What is a nursing major and is it the right path for you

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Key takeaways about nursing majors

A nursing major prepares students to become registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Common nursing courses include anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical training.
Nursing vs. pre-med: both are healthcare-focused but lead to different careers.
Types of nursing degrees range from associate to doctoral programs.
Career paths include roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and leadership.

Thinking about becoming a nurse? A nursing major might be your calling. Whether you’ve always wanted to help people or just binge-watched a medical drama and got inspired, nursing is a hands-on, high-impact career path that makes a difference every single day. Let’s break down what you can expect if you choose to major in nursing—and how to figure out if it’s the right fit for you.

So, what is a nursing major?

A nursing major is a college program that teaches you how to care for patients, work in clinical settings, and prepare for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). These programs combine science, healthcare, and real-world experience to get you ready for the NCLEX-RN exam (aka your license to practice). You’ll learn everything from how to take vital signs to how to support patients emotionally.

Nursing vs. pre-med: What's the difference?

Both paths are about helping people and working in healthcare, but they lead to different destinations. Nursing is more direct—you’ll likely start your career right after college by passing the NCLEX-RN. Pre-med is more of a launchpad for med school, meaning more years of school and a different kind of training. Nurses often work closely with doctors, but their day-to-day roles, responsibilities, and educational paths are distinct.

Common courses and concentrations for nursing majors

Nursing programs are known for being rigorous and hands-on. Here are a few of the typical courses you’ll take:

Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Nursing theory and ethics
Clinical rotations (aka real-life patient care experience)

You might also choose a concentration, like:

Pediatric nursing
Geriatric nursing
Psychiatric/mental health nursing
Critical care
Public health

How do I know if nursing is for me?

If you’re compassionate, love science, and don’t mind a little chaos, nursing could be a great fit. Think about whether these sound like you:

You stay calm in emergencies
You want a career that’s meaningful and in-demand
You’re okay with working on your feet and adapting on the fly
You’re curious about how the body works and how to help it heal

Still not sure? Use Scout College Search to explore nursing programs and see what fits your vibe.

What skills will I learn as a nursing major?

Nursing students build a mix of clinical and soft skills that employers love. You’ll get experience with:

Patient care and medical technology
Communication and teamwork
Time management under pressure
Problem-solving in real time
Cultural sensitivity and ethics in healthcare

These skills don’t just look good on a resume—they’re essential for making a real impact in healthcare settings.

Types of nursing degrees

Nursing isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got options when it comes to how far you want to take your education:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year degree that gets you into the field faster.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year degree that opens up more advanced job opportunities.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For nurses who want to specialize or move into leadership roles.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD: The highest level of nursing education, great for educators or top-level practitioners.

You can also start with an ADN and later complete an RN-to-BSN program. There are many paths depending on your goals.

Common double majors and minors

Want to level up your nursing education? These are popular pairings:

Double major in public health or psychology to deepen your understanding of patient care.
Minor in Spanish or another language to better serve diverse communities.
Minor in business or healthcare administration if you’re eyeing leadership roles.

Top career paths for nursing majors

With a nursing degree, you’ll be qualified for jobs in all kinds of settings. Here are some career paths you can take:

Registered Nurse (RN): Work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or home healthcare.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnose and treat patients with more independence (requires advanced degree).
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Provide expertise in a specialized area like oncology or cardiology.
Nurse Educator: Teach the next generation of nurses.
Healthcare Administrator: Manage hospital or clinic operations.

Bonus: Nursing jobs are projected to grow faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How much can I earn with a nursing degree?

Nursing salaries vary depending on your role, location, and level of education. Here’s a quick look:

Registered Nurse (RN): Around $93,600
Nurse Practitioner (NP): $120,000 or more (with a master's degree)
Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Educator: $90,000–$110,000

Plus, many employers offer tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, and other perks to attract qualified nurses.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025

Notable schools for nursing majors

Top nursing programs can be found at:

That said, great nursing programs exist at many schools—use the Scout College Search to explore options that match your goals.

Scholarships and financial aid for nursing majors

If you're interested in a degree in nursing, we have tools and resources to help. Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals and Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships based on your skills and interests. You can also explore a range of scholarships by major, including scholarships for nursing majors—and easily apply for Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.

Nursing is more than a job—it’s a calling. If you’re ready to combine your love for science with a desire to help others, this major might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Use your time in college to explore different paths, connect with mentors, and build a future that’s both fulfilling and impactful.