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The 10 Best Non-Hospital Nursing Jobs (With Salaries and Requirements)

By Kristin Kizer
Jun. 24, 2023
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Jan. 19, 2026

The 10 Best Non-Hospital Nursing Jobs (With Salaries and Requirements)

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, there are numerous nursing roles outside of the traditional hospital environment. Whether you’re a current hospital nurse contemplating a career shift or an aspiring nurse who prefers to avoid hospital settings, a variety of rewarding job opportunities await you.

This article outlines the ten best non-hospital nursing jobs, complete with salary expectations and essential qualifications to guide your career journey.

Key Takeaways

  • The leading non-hospital nursing positions include telemedicine registered nurse, nurse educator, and hospice registered nurse.

  • Most non-hospital nursing roles necessitate a registered nurse (RN) license.

  • Nurses can find employment in educational institutions, corporate environments, nonprofits, and even in remote settings.

The 10 Best Non-Hospital Nursing Jobs

The 10 Best Non-Hospital Nursing Jobs

  1. School Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $50,000

    School nurses serve students from kindergarten to university levels. In elementary schools, expect to address minor injuries and common ailments, while in universities, care is typically provided in a clinic setting for routine health concerns.

    Serious cases are referred to local hospitals, as university clinics do not function as emergency rooms.

    Requirements to become a school nurse: Generally, school nurses must hold an RN license, which requires a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing. Experience in clinical settings, such as hospitals or doctor’s offices, is advantageous.

    Find School Nurse jobs near me

  2. Home Care Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $33,000

    Home care nursing offers one-on-one patient interactions, fostering personal connections. Nurses provide essential services to individuals who may struggle with mobility or daily tasks due to health conditions.

    In-home nurses help with medication management, therapy exercises, and overall patient well-being.

    Requirements to become a home care nurse: Many organizations accept certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for these positions, although some prefer RNs with prior experience.

    Find Home Care Nurse jobs near me

  3. Hospice Registered Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $77,000

    Hospice nursing is often misunderstood. It provides care for patients facing terminal illnesses while focusing on improving their quality of life. Patients may remain in hospice for varying lengths of time, not solely for end-of-life care.

    Requirements to become a hospice registered nurse: Typically requires an RN license, along with a degree in nursing. Experience in hospice care and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.

    Find Hospice Registered Nurse jobs near me

  4. Health Coach

    Average Yearly Salary: $39,000

    Health coaching is booming, reflecting a societal shift towards self-care. Nurses in this role educate individuals and groups on health management, working across various settings, from insurance companies to wellness centers.

    Requirements to become a health coach: A health coach certification is typically required. A degree in nutrition, fitness, or counseling can also be beneficial.

    Find Health Coach jobs near me

  5. Public Health Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $56,000

    Public health nurses focus on community health rather than individual patient care. They work to educate populations on health issues and improve community access to healthcare services.

    These nurses may also engage in advocacy efforts and collaborate with media to address public health concerns.

    Requirements to become a public health nurse: An RN license and a nursing degree are typically required. Advanced degrees can open doors to leadership roles or research opportunities.

    Find Public Health Nurse jobs near me

  6. Addiction Specialist Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: N/A

    Addiction nurses specialize in treating individuals with substance use disorders, often working in rehabilitation centers. The growing prevalence of addiction issues ensures a steady demand for these professionals.

    Requirements to become an addiction specialist nurse: Typically requires an RN license and certification as an addiction registered nurse (CARN), which includes practical experience and continuing education in addiction nursing.

  7. Nurse Educator

    Average Yearly Salary: $62,000

    Nurse educators play a crucial role in training the next generation of nurses. This position often requires advanced education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.

    Requirements to become a nurse educator: A Master’s of Science in Nursing degree is necessary, along with an RN license.

    Find Nurse Educator jobs near me

  8. Corporate Nursing

    Average Yearly Salary: N/A

    Corporate nursing is an emerging field as companies recognize the importance of employee health. Nurses in this setting may serve as health coaches or occupational health specialists, promoting workplace wellness and safety.

    Requirements to become a corporate nurse: Generally requires an RN license and a degree in nursing; advanced degrees can be beneficial for leadership roles.

  9. Nurse Midwife

    Average Yearly Salary: $83,570

    Nurse-midwives provide comprehensive care for women, including prenatal and postnatal support. They often operate outside of hospitals, with the ability to address routine health needs for women beyond pregnancy.

    Requirements to become a nurse midwife: Requires a Master’s of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on midwifery and appropriate certification.

    Find Nurse Midwife jobs near me

  10. Telemedicine Registered Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $92,000

    Telemedicine nurses provide healthcare services remotely, a role that has gained immense popularity recently. They are responsible for triaging calls, scheduling appointments, and offering consultations via video or phone.

    Requirements to become a telemedicine registered nurse: Generally requires an RN license and an ambulatory care nursing certification (RN-BC), along with relevant clinical experience.

As the demand for healthcare continues to evolve, non-hospital nursing jobs are more relevant than ever. These roles not only provide diverse career pathways but also allow nurses to make meaningful impacts in various settings. Whether you are seeking flexibility, specialization, or a new challenge, the opportunities for non-hospital nursing are abundant and rewarding.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

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