NCLEX Career Paths: What Comes After Passing the Exam?

Passing the NCLEX is a monumental achievement—it opens the door to a rewarding career in nursing. But what comes next? Whether you've passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, there are countless career paths available to you. From hospitals and clinics to research and leadership roles, the possibilities are vast.

In this guide, we'll explore the career paths available to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Practical Nurses (PNs). You'll learn:

Salary expectations for RNs and PNs
Popular work settings for nurses
Advancement opportunities for RNs and PNs
Specialty certifications to boost your career
How to choose the right career path for you

Salary Expectations for RNs and PNs

Nursing is a rewarding career, both personally and financially. While salaries vary based on location, experience, and specialization, RNs generally earn significantly more than PNs due to their broader scope of practice and responsibilities.

Role	Median Annual Salary (2026)	Top 10% Salary (2026)
Registered Nurse (RN)	$85,000 - $95,000	$120,000+
Practical Nurse (PN)	$50,000 - $60,000	$75,000+
Nurse Practitioner (NP)	$120,000 - $130,000	$160,000+
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)	$200,000 - $220,000	$250,000+

Factors that influence salary:

Location: Nurses in urban areas or states with a high cost of living (e.g., California, New York) tend to earn more.
Experience: Nurses with more experience command higher salaries.
Specialization: Nurses with specialty certifications (e.g., critical care, oncology, pediatrics) often earn more.
Work Setting: Nurses in hospitals or specialty clinics tend to earn more than those in long-term care or outpatient settings.

Popular Work Settings for Nurses

Nurses work in a variety of settings, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Here are some of the most common work settings for RNs and PNs:

Hospitals

Hospitals are the most common work setting for nurses, offering diverse opportunities in areas like medical-surgical, emergency, critical care, and labor and delivery.

Long-Term Care Facilities

Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, employ both RNs and PNs. These settings focus on providing care for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Outpatient Clinics

Outpatient clinics, including primary care offices, specialty clinics, and urgent care centers, hire nurses to assist with patient care, education, and procedures.

Home Health

Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes. This setting is ideal for nurses who prefer one-on-one patient interaction and autonomy.

Public Health

Public health nurses work in community settings, such as schools, government agencies, and non-profits. They focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and community education.

Research and Education

RNs with advanced degrees can work in research or education, conducting studies, teaching the next generation of nurses, or developing healthcare policies.

Advancement Opportunities

Nursing offers countless opportunities for advancement, especially for RNs. Whether you're interested in clinical specialties, leadership, or advanced practice, there's a path for you.

Advancement for RNs

RNs have numerous opportunities to advance their careers, including:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): APRNs have advanced education and training, allowing them to provide primary and specialty care. Examples include:
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide primary care.
- Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
- Nurse Midwives (CNMs): Provide gynecological and obstetric care, including delivering babies.
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs): Focus on improving patient outcomes in specialized areas like critical care or oncology.
Nurse Managers: Oversee nursing units, manage staff, and ensure high-quality patient care.
Nursing Educators: Teach the next generation of nurses in academic or clinical settings.
Specialty Certifications: Obtain certifications in areas like critical care, pediatrics, or oncology to boost your credentials and salary. Learn more about pharmacology review for NCLEX success.

Advancement for PNs

While PNs have fewer advancement opportunities than RNs, there are still ways to grow your career:

RN Bridge Programs: Many schools offer LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN programs, allowing PNs to become RNs with additional education.
Charge Nurse: In long-term care settings, PNs can become charge nurses, overseeing a unit and supervising nursing assistants.
Specialty Certifications: Obtain certifications in areas like gerontology or IV therapy to expand your skills and responsibilities.

Choosing the Right Career Path

Choosing the right career path depends on your goals, interests, and lifestyle. Here are some questions to consider:

What are your long-term career goals? If you aspire to advanced practice roles, such as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, becoming an RN is the first step.
Do you prefer direct patient care or leadership? If you enjoy hands-on patient care, a PN role or clinical RN role may be a good fit. If you prefer leadership, consider becoming a nurse manager or educator.
What work environment suits you best? Hospitals offer fast-paced, high-pressure environments, while long-term care and outpatient clinics provide more predictable schedules.
Are you willing to pursue additional education? Advancing your career often requires additional education and certifications. Consider whether you're ready to invest the time and resources. Check our PN NCLEX strategies for study guidance.

Final Thoughts

Passing the NCLEX is just the beginning of your nursing journey. Whether you choose to become an RN or PN, countless opportunities await you. Take the time to explore your options, invest in your education, and build a career that aligns with your passions and goals.

Remember, nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession. Stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to take the next step in your career!