Solid skills in basic math and science are important for those considering a career in nursing or healthcare.

Charlotte Chapin, nursing adviser at Mt San Jacinto College, told the Californian that it is vital for prospective nurses to make sure they can do well in prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology and algebra.

In addition, Ms Chapin stresses that compassion and a willingness to care are essential for nurses, who put in a lot of hard mental and physical work to reap the rewards offered by a service profession.

"For those who love people and want to work with and help people, you can get a fulfillment many jobs don't give," she says.

There are some 2.5 million registered nurses in the US, which makes it the largest healthcare occupation, according to the Department of Labor (DOL).

At the same time, registered nurses are currently highly in demand, due to a shortage, and there are expected to be around 587,000 new positions created within the 2006-16 period.

Those who would like to pursue nursing may obtain a bachelor's degree, an associate degree or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Around 59 per cent of nurses work in hospitals.

This career has a median annual salary of $57,280, according to the most recent DOL data, though this figure may vary based on location, experience and employer.