A survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2007 shows that there were 7,000 registered nurses in North Dakota nursing jobs at that time, making an average annual wage of $53, 610, which is $25.77 per hour. At the same time in North Dakota the average annual wage for all workers across industries was $33,650, or $16.18 per hour. This shows that North Dakotans that chose to pursue North Dakota nursing careers make nearly $20,000 over the average annual wage for all North Dakotans, and enjoy an above average standard of living in this state.
A separate report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, titled the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Editions, puts forth that the nursing industry across the nation is expected to experience a 23% growth rate by the year 2016, which would result in 587,000 additional registered nursing positions available. This increased demand is expected as a result of nationwide population growth, the aging of the population, the fact that people are living longer, the rate of retirement for current registered nurses and the continuing trend towards registered nurses providing more direct patient care in an effort to lower health care costs. North Dakota nursing careers can be expected to experience the same expansion rate.
All of this makes now the perfect time for students considering North Dakota nursing programs. When choosing between North Dakota nursing programs, prospective nurses may want to keep in mind that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that registered nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree will enjoy the greatest growth in opportunities. Naturally, registered nurses choosing to advance their education to a graduate level will enjoy even more opportunities for career advancement, including moving into administrative positions, going into specialized nursing careers or becoming nursing instructors.