Palliative Care Nursing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Specialized training in palliative care nursing equips registered nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered support to individuals facing serious, life-limiting conditions. This advanced practice focus emphasizes holistic care that enhances quality of life through symptom management, emotional resilience, and dignified end-of-life planning.
- Pathophysiology of chronic and terminal illness: In-depth study of the biological mechanisms underlying progressive diseases, enabling nurses to anticipate clinical changes and tailor interventions effectively.
- Palliative care processes: Exploration of systematic approaches to assessing, planning, and implementing care that addresses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs throughout the illness trajectory.
- Pain and symptom management: Advanced techniques for evaluating and mitigating pain, dyspnea, nausea, fatigue, and other distressing symptoms using evidence-based protocols and individualized care strategies.
- Pharmacological interventions: Comprehensive training in the safe and effective use of medications specific to palliative settings, including opioids, adjuvants, and symptom-specific agents.
- Psychosocial dimensions of loss and grief: Understanding the emotional and psychological responses to illness, dying, and bereavement, with emphasis on compassionate communication and family support systems.
- End-of-life care and bereavement support: Preparation for guiding patients and families through the final stages of life, including ethical decision-making, advance care planning, and post-death support services.
Palliative Care Nursing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Palliative Care Nursing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Palliative Care Nursing degrees, including Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 3,663,650 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 |
| 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 |
Palliative Care Nursing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,040 in Arkansas to $135,317 in California—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Oregon, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,663,650 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 Palliative Care Nursing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Palliative Care Nursing 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 Palliative Care Nursing is found at University of Connecticut (UConn) (5 graduates), Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (1 graduates), and Duke University (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Duke University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Palliative Care Nursing programs
How much can I earn with a Palliative Care Nursing degree?
Salaries for Palliative Care Nursing graduates vary by role and location. Nurse Practitioners earn a median of $129,210 annually, while Registered Nurses earn around $93,600. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,317 compared to $85,040 in Arkansas. Approximately 3,663,650 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 Palliative Care Nursing programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Palliative Care Nursing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Connecticut (UConn) (5 graduates), Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (1 graduates), and Duke University (1 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 Palliative Care Nursing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 21 in 2010 to a peak of 8 in 2020, before declining slightly to 7 in 2023-24. This represents a 67% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Palliative Care Nursing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 3,663,650 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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