Occupations Both Nursing and Accounting

Occupations

Both nursing and accounting are promising occupational fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists both nursing and accounting as favorable in terms of overall job opportunities, growth rate within the field, and future prospects. Moreover, the salaries for these two respectable professions are comparable. Personal interests aside, it would be difficult to recommend either accounting or nursing. Working conditions vary considerably between these two vastly different professions, but even within their fields, nurses and accountants work in varied environments depending on their area of specialization.

At least a Bachelor's degree is required to become an accounting professional. Advanced degrees and specialized services offer certified accountants further employment and salary advancement opportunities. Nurses, on the other hand, can avoid the expense of 4-year degrees. Associates Degrees and Diploma programs are available for Registered Nursing licensure. Therefore, if initial costs of education or educational requirements are concerns, nursing might be a more attractive option.

Nurses work in high-stress environments almost daily. Three out of every five nursing jobs is in a hospital, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Moreover, nurses are rarely self-employed. These considerations might deter someone from pursuing a nursing career. Accountants are more likely to succeed as an independent professional and unlike nurses, can work from home. Nurses, on the other hand, enjoy the regular stimulation of social interactions that accountants sometimes lack. Individuals who dislike office environments would do well to stay away from accounting. Many accounting jobs, though, are with firms and large organizations that do offer a high degree of social stimulation and the opportunity to travel.