate the next level of your nursing degree online. No classrooms involved, classwork and studying is on your own time and greater opportunities mean more money in the end!

Here are some of the top accredited schools offering nursing degrees online:

Chamberlain College of Nursing

The Chamberlain College of Nursing allows students currently working in the healthcare field to earn their degree without disrupting their work schedule or family life. Students learn theory and academics that aid their on-the-job skills and prepare them to advance their careers or acquire a specialty.

• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Fast Track RN to BSN Online Degree Program
• Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Kaplan University Nursing

Kaplan University accelerated nursing programs can be completed in 18 months of online self-study. The pace is up to you - Attend class anytime, anywhere, 24/7. No campus attendance is required.

• RN to BSN Online
• Kaplan University’s Health Care Pathways Programs
• Legal Nurse Consultant Programs
• Forensic Nursing Certificate
• Geriatric Care Management Certificate
• Life Care Planning Certificate
• Case Management Certificate

University of Phoenix Nursing

Join over 100,000 working professionals and get your degree from the University Of Phoenix Online. A well-respected degree from the University of Phoenix is the first step in you meeting your career goals.

• RN to BSN Online
• Nursing Masters Degree Online
• Nursing and Health Admin (Master's)
• MSN/MBA/HCM
• Master's in Nursing Education

By advancing your nursing education, you can become an agent of change and a leader in your field.

Earning your advanced nursing degree online is easy! You will attain your advanced nursing degree when and where you have the time-at work, at home, it's up to you; it's all online.

Find out more about earning your nursing degree.