Nursing Positions In Dallas Are On The Rise

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, positions for registered nurses are expected to increase by 19 percent from 2012 to the year 2022.

While an associates' degree is necessary for registered nurses, it is noted that the best job prospects are for those with at least a bachelor's degree and those with a master's are most likely to be in leadership roles.

Nurse practitioner positions require at least a master's degree but the advanced education pays off with a median annual pay of $96,460 over that of a registered nurse at $65,470. The projected job growth for this career choice for the same period of time is at 31 percent. This increase is currently much faster than the average for other health care positions.

Dr. Jakki Opollo is the director of professional practice and nursing research at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas Texas.  Opollo enrolled at Brookhaven College (DCCCD) and earned her Associates degree in Science and a second Associates in Nursing. She earned her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She earned two master's degrees concurrently in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Administration from UTA and the other in Public Health with a focus on policy and management from the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth. Opollo earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing with a focus in Research Focus from UTA.

"We are living in a time where patients expect the best from us [nurses]. Going for a master's will equip you with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to advance innovative solutions for critical health challenges. If you want to be competitive in a global society, you must commit to lifelong learning, it is the gateway to success," said Opollo.

Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com