Nursing career paths are as varied as those who fulfill these essential roles, but they all have one thing in common: they are rewarding. Whether you’re working on the front line in a hospital or outpatient nursing jobs at a local clinic, there’s every reason to consider nursing jobs when you’re thinking about your future.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most common nursing career paths, explaining how these fit into the healthcare system and what each type of nurse does. We’ll provide information on the skills needed to become a nurse and the kind of education and training you’ll need. We’ll also cover the estimated salary of nurses and the outlook for these jobs in the coming years.
Nursing Careers Discussed in this Guide
Overview of the Nursing Field
Nurses are responsible for most of a patient’s care (aside from specialized operations requiring a doctor), and a lot of time spent on the job involves direct care for patients.
The role also involves a great deal of administrative work: much as people complain, patients require paperwork, and paperwork requires patience.
Nursing career paths are famously demanding but are some of the most important and ultimately rewarding jobs in our society. And with the wide variety of fields and specialties, you’re sure to find more than one pathway that piques your interest.
Nurses might take up roles in a vast range of specialties. Some nursing specialties focus on health-related care and treatment, whether for general health, short or long-term care.
What Does It Take to Have a Successful Nursing Career?
Nursing jobs require a range of skills, depending on the specialty and nursing career paths. But nurses in all fields have some characteristics that allow them to succeed:
- Patience: Patients and their loved ones may feel agitated or worse because of their situation. A good nurse will work to view these individuals with compassion rather than dismiss their behavior as rude.
- Commitment: Nurses work long days in demanding roles. They need the commitment to perform to the highest standard at all times.
- A strong stomach: Whether you’re working as a midwife or ER nurse, you’ll become very familiar with all the stuff that comes out of bodies.
Nurse Education
The journey to a nursing career begins with obtaining the appropriate education and training. There are various levels of nursing diplomas and degrees, including Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each level of education corresponds to different nursing roles and responsibilities, with higher degrees often leading to more advanced positions.
The minimum amount of training required to become a nurse is around two years with an associate’s degree. Many community colleges offer affordable education paths to associate’s degrees. You’ll need further training for most nursing career paths, with specializations having their own education requirements. Be sure to review these six factors when choosing an online degree program.
Alongside these foundational degrees, nurses can pursue specializations and certifications to further their expertise in specific areas. These can range from pediatric nursing to critical care, opening up numerous career opportunities within the profession. Additionally, continuing education is essential for nurses to stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare, maintain their licensure, and advance their careers.
Nursing Career Paths
Below we outline some nursing career paths in detail, including education and licensing requirements and salary information for each of these nursing jobs.
Nurse Practitioner
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
A nurse practitioner is a kind of mid-level practitioner. These nurses have a substantial understanding of medicine but are not qualified as physicians. They are qualified to assess what a patient needs and work with a diagnostics lab to order and interpret tests for patients.
Education Requirements
Nursing career paths for NPs require an MS degree in nursing, which usually takes 1-2 years to complete.
Certification/Licensing Requirements
Licensure for this role differs depending on the state where you’re working. You’ll need to be a registered nurse (RN) before you can obtain licensure to work as a nurse practitioner. Additional licensing may be necessary if you choose to specialize.
Continuing Education Requirements
Each state has its own policy for renewal of your licensure as an NP.
Salary & Job Prospects
The BLS reports that the median annual pay for a nurse practitioner is around $117,650. It reports that demand for this role will increase by 45% from 2019 through to 2029, which is over 10x the national average growth rate for jobs (4%).
Nurse Assistant
What Does a Nurse Assistant Do?
A nurse assistant provides direct support to patients in hospitals. There is also demand for nurse assistants in outpatient nursing jobs, supporting patients by dressing and cleaning them and providing basic care.
Education Requirements
Nurse assistants require a high school diploma along with nurse assistant training — you can get this at many community colleges and technical nursing schools.
Certification/Licensing Requirements
You’ll need to pass a state-mandated exam to obtain a license for nursing career paths as an NA.
Continuing Education Requirements
Each state has its own policy regarding how long a nurse assistant license is valid for and when it needs renewal. However, you may wish to undertake training for more advanced nursing jobs by this time.
Salary & Job Prospects
The BLS states that the median salary for this position is around $30,000. It projects demand for nursing assistants to increase by 8% through to 2029.
Registered Nurse (RN)
What Does a Registered Nurse Do?
A registered nurse is responsible for patient welfare in a hospital. This role includes devising care plans, administering some treatments, and recording patients’ medical histories.
Education Requirements
The minimum requirement to become an RN is an associate degree in nursing. Many registered nurses have a BS in nursing, which takes longer but qualifies them for more roles & responsibilities.
Certification/Licensing Requirements
You’ll need to pass a state exam for certification. Licensing requirements vary from state to state.
Continuing Education Requirements
You’ll need to renew your license to practice every few years, depending on the state where you work.
Salary & Job Prospects
The BLS estimates the median annual pay for an RN to be around $75,000. It projects that demand for this role will increase by 7% through to 2029.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?
An LPN works under the supervision of an RN or a physician, providing routine care, ensuring patient comfort, and monitoring patient wellbeing.
Education Requirements
Besides acquiring a high school diploma, you’ll need to graduate from an LPN training program and take a test called the NCLEX-PN.
Certification/Licensing Requirements
You’ll need to complete an accredited practical training program approved by your state to obtain certification.
Continuing Education Requirements
Most LPNs will continue to undertake nursing studies to become an RN. The state will also require you to renew your license after several years.
Salary & Job Prospects
The median salary for an LPN is around $48,000 per year, according to the BLS. There is an estimated 9% growth in demand for LPNs through to 2029.
Nurse Educator
What Does a Nurse Educator Do?
This role involves giving beginner nurses the training they need to become qualified professionals. Aside from in-person training, this role may involve pedagogical training, including designing and implementing a curriculum.
Education Requirements
An MS in nursing is necessary for this position or even a doctorate. There should usually be a focus on education throughout these studies. Many educators will have years of experience in the field working as either an RN or a nurse practitioner.
Certification/Licensing Requirements
In order to work as a nurse educator, you must obtain a CNE certification.
Continuing Education Requirements
Educators frequently continue to pursue their studies to access more senior roles. For example, if you obtained CNE certification with an MSc in nursing, you may wish to pursue a doctorate.
Salary & Job Prospects
The BLS estimates that the median annual salary for a CNE is around $75,000. Demand for this job will exist as long as nurses need teaching!
Unique and Emerging Careers in Nursing
In addition to the more traditional nursing roles, unique and emerging careers in nursing offer new opportunities for those interested in specialized or cutting-edge fields. Let’s examine the job descriptions, education and training requirements, and salary and job outlook for these nursing careers.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are also APRNs who specialize in a specific area of nursing, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. They provide expert care, lead healthcare teams, and contribute to research and quality improvement initiatives. Like NPs, CNSs must hold an MSN or DNP and obtain licensure. Job prospects and salaries for CNSs depend on their specialization and regional demand.
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgeries and other medical procedures. They must complete a specialized graduate program and pass a national certification exam, in addition to holding an MSN or DNP. CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals due to their advanced skills and responsibilities.
Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care to pregnant women and newborns. CNMs must complete a midwifery graduate program and obtain certification. With a focus on holistic and patient-centered care, CNMs often work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and private practices. Job outlook and salaries for CNMs are generally favorable, reflecting the ongoing demand for their expertise.
Forensic nurses work at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, providing care to victims of violence, abuse, or neglect. They also collect evidence, consult on legal cases, and testify in court. Education requirements vary, but many forensic nurses hold a BSN or MSN and complete specialized training or certification programs. Job outlook and salary depend on experience, education, and geographic location.
Informatics nurses combine nursing, information technology, and data management to improve patient care and outcomes. They analyze data, design and implement electronic health record systems, and train healthcare staff on using technology. Many informatics nurses hold a BSN or MSN and have additional training or certifications in health informatics. Job prospects and salaries in this rapidly-growing field are generally favorable.
Holistic nurses focus on treating the whole person, considering physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health. They may use alternative therapies, such as massage or aromatherapy, alongside conventional medical treatments. Education requirements for holistic nurses include a BSN or MSN and specialized training or certification in holistic nursing. Job outlook and salary depend on experience and the demand for holistic nursing services in a given area.
Lastly, telehealth nurses provide remote healthcare services using technology, such as phone or video calls, to assess, monitor, and educate patients. They often work in areas with limited access to healthcare, such as rural communities. Telehealth nurses typically hold a BSN or MSN and may have additional training in telehealth technology and protocols. The growing popularity of telehealth services contributes to a positive job outlook and competitive salaries for these professionals.
Choosing the Right Nursing Career Path
Deciding on the right nursing career path requires careful consideration of various factors, such as education and training requirements, personal interests and strengths, job availability and growth, and salary and benefits. Reflecting on these aspects can help you identify the best fit for your career goals and lifestyle preferences.
To explore different nursing careers, take advantage of opportunities to learn about each role. Shadowing experienced nurses and participating in internships can provide hands-on experience and insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of various nursing positions. Networking with nurses in different roles can offer valuable perspectives and advice, while researching online and through professional organizations can provide a wealth of information on education, certification, and career options. Attending nursing career fairs and conferences can also expose you to a diverse array of nursing opportunities and help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Nursing Career Key Takeaways
Roles such as outpatient nursing jobs make an accessible start if a hospital seems a daunting place to start. However, with the high-quality education provided, you’ll soon learn that you’re more than capable of succeeding in even advanced nursing career paths. Moreover, you’ll learn how rewarding nursing career paths can be on a personal level.