The 35 Best Specialty Career Choices for Nurses

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Updated on September 27, 2024

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Explore the best specialty career options available to nurses while reviewing the potential job growth and salary potential for each.

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Nurses can specialize in a particular nursing field that interests them. Each specialty requires different training, skills, and duties, with some nursing career paths offering higher pay and greater employment prospects than others.

Whether you are new to nursing or already working in the profession, use our guide to learn what specialties offer the best career growth opportunities. This list of the top 35 specialty nursing careers provides an overview of job duties, required qualifications, salaries, and employment outlook.

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Top Nursing Specialty Career Choices to Consider

Some specialties offer more benefits, professional rewards, and career advancement than others. Our guide to the top nursing specialties, listed according to projected job growth and average salary, can help you decide which nursing career paths best align with your goals and interests. All job outlook information is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs are the highest-paid among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). They administer anesthesia for patients undergoing surgery. These highly specialized nurses also conduct physical assessments and care for and monitor patients who receive or are recovering from anesthesia.

How to Become: CRNAs must hold a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) from an accredited program with a nurse anesthetist concentration. They also must complete at least two years of experience in critical care nursing before passing the CRNA national certification exam.
BLS Projected Job Growth:10% among all nurse anesthetists from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $184,000 according to Payscale, September 2024

2 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

AGNPs care for older patients and treat medical conditions common to this demographic group. As the need for specialized care increases among aging baby boomers, AGNPs can expect expanding job growth in many settings, from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes and home health practice. AGNP certification ranks as the second most popular nurse practitioner credential after the FNP certificate.

How to Become: AGNPs must hold a valid RN license, an MSN degree, and national board nurse practitioner certification in either adult-gerontology primary care or adult-gerontology acute care.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 46% among all nurse practitioners (NPs) from 2023-2033.
Average Salary: $109,000 according to Payscale, November 2023

3 | Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

The primary role of a CNM is to provide prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to pregnant people and monitor newborns. The demand for CNMs continues to grow as more people choose natural childbirth and birthing center options.

How to Become: RNs who want to become CNMs must complete a graduate degree in an accredited program that offers midwifery specializations, followed by certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board. Earning a DNP may lead to better career and salary prospects.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 7% among all nurse-midwives from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $106,460 according to Payscale, September 2024

4 | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

A family nurse practitioner is an APRN-level role caring for patients across the lifespan. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nearly 70% of NPs choose to specialize in family nursing.

How to Become: FNPs need an RN license and a graduate nursing degree. They must also pass the FNP national board certification exam.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 46% among all NPs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $104,632 according to Payscale, September 2024

5 | Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

WHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary care and reproductive, obstetric, and gynecologic care for women of all ages. These APRNs help increase awareness of women’s health issues.

How to Become: Aspiring WHNPs must first obtain their RN license and complete a graduate nursing degree in a program that provides WHNP training, followed by certification in this specialty area.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 46% among all NPs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $102,330 according to Payscale, September 2024

6 | Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

CNOs serve at the highest level of healthcare organizations. They coordinate daily operations, supervise and evaluate nursing personnel, manage finances, and implement technological and other innovations. The rising demand for CNOs in healthcare reflects industry-wide priorities to improve patient outcomes, lower costs, and increase efficiency.

How to Become: CNOs typically have an RN license and a graduate degree in nursing, health administration, or business. Some CNOs may choose to earn an MSN/MHA dual degree.
BLS Projected Job Growth:29% among all medical and health services managers from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $145,364 according to Payscale, September 2024

7 | Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators provide management support and specialized human resources within medical facilities. They also recruit, train, and hire staff and handle various business aspects within healthcare organizations.

How to Become: Nurse administrators may enter the field with an undergraduate degree in nursing, health administration, public health, or social services. Some employers require a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 29% among all medical and health services managers from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $96,538 according to Payscale, September 2024

8 | Nurse Attorney

Because many attorneys don’t have medical knowledge comparable to nurses, nurse attorneys are typically in high demand. These professionals work in various settings, including hospital legal departments and litigation firms.

How to Become: A nurse attorney needs a BSN and an RN license, followed by three years of education at a law school, and a passing score on the bar exam.
BLS Projected Job Growth:5% among all attorneys from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $98,330 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

9 | Nurse Educator

Nurse educators combine a passion for teaching with clinical expertise to design, evaluate, and implement education programs for nurses in schools, universities, and colleges. Nurse educators are in high demand to help address the growing nursing shortage.

How to Become: Most nurse educators hold a valid RN license and either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in nursing education. Some academic institutions prefer to hire nurse educators with doctoral-level training and, in some cases, a Ph.D. degree with a focus on research.
BLS Projected Job Growth:8% among all postsecondary teachers from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $84,907 according to Payscale, September 2024

10 | Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses assess patients’ pain levels, administer treatment, and assist patients and their families in coping with chronic pain. The demand for these nurses has expanded to meet the growing interest in non-pharmaceutical and alternative approaches to relieving pain.

How to Become: Pain management nurses may enter the field with a valid RN license, either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, and at least two years of RN experience in pain management. Obtaining board certification in pain management is optional.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $98,080 according to Salary.com, September 2024

11 | Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses care for premature and newborn infants facing specific challenges and older infants with chronic complications. Neonatal nursing provides RNs with a rewarding career improving the life chances of infants and assisting families during stressful times.

How to Become: Neonatal nursing requires an ADN or a BSN degree and a valid RN license. The critical care RN-neonatal certification, while not mandatory, may lead to broader employment opportunities.
BLS Projected Job Growth:6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $127,391 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

12 | Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers create reports based on analysis and research gathered in the nursing field. They aim to improve medical and healthcare services.

How to Become: Although RN candidates with a BSN qualify, individuals with an MSN or higher have a better chance of obtaining the position.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $113,102 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

13 | Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse

A pediatric endocrinology nurse cares for children and adolescents with endocrine disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormonal imbalances. The demand for this specialized nursing role has risen in response to increasing rates of diabetes and other metabolic and autoimmune disorders in youth populations.

How to Become: RNs can enter this nursing role after earning an ADN or a BSN degree. An MSN degree leads to better-paying careers as pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioners.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $76,348 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

14 | Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)

An LNC can find employment opportunities in law firms, healthcare organizations, insurance companies, and corporate legal departments. Depending on the work setting, they conduct interviews and research, provide expert testimony, and review and assess medical records and other documentation.

How to Become: LNCs typically complete an ADN or a BSN degree and hold a valid RN license. While certification is not mandatory, the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants recommends the legal nurse consultant certified credential, which requires a minimum of five years of experience in RN practice.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $88,126 according to Payscale, September 2024

15 | Telehealth Nurse

A telehealth nurse works under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner to provide care and monitor patient health remotely through phone calls, video conferences, or online chats. Jobs in telehealth nursing expanded during the pandemic and continue to grow with the popularity of virtual healthcare services.

How to Become: The minimum educational requirements for telehealth nursing is an ADN or a BSN degree and a passing score on the NCLEX for RN licensure. Telehealth nurses may choose to broaden their career options by obtaining an ambulatory care certification which covers patient care outside of clinical settings, including aspects of telehealth in home healthcare.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $82,834 according to Payscale, September 2024

16 | Informatics Nurse

Informatics nurses provide healthcare data to doctors, nurses, patients, and other healthcare providers, along with administering training on updated applications. These specialized nurses combine their healthcare experience and technology to improve patient outcomes across organizations.

How to Become: An informatics nurse needs at least a BSN, though many employers require candidates to possess an MSN in health informatics, quality management, or healthcare management.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $85,325 according to Payscale, September 2024

17 | Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses take care of patients with life-threatening illnesses and injuries in fast-paced and challenging settings, such as ICUs and cardiac units. These specialized nurses can expect continued job growth through the decade.

How to Become: Critical care nurses must earn either an ADN or a BSN degree before taking the NCLEX for RN licensure. Certifications in critical care or related specialties, such as cardiac medicine or teleICU, while not required, will open doors to broader career options.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $83,151 according to Payscale, September 2024

18 | Oncology Nurse

An oncology nurse provides specialist care for cancer patients in clinical care centers, homes, or hospitals by administering chemotherapy and other treatments.

How to Become: Oncology nurses need a BSN and experience working as nurses for several years. Nurses may then earn certifications in oncology nursing.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $82,647 according to Payscale, September 2024

19 | Travel Nurse

Travel nurses with training in an array of nursing roles take temporary assignments to fill nursing vacancies throughout the country. Because of nursing shortages in some geographical areas and high-demand specialties, the employment of travel nurses has boomed, enabling them to earn far more than nurses in full-time permanent positions.

How to Become: Travel nurses must be RNs with at least an ADN. However, depending on the position, some employers may require a BSN or a graduate degree with certifications.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $84,071 according to Payscale, September 2024

20 | Dialysis Nurse

Dialysis nurses, also known as nephrology nurses, care for patients with kidney disease, operate dialysis machines, administer other treatments, and educate patients and families about how to manage these conditions. The incidence of kidney disease has risen as the U.S. population ages, resulting in job growth in this specialty.

How to Become: Graduates of an ADN or BSN program, with a valid RN license, can become a dialysis nurse. Earning voluntary certified dialysis nurse or certified nephrology nurse certifications may broaden job prospects.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $81,606 according to Payscale, September 2024

21 | Infection Control Nurse

Infection control nurses work to reduce and prevent the transmission of infections through education and recommendations from evidence-based best practices. These nurses make valuable contributions to public health while earning above average RN salaries.

How to Become: Infection control nurses may work in this specialty after earning either an ADN or a BSN degree and obtaining a valid RN license. The entry-level associate infection prevention and control certificate does not require prerequisites. Nurses with at least two years of experience may qualify for the certification in infection prevention and control.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $81,519 according to Payscale, September 2024

22 | Nurse Case Manager

Nurse case managers create and monitor patient care plans in collaboration with patients and their families, doctors and other members of the medical team, and insurance providers. Nurses who enter this in-demand, non-bedside specialty typically make higher salaries and work shorter shifts than nurses in direct-care roles.

How to Become: An ADN or a BSN degree and a valid RN license are the minimal requirements to enter this career. Some employers prefer to hire nurses with nursing case management board certification, which requires two years of RN experience and 2,000 hours working in case management roles.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $80,061 according to Payscale, September 2024

23 | Cosmetic Nurse

Cosmetic nurses, also known as plastic surgery or aesthetic nurses, specialize in non-invasive and non-surgical procedures, such as dermabrasion, botox injections, and chemical peels. Cosmetic nurses who typically work in outpatient surgical facilities, medical spas, and doctor’s offices, experience less stressful working conditions than nurses employed in hospital surgical units or ICUs.

How to Become: Cosmetic nurses must complete an ADN or a BSN degree, followed by a passing score on the NCLEX-RN. Certifications for aesthetic nurse specialists and plastic surgical nurses, while not required for practice, can boost employment prospects.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $80,321 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

24 | Military Nurse

Military nurses care for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families in military healthcare facilities and in combat zones as required. While the work is often challenging, military nurses receive generous benefits for their service, including student loan repayment plans and sign-on bonuses.

How to Become: The minimum requirement for military nurses is a BSN degree and a valid RN license. These nurses must enlist in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and complete the officer basic leadership course.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $80,321 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

25 | Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses work with elderly patients in nursing homes or hospitals, handling these patients’ specific challenges, such as dementia, arthritis, and heart or lung problems.

How to Become: These nurses need RN licensure and a BSN, plus experience working with elderly patients.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $74,490 according to Payscale, September 2024

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26 | Psychiatric Nurse or Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric nurses, also known as mental health nurses, care for people with mental health and behavioral conditions, working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers, therapists, and psychiatrists.

How to Become: Psychiatric nurses need either an ADN or a BSN and a valid RN license to enter the field.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $75,577 according to Payscale, September 2024

27 | Nurse Advocate

Nurse advocates make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families by helping them understand and navigate the healthcare system, educating them about medical conditions, treatment options, costs, and insurance issues.

How to Become: Nurse advocates can enter this career by earning an ADN or a BSN degree and obtaining an RN license. They can expand their job prospects by acquiring the board certified patient advocate credential or completing a training program in patient advocacy.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $72,155 according to Payscale, September 2024

28 | Orthopedic Nurse

Orthopedic nurses provide treatment for patients with musculoskeletal disorders and other conditions that affect bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. This specialty will continue to grow as life expectancy increases and the population ages.

How to Become: Orthopedic nurses may enter the workforce with an ADN or a BSN degree and a valid RN license. RNs with two years of experience can advance in their career paths by earning the orthopedic nurse certification, which requires 1,000 hours of orthopedic nursing experience.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $72,933 according to Payscale, September 2024

29 | Home Healthcare Nurse

The home healthcare nurse provides care for patients in their homes, administering treatment and medications, monitoring vital signs, and performing tests. This growing field offers flexible schedules and a less clinical work environment than hospital-based nursing roles, allowing nurses to establish personal relationships with patients and their families.

How to Become: Home healthcare nursing requires completion of an ADN or a BSN degree and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $71,526 according to Payscale, September 2024

30 | Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses care for entire populations, generally focusing on preventative medicine by educating patients about health issues and how to make improvements.

How to Become: A public health nurse must possess RN licensure and a BSN, plus experience as a regular nurse. Some public health nurses hold an MSN.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $73,040 according to Payscale, September 2024

31 | Medical-Surgical Nurse

A medical-surgical nurse cares for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. The increase in the volume of surgeries across the U.S. and the expected retirement of qualified RNs with experience in medical-surgery nursing will continue to push job growth for these specialized nurses.

How to Become: A medical-surgical nurse needs an RN license, two years of experience, and 2,000 hours working in a surgical nursing facility before passing a credential exam.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $67,160 according to Payscale, September 2024

32 | Certified Lactation Counselor Nurse

Certified lactation counselor nurses advise and educate parents about lactation and breastfeeding, helping them overcome challenges and offering emotional support.

How to Become: Although a nursing degree is not required for CLC certification, only RNs with a nursing degree can obtain breastfeeding counselor certification or international board-certified lactation consultant credentials.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $73,000 according to Payscale, September 2024

33 | Pediatric Nurse

A pediatric nurse cares for children from infancy through young adulthood, treating patients with a variety of conditions. Nurses who enter this rewarding career support children through every age and developmental stage, fostering long-term relationships with patients and their families.

How to Become: Pediatric nurses must complete either an ADN or a BSN degree before taking the NCLEX-RN. Earning a BSN or graduate degree can boost job and salary prospects.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $69,975 according to Payscale, September 2024

34 | Forensic Nurse

Forensic nurses combine healthcare and legal training to care for survivors of violence. These specialized nurses make a difference in the lives of survivors by advocating on their behalf in the criminal justice system.

How to Become: Forensic nurses must hold a valid RN license and an ADN or a BSN degree. Employers may prefer to hire forensic nurses who have completed training as sexual assault nurse examiners or those with forensic nurse specialist certification.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $65,466 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2024

35 | School Nurse

School nursing offers a popular and rewarding career providing direct care to students in public and private school systems, colleges, and universities. School nurses manage all healthcare services and resources within a school, including maintaining immunization records and creating emergency response plans.

How to Become: School nursing generally requires an RN license and either an ADN or BSN degree. Some states and school systems require nurses to obtain the national board school nurse certification.
BLS Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2023-2033
Average Salary: $51,532 according to Payscale, September 2024

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