The 35 Best Specialty Career Choices for Nurses

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Published November 2, 2023

Explore the best specialty career options available to nurses while reviewing the potential job growth and salary potential for each.
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In recent years, the nursing profession has witnessed the expansion of career opportunities in multiple specialties. Specialties enable nurses to move into nursing roles of particular interest to 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 chances for career growth. This list of the top 35 specialty nursing careers for 2023 provides an overview of each specialty, required qualifications, salaries, and projected job growth for 2022-2032.

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.

1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs, the highest paid among advanced practice registered nurses, administer anesthesia for patients undergoing surgery. These highly specialized nurses also conduct physical assessments, caring for and monitoring patients who receive or are recovering from anesthesia.

  • How to Become: CRNAs must hold a 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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 38% among all nurse anesthetists from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $179,000 according to Payscale, November 2023

2 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

AGNPs focus on elderly patients and 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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 38% among all nurse practitioners from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • 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 women and monitor newborns. The demand for CNMs continues to grow as more women 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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 738% among all nurse midwives from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $104,100 according to Payscale, November 2023

4 | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

A family nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-level role caring for patients across the lifespan. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nearly 70% of nurse practitioners choose this specialty.

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. Increasing awareness of female health issues contributes to a bright career outlook for this specialized nursing role.

  • 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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 38% among all nurse practitioners from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $100,730 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 28% among all medical and health services managers from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $135,020 according to Payscale, November 2023

7 | Nurse Administrator

Nursing administrators provide management support and specialized human resources within medical facilities. They also recruit, train, and hire staff, along with handling 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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 28% among all medical and health services managers, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $93,690 according to Payscale, November 2023

8 | Nurse Attorney

Since few attorneys have medical knowledge comparable to nurses, nurse attorneys typically remain 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 successful completion of a bar exam.
  • Projected Job Growth: 8% among all attorneys from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $110,680 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 8% among all postsecondary teachers from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $82,850 according to Payscale, November 2023

10 | Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses assess patients' pain levels, administer treatment, and assist patients and their families to find ways to cope 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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $136,930 according to Salary.com, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $135,950 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $119,910 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $109,760 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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 experience in RN practice.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $86,880 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $86,320 according to Salary.com, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $83,900 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $83,150 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $81,810 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $80,870 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $80,670 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $79,000 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $78,340 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $75,780 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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 Armed Forces and complete the officer basic leadership course.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $75,780 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $74,490 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $73,220 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $72,160 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $70,900 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $69,850 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $69,260 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $67,160 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $66,000 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $65,650 according to Payscale, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $58,200 according to ZipRecruiter, November 2023

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.
  • Projected Job Growth: 6% among all RNs from 2022-2032, according to the BLS
  • Average Salary: $51,530 according to Payscale, November 2023
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NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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