Nursing Practice: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Nursing Practice is a specialized, career-oriented program designed to equip registered nurses with advanced competencies in delivering high-impact, evidence-driven care within complex healthcare environments. This program emphasizes the integration of research, policy, and leadership to foster innovation and improve patient outcomes across diverse settings.
- Healthcare delivery systems: Explores the structure, function, and performance of modern healthcare networks, including models of care coordination, access to services, and system-level challenges affecting patient care.
- Health economics and finance: Analyzes cost-effectiveness, resource allocation, budgeting strategies, and financial decision-making within clinical and organizational contexts to support sustainable care models.
- Health policy: Investigates the development, implementation, and evaluation of public and institutional policies that shape healthcare access, equity, and quality of care.
- Research methods: Builds proficiency in designing, conducting, and critically appraising quantitative and qualitative research to inform clinical practice and organizational improvement.
- Translating evidence into practice: Focuses on systematic approaches to integrate validated research findings into everyday clinical workflows, ensuring care is grounded in current, reliable data.
- Population health concepts: Addresses the health outcomes of defined groups, examining social determinants, preventive strategies, and interventions that reduce disparities and promote community well-being.
- Nursing leadership: Develops strategic thinking, team management, ethical decision-making, and change leadership skills essential for influencing practice, policy, and organizational culture.
Nursing Practice Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Nursing Practice Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nursing Practice degrees, including Nurse Practitioners, Medical and Health Services Managers and Registered Nurses. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 4,229,490 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners 29-1171 | $129,210 | $97,960 - $169,950 | 307,390 | $62.12 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| Registered Nurses 29-1141 | $93,600 | $66,030 - $135,320 | 3,282,010 | $45.00 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1072 | $79,940 | $47,950 - $130,040 | 74,250 | N/A |
Nursing Practice Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,865 in Arkansas to $135,613 in California—a 58% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Hawaii, and Oregon. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 4,229,490 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Nursing Practice by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Nursing Practice programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nursing Practice is found at Chamberlain University, Illinois (588 graduates), University of South Alabama (USA) (315 graduates), Walden University (304 graduates), Rush University (227 graduates), and Capella University (221 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7,313 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
588 | Addison, Illinois | Private | chamberlain.edu |
| University of South Alabama (USA) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
315 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | southalabama.edu |
| Walden University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
304 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | waldenu.edu |
| Rush University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
227 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | rushu.rush.edu |
| Capella University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
221 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
210 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
178 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMB) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
156 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umaryland.edu |
| Baylor University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
147 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Las Vegas College |
Associate's
|
133 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Private | lvcollege.edu |
| Brenau University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
127 | Gainesville, Georgia | Private | brenau.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
125 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
105 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Ashland University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
104 | Ashland, Ohio | Private | ashland.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
102 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
99 | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
94 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
91 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Southern Illinois University (SIUE) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
88 | Edwardsville, Illinois | Public | siue.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
87 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
86 | Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
86 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
85 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
84 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | uthsc.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
81 | Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
81 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Barry University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
79 | Miami, Florida | Private | barry.edu |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
77 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttuhsc.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
73 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of California (UCSF) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
72 | San Francisco, California | Public | ucsf.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-NO) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
71 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | lsuhsc.edu |
| Liberty University |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
69 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
65 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| University of North Florida (UNF) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
63 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | unf.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
62 | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
61 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Doctorate (Research)
|
61 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
59 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | maryville.edu |
| Duke University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
59 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
57 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
57 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | web.musc.edu |
| South University |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
57 | Savannah, Georgia | Private | N/A |
| University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
56 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | umassmed.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
55 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Bryant & Stratton College |
Bachelor's
|
54 | Liverpool, New York | Private | bryantstratton.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
53 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
52 | Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
| University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
52 | San Marcos, California | Private | usa.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
51 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
51 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
50 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Abilene Christian University (ACU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
50 | Abilene, Texas | Private | acu.edu |
| Arkansas State University (A-State) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
48 | Jonesboro, Arkansas | Public | astate.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
48 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Emory University |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
48 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWO) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
48 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Public | uwosh.edu |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
46 | Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uams.edu |
| Samuel Merritt University (SMU) |
Doctorate (Other)
|
46 | Oakland, California | Private | samuelmerritt.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
46 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| Villanova University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
46 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Other Award
|
45 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
44 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
44 | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| University of San Diego (USD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
43 | San Diego, California | Private | sandiego.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
42 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
41 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| The College of Saint Scholastica (CSS) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
40 | Duluth, Minnesota | Private | css.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
39 | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| Anderson University (AU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
39 | Anderson, South Carolina | Private | andersonuniversity.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
38 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
37 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Gannon University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
37 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | gannon.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
37 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
36 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| DePaul University |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
36 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
36 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
36 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Missouri (UMKC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
36 | Kansas City, Missouri | Public | umkc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
36 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
35 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
34 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
32 | Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
32 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
32 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
32 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fgcu.edu |
| Jacksonville State University (JSU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
31 | Jacksonville, Alabama | Public | jsu.edu |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
31 | Chicopee, Massachusetts | Private | elms.edu |
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
31 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| Bryant & Stratton College |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Wauwatosa, Wisconsin | Private | bryantstratton.edu |
| Murray State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
29 | Murray, Kentucky | Public | murraystate.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
29 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
29 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Oklahoma City University (OCU) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
29 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Private | okcu.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAH) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
28 | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | uah.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
28 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
27 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Columbia College |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Columbia, Missouri | Private | ccis.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
27 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
26 | Natchitoches, Louisiana | Public | nsula.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Nursing Practice programs
How much can I earn with a Nursing Practice degree?
Salaries for Nursing Practice graduates vary by role and location. Nurse Practitioners earn a median of $129,210 annually, while Medical and Health Services Managers earn around $117,960. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,613 compared to $85,865 in Arkansas. Approximately 4,229,490 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Nursing Practice programs?
Currently 316 accredited institutions offer Nursing Practice degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Chamberlain University, Illinois (588 graduates), University of South Alabama (USA) (315 graduates), and Walden University (304 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Nursing Practice growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,155 in 2010 to 9,206 in 2023-24. This represents a 697% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Nursing Practice degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Nurse Practitioners, Medical and Health Services Managers, and Registered Nurses. Related occupations employ approximately 4,229,490 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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