Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., with about 2.6 million new healthcare jobs expected by 2030. While doctors and surgeons are often the most visible healthcare professionals, nursing is actually the largest healthcare profession in the country — by a significant margin.
Nurses outnumber physicians nearly three to one, and their responsibilities continue to grow as healthcare systems evolve. If you’re considering a healthcare career, nursing offers flexibility, strong job security, and a wide range of career paths.
How Many Nurses Are There Compared to Doctors?
There are millions more nurses than physicians in the U.S. healthcare workforce. This is because nurses work across nearly every healthcare setting and specialty, supporting patients throughout all stages of care.
Where Do Nurses Work?
Nurses are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings, which helps explain why the profession is so large and diverse. While hospitals remain a major employer, many nurses work in environments outside traditional inpatient care.
Common settings where nurses work include:
Hospitals and emergency departments
Outpatient clinics and physician offices
Long-term care and residential facilities
Home health and hospice care
Public health departments and community health centers
Schools, universities, and research institutions
Telehealth and remote care services
As healthcare systems evolve, nurses are increasingly involved in preventive care, patient education, and long-term condition management. This flexibility allows nurses to choose work environments that align with their interests, schedules, and career goals.
What Do Registered Nurses (RNs) Do?
Registered nurses are the most well-known type of nurse. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient settings, where they:
Monitor patient symptoms and vital signs
Record medical histories
Administer treatments and medications
Collaborate with physicians on care plans
Educate patients about managing their health
The day-to-day responsibilities of a registered nurse can vary significantly based on where they work. In hospital settings, RNs often care for multiple patients during a shift, monitor changes in condition, and respond to urgent medical needs. In outpatient clinics or physician offices, registered nurses may focus more on patient education, follow-up care, and assisting with diagnostic procedures.
Regardless of setting, registered nurses rely heavily on critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. They are often the first healthcare professionals to notice changes in a patient’s condition and play an important role in advocating for patient needs.
RNs serve as a critical link between patients and doctors, ensuring care plans are followed and adjusted as needed.
What Other Types of Nurses Are There?
In addition to RNs, nursing includes several other career paths, each with its own responsibilities and training requirements.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
There are approximately 688,000 LPNs and LVNs working in the U.S. today. Most work in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and long-term care environments under the supervision of RNs and physicians.
Their duties often include:
Changing bandages and dressings
Assisting patients with bathing and dressing
Providing basic comfort and care
Monitoring patient conditions
For many students, working as an LPN or LVN can also serve as a starting point in a longer nursing career. Some professionals choose this path to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings before pursuing additional education.
With further training, LPNs and LVNs may transition into registered nursing roles or specialize in specific areas of patient care. This flexibility makes the role an appealing option for those exploring nursing as a long-term career.
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)
Advanced practice nurses provide specialized care in a variety of fields. Common APN roles include:
Nurse practitioners
Clinical nurse specialists
Nurse midwives
Nurse anesthetists
APNs may work in specialties such as addiction treatment, cardiovascular care, rehabilitation, women’s health, and more. Many diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage long-term patient care.
No matter the specialty, all nursing paths begin with a strong foundation in anatomy and biology. Courses like Anatomy & Physiology I and Introduction to Biology can help students prepare for nursing education early.
How Have Nursing Job Duties Changed Over Time?
Nursing responsibilities have expanded significantly in recent years. While nurses have always provided direct patient care, today they often take on more advanced and independent roles.
Modern nurses may also:
Develop long-term care plans
Perform diagnostic tests and analyze results
Educate patients on managing chronic conditions
Coordinate care across healthcare teams
As healthcare systems adapt to growing patient needs, nurses increasingly fill gaps between physicians, specialists, and patients. This requires a mix of clinical knowledge, communication skills, and technical expertise. Learning essentials like medical terminology early can help future nurses build confidence before entering formal programs.
What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses?
The job outlook for nurses is strong — and continuing to grow.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Registered nurse employment is projected to grow by 9% through 2030
Nursing unemployment rates rarely exceed 1.5%, due to consistent demand
An aging population and the rise of outpatient care facilities are driving much of this growth. More healthcare services are being delivered outside hospitals, creating new opportunities for nurses across clinics, home health, and specialized care centers.
As a result, new nursing graduates are entering one of the largest and most in-demand professions in the U.S. — a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
Is Nursing a Good Career Choice?
For students seeking a healthcare career with:
Strong job security
Multiple career paths
Opportunities for specialization
Long-term growth
Nursing remains one of the most practical and rewarding options available. With the right educational foundation, nurses can adapt, advance, and build meaningful careers across nearly every area of medicine.
Take the First Steps Toward Your Nursing Career
For students interested in pursuing a nursing career, building a strong academic foundation is an important first step. Courses in subjects like Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Medical Terminology can help you prepare for the rigor of nursing programs while giving you a clearer sense of whether the field is the right fit.
StraighterLine offers flexible, affordable courses that allow students to complete many of these foundational requirements on their own schedule — making it easier to explore healthcare pathways and move forward with confidence, wherever your journey leads.
Explore our nursing prerequisite courses to get started.
FAQs
Why is nursing the largest healthcare profession in the U.S.?
Nursing is the largest healthcare profession because nurses work across nearly every medical setting and specialty, from hospitals and outpatient clinics to long-term care and home health. Their broad scope of responsibilities and constant demand have led to a workforce that significantly outnumbers physicians.
How many nurses are there compared to doctors?
There are millions more nurses than physicians in the U.S. healthcare workforce. Nurses outnumber doctors by roughly three to one, reflecting the essential role nurses play in patient care, coordination, and long-term treatment management.
What types of nursing careers are available?
Nursing careers include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and advanced practice nurses (APNs). Advanced practice roles include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists, many of whom specialize in specific areas of care.
What education do you need to become a nurse?
All nursing paths begin with foundational coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biology, and medical terminology. These courses prepare students for nursing programs by building the scientific knowledge and clinical language needed for success.
Is nursing a good career choice long term?
Yes. Nursing offers strong job security, a wide range of specialties, and long-term growth opportunities. With ongoing demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare services, nursing remains one of the most stable and adaptable healthcare careers.
