How Do I Become An Immigration Officer?

In a rapidly changing post- 9/11 world, demand for national security professionals remains high. Immigration officers play a vital role in protecting the nation’s borders and enforcing the legal immigration system. For those wondering, “how do I become an immigration officer?” the path begins with US citizenship and a clean background, supported by education in a related field.

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Immigration officers work with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as local government and social services as needed to protect US interests at home and abroad. An immigration officer might work at border checkpoints, in the field to detain illegal immigrants, or in airports or other points of entry. Qualification to become an immigration officer includes physical fitness, good judgment, and, in some positions, computer or forensics experience. Additional languages are a plus as well.

Although it is possible to become an immigration officer in some areas with a high school diploma or associate’s degree, those with a bachelor’s degree are better prepared for the demands of the job. A bachelor of science in areas such as criminal justice with concentrations such as Homeland Security or Policing, international law, political science or even social services can provide the necessary background to become an immigration officer. Bachelor’s degree holders can also continue their studies on the Masters or even the Doctoral level for additional career opportunities such as research and policy setting, agency management and teaching.

Coursework appropriate for a career in immigration can include classes in criminal or international law, political science, topics in sociology, multicultural studies or psychology. Criminal justice courses in areas such as forensics, computer technology and corrections can also be helpful. Foreign languages can improve career prospects as well. Because many immigration officers are posted at checkpoints on the Mexican border, Spanish skills are valuable, but any proficiency in a second language can open doors in the field of immigration enforcement.

A degree in a related field is only the first step to become an immigrations officer. Once hired, new officers must complete a 9-week on the job training program provided by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service. This training emphasizes practical fieldwork, preparing students to use good judgment and decision-making skills in a variety of sometimes-risky job situations. Once students have completed this training, they are assigned a rate of pay and a work location based on their interests and qualifications.

Salaries for new hires in immigration vary depending on location and job duties, but generally fall between $47,000 and $60,000 annually. As federal employees, immigration officers also have access to healthcare, leave and retirement plans. Immigration officers are also encouraged to return to school for additional education, funded by a program intended to support officers needing to complete degree requirements or adding qualifications in additional areas.

Qualified immigrations officers can work in variety of locations in the United States, and those with degrees in fields such as criminal law or corrections may also work abroad, representing the United States’ immigration policies in a variety of areas beyond national borders. With a variety of career options at home and abroad and demand for qualified professionals on the rise, preparing to become an immigrations officer can be the first step to a long-term and stable career.

How Do I Become An FBI Agent?

Many exciting television and movie productions show the exciting world of the FBI. While watching these shows, you might have wondered what real FBI Agents do each day. You might have even asked yourself, “How do I become an FBI Agent?” With the right skills and education, you can pursue a career as an FBI Agent.

Work as An FBI Agent

FBI Agents are trained in a number of fields dedicated to preserving the security of the United States. Agents may deal with Internet crimes, domestic terrorism, civil rights violations, bribery, drug-trafficking and many other challenging situations. It’s rare to have a dull day at the office. Agents split their time between office and field work. Every day as an FBI Agent may bring entirely new and unfamiliar problems. If you wish to become an FBI Agent, you need to have the skills and attitude to handle this non-traditional job.

Education and other Requirements

To become an FBI Agent, you must possess a four-year degree from a university recognized by the United States Secretary of Education. The FBI requires certain degrees or experience to meet the qualifications of one of the five Entry Programs. The five Entry Programs are Accounting, Computer Science, Language, Law and Diversified.

The Accounting Program requires CPA certification or a four-year accounting degree with significant experience. Graduates with computer science or electrical engineering degrees may apply for the Computer Science Program. Those with certain Cisco certifications and a four-year degree may also apply for the Computer Science Program. Students with degrees and proficiency in a qualifying foreign language may apply for the Language Program. Qualifying languages include Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and many more. Those interested in the Law Program must have a Juris Doctor degree from a law school. Finally, college graduates with other degrees and three years of additional work experience may apply for the Diversified Program.

All applicants wishing to become an FBI Agent must be United States citizens between the ages of 23 and 37. Additionally, you must meet certain physical fitness requirements and pass an extensive background check.

Geting the Job and the Salary

The FBI requires a series of applications and tests before you can become an FBI Agent. If you successfully pass these tests, you will be hired based on a priority system that depends on what special skills are most in demand. You can increase your chance to get the job quicker by having experience in these special fields, which may include the military, foreign languages, and more.

The FBI assigns new agents into five different divisions: Intelligence, Counterintelligence, Cyber, Counterterrorism and Criminal. Each of these divisions has their own duties. The Intelligence division analyzes and researches security threats. Agents in Counterintelligence specialize in preserving the United States intelligence community. Cyber FBI Agents defend the country against computer attacks. Counterterrorism Agents work on detecting domestic terrorist cells. The Criminal division focuses on tracking violent and financial crimes.

FBI Agents make about $50,000 a year while training at the FBI Academy. After the Academy, most agents can expect to make about $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

How Do I Become A Zoologist?

If you’ve ever asked yourself how do I become a zoologist, then you must certainly be interested in the fields of science and in learning about animals. Working with animals and helping them live healthier and happier lives is one of the most rewarding pursuits a person can strive for.

A zoologists day on the job will rarely ever be routine. Depending on where a zoologist works, whether in a University in a teaching capacity, or in a zoo or museum, or for government agencies that specialize in wildlife conservation, the daily routine will always be varied.

Although the jobs are very different, one similar aspect is that zoologists will usually spend a part of their time doing research. Exploring animal diseases and various facets of animal behavior requires different types of research activities. Duties will be divided according to the type of animal species being studied.

To become a zoologist, students will need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a science or zoology field. Ones major focus of study should be on zoology if a student plans to stop after they have earned a bachelor’s degree. Traditionally, bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees have both been available to become a zoologist, and it is often recommended to choose the bachelor of science degree. The bachelor of science degree offers the student more options upon graduation.

Most colleges that offer programs to become a zoologist offer basic programs including classroom study and science laboratory study. Once a student receives a bachelor’s degree, they can decide if they want to move forward in a certain specialty and receive a graduate degree. A graduate degree is required if a person wishing to become a zoologist wants to go into specific scientific research fields. Master’s degrees usually require an extra two years to earn, and some choose to go further than that by earning a doctorate degree.

The level of education needed will depend on the specific career field a prospective zoologist is interested in entering. A program that includes some fieldwork is always a great choice, giving students a competitive edge over those that don’t have this added experience.

Zoologists employed by government can normally expect a salary range of $61,000 to $75,000. Those zoologists working in large cities and in more highly visible positions and in positions with higher levels of responsibility can sometimes make over $100,000.

The employment outlook for zoologists is positive, with future increases expected due to factors such as desiring to help protect the environment. Advances being made today in biotechnology fields also factor in to the future employment outlook for zoologists. A zoologist can expect to work in a variety of positions from teaching to research to caring for animals in zoos or wildlife care facilities.

Some become wildlife rehabilitation specialists, while others become involved in research to help achieve a better life span for animals and in biomedical research to understand disease processes in animals. Job opportunities are as varied as the many species of animals that can potentially be studied. A career focused on becoming a zoologist is an admirable and exciting endeavor.

How Do I Become A Truck Driver?

To find a successful career in today’s economy, education and training are essential ingredients. For those with the inclination to drive a semi-tractor-trailer, the first question is how do I become a truck driver? There are different routes to this profession and certain qualifications must be met to become a truck driver.

What It’s Like To Be A Truck Driver

Lifestyle is a major consideration for those wanting to drive trucks for a living. It is important to maintain a clean driving record. To become a truck driver, moving violations in excess or a Driving Under the Influence conviction leads to disqualification for the job. The promotion of safe driving during the off hours benefits the truck driver and the company he works for. In addition, it is very important to understand that life as a truck driver has the person on the road for many hours and away from home often. It can be a solitary job, but some company’s offer work teams. Teams are made up of two drivers who ride together and share the hours driving. This team effort helps to avoid over-tired drivers.

Education Requirements

To become a truck driver, a high school or GED is required. There are some companies who are prone to choose the high school graduate. This preference is evident in about a third of the trucking companies. A high school education is considered effective preparation in the areas of basic mathematics, science, and written communications. These skills are very important for maintaining the drive to record and reporting daily activities. Truck drivers are also required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. This license allows a driver to operate trucks over 26,000 pounds. Any truck transporting hazardous materials is also allowed. To acquire this license, the driver must pass a written and driving examination. These tests measure knowledge and operating skills necessary for safe driving. The next step is to take Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations exam. This is given by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The process requires the driver to pass not only a written exam but a physical exam that includes vision and hearing screening. This test, also known as the FMCSR, requires that the physical exam be passed every two years. Once complete, the driver is ready to enter the work force.

Entering the Work force

In the effort to become a truck driver, the driver has already met the standards of the industry that will qualify them for work with a trucking company. To get a job in this profession, the driver needs to simply search the job websites or contact the trucking companies directly. These places can also provide a list of the different types of trucking available. There are those that haul dry product such as package delivery or those that haul refrigerated products such as grocery items. Livestock hauling can require a slight different set of skills. Over-sized hauling may be for the more experienced drivers. Experience is the determining factor when it comes to salary. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics in 2010, the average salary is $37,770 and it is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2020.

How Do I Become A Tattoo Artist?

Interested in becoming a Tattoo Artist? Tattoos are an art appreciated by many people. They are a great way to have a permanent reminder of something important or meaningful in one’s life. However, in order to turn ideas and sketches of tattoos into a reality, it is important to have a great tattoo artist. If this is something that you are interested in, then you may be wondering, “How do I become a tattoo artist?”

What is it Like to be a Tattoo Artist?
Being a tattoo artist can be a great career path for those who enjoy being creative, are good with people, and who do not get too queasy at the sight of blood. Tattoo artists use a variety of different inks and needles as a way of turning customers’ dreams of tattoos into a reality. However, working as one of these artists can be stressful, as one is under a lot of pressure to please the customer with their new and very permanent ink. Therefore, this is a job best suited for people who are confident in their artistic abilities and work well under pressure.

As far as education requirements to become a tattoo artist goes, these are typically not very rigid. For those who want to start their own tattoo parlor, no minimum education is necessarily required. For those looking to be employed by other parlors, however, these requirements can vary. Some may hire artists right out of high school, while others would prefer to hire those who have had higher education in the field of art, such as a Bachelor’s degree.

The most important aspect of being a successful tattoo artist is simply having experience and a lot of practice. Often times, to become a tattoo artist, one must experiment. There are actually dummy arms, legs, and other body parts specifically made for tattoo artists who practice on. The surface of these replicates that of human skin, allowing the artist to practice and improve his or her skills. This also requires the artist to purchase his or her own tattoo kit, which includes needed and inks needed to create tattoos.

Many parlors looking to hire tattoo artists will ask to see samples of one’s work, so for those who ant to become a tattoo artist, it is best to get some practice in and build a portfolio of his or her work over time. This can be a valuable piece of work to present to any potential employer. One may also want to consider the option of opening up their own tattoo parlor in order to become a tattoo artist and work on one’s own rules and schedule.

As far as pay goes, this will vary from parlor to parlor. Some artists make a decent salary of $40,000 per year. However, many start off with an hourly pay rate until they work their way up. Those who work as a tattoo artist may also end up managing a parlor at some point in their careers.

Overall, the demand for tattoo artists only seems to be increasing as body art becomes more acceptable in today’s culture. Therefore, for those who appreciate tattoos and enjoy art, working to as a tattoo artist can be a great and fun career move.

How Do I Become A Structural Engineer

Structural engineering, a subset of the civil engineering field, is an area of expertise that is in high demand. In fact, CNN Money ranked it No. 47 on its list of “Top 100 Best Jobs in America.” Many students ask, “How do I become a structural engineer?” Consider the following.

Job Responsibilities
What is it like to be a structural engineer? Structural engineers provide a vital component to meeting the demand for new structures and maintaining existing ones. They plan, design and supervise construction projects, including skyscrapers, apartment complexes, bridges, airplanes, ships, oil rigs, dams, tunnels and many other structures. They can also hold positions designing roadways, water and sewer systems and various other types of critical infrastructure. Individuals who want to become a structural engineer work to apply the principles of science and math, combined with environmental and human use, to ensure the stability, longevity, safety and cost effectiveness of the structures they design.

Educational Requirements
Those seeking to become a structural engineer must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. In order to get a structural engineering license, students must complete a degree program approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. At the undergraduate level, students focus on math, science, and mechanical, civil and structural engineering. It is common for students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in civil or architectural engineering. Some institutions offer a general engineering bachelor’s degree as well. Although not required for most entry-level positions, many students focus on structural engineering at the graduate level. Students wanting to serve in management roles or launch their own engineering company often add an MBA in business or management to their education portfolio.

In order to become a structural engineer, more is required than classroom education. Individuals must complete an apprenticeship with an experienced structural engineer that lasts four to five years. During this time, you are allowed to complete the first half of your individual state’s licensing test, entitled the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam. If you pass, you are classified as an Engineer in Training or Engineer Intern. The second half of the exam can be completed once your apprenticeship is finished. The exam is a requirement to be licensed and become a structural engineer in any state.

Depending on state requirements, some structural engineers may have to complete continuing education courses to get re-licensed.

Job Opportunities
As a whole, it is projected that engineering fields will experience an 11 percent increase in job opportunities by 2016, with civil engineering having an 18 percent growth rate. As population grows, structural needs grow. Positions in demand can vary from design and planning to managing people and projects. Other professionals may work on the research and teaching side of structural engineering. Many qualify for government positions, designing roadways, water systems and other infrastructure.

Salaries for structural engineers can vary based on education, experience, certifications and geographic location. An entry-level applicant can expect to make an annual salary of $45,000 to $58,000. The average base salary for entry-level positions nationwide is $56,000 in the Northeast, $50,400 throughout the South, $54,300 in the West and $52,000 in the Midwest. The average yearly salary for all structural engineers was calculated in 2009 to be $79,560.

How Do I Become A Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are valued members of healthcare teams who care for patients, prevent medical mistakes and earn six figures. As a pharmacist, you can own your own business, discover life-saving new drugs or care for patients in a hospital. If you’re wondering “how do I become a pharmacist?” then keep reading.

To become a pharmacist, you’ll need years of higher education, advanced scientific knowledge and the patience to deal with the general public. Most pharmacists work in retail drugstores dispensing prescription medication. Pharmacists are the last safety check for patients and must be vigilant for medication errors or patient allergies. Retail pharmacists supervise pharmacy technicians and work flexible hours. Working at a hospital pharmacy is similar to working in a retail store, but your patients will be sicker and usually on more medication. You’ll need to thoroughly review patients’ charts for adverse medication reactions before filling prescriptions.

If you want to become a pharmacist, you will need at least six years of college education, although most people take eight or more years to earn their pharmacy degree. Some universities offer two year undergraduate pre-pharmacy programs that feed into graduate pharmacy programs. However, most aspiring pharmacists earn bachelor’s degrees in chemistry or biology. Either way, to become a pharmacist you must do well in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and biochemistry classes, including laboratory classes. You will also need to pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test, shadow pharmacists and volunteer in your community.

Once you’re admitted to pharmacy school, you’ll continue to study chemistry and other topics. Many programs require business, pharmacology, anatomy and toxicology classes. You’ll learn the chemical properties of medicinal drugs and how these drugs affect the body. You’ll also learn how poisons and biological weapons affect humans. You’ll study how to run your own pharmacy, learn pharmacy law, develop skills for communicating with patients and study public health. Some schools teach each class as traditional, self-contained disciplines, while other schools teach the anatomy and pathophysiology of each particular body system as a unit.

In many states, you have an internship experience to become a pharmacist. Most programs offer supervised practical experience during your final year of study, although some programs start sooner. You may have to travel an hour or two from your school, as local hospitals can only support so many clinical students at a time. After your classroom studies and internship are complete, you’ll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination and take continuing education courses throughout your professional life.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacists in 2011 was $113,390. Pharmaceutical companies paid the most and mail-order stores paid the least, although all employers paid a median of more than six figures. To work as a pharmacist, a current state-issued license is required. Because pharmacists are specialized workers and gain practical experience during their education, it is not hard for them to find employment after graduation. Retail drug stores are always hiring, although new employees may have to start with an undesirable shift. Pharmacy is an exciting, stable career for students willing to put in the work to become licensed.

How Do I Become A Nutritionist?

Many people have asked, “How do I become a nutritionist?” as they explore possible career paths. The first step to answering this question is understanding exactly what a nutritionist does. Essentially, a nutritionist helps people to eat a healthy, balanced diet. They may assist clients who simply want to look and feel better or help clients meet a specific health related goal.

People who become a nutritionist may meet with clients one on one to assess their nutritional needs. Many of these health care professionals also counsel groups of people about the benefits of a healthy diet. Nutritionists are often responsible for designing and implementing a meal plan that allows clients to meet a specific goal like weight loss or cholesterol reduction. For this component of their job, the nutritionist will also follow up with clients to assess how well the meal plan is working, and make any necessary adjustments. Many nutritionists also plan the daily menus for schools, hospitals and other care facilities.

When someone decides that they would like to become a nutritionist, they must undergo the required education and training. Most nutritionists start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as food service systems management, dietetics or foods and nutrition. Students enrolled in such a degree program will encounter subjects like anatomy and physiology as well as exploring nutrition related diseases and methods of weight management. Sanitation, food preparation and food storage are also introduced in these courses. Most students in a nutritionist degree program will be required to complete a number of scientific related courses like chemistry and biology.

In order to become a nutritionist, students must also complete many hours of supervised, on-the-job training. Some nutritionists complete this training after graduating with a degree, while other degree programs make an internship a part of the educational process. Some nutritionists also go on to earn higher degrees so that they are qualified for other jobs that have greater responsibility and better earning potential. In most states, the nutritionist will be required to become licensed or certified in order to practice. To become licensed or certified, applicants must typically have a bachelor’s degree, have completed their supervised training and passed the licensure examination.

The majority of nutritionists work in full time positions and enjoy good benefits. Average salaries for nutritionists are around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, although some nutritionists who work for large hospitals or major health care organizations may earn more. Studies suggest that the job outlook for people who want to become a nutritionist is strong, especially as the general population ages and more people are dealing with nutrition related health issues.

People who have achieved the proper education and training are likely to find that they will not lack for employment opportunities. Also, joining a professional organization like the National Association of Nutrition Professionals shows dedication to the field and provides valuable networking opportunities. With these kinds of credentials, getting a start as a nutritionist is easier than most people realize. This rewarding career allows workers to positively impact the lives of others and educate the public about the benefits of eating well.

How Do I Become A Nurse Practitioner?

Answering the question, “How do I become a nurse practitioner?” requires a basic understanding of a nurse practitioner’s duties, work conditions and licensing. A nurse practitioner is an advanced nurse with additional training in an area of specialization such as family practice, neonatal or pediatrics. Nurse practitioners can perform duties often performed by doctors, such as independent diagnosis and treatment. In rural areas, a nurse practitioner often functions as the primary care practitioner.

What’s it like to be a nurse practitioner?
Working conditions vary based on specialty, location and practice setting. Practitioners specializing in neonatal and acute trauma care conduct a majority of services in a hospital setting. Nurse practitioners do not work a typical nine to five shift. A nurse practitioner in a hospital setting may work rotating shifts, with on-call hours to provide immediate patient care. Rural area practitioners may perform morning, evening or late night house calls for patients with limited or no transportation. All nurse practitioners must stay atop of new medical technologies and treatments. This may involve additional training, research and attending medical conferences.

Education
To become a nurse practitioner, you must meet state requirements. All nurse practitioners must hold a registered nursing license. Registered nurse education varies by choice of study. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can take at least four years, while an Associate Degree in Nursing takes two years. A Diploma in Nursing is a hospital-based course of study that can last three years or more. Diplomas in nursing are now the least common method of licensing.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 38 states require a master’s degree. The length of a graduate program varies based on full- or part-time study. Part-time study averages between three to five years of study. Full-time study ranges between two and three years. Most schools require a bachelor’s degree for entry into a master’s program. To become a nurse practitioner, speak with a career counselor at an accredited educational facility.

The District of Columbia and 11 states have no advanced degree requirements to become a nurse practitioner. However, the nurse must meet other state requirements, such as passing a state board exam, obtaining malpractice insurance and advanced pharmacology training. Practitioners can increase marketability by obtaining a doctoral degree in nursing. According to Advance for Nurse Practitioners, by 2015, a doctorate will be the standard requirement to become a nurse practitioner.

Salary based on setting, gender and education
According to a 2011 survey conducted by Advance for NPs & PAs, nurse practitioners working in an emergency department setting earned $103,722 per year followed by neonatal nurse practitioners who earned $99,810. Nurse practitioners in an elementary or secondary school setting earned $69,945, while those in a college health setting earned $60,684 annually. Family practice nurse practitioners received an annual salary of $89,506.

Male nurse practitioners earned $7,396 more than female practitioners in 2011. According to the survey, a male practitioner earned $97,329, while a female nurse practitioner earned $89,933.

A nurse practitioner with an associate’s degree earns $84,695 annually compared to $84,451 for practitioners with a bachelor’s degree. Nurse practitioners with a master’s degree earned $90,250, while those with a doctorate earned $97,566.

Growing public interest in a long, healthy life creates excellent career opportunities for nurse practitioners. According to Marla Salmon, past director of the Division of Nursing for the US Department of Health and Human Services (1991-1997), nurse practitioners can perform 60 to 80 percent of preventative and primary medical services, while providing cost-effective, premium and individualized medical treatment.

Further Resources

American Nurses Association

American Academy of Family Physicians

State Regulations of Nurse Practitioner Practice

2009 National Salary and Workplace Survey of Nurse Practitioners

Advance for NPs & PAs: National Salary Report 2011

John Hopkins Magazine: Nurse at the Helm: Joseph Anthony

How Do I Become A Nurse?

Nurses contribute to the health care system by providing services to patients and their families. Nurses are currently in high demand and can be found working in a variety of medical centers. If you have always been interested in helping others, then you might be asking right now, “How do I become a nurse?” If so, then read on for more information about this exciting field.

What’s it like to be a nurse?

A nursing career includes helping patients in a variety of capacities. Nurses provide information to patients about their health care plan and educate them about any necessary treatments and medications. In hospitals, nurses tend to a patient’s personal needs, administer medications and work alongside doctors and families to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible. Nurses can work in hospitals, schools, clinics and rehabilitation centers. They may work with patients of all ages and often work alongside elderly or youth patients. The best nurses are easily able to adapt their caregiving techniques to the unique needs of a patient. Although being a nurse can sometimes be stressful, most nurses report that helping others is a rewarding experience, and that the decision to become a nurse was the best thing for their career.

What are the education requirements?

The education required to become a nurse depends upon what type of nurse you would like to become and any career goals that you might have for advancement in the field. Many vocational schools offer certificate programs in nursing which will allow you to become a nursing assistant. Licensed vocational nurses often choose this type of training and find that they can become a nurse in as little as one year. Licensed vocational nurses work with registered nurses and typically provide basic care for patients that include monitoring basic health information and personal care services. An associate’s degree in nursing can usually be completed in two years and is a great step for anyone who would like to become a registered nurse. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is required in order to become a registered nurse. Registered Nurses work independently beneath a doctor’s instruction to provide patient care and services. For people who would like to pursue an advanced degree, a master’s degree in nursing is required to become an advanced practice registered nurse. These nurses are able to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications. A nurse practitioner is one type of advanced practice registered nurse. Upon graduation, a licensing exam is required to become a licensed nurse.Depending upon the educational program selected, you could become a nurse in anywhere from one to six years.

What is the job outlook for nurses?

Nursing careers are one of the highest growing careers demanded within the healthcare system. Graduates of nursing programs can expect to be able to work within many different areas. Currently, there is an increase in demand for nurses who can work with older members of the population. The average salary for a registered nurse can typically fall anywhere between $45,000 and $65,000. Obtaining an advanced degree can help you to be competitive in the job market, while also increasing your salary. Depending upon your training, job opportunities in schools, hospitals and clinics are usually available in almost any geographical area. Because nursing is a hands-on job, participating in a volunteer program or internship can be very helpful for finding a nursing position upon completing your education. If you would like to become a nurse, the first step of creating an educational plan is vital to your later success in nursing and can lead to a lifetime of enjoyable work helping others in the medical field.