Industry Outlook:
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING
Registered nurses can be found across the country, working with other health care professionals to offer the best patient-centered care. They are trained to care for individuals, families, and communities to promote and maintain health, prevent illness, and support recovery. RNs work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes, schools, and more, often interacting closely with patients. They play a crucial role in advocating for patients’ rights, ensuring quality care, and facilitating communication between patients and other health care professionals.
A common pathway to joining this diverse and rewarding community of professionals is by earning an associate degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Completing these steps opens a world of possibilities for new nurses.
Future of the Industry
Projected Growth Rate of RN Employment
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to an average of 4% for all other occupations combined.
This robust employment projection could be driven by factors such as an aging population, other increased health care needs, and global efforts to enhance access to health care. Nurses who are adept at using and adapting to new technologies may be in especially high demand.
Annual Wage of RNs with Associate Degrees
As of July 2025, the average annual wage for registered nurses with associate degrees in the United States was $80,321, or $38.62 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Nationally, wages for registered nurses with associate degrees typically range from $29.57 an hour to $43.27 an hour. Salaries can vary depending on many factors, including geographic location, experience, specialty, and work setting.
Largest Employers of Registered Nurses
According to the BLS, RNs held about 3.3. million jobs in 2023. Most RNs could be found working in hospitals, followed by ambulatory health care services, such as physicians’ offices and outpatient care centers.
Advancement Within the Industry
Continuing Education by Nursing Professionals
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 42% of nurses who started with an associate degree went on to earn a higher degree. Data from 2021 showed that 802,943 out of a total of 1,921,378 nurses with an associate degree had gone on to earn at least a bachelor’s degree, with 11.2% and 1.5% going on to earn master’s degrees and doctorates, respectively.
Earn Your Degree with Excelsior
Nursing is a calling, and today, the call for nurses has never been stronger. Be ready to meet the demand with Excelsior’s Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program. Designed for LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain military personnel, you’ll build on the experience you already have and grow your nursing ability, knowledge, and career.
This program is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department Office of the Professions. Excelsior University is an accredited institution and member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
In our associate-level nursing program, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of eight-week fully online courses designed to ensure that your proficiency in nursing theory and performance is comparable to that of graduates of campus-based associate degree programs. And with access to learning resources throughout the program—as well as a community of nursing faculty, academic advisors, and peers—you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Plus, if you seek to advance into leadership roles, you can easily transition to Excelsior’s RN to BS in Nursing program and apply credit you’ve already earned toward your bachelor’s degree.
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Take the Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about Excelsior University’s online Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program, contact us to request more information. No matter where you are on your education journey, we’re here to help you get to the finish line.
