20 Best Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025

As healthcare evolves, many nurses are rethinking their career paths and searching for non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 that offer better work-life balance, less physical strain, and new opportunities for growth. Whether you’re feeling burned out from hospital shifts or simply want to expand your skills beyond direct patient care, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s never been a better time to explore rewarding non-bedside nursing careers across education, informatics, case management, administration, and more. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 35 of the top non-bedside nursing careers in 2025—each offering fulfillment, flexibility, and a fresh take on how you can use your nursing degree away from the bedside.

What Is a Non-Bedside Nursing Job?

Non-bedside nursing careers refer to roles that do not involve direct patient care at the bedside. These positions are ideal for nurses looking to transition into areas like education, administration, research, or technology—fields that support the healthcare system in impactful yet indirect ways.

While traditional nursing jobs require physical presence in hospitals or clinical settings, non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 are expanding to include opportunities in telehealth, academia, consulting, informatics, and beyond. These roles allow nurses to leverage their clinical experience in new environments that often offer more flexible schedules, less physical strain, and a chance to specialize.

Increasingly, nurses have started referring to these roles as “soft nursing jobs” due to their less physically demanding nature and improved work-life balance. But make no mistake—non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 play a vital role in shaping patient outcomes, healthcare policies, and the future of nursing as a profession.

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Top Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025

If you’re a nurse ready to step away from the bedside while still making a difference, these rewarding non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 offer a wide range of options:

• Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse

• Nurse Educator

• Telehealth Nurse

• Informatics Nurse

• Nurse Case Manager

• Nurse Administrator

• Legal Nurse Consultant

• Flight Nurse

• Forensic Nurse

• Correctional Nurse

• School Nurse

• Utilization Review Nurse

• Public Health Nurse

• Infection Control Nurse

• Cruise Ship Nurse

• Nurse Recruiter

• Nurse Health Coach

• Nurse Writer

• Medical Device or Pharmaceutical Sales

• Virtual Nurse

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1. Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse — Average Salary: $80,321/year

Aesthetic nurses specialize in performing cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation. These nurses typically work in dermatology clinics, plastic surgery centers, or high-end med spas.

Salary Insight:
According to ZipRecruiter, aesthetic nurses earn an average salary of $80,321 per year, with top earners making up to $136,000 annually.

Requirements:
To become a cosmetic nurse, you must hold an RN license—ideally a BSN—and gain at least two years of experience under a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Some roles may also require certification in aesthetic nursing.

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2. Nurse Educator — Average Salary: $86,530/year

Nurse educators play a critical role in preparing the next generation of nurses. They develop nursing curricula, lead classroom instruction, mentor students, and often conduct research in academic institutions or teaching hospitals.

Salary Insight:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse educators earn an average of $86,530 per year as of May 2023.

Requirements:
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is typically required. Many institutions prefer candidates with teaching experience and clinical expertise.

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3. Telehealth Nurse — Average Salary: $95,055/year

Telehealth nurses deliver remote care via phone, video, or digital platforms, offering patient education, triage services, and ongoing monitoring. This fast-growing specialty has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salary Insight:
Glassdoor reports an average annual salary of $95,055 for telehealth nurses, with earnings ranging between $85,000 and $134,000.

Requirements:
You’ll need an ADN or BSN, along with experience in clinical settings. Many employers also prefer nurses with training or certification in telehealth from organizations like the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN).

4. Informatics Nurse — Average Salary: $100,000/year

Informatics nurses play a key role in bridging the gap between patient care and health information technology. As healthcare systems prioritize cost-efficiency and data-driven decision-making, this specialty is becoming one of the most in-demand non-bedside nursing careers in 2025. Informatics nurses help optimize electronic health record (EHR) systems, improve workflow for clinical staff, and enhance the overall quality of patient care—all while often enjoying flexible, remote work opportunities.

Salary Insight:
According to the 2023 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, 60% of nurse informaticists report earning over $100,000 per year—a significant jump from previous years.

Requirements:
To enter the field of nursing informatics, you’ll typically need a BSN and a few years of bedside experience. Strong analytical skills, tech proficiency, and familiarity with EHR systems are critical. Some roles may prefer or require certification, such as the Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC).

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5. Nurse Case Manager — Average Salary: $80,338/year

Nurse case managers coordinate the long-term care of patients, focusing on recovery, disease prevention, and reduced hospital readmissions. As chronic illnesses rise among the aging population, nurse case management continues to emerge as one of the most rewarding and sustainable non-bedside nursing careers in 2025. These nurses work across various settings—including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and nonprofit organizations—ensuring patients receive comprehensive and cost-effective care.

Salary Insight:
According to Payscale (2025), the average base salary for nurse case managers is $80,338 per year.

Requirements:
Becoming a nurse case manager starts with earning a BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After gaining clinical experience, you can transition into case management roles. While not mandatory, obtaining a Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) can significantly boost your career prospects.

6. Nurse Administrator – $130,114 per year

Nurse administrators manage staffing and business matters within hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient or clinic settings. Wherever there is a team of nurses, you will also find one or more nurse administrators to ensure that healthcare operations and staffing are safe and effective.

Nurse administrators oversee and manage staff to ensure quality patient care. Nurse administrators do not provide direct patient care at the bedside. Instead, they manage nursing staff who do.

Salary

Nurse administrators earn an average salary of $130,114 per year, according to Salary.com.

Requirements

Although the minimum education in many facilities is a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), most healthcare institutions require a minimum of a Master’s Degree of Science (MSN), specializing in nursing administration.

>> Show Me Online Nurse Admin Programs

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7. Legal Nurse Consultant – $89,562 per year

Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses who use their expertise in nursing and healthcare to provide consultation and assistance on legal cases.

Salary

Payscale reports the average annual salary of legal nurse consultants as $89,562 per year or $50.50 per hour.

Requirements

To become a legal nurse consultant, you must earn a BSN and pass the NCLEX examination. After obtaining significant nursing experience, you can apply for a position specializing in legal nurse consulting.

Although it’s not mandatory, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) offers a training course and certification examination for those hoping to become legal nurse consultants.

>> Show Me Online MSN Programs

8. Flight Nurse – $101,976 per year

Bedside nurses who enjoy critical/emergency care may enjoy the challenges of flight nursing. Flight nurses help transport critical patients via helicopter or airplane.

Often, flight nurses transport patients from the scenes of accidents to trauma centers. They also deliver patients from small hospitals to higher-level trauma centers. Flight nurses do work that resembles emergency room or ICU nursing but in less predictable environments and often with fewer resources.

Salary

Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a flight nurse is $101,976.

Requirements

To become a flight nurse, you will first need to earn your BSN and pass the NCLEX. You must then gain 3-5 years of ICU or ED nursing experience. Certification as a Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) is required for most flight nursing positions.

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9. Forensic Nurse – $65,466 per year

Forensic nurses help solve crimes and collect evidence. They can also help a coroner determine a cause of death. They provide compassionate care to crime victims and survivors of natural disasters. Forensic nurses can also testify in court during criminal trials.

Check with city and county law enforcement departments in your community to look for jobs. If you’re particularly passionate about this career path, appeal to your city leaders to add forensic nursing to your local police department.

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average forensic nurse salary is $31 per hour or $65,466 annually.

Requirements

Forensic nurses must first earn their BSN and then pass the NCLEX examination. Forensic nursing employers most often will prefer that you have prior clinical nursing experience. A background in medical-surgical, pediatric, or psychiatric nursing (for nurses wishing to pursue forensic psychiatric nursing).

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10. Correctional Nurse – $75,311 per year

Correctional nurses work in correctional facilities, prisons, and detention centers alongside other inmates. The work is essential to keep inmates healthy and prevent them from needing medical care in a hospital.

Salary

Payscale.com reports an annual average salary of $75,311 or $34.77. Correctional nurses employed by the federal government are paid based on the federal pay scale that includes numerous factors.

Requirements

After earning a nursing degree and passing the NCLEX examination, it’s important to gain substantial bedside experience.

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care offers the CCHP-RN certification to eligible individuals. Before obtaining the CCHP-RN certification, individuals must earn the CCHP certification.

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11. School Nurse – $67,035 per year

If children have always been your favorite patient population, or you just need a change of pace from working with adults, then becoming a school nurse may be an excellent fit for you!

Some of the benefits of becoming a school nurse include:

• Only work during school hours (M-F)
• Never work on weekends or holidays
• If you have small children of your own, you can expect to have the same work schedule as their school schedule.
• Summers off

Salary

ZipRecruiter estimates that in 2024,  school nurses in the U.S. earn an average salary of $67,035 per year or $32.00 per hour, with top earners making over $101,000.

Requirements

Educational requirements are subject to the state of employment. Due to this, it is common for state requirements to vary greatly. It is very common for school nurses to possess a Master of Science in Nursing or a Master’s in Education.

12. Utilization Review Nurse — Average Salary: $66,436/year

Utilization Review (UR) nurses play a vital role in ensuring patients receive appropriate, efficient care without unnecessary procedures or expenses. As one of the most strategic non-bedside nursing careers in 2025, UR nurses help streamline the healthcare process by reviewing treatment plans, verifying insurance coverage, and collaborating with providers to reduce waste and improve outcomes.

They often serve as a bridge between clinical staff and insurance companies, advocating for both the patient and the healthcare system. Many UR nurses work in hospitals, insurance firms, or private practices, with some enjoying the flexibility of remote, work-from-home roles.

Salary Insight:
According to ZipRecruiter, utilization review nurses earn an average salary of $66,436/year, with potential earnings ranging from $32,500 to over $111,000, depending on experience and location.

Requirements:
Start by earning your BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Most UR roles require 2–3 years of acute care experience, especially in settings like med-surg or critical care. While not mandatory, certification in utilization management or case management can boost your competitiveness and salary potential.

12. Utilization Review Nurse — Average Salary: $66,436/year

Utilization Review (UR) nurses play a vital role in ensuring patients receive appropriate, efficient care without unnecessary procedures or expenses. As one of the most strategic non-bedside nursing careers in 2025, UR nurses help streamline the healthcare process by reviewing treatment plans, verifying insurance coverage, and collaborating with providers to reduce waste and improve outcomes.

They often serve as a bridge between clinical staff and insurance companies, advocating for both the patient and the healthcare system. Many UR nurses work in hospitals, insurance firms, or private practices, with some enjoying the flexibility of remote, work-from-home roles.

Salary Insight:
According to ZipRecruiter, utilization review nurses earn an average salary of $66,436/year, with potential earnings ranging from $32,500 to over $111,000, depending on experience and location.

Requirements:
Start by earning your BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Most UR roles require 2–3 years of acute care experience, especially in settings like med-surg or critical care. While not mandatory, certification in utilization management or case management can boost your competitiveness and salary potential.

13. Public Health Nurse — Average Salary: $78,437/year

One of the most fulfilling non-bedside nursing careers in 2025, public health nurses focus on promoting wellness across entire communities rather than caring for individuals at the bedside. Their work often includes conducting screenings, launching health education initiatives, administering vaccines, and improving community access to care—especially in underserved populations.

Salary Insight:
ZipRecruiter reports that public health nurses earn an average salary of $78,437/year or $38/hour.

Requirements:
While an ADN is the minimum, most employers prefer a BSN and several years of bedside experience. Nurses with at least five years in public health may also qualify for the Certification in Public Health (CPH) through the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

14. Infection Control Nurse — Average Salary: $91,445/year

Infection control nursing is among the most impactful non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 for those interested in research and hospital safety. These professionals help prevent the spread of disease within medical facilities and train healthcare teams on best practices in infection prevention.

Salary Insight:
ZipRecruiter states infection control nurses earn $91,445/year or $44/hour.

Requirements:
Most roles require a BSN and clinical experience; some may prefer an MSN. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from APIC is highly recommended.

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15. Cruise Ship Nurse — Average Salary: $80,321/year

Cruise ship nursing offers one of the most adventurous non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 has to offer. These nurses manage passenger health on ships, often with minimal resources and medical personnel.

Salary Insight:
According to ZipRecruiter, the average cruise ship nurse earns $80,321/year.

Requirements:
A BSN, NCLEX licensure, and several years of clinical experience are essential. Emergency or ICU backgrounds are preferred due to limited onboard resources.

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16. Nurse Recruiter — Average Salary: $74,963/year

Nurse recruiters bridge staffing gaps by hiring nurses for permanent, travel, and contract roles. This rewarding non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 suits professionals who want to use their nursing background in HR and healthcare operations.

Salary Insight:
ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of $74,963/year or $36/hour.

Requirements:
While no license is required, many employers prefer a BSN. Your nursing experience gives you a strong advantage when recruiting.

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17. Nurse Health Coach — Average Salary: $48,790/year

If you’re interested in lifestyle medicine, wellness, or post-discharge care, consider nurse health coaching. This role is one of the fastest-growing non-bedside nursing careers in 2025, with opportunities in insurance companies, clinics, or freelance roles.

Salary Insight:
Nurse health coaches earn around $48,790/year, per ZipRecruiter.

Requirements:
You’ll need a nursing degree, clinical experience, and certification from the International Nurse Coaching Association.

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18. Nurse Writer — Average Salary: $81,001/year

Transform your bedside experience and writing skills into a flexible, high-impact career. Nurse writers are among the most creative non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 offers, contributing to blogs, textbooks, research, and health education.

Salary Insight:
ZipRecruiter estimates an average salary of $81,001/year or $39/hour.

Requirements:
A nursing degree (ADN or BSN) is required. You may also pursue Medical Writer Certification (MWC) for credibility in scientific writing.

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19. Medical Device or Pharmaceutical Sales — Average Salary: $103,662/year

This is a high-paying, fast-paced non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 ideal for nurses wanting to pivot into the corporate side of healthcare. Your clinical expertise makes you uniquely qualified to market and explain products to providers.

Salary Insight:
ZipRecruiter cites an average salary of $103,662/year or $50/hour.

Requirements:
Though an RN license isn’t required, many employers prefer nurses due to their medical background. You may also be hired as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in some companies.

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20. Virtual Nurse — Average Salary: $75,496/year

Among the most technologically advanced non-bedside nursing careers in 2025, virtual nurses remotely complete patient admissions, education, discharge planning, and documentation. This role allows for remote work while still supporting bedside nurses.

Salary Insight:
Glassdoor reports an average salary of $75,496/year, ranging from $68,000 to $114,000.

Requirements:
Earn your nursing degree, pass the NCLEX, and gain at least 1–2 years of bedside experience. Many virtual nurse positions are found within hospital systems using telehealth infrastructure.

Summary:
Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 are transforming the future of healthcare employment. These Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 offer flexible, high-paying, and less stressful alternatives to traditional bedside roles. From nurse educators to legal nurse consultants, Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 cater to various interests and skills. Many nurses are transitioning into Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 due to burnout and a desire for work-life balance. Whether it’s telehealth, informatics, or case management, Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 are growing fast. Explore the best Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 and discover why Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 may be your next step.

Skills & Qualifications Needed for Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025

Breaking into non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 requires more than just clinical experience—it also calls for a strong combination of education, interpersonal skills, and adaptability. While each role has unique requirements, most non-bedside nursing jobs share a core set of qualifications and competencies that prepare you to thrive in diverse work environments like public health, education, leadership, or telehealth.

Core Qualifications for Most Non-Bedside Roles

No matter which non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 you pursue, these general qualifications will usually apply:

• Active Registered Nursing (RN) license

• Nursing degree (ADN, BSN, MSN, or DNP)

• Strong clinical background and bedside experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Compassion and empathy for patients and peers

• Proficiency in healthcare technologies

• Detail-oriented mindset

• Time management and organizational skills

These foundational competencies allow nurses to succeed in administrative, educational, research, and consultative positions.

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How to Successfully Transition into a Non-Bedside Nursing Role

Moving into a non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 can be exciting but also competitive. Here are key tips to help you pivot smoothly:

1. Identify Your Ideal Role

Not every job away from the bedside will be right for you. Start by researching specific roles like nurse informaticist, legal nurse consultant, or school nurse. Explore their day-to-day responsibilities, work settings, salary expectations, and long-term growth opportunities.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a remote or in-person job?

• Do I enjoy leadership or education?

• Am I open to travel or non-traditional hours?

2. Evaluate Your Current Credentials

Review the educational and experiential requirements for your desired role. For example, becoming a nurse educator usually requires at least an MSN, while nurse writers may only need strong writing skills and bedside experience. If you lack the formal training or certifications, consider enrolling in an online nursing program or specialty certification course to boost your qualifications.

3. Prepare for Logistical Changes

Some non-bedside positions—such as virtual nurse or telehealth RN—require a home office setup with secure internet and HIPAA-compliant software. Others, like flight nursing or medical sales, may involve frequent travel. Understanding the logistical expectations will help you find the best personal and professional fit.

4. Leverage Your Passions

Follow what excites you. Many nurses discover fulfilling careers in education, public policy, informatics, or even marketing. Whether you’re coaching patients toward wellness or influencing healthcare systems, non-bedside nursing careers in 2025 can lead you to unexpected and meaningful opportunities.

You could end up working in a courtroom, shaping health policy in government, or educating future nurses—your nursing degree can take you much farther than the hospital floor.

/outdated-nursing-practices-to-stop

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FAQs About Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025

What can I do with a nursing degree bedside nursing?
There are countless opportunities in areas like nursing informatics, leadership, case management, public health, education, research, writing, and sales.

Do you have to work bedside to be a nurse?
No. While many nurses start at the bedside to build experience, it’s possible to enter roles like nurse recruiter, health coach, or medical writer without long-term bedside work.

What is the least stressful nursing job?
School nursing, nurse education, public health, and telehealth roles are often considered the least stressful due to more predictable schedules and lower physical demands.

Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 are transforming the future of healthcare employment. These Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 offer flexible, high-paying, and less stressful alternatives to traditional bedside roles. From nurse educators to legal nurse consultants, Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 cater to various interests and skills. Many nurses are transitioning into Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 due to burnout and a desire for work-life balance. Whether it’s telehealth, informatics, or case management, Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 are growing fast. Explore the best Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 and discover why Non-Bedside Nursing Careers in 2025 may be your next step.