It is important to realize how many options you have when choosing to go into the field of nursing. We selected the top twelve nursing career paths that are currently in high-demand and what the educational requirements are to achieve them.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – these nurses work closely with RNs and physicians to provide patients with basic nursing care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for LPNs is expected to increase by as much as 12 percent through 2026. Education: Diploma in Practical Nursing (DPN)
- Registered Nurse (RN) – RNs play a vital role in our healthcare organizations, especially with our nation’s growing patient population. By 2026 it is expected that this specialization with increase by as much as 15% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education: ASN (required) or BSN (recommended)
- Travel Nurse – these are RNs who volunteer to fill workforce gaps by traveling and living all over the world. If you are looking for adventure and a rewarding career this could be the perfect fit.
Education: ASN (required) or BSN (recommended)
- Med-Surgical Nurse – these nurses work on the medical/surgical floor of a hospital. You must have strong organizational and time-management skills. If you like a fast-paced environment then this is the specialty for you.
Education: ASN (required) or BSN (recommended)
- Emergency Room Nurse – As an ER nurse, you can work in a variety of settings, from Level 1 trauma centers to rural hospitals or clinics, and across a range of specialties. As you can assume, these nurses provide urgent care to those suffering from life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
Education: ASN (required) or BSN (recommended)
- Oncology Nurse – you will be involved in many aspects of the process form cancer diagnosis to treatment and management. You won’t always be expected to work in a hospital setting, if you’re looking to work in a specialty medical center or home care organization then this could be the route for you.
Education: ASN (required) or BSN (recommended)
- Nurse Informatics Specialist – nursing informatics is a growing field that integrates nursing science with information technology to improve systems and processes for hospitals and large medical facilities. For example, their duties include analyzing data to identify and reduce risk of medical errors.
Education: BSN (required) or MSN (recommended)
- Nurse Manager – experienced nurse leaders who oversee a team of nurses and other healthcare staff. If you want a role in improving the standard of patient care, then a nurse manager might be for you.
Education: BSN (required) or MSN (recommended)
- Nurse Educator – a nurse educator can exist in two different capacities. In an academic setting, nurse educators design and implement continuing education programs for nurses. In a hospital or clinical setting, nurse educators help train nursing staff and other healthcare professionals.
Education: MSN in Nurse Education
- Nurse Anesthetist – these nurses are a special type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is certified and trained in administering anesthesia to patients. The demand for nurse anesthetists is expected to grow by 16 percent by 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statists; and its median annual pay is $165,120/year.
Education: MSN
- Nurse Midwife – APRNs who provide prenatal, family planning and obstetric care. Employment is expected to grow by 21 percent through 2026 and the average salary is $100,590.
Education: MSN
- Nurse Practitioner – NPs can provide advanced care beyond that of a RN. Care includes health promotion, prevention, wellness and disease management, and diagnosis and treatment of acute, chronic or episodic illness.
Education: MSN FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
