While it seems that nursing has always been a popular choice for hard working scholars, in recent years nursing has grown even faster, making up the majority of jobs the healthcare industry. Job openings are increasing each year, and more and more people are choosing this career path every day, but what does it mean?

Here are benefits of nursing that make this career so popular:

1. Competitive salary.

Although registered nurses' salaries vary according to a number of factors, the average nurse earns a highly competitive salary. In fact, according to the United States Department of Labor, the median annual wage for registered nurses in 2012 was $65,470. The top ten percent of earners received a salary of $94,720 or above.

2. Flexible locations.

Adequate healthcare is essential across the nation and around the globe. Thus, nurses can find employment almost anywhere, making this one of the most flexible careers available.

3. Multiple career paths.

The field of nursing offers a wide range of opportunities to suit virtually any interest or personality type. As a nurse, you can work in a clinic, doctor's office, hospital or nursing home. You can also choose from various specialties, including cardiology, emergency nursing, surgery and much more.

4. Opportunities for advancement.

With experience and continuing education, nurses can often advance their careers. When nurses move into leadership positions, they are able to influence healthcare decisions and make their voices heard. Nurses who receive promotions may also earn higher salaries and better benefits.

5. Plenty of job openings.

The demand for new nurses is increasing rapidly. In fact, the United States Department of Labor reports that job openings in this field will increase by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020. This is considerably faster than the anticipated average increase for all careers, which was only 12 percent.

6. Opportunities for extra income.

As a nurse, you will have many opportunities to earn extra income. In addition to applying for promotions or continuing your education, you also have the option of working as a travel nurse. Travel nurses earn a higher-than-average salary while taking advantage of numerous other benefits, including licensing reimbursement, free educational opportunities and much more.

7. Intrinsic rewards.

Nurses help people on a daily basis. As patients' conditions improve, nurses can to see the fruits of the labors first-hand. With the demand for new nurses rising every day, these intrinsic rewards only increase as nurses are able to meet a hospital or clinic's desperate need for personnel.

8. Employment benefits and incentives.

Because of the nursing shortage, many employers in this field offer competitive benefits and incentives. Some common benefits of employment for nurses include 401(k) retirement plans, life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance and access to funds for continuing education.

These are just a few of the reasons why nursing is growing in popularity. If you are interested in a career in this field, now is the time to get started.