[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses often shift to related healthcare fields such as therapy, social work, and education, where their clinical and communication skills remain valuable.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of these roles require additional education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, along with state licensure or certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median salaries range from $40,300 for pharmacy technicians to $110,680 for health services managers, with projected job growth varying between 2% and 28% through 2032.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you are motivated by burnout, curiosity, or ambition, you may be considering a career change from nursing. While the exact number of nurses who have recently changed careers isn’t currently known, a significant percentage plan to leave their current position or change careers, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/workforce” target=”_blank”]2024 National Nursing Workforce Study.[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/non-bedside-jobs-for-nurses/”]alternative careers to nursing[/hen-ui-link] require specialized education, training, or licensure. Learn about the top 10 most common career changes for nurses and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link] from 2021-2023, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs” target=”_blank”]American Community Survey[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The 10 Most Common Career Changes for Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing profession equips you with a unique blend of problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, all qualities that make you valuable in various careers. You may have started at the bedside, but eventually you might look for a role that provides different challenges, work-life balance, or opportunities. These career options highlight how adaptable and in-demand your skills truly are.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Therapist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most common career change for nurses is to become therapists. Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who support individuals, couples, and families in managing mental health conditions. Using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, they help clients understand thoughts, regulate emotions, and build healthier coping skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community health organizations. This career path offers a meaningful way to make a difference and flexibility in your schedule. Challenges include potential burnout and navigating complex client needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For nurses, this career can feel like a natural extension of their previous role, as they focus not only on physical well-being but on psychological and emotional health. Nurses who are drawn to holistic care and enjoy building deep, supportive relationships may find therapy a rewarding second career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A master’s degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or related field from an accredited school. You must gain hands-on clinical experience, and all states require licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$63,780[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+13%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Physical Therapist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps patients recover movement, improve mobility, and manage pain from injury or illness. Physical therapists design individualized treatment plans that may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and education on preventing future injuries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Their work emphasizes restoring independence and enhancing quality of life. Physical therapists practice in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, and even home health settings. While the role is physically active and sometimes demanding, it offers meaningful, hands-on interaction and visible progress in patients’ recovery.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For nurses transitioning careers, physical therapy provides a way to continue delivering compassionate, results-driven care while focusing on functional health and rehabilitation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A bachelor’s degree in a healthcare or related field with prerequisite courses in anatomy, chemistry, and physics, followed by a doctor of physical therapy degree from an accredited program. You may complete a one-year residency and receive additional training for specialty areas. All states require licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$101,020[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+11%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Occupational Therapist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An occupational therapist is a licensed professional who helps people regain independence and perform daily activities after injury, illness, or disability. They teach adaptive techniques, recommend supportive equipment, and guide patients in building skills needed for work and life. The focus is on helping people participate fully and confidently in meaningful routines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, and community programs. The job can be highly rewarding, though it can be complex when addressing diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. For nurses transitioning careers, occupational therapy offers a chance to combine clinical knowledge with a holistic, patient-centered approach.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A master’s degree in occupational therapy with supervised fieldwork to gain clinical experience. All states require licensure and sit for a qualifying exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$98,340[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+14%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Speech-Language Pathologist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A speech-language pathologist is a licensed clinician who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work with children and adults who face challenges such as speech delays, language difficulties, stuttering, voice problems, or challenges related to brain injuries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treatment typically includes tailored exercises, language-building activities, and strategies to improve speech clarity. Speech-language pathologists are employed in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and long-term care facilities. While the role requires patience and specialized training, it offers the unique reward of helping individuals regain or strengthen vital communication skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For nurses seeking a career shift, speech-language pathology provides a path to support patients’ independence and quality of life through improved communication.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]At least a master’s degree in speech and language pathology. Graduate programs provide education in specialty areas. Programs require supervised clinical experience and accreditation to qualify for licensure in all states.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$95,410[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+15%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Respiratory Therapist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who treats patients with breathing difficulties and cardiopulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or respiratory infections. Responsibilities include performing diagnostic tests, managing ventilators, administering oxygen therapy, and teaching patients how to use inhalers or other equipment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Respiratory therapists play a critical role in stabilizing patients in emergency settings and supporting long-term pulmonary health. Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics. While the work can be fast-paced and physically demanding, it offers the reward of improving and saving lives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Respiratory therapy provides a hands-on, patient-focused career that continues the commitment to critical, compassionate care that often first attracts nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]An associate degree in respiratory therapy, though some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree. Programs must be accredited, and all states except Alaska require licensure. Alaska recommends national certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$80,450[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+12%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A clinical social worker helps individuals and families navigate personal, social, and financial challenges. Their responsibilities often include connecting clients to community resources, providing supportive counseling, advocating for patient rights, and supporting people through difficult life transitions such as illness, trauma, or loss.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers play a vital role in addressing emotional and practical needs, ensuring clients receive comprehensive care. They are employed in hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, child welfare agencies, and community organizations. The role can be emotionally demanding, but it can be deeply rewarding when you are driven to make a positive impact.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social work offers nurses considering a career change the opportunity to expand their caregiving skills into advocacy, counseling, and social support.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A bachelor’s degree in social work for nonclinical positions and a master’s degree for clinical social workers. An MSW degree requires supervised clinical experience, the length of which varies by state. All states require clinical social workers to be licensed, and some require nonclinical social workers to be credentialed or licensed.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$61,330[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. Medical and Health Services Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A medical and health services manager oversees the operations of healthcare facilities, departments, or practices. Their responsibilities include managing staff, developing budgets, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and implementing policies that improve efficiency and patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals act as the bridge between clinical staff and administrative leadership, keeping organizations running smoothly. Medical and health services managers work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient centers, and group medical practices. While the role can involve high levels of responsibility and decision-making pressure, it offers the chance to influence healthcare on a broader scale.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses find this path allows them to apply their clinical insight in leadership and administration, shaping the delivery of care for entire patient populations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A bachelor’s degree, though some employers will hire candidates with an associate’s degree, and others prefer a master’s degree. Some managers need state licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$117,960[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+23%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]8. Radiation Therapist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A radiation therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who administers targeted radiation treatments to people with cancer and other conditions. They work closely with oncologists, radiologists, and others to deliver precise doses of radiation, operate specialized equipment, and monitor patients throughout the treatment process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The role includes explaining procedures, ensuring patient comfort, and tracking responses to therapy. Radiation therapists are employed in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and outpatient clinics. While the position requires technical skill and careful attention to safety, it is highly rewarding to support patients through life-saving care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Radiation therapy offers an opportunity to combine compassionate patient interaction commonly used in nursing with advanced technology in the fight against cancer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]An associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare or a related field. Some employers accept a certificate program, and most states require certification or licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$101,990[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+2%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]9. Postsecondary Teachers and Professors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A postsecondary teacher or professor is an educator who instructs students at colleges, universities, or professional schools. Their duties include preparing and delivering lectures, developing curricula, conducting research, advising students, and contributing to academic scholarship.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In healthcare-related fields, professors also mentor the next generation of nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. Professors work in universities, community colleges, and specialized training programs. While the path requires advanced degrees and a commitment to ongoing research or publication, it offers intellectual challenge, academic freedom, and the chance to shape future professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses find teaching provides a meaningful way to share clinical expertise, inspire learners, and influence healthcare education on a broader scale.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A Ph.D. or other doctoral degree; some part-time or specialty positions accept a master’s degree or a doctoral candidate. Postsecondary teachers preparing students for licensed or certified occupations benefit from holding the same credential.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$83,980[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text]+7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]10. Pharmacy Technician[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to prepare and dispense medications, manage inventory, and assist patients with prescription information. Their responsibilities include measuring and packaging medications, processing insurance claims, maintaining records, and ensuring prescription accuracy. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacy technicians are employed in hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and mail-order pharmacies. While the job can be fast-paced and requires precision, it offers stability and opportunities for growth within the pharmaceutical field. Nurses who choose to become pharmacy technicians can apply medical knowledge in medication management and continue supporting patient health in a new capacity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]A high school diploma with on-the-job training or a postsecondary vocational or certificate program, depending on the employer’s requirements. Most states have requirements and regulations, but not licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$43,460[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Employment Change (2024-2034): [/hen-ui-text] 6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the most common career change for nurses?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most common career change for nurses is to become mental health therapists, which allows them to extend the skills they learn to protect mental and emotional health. Nurses who choose to stay in the profession may advance their education to practice as advanced practice nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a good career change for a nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best career change for nurses is one that allows them to use the skills they acquired as nurses, whether that means advancing their career in nursing and leadership or moving to another healthcare field, such as mental health therapy, physical or occupational therapy, or social work.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a good-paying second job for nurses?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who want to transition to another career may consider the salary differential between an RN position and their second career of choice. Careers with similar or high-paying salaries include physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and radiation therapist.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What nurses switch careers?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses from all backgrounds switch careers, but those seeking better work-life balance, less physical strain, or new professional challenges often lead the trend. Increasing opportunities for online education or degree completion allow nurses to continue working and earning while finishing the necessary education to begin their second career.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]