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Explore nursing specialty career options and find the right path to match your skills, interests, and long-term goals in the healthcare field.

Looking for nursing specialty career options? This guide covers various paths in nursing, detailing roles, qualifications, and career prospects for each specialty. Find the right nursing career that aligns with your goals.

Exploring Diverse Nursing Specialties

The nursing profession is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of specialties that cater to different populations and medical needs. From pediatrics to geriatrics, oncology to critical care, each nursing specialty offers unique opportunities for healthcare professionals to make a significant impact on patient care within their nursing practice. This diversity not only enhances the overall healthcare system but also allows nurses to find a career path that aligns with their passions and goals.

Registered Nurses (RNs) work in various healthcare settings, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of the profession. Factors such as specialized training, skills, duties, and employment prospects influence the diversity in nursing roles, including travel nurses. Choosing a specialty that aligns with their interests allows nurses to pursue a fulfilling career that positively impacts their patients’ lives.

The following sections detail various nursing specialties, including roles, responsibilities, educational requirements, and career prospects, providing an overview of the diverse nursing career paths available in the nursing field.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly specialized advanced practice registered nurses who play a crucial role in administering anesthesia and managing pain during surgical procedures. Becoming a CRNA requires a doctoral degree, reflecting the updated educational standards set for 2025.

CRNAs work in various settings, including:

  • hospitals
  • clinics
  • dental offices
  • delivery rooms

They are among the highest-paid APRNs, with a job growth forecast of 13% from 2020 to 2030, making this a lucrative and rewarding career path.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family Nurse Practitioners(FNPs) provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly, including their family members. An FNP must obtain a master’s degree, such as an MSN. Nearly 70% of nurse practitioners specialize in family nursing, reflecting the high demand for this role.

FNPs earn a median salary of over $123,000, making it a financially rewarding career.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses dedicated to enhancing patient care and advancing evidence-based approaches within clinical settings. Becoming a CNS requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. CNSs consult on patient care, ensure best practices, and play a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes.

The average salary for CNSs exceeds $112,000, with some earning around $127,226, highlighting the financial benefits of this specialty.

Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses specialize in child healthcare, providing care to patients from newborns to teenagers. They perform exams, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans tailored to young patients. A pediatric nurse needs an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), earning an average salary of over $86,000 annually.

Pediatric nurses can further specialize in areas such as pediatric oncology or cardiology, offering numerous career paths within this specialty.

Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses specialize in caring for cancer patients, administering treatments, and providing essential emotional support to patients and their families. An oncology nurse must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher.

The median salary for oncology nurses is approximately $77,600 per year, making it both a rewarding and financially stable career.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) take on expanded roles within the healthcare system, providing a higher level of care and expertise. They are equipped to diagnose health issues, prescribe medications, and manage patient care, often serving as primary care providers. The nursing field includes at least 39 different specialties, allowing advanced practice registered nurses to focus on their interests and skills, contributing to patient care in diverse ways.

APRNs play a critical role in healthcare, with specialties ranging from oncology to family practice. This section will explore three key APRN roles: nurse practitioners, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, and certified nurse-midwives. Each of these roles requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which includes advanced clinical training.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide both primary and specialty care services, assessing and managing patient health across various conditions, including direct patient care. Medical professionals must obtain an MSN or a master’s degree in a specialty role.

The median salary for NPs is approximately $129,480, with a positive job outlook and a projected 45% job growth from 2020 to 2030.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) assess, diagnose, and treat mental health needs, providing therapy and prescribing medications. A psychiatric nurse needs to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health.

This role requires specialized certification that demonstrates advanced training in mental health care.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) specialize in the care of pregnant women, assisting in labor and delivery, and providing post-delivery education. CNMs offer comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, focusing on supporting women’s health throughout the pregnancy journey, as recognized by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Their holistic approach ensures that women receive personalized care during this critical time.

Critical Care Nursing

Critical care nursing involves nursing care for patients with life-threatening conditions, requiring extensive knowledge of medical technology and the ability to make rapid decisions in emergency situations. Critical care nurses typically work in settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and cardiac nurse units, providing life-saving care for patients who are seriously injured or ill.

A critical care registered nurse requires an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing, with a preference for BSN or MSN. The job outlook for critical care nurses is positive, with continued job growth expected, and the average salary is around $80,400.

This section will delve into the roles of ICU and ER nurses, highlighting their unique responsibilities and educational paths.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse

Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses care for critically ill patients, monitoring life support systems and providing life-saving care in 24/7 operated units. An ICU nurse must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, reflecting the expertise and dedication required for this role.

Emergency Room (ER) Nurse

Emergency room (ER) nurses handle severe injuries, trauma, and unstable medical conditions, performing tasks such as evaluating and stabilizing patients, determining medication, and tending to wounds. The work environment for ER nurses is high-pressure, characterized by the need for quick decision-making in high-stress scenarios.

Specialized Nursing Roles

Specialized nursing roles address the unique healthcare needs of different populations, enhancing patient care and outcomes. From caring for premature infants to supporting elderly patients, specialized nurses play an essential role in the healthcare system. This section will explore three types of nursing roles: Neonatal intensive care nurse, geriatric nurse, and perioperative nurse.

Each of these roles requires specialized training and knowledge, allowing nurses to provide targeted care that meets the specific needs of their patients. Whether it’s administering treatments for kidney disease or supporting individuals dealing with addiction, specialized nurses make a significant impact on patient care.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse

Neonatal intensive care nurses care for premature and sick newborns, providing vital support in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). They are trained to handle life-threatening conditions in premature infants, monitoring and assessing their health to ensure the best possible outcomes.

End of Life Care Nurse

End of life care nurses specialize in supporting patients with chronic or terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. These nurses often work in home health settings, providing compassionate care for individuals facing long-term conditions such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Their role includes both essential medical support and emotional guidance for patients and their families during a deeply sensitive time.

Perioperative Nurse

Perioperative nurses focus on pre- and post-operation care, managing surgical tools, and setting up surgical rooms. They ensure patient safety and efficient operation during surgical procedures, reflecting the high demand for a medical-surgical nurse and an operating room nurse.

Public Health and Community Nursing

Public health and community health clinics nursing focuses on reducing health disparities by addressing social determinants of health and promoting wellness within underserved communities. Public health nurses advocate and teach communities about health information, focusing on preventive medicine and educating patients about health issues.

This section will explore the roles of public health nurses and school nurses, highlighting their responsibilities and the educational paths required to enter these fields. Public health nurses play a crucial role in promoting vaccinations, safe sex practices, and reducing chronic conditions, while school nurses support student health within educational institutions.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses focus on community health, education, and preventive care, advocating and teaching communities about health information. A public health nurse typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) along with certification as a certified public health nurse, though an associate degree may also qualify an individual for this role.

School Nurse

School nurses play an essential role in supporting student health within educational institutions. They address medical needs, manage behavioral and emotional issues, and provide counseling. Additionally, school nurses create health programs tailored to the unique needs of students and develop emergency response plans, maintain immunization records, and manage healthcare services at schools.

Education and Leadership in Nursing

Education and leadership roles are essential for the advancement of nursing, cultivating a skilled workforce, and improving patient outcomes. clinical nurse specialists, for example, educate and advise other nursing staff, enhancing the overall competence and effectiveness of nursing teams. This section will explore the roles of nurse educators and nurse administrators, highlighting their responsibilities and the educational paths required for these leadership positions.

Nurse educators and administrators play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing. Whether teaching clinical skills and patient care methods or managing healthcare facilities, these professionals ensure that the next generation of nurses is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators are responsible for teaching nursing students about patient care, clinical skills, and best practices to educate patients. Typically working in academic settings such as colleges and universities, nurse educators require a PhD or other doctoral degree.

The job outlook for nursing educators is projected to grow by 12% from 2020 to 2030, driven by the demand for qualified nursing professionals. The average salary for nurse educators is $102,904, making this a rewarding career both financially and professionally.

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators, also known as nurse directors or clinical nursing managers, play a crucial role in managing healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities include running the nursing department, recruiting staff, scheduling, evaluating performance, and drafting budgets.

Effective nurse administrators possess strong organizational and management skills, with the average annual salary for nursing directors being around $105,556.

Nursing Programs at Davis & Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College offers a variety of nursing programs designed to cater to the diverse needs of students. The programs include options for ASN, BSN, and RN to BSN pathways, providing a comprehensive educational foundation for aspiring nurses. Emphasizing hands-on clinical experience, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Davis & Elkins College ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the nursing profession.

Potential nursing students are encouraged to visit the Davis & Elkins College website for detailed nursing program descriptions and application steps. The college provides both traditional and accelerated BSN programs, enabling students to choose the path that best fits their career goals and lifestyle.

Accelerated BSN Program

The accelerated BSN program at Davis & Elkins College allows students to complete their nursing degree in just three years, significantly shortening the traditional timeline. Requiring students to complete 124 credit hours with hands-on clinical experience, this program is designed for those with prior degrees, enabling them to earn their BSN quickly and efficiently.

Financial Support Options

Davis & Elkins College provides several financial support options to help nursing students manage the cost of their education. The Mon Health Scholars program offers scholarships to assist with tuition, textbooks, and academic fees, along with a guarantee of employment after graduation.

Additionally, the Davis Medical Center Nursing Healthcare Scholarship provides financial assistance to ASN students who maintain a minimum GPA and commit to working with Davis Health System, with awards up to $15,000.

Your Future in Nursing Starts Here

Preparing for a nursing career begins long before your first clinical rotation. Start by organizing key application materials, such as transcripts and recommendation letters, early to avoid last-minute stress. It’s also essential to understand the specific admissions criteria for your target programs, as these can vary between institutions.

To stand out in a competitive applicant pool, aim for a GPA above 3.0 in your prerequisite courses and a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score in the 83–85% range. At Davis & Elkins College, students benefit from comprehensive nursing programs, personalized support, and financial aid options that help make their journey to becoming a registered nurse both achievable and rewarding.

Nursing offers a wide array of career paths, from high-acuity critical care to focused specialties like end-of-life care. Whether you’re drawn to leadership, direct patient care, or a specialized role, there’s a place for your passion in this profession. With the right foundation, you can build a meaningful career that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the nursing programs at Davis & Elkins College and begin your path toward a fulfilling future in healthcare. Reach out today.