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undergraduate

General nursing


What is a general nursing major?

Nursing programs generally prepare participants in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Specific course topics include the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

17%

of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.

79%

of students found this major to be difficult.

21%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

89%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

20%

of students said difficult exams/assessments were a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do general nursing majors make?

median average salary

$74,000/yr

The national average salary for general nursing graduates in the United States is $74,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $133,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $30,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, general nursing graduates typically make between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.

The most common starting salary of surveyed students after graduation is $50,000 - $60,000.

How popular is general nursing as a major?

Each year, around 148,800 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 82,900 students obtain an associate degree in general nursing. In 2021, 162,004 students received a bachelor's degree and 86,102 students received an associate degree. This is 2% more general nursing majors than there were in 2020. General nursing is one of the most popular majors within nursing.

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