Types of Nurses: 39 Different Types of Nursing Specialties [Updated 2026]

You already know that there are different types of nurses, but you might be surprised to learn just how many, at least 39 distinctions to begin with, and even that only scratches the surface of the career options in this growing field. This guide breaks down 39 of them so you can match a path to your goals.

If you’re passionate about advancing medical care while improving the lives of patients, and you think you might be interested in becoming a nurse or nursing assistant, the first step is to determine which field of nursing best aligns with your talents, skills, interests, and goals. This guide to 39 types of nurses and what they do will help you get started.

Key findings: 39 types of nurses and nursing specialties

• Expansive Career Options: Nursing offers at least 39 distinct specialties, ranging from entry-level roles like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to advanced practice fields such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
• Strong Job Growth: Nursing continues to be a high-demand field, with registered nurse (RN) employment projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, while advanced roles like NPs, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives are projected to grow 36%, much faster than average.
• Wide Salary Range: Salaries vary significantly by specialty and education level. BLS medians (May 2025) run from $42,260 for CNAs to $236,590 for nurse anesthetists.
• Diverse Work Environments: Nurses can work in hospitals, schools, military bases, private practices, rehabilitation centers, community health settings, and even travel internationally as Travel Nurses.
• Education Pathways: Nursing careers span from certificate and associate programs to advanced doctoral degrees. Many specialties require BSN or MSN degrees, and some advanced practice roles (e.g., CRNA, DNAP) will increasingly require doctoral-level preparation.

The four levels of nursing: types of nurses from CNA to advanced practice

Nursing works like a ladder you can climb. Each level builds on the one before it, and with every credential you earn, your responsibilities, autonomy, and earning potential generally rise. Here’s how the path stacks up, from your first certificate to advanced practice.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

This is the entry point. A CNA completes a state-approved training program and helps patients with daily care under the supervision of nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $42,260 for nursing assistants (May 2025).

Licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)

The next step up is a state-approved practical nursing program, which the BLS says typically takes about one year, followed by a licensing exam. LPNs and LVNs provide basic bedside care and monitor patients. The BLS lists a median annual wage of $64,400 for this role (May 2025).

Registered nurse (RN)

RNs carry a much broader scope of care, and most employers now prefer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 72.9% of the RN workforce held a bachelor’s degree or higher as of 2024. It’s the credential that opens the most doors. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses (May 2025), and the field is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035.

Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)

APRNs, including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, practice with the most independence. These roles require a master’s or doctoral degree, and comparing the MSN and DNP can help you pick the right one. The combined median annual wage for the APRN group is $134,920 (May 2025), and employment is projected to grow 36% from 2025 to 2035, far above the 3% average across all occupations.

Level	Typical Credential	Median Annual Wage (BLS, May 2025)	NU Pathway
CNA	State-approved certificate	$42,260	what a CNA does
LPN/LVN	1-year practical nursing program	$64,400	Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse Program (step up to RN)
RN	Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)	$97,550	Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
APRN (NP/CNM/CRNA)	Master’s or doctoral degree	$134,920 (combined APRN group)	Master of Science in Nursing; Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Nurse anesthetists earn the highest wages among the nursing roles in this guide. In its Occupational Employment and Wages release, the BLS reports a mean annual wage of $248,320 for nurse anesthetists as of May 2025. BLS ranks it the highest-paying occupation in the healthcare practitioner group outside physicians, surgeons, and dentists. One thing to keep straight: the $134,920 figure above is the combined median for the whole APRN group, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists together, not CRNAs on their own.

Wherever you are on that ladder, there’s a way forward. National University’s nursing programs offer a pathway at every level, with monthly start dates and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accreditation, so you can keep balancing work AND family AND earning your nursing degree.

Nursing Specialties, Descriptions, and Salaries

Between factors like the national nursing shortage, aging U.S. population, increased emphasis on preventive care, and complexity of medical technology, the demand for nurses is at a high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects RN employment to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 openings each year. Meanwhile, AACN reports that nursing schools turned away about 93,000 qualified applications (not applicants) in 2025.

Of course, as we discussed at the beginning of this guide, becoming an RN is only one of the numerous paths that are open to students who are interested in careers in nursing. There are dozens of nursing careers to explore, with 39 examples featured in this guide, including:

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Median Salary: $97,550. Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: As a Registered Nurse, you’ll work in settings like residential care facilities, hospitals, or government offices performing tasks and duties like recording and monitoring patients; performing essential procedures; and helping to communicate information between patients and physicians. Some RNs choose to specialize in a specific work environment and/or field of healthcare, such as rehabilitation RNs, plastic surgery RNs, or military RNs, all of which you’ll find more information about on this list.

2. Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)

Education Requirements: Associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing (respectively ADN, BSN, or MSN), with a BSN or MSN preferred by many employers. Median Salary: As registered nurses, CCRNs earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: BLS doesn’t publish separate growth figures for critical care nurses. RN employment is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: Critical care nurses help to provide care for patients who are suffering from critical or life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as cleaning wounds, assessing treatment needs, infusing blood, and administering medications

3. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Education Requirements: LPNs require a postsecondary non-degree award, such as a nursing certificate. Explore a variety of certificate programs in nursing and healthcare at National University. Median Salary: $64,400. Career Outlook: 3% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average.

Job Description: As an LPN, you’ll be responsible for tasks like providing basic care and treatment, monitoring and recording patients, discussing care plans and answering patients’ questions, and facilitating communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Education Requirements: You’ll need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, generally with a requirement to complete a clinical nurse specialist track. Median Salary: The BLS groups clinical nurse specialists with registered nurses, who earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025); pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: Because BLS counts CNSs with registered nurses, their outlook follows RN employment, which is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: A clinical nurse specialist, or CNS, is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). A CNS is chiefly focused on improving patient outcomes; a task they approach through a mix of teaching, research, and patient care.

5. Emergency Room Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: RNs, including Emergency Room RNs, are generally required to attain a bachelor’s degree or higher, such as an accredited BSN degree from National University. Some employers, however, may accept applicants with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Median Salary: As registered nurses, ER RNs earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience.
Career Outlook: RNs like emergency room nurses have a promising job outlook over the next decade, with BLS data pointing to 6% growth from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: As an ER nurse, you’ll be working under intense pressure to help save lives with patients who are seriously injured or ill. Your duties might include examining patients, recording their histories, triaging patients, and consulting with physicians about patient care.

6. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Education Requirements: Postsecondary non-degree award, such as a certificate in nursing. Median Salary: $64,400. Career Outlook: 3% projected job growth, or about as fast as average.

Job Description: As an LVN, you’ll administer basic but critical care to patients, such as applying and changing bandages or recording blood pressure readings. You’ll also assist patients with routine tasks such as getting dressed, discussing treatment plans, and monitoring patients’ vital signs.

7. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Education Requirements: New CRNAs train at the doctoral level, earning a degree such as a Doctorate of Nurse Practice (DNP) or Doctorate of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requires all students entering an accredited program on or after January 1, 2022, to enroll in a doctoral program. Median Salary: The BLS reports $236,590 for nurse anesthetists (May 2025). Career Outlook: The BLS projects 10% growth from 2025 to 2035 for nurse anesthetists, still faster than the 3% national average.

Job Description: CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and other medications, in addition to monitoring patients’ vital signs and managing other care tasks.

8. Cardiac Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: RNs can enter practice with a BSN, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. Median Salary: As registered nurses, cardiac nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: A cardiac nurse is a nurse who specializes in heart health and cardiology. A cardiac nurse might work in a long-term care facility, a hospital or its ICU, a clinic, or in another type of setting. Their duties generally include using medical devices, aiding with surgeries, and communicating with patients suffering from chronic or acute conditions like cardiac arrest and heart failure.

9. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Education Requirements: You’ll need a relevant master’s degree, like your MSN, to become an FNP or nurse practitioner. Median Salary: $132,300 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: BLS projects 41% job growth for nurse practitioners from 2025 to 2035, far above the 3% average.

Job Description: A Family Nurse Practitioner, or FNP, is responsible for a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, such as conducting diagnostic tests, creating and implementing personalized care plans, examining patients for symptoms or injuries, and treating patients for both chronic and acute illnesses. Learn more about how to become a nurse practitioner, or explore National University’s accredited Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program, which can be partially completed online.

10. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

Education Requirements: AGNPs require an MSN or higher. Median Salary: $132,300 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: As the population ages, geriatric nurses are among the nursing roles in high demand, along with ICU nurses.

Job Description: As an AGNP, you’ll generally be focused on providing treatment for older adults, who have unique health needs and challenges related to the aging process, such as reduction of bone density and susceptibility to fractures. Your day-to-day duties might involve assisting your patients with tasks (such as bathing or dressing), monitoring vital signs, and administering medication.

11. Rehabilitation Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Median Salary: $97,550 per year. Career Outlook: RNs like Rehabilitation Registered Nurses have a good job outlook over the coming decade, with BLS data estimating 6% growth.

Job Description: While many people associate the term “rehabilitation” with substance abuse disorders, in this context the term refers to the rehabilitation of patients who are disabled or chronically ill. As a rehabilitation RN, you’ll have duties like developing and implementing care and discharge plans, communicating with patients’ families, and supervising ancillary nurses in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

12. Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Education Requirements: You’ll need a doctoral degree to explore this career, since the COA requires new nurse anesthesia students to enroll in doctoral programs. National University offers an accelerated, accredited Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree program, and you can read more about what a DNAP degree involves. Median Salary: The BLS reports $236,590 for nurse anesthetists (May 2025). Career Outlook: The BLS estimates that jobs in the nurse anesthetist field will increase by 10% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3% national average.

Job Description: As a nurse who holds a DNAP degree, a doctorate degree available at National University, you’ll specialize in the safe use and administration of anesthesia. You may work in settings like clinics, hospitals, dental offices, or delivery rooms.

13. Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: You can become an RN with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. You may also wish to pursue a specialty certification, such as becoming a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN). Median Salary: RNs earn a median salary of $97,550 per year. Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: As a Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse, your career will be focused on providing care for patients at all stages of the reconstructive surgery process. You’ll screen patients’ and review their histories, perform non-invasive procedures like administering Botox, monitor the healing process, and help facilitate communication between physicians and patients.

14. Bariatric Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: A BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma can qualify you to practice as an RN, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. Median Salary: As registered nurses, bariatric nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: Bariatric nurses specialize in providing treatment and care for patients with health complications related to obesity. You’ll monitor patients at various stages of bariatric surgery and work to develop appropriate follow-up plans and help minimize the risk of complications.

15. Radiology Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: RNs can enter practice with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer the BSN. Median Salary: As registered nurses, radiology nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: Radiology and imaging nurses care for patients undergoing diagnostic, interventional, and therapeutic imaging procedures. According to the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing (ARIN), the imaging RN plans, coordinates, and delivers care for patients, including those receiving sedation and analgesia during radiological procedures.

16. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Education Requirements: You’ll need to complete a state-approved training program, which varies by state. Median Salary: $42,260. Career Outlook: 3% job growth, or about as fast as average.

Job Description: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) assist patients with the daily tasks of living and hygiene, such as bathing, eating, dressing, and using the toilet. CNAs also record patients’ vital signs and communicate information about patients to other nurses.

17. Nurse Educator

Education Requirements: Like other postsecondary teachers and professors, nurse educators will generally need to hold a PhD or other form of doctoral degree. Median Salary: $80,250 (BLS, nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary, May 2025). Career Outlook: BLS projects 17% growth from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: If you’re equally passionate about healthcare and education, consider a career that fuses elements of both, like a career as a nurse educator. In this role, your job duties will involve teaching nursing students, planning course curricula, and monitoring the progress your students are making, and providing them with feedback.

18. ICU Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: Along with a BSN or ADN, many ICU nurses earn the optional CCRN certification, granted by AACN Certification Corporation. Median Salary: RNs earn a median salary of $97,550 per year (BLS, May 2025). Specialized critical-care training and certifications can raise earning potential. Career Outlook: All fields of nursing are in high demand, with ICU nurses (along with AGNPs, also featured on this list) among the greatest needs.

Job Description: An ICU Registered Nurse, or Intensive Care Unit RN, works in fast-paced, high-pressure situations to help provide life-saving care to patients who are seriously injured or ill. As an ICU nurse, your duties might involve assessing patients, providing hands-on care, and administering medications or other treatment.

19. Labor and Delivery Nurse

Education Requirements: ADN or BSN at minimum, with most employers preferring a BSN or higher. Median Salary: As registered nurses, labor and delivery nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: While the BLS does not provide job growth estimates specific to labor and delivery nurses, RN jobs are expected to increase by 6% from 2025 to 2035, with nursing jobs in high demand across fields.

Job Description: You’ll perform a variety of tasks at all stages of labor and delivery to help achieve safer, healthier, better outcomes for babies and mothers. You’ll be responsible for duties like assessing fetal health and identifying possible complications, assisting and managing labor, providing support on key issues such as breastfeeding or postpartum depression, and helping to educate new parents about how to provide proper infant care.

20. Orthopedic Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: You can qualify as an RN with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. Median Salary: As registered nurses, orthopedic nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: As an orthopedic nurse, you’ll specialize in a patient population with musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. Your job duties may include dressing wounds, assessing patients’ symptoms, assisting with motion therapy, and working with patients to help ensure they receive proper follow-up care after surgery.

21. Registered Mental Health Nurse

Education Requirements: You will need your ADN or BSN degree to become a mental health or psychiatric nurse. Median Salary: As registered nurses, mental health nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: RNs like Registered Mental Health Nurses have a strong job outlook, with the BLS projecting 6% growth in this field from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 59.3 million U.S. adults lived with a mental illness in 2022. As a Registered Mental Health Nurse, you can help make a positive difference. Typical job duties in this type of nursing role include assessing patients’ mental health, making treatment recommendations, and working with behavioral health staff to help design appropriate, personalized care plans.

22. Public Health Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: Public health nurses need an RN license (a BSN is often preferred). Some choose to earn the optional Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners. It isn’t required for the role, and eligibility is based on public health education or experience. Median Salary: As registered nurses, public health nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the pressing need for public health experts nationwide. RNs like public health nurses have a solid job outlook over the coming decade, with BLS data estimating 6% growth from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: Public health nurses work to improve the strength and speed of our systems for dealing with public health issues, such as immunization, environmental illness, communicable illness, and infant mortality.

23. Oncology Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: RNs can start practicing with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. Median Salary: RNs earn a median salary of $97,550 per year. Career Outlook: 6% projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.

Job Description: Oncology nurses specialize in providing care to cancer patients at all stages of the treatment process. Your job duties might include tasks such as creating and implementing care plans, administering medications to patients, and finding ways to effectively manage and mitigate patients’ symptoms.

24. Health Informatics Nurse Specialist

Education Requirements: You’ll need to obtain your BSN to enter the field of health informatics. Median Salary: Informatics nurses are registered nurses, who earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025); pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: The BLS does not provide job growth estimates specific to health informatics nurse specialists. However, RN employment is projected to grow 6%, and the BLS projects 8% growth for medical records specialists from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: Health informatics deals with transitioning successfully from paper records to electronic and digital databases with the end goal of delivering better and more efficient patient care. As a Health Informatics Nurse Specialist, you’ll be responsible for duties and tasks such as analyzing data, monitoring computer systems and programs for quality and accuracy, contributing insight to policymakers, and working to develop more reliable Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.

If you’re fascinated by the intersection between technology and healthcare and the potential it has to offer toward improved patient care and outcomes, a career in health informatics may be the perfect fit for your interests.

25. Home Care Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: A BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma can prepare you to practice as an RN, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. Median Salary: As registered nurses, home care nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: Employment of registered nurses is projected by the BLS to grow by 6%, faster than average, from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: As a Home Care RN (also referred to as a Home Health RN or Home Health Nurse), your career will be focused around providing in-home care to your patients. Your specific tasks and duties may, for instance, include examples like cleaning wounds or sores, changing bandages and dressing, and administering medications and at-home IVs.

26. Clinical Nurse Supervisor

Education Requirements: Clinical nurse supervisors are required to hold a BSN or higher. Median Salary: Clinical nurse supervisors are experienced registered nurses, who earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025); pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: Unfortunately, the BLS does not provide job growth estimates specific to clinical nurse supervisors. However, other nursing professions are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs).

Job Description: Clinical nurse supervisors and nurse managers lead nursing staff on a unit. According to the American Nurses Association, the role involves fostering a safe and healthy care environment, mentoring staff, managing budgets, advocating for resources, and driving change.

27. Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: RNs must generally obtain a BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Median Salary: As registered nurses, medical-surgical nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: Registered Nurse jobs are expected to grow by 6% from 2025 to 2035, according to BLS estimates.

Job Description: Also called an Operating Room (OR) Nurse or Perioperative Nurse, a Medical-Surgical RN is responsible for tasks like administering medications, discussing surgical procedures and aftercare with patients, and assisting physicians at all stages of surgery.

28. Nursing Administrator

Education Requirements: A BSN is typically the minimum required degree to become a nursing administrator. A more advanced degree will help to make you a more competitive job candidate. Median Salary: $123,860. Career Outlook: While the BLS does not provide figures specific to nursing administrators, it does estimate employment growth of 24%, which is much faster than average among healthcare administrators (who are also referred to as medical and health services managers, or, in some cases, healthcare executives).

Job Description: As a nursing administrator or nurse administrator, you’ll be in a leadership role that calls heavily on organizational and management skills. For example, you may be responsible for developing policies at your workplace, coordinating between various nursing departments and staff members, and planning and creating budgets.

29. Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

Education Requirements: Unlike other nursing jobs that require you to hold a master’s or even doctoral degree, you can qualify for certain PACU nursing positions with your ADN or BSN, or by completing certain training programs which vary by state. Median Salary: The BLS doesn’t publish a separate figure for PACU nurses, but as registered nurses they earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: While the BLS does not provide job growth estimates specific to PACU nurses, other nursing professions are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs).

Job Description: As a PACU Nurse, your role is to help provide care for patients who are transitioning back to consciousness after having been placed under anesthesia. For example, some of your responsibilities will generally include monitoring patients’ vital signs for irregularities and determining whether the anesthesia has caused any complications or side effects.

30. Travel Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: Like other RNs, travel nurses can enter practice with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN, with a more advanced degree or additional certification making you a more competitive candidate. Median Salary: The BLS doesn’t track travel nurses separately, but as registered nurses they earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025); travel assignments can pay more, especially in high-demand locations. Career Outlook: The BLS does not provide job growth estimates specific to travel nurses. However, other nursing professions are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs), with high demand for various fields and specialties.

Job Description: Travel nursing suits nurses who want to see more of the country while filling staffing gaps in underserved areas. Travel RNs administer medications to patients, conduct tests and exams, diagnose symptoms, and communicate information to physicians and healthcare professionals, among other tasks.

31. Certified Nurse-Midwife

Education Requirements: Like NPs and nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives are generally required to hold a master’s degree, such as an MSN, or even a doctorate degree. To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife, you must pass the national certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Median Salary: $134,040 (BLS, May 2025) Career Outlook: Nurse-midwives have a very bright career outlook through 2035, with the BLS projecting an 11% increase in jobs from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3% national average.

Job Description: Nurse-midwives work with supervision from gynecologists and/or obstetricians, providing obstetrical patients with care throughout every stage of the pregnancy and birth process. As a Certified Nurse-Midwife, your duties will include tasks such as conducting patient exams, monitoring the progress of the pregnancy, assisting with delivery, and educating new parents in the proper care of newborn infants.

32. Forensic Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: You can enter practice as an RN with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. You may also wish to complete a forensic nursing certificate program, which could help increase your earning potential while opening additional work opportunities. Median Salary: The BLS doesn’t track forensic nurses separately, but as registered nurses they earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: Registered Nurses have a strong career outlook, including Forensic RNs. The BLS expects employment in these fields to grow by 6% over the coming decade.

Job Description: As a Forensic RN, you’ll be serving a patient population that consists of assault and abuse victims, survivors of human trafficking, and others. Your roles may include recording photographic evidence of injuries, gathering evidence, assisting coroners, and collaborating with members of law enforcement.

33. Military Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: RNs can enter practice with a BSN, an ADN, or a nursing diploma, though many hospital employers prefer a BSN. You may also wish to pursue a specialty certification. Median Salary: Pay varies by rank and branch, but as registered nurses, military nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025).

Job Description: Military nurses perform many of the same roles and tasks as RNs in civilian settings. For instance, assessing the condition of patients, obtaining and recording patients’ medical histories and concerns, and administering medications to patients.

34. School Nurse

Education Requirements: You will need to hold a BSN, at minimum, if you wish to qualify for school nursing jobs. Median Salary: The BLS doesn’t track school nurses separately, but as registered nurses they earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: The BLS does not provide job growth data specific to school nurses. Other nursing professions, however, are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs) through 2035, indicating that there will likely be average to above-average need for school nurses well into the future.

Job Description: As a school nurse, you’ll work with elementary, middle, or high school students to conduct health screenings (such as hearing tests), treat students for minor injuries such as cuts, assist students with managing their medications (such as proper use of inhalers for students who are diagnosed with asthma), and consult with teaching staff to help ensure that students’ wellbeing and safety is prioritized.

35. Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN)

Education Requirements: You will need your ADN or BSN to qualify for CMCN positions. Median Salary: As registered nurses, managed care nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: While there is no BLS data on job growth for managed care nurses, other nursing careers are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs).

Job Description: As a Certified Managed Care Nurse, you’ll coordinate with people and organizations at all points in the healthcare system, from physicians to health insurance companies, in order to advocate effectively for your patients while minimizing their costs and expenses.

36. Pediatric Care Registered Nurse

Education Requirements: You’ll need an ADN or BSN in order to become a pediatric nurse. Median Salary: As registered nurses, pediatric nurses earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025), though pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: The BLS estimates that RN employment will grow by 6% from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: Pediatric nursing suits nurses who want to work with children and families. As a pediatric nurse, you’ll handle tasks and responsibilities like assessing patients’ symptoms, obtaining and recording the medical histories of your patients, conducting diagnostic tests, and administering medications.

37. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Education Requirements: WHNPs are generally required to obtain a BSN at minimum and may be required to hold an MSN for certain positions. Median Salary: $132,300 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: Aspiring WHNPs and other nurse practitioners have an extremely promising job outlook from 2025 to 2035, with the BLS projecting 41% job growth for nurse practitioners during this period.

Job Description: The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) describes the role of a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) as being “to assess, diagnose, and treat the health care needs of women throughout their lifespan.” This involves a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, from providing pregnancy tests and post-menopausal care, to discussing contraceptive methods as well as screening women for signs of breast cancer.

38. Neonatal Nurse

Education Requirements: An ADN or BSN is generally required to become a Neonatal Nurse. National University offers a range of accredited associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and healthcare to help you reach your professional targets. Median Salary: NICU nurses are registered nurses, who earn a median of $97,550 (BLS, May 2025); pay varies by specialty, setting, certification, and experience. Career Outlook: While there is no BLS estimate on job growth for NICU or Neonatal Nurses, other nursing careers are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs).

Job Description: Neonatal Nurses are also called NICU Nurses. In this field, you’ll be responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, performing various neonatal tests throughout all stages of pregnancy, and assisting with the development of care plans.

39. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Education Requirements: Becoming a PMHNP generally requires a master’s or doctoral degree, such as an MSN. If you’re interested in becoming a PMHNP, consider applying to National University’s accredited PMHNP Certificate program. Median Salary: $132,300 (BLS, May 2025). Career Outlook: There is no BLS job growth data for PMHNPs, but other nursing careers are expected to grow from 6% (RNs) to 41% (NPs) from 2025 to 2035.

Job Description: According to the AANP, “The role of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is to assess, diagnose and treat the mental health needs of patients.” The AANP also adds, “Many PMHNPs provide therapy and prescribe medications for patients who have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems.”

How to become a nurse, step by step

Whichever of these types of nurses you aim to become, a degree is only part of the process. You may also need to pass professional exams, complete clinical work, and earn certifications. Most paths follow these four steps:

1. Choose your level: Pick the credential that fits your goals, from a CNA certificate to an RN degree or an APRN master’s or doctorate.
2. Complete an approved program: Finish a state-approved training program or degree, including the clinical experience and fieldwork your state requires.
3. Pass the NCLEX: To become a licensed registered nurse, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam developed by NCSBN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
4. Add a specialty certification: Many specialties call for optional or required certifications, such as the CCRN for ICU nurses or the CPSN for plastic surgery nurses.

Which nursing specialization interests you?

Whichever specialty fits your goals, NU offers a pathway at each level, with options to complete part of your coursework online. National University is a nonprofit university founded in 1971, with monthly start dates so you can begin when your schedule allows. Explore our accredited doctorate, graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in healthcare and nursing, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Second Bachelor (California only)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
• Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse Program (California only)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate

Ready to request more information or begin the application process? Contact our admissions office for program details or apply to National University today.