RN & LVN Career Outlook in the United States.
Nursing is one of the most stable, in-demand careers in the country. Whether you choose the RN or LVN path, you're entering a profession with consistent job growth, competitive salaries, and the ability to work in virtually any setting — from hospitals and clinics to schools, home health, and beyond.
Start Your Nursing Career — Apply for $20Why nursing is one of the best career choices in the US.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong employment growth for both RNs and LVNs/LPNs through 2032, driven by an aging population, expanded healthcare access, and ongoing nursing shortages across the country.
RN job growth
Registered Nurse employment is projected to grow 6% through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to tens of thousands of new openings each year.
LVN/LPN job growth
Licensed Vocational and Practical Nurse employment is also growing steadily, with high demand in long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings.
Nursing shortage
The US faces a significant nursing shortage projected to persist for years. Employers across the country are actively hiring qualified candidates at all levels.
Nursing jobs exist in every setting.
One of the greatest advantages of a nursing license is flexibility. Nurses work in nearly every healthcare setting imaginable, giving you real options over where and how you build your career.
Hospitals
Medical-surgical floors, ICUs, emergency departments, labor & delivery, and surgical units. The most common setting for RNs.
Long-term care
Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are among the largest employers of LVNs/LPNs, with consistent openings nationwide.
Home health
Visiting patients in their homes to provide wound care, medication management, and recovery monitoring. Growing rapidly as the population ages.
Physician offices & clinics
Outpatient care settings offer daytime hours and less acute patient loads — popular with nurses seeking work-life balance.
Schools & community health
School nurses, public health nurses, and community clinic nurses play a critical role in population health.
Travel nursing
Experienced RNs can take travel contracts across the country, often earning premium pay for short-term placements.
Your path doesn't stop at licensure.
Both the RN and LVN paths offer clear routes to advancement. Many nurses build on their initial license to move into specialized, leadership, or advanced practice roles over time.
RN advancement paths
- Specialty certifications (ICU, ER, OB, oncology)
- Charge nurse → nurse manager → director of nursing
- BSN completion (RN-to-BSN bridge programs)
- Master's-level advanced practice: NP, CNM, CRNA, CNS
LVN/LPN advancement paths
- Specialty areas: IV therapy, wound care, geriatrics
- Charge LVN roles in long-term care settings
- LVN-to-RN bridge programs (often 12–18 months)
- RN-to-BSN and beyond from the RN platform
Calby's tuition-free program gets you licensed in 24 weeks.
No tuition cost. No prior credits required. Apply from anywhere in the US for $20 and our admissions team will reach out within 5 business days.
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