Acute Care Nurses
O*NET 29-1141.01 · SOC 29-1141
Acute Care Nurse is a solid career choice. Median pay is $98k a year with +5.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 180,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Assess patient conditions and vital signs
- →Administer medications and treatments as prescribed
- →Coordinate care plans with physicians and specialists
- →Educate patients and families on health management
- →Document care activities in medical records
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Acute Care Nurse roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Acute Care Nurse involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Acute Care Nurse?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Acute Care Nurse Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Acute Care Nurses is projected to grow 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Acute Care Nurse make?
The median Acute Care Nurse earns $98k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Acute Care Nurse jobs?
Our model puts Acute Care Nurse at 18 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Acute Care Nurse a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 180,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Acute Care Nurse?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Acute Care Nurse roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Acute Care Nurse?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Acute Care Nurse career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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