Required education
ADN or BSN
Average annual salary
$49k–$95k
Attributes
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
You’ll use your health and business skills to ensure employers protect their employees from occupational and environmental hazards at work.
What you’ll do
Assessments
You’ll appraise work environments to see how safe and healthy they are.
Counsel
You’ll advise employees on physical and psychological concerns and refer them to community and employee assistance programs.
Development
You’ll introduce safety and disease prevention initiatives, such as disaster preparedness and healthy eating programs.
Where you’ll work
- Hospitals
- Offices
- Private practices
How to become an Occupational Health Nurse
01
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
03
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining 3,000 hours’ experience in Occupational Health.
04
Get your Occupational Health Nurse Certification through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.
05
You’re ready to work as an Occupational Health Nurse.
Join an Organization
Become a member of an Occupational Health Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
High Demand
A Certified Nurse Midwife’s role is also structured.
High Demand
A Cardiac Care Nurse also provides continual care for patients.
