[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing professionals can pursue roles in clinical, administrative, or non-bedside settings across dozens of specialty areas.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High-paying specialties include nurse anesthetists, adult-gerontology nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives, all with average annual salaries exceeding $100,000.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most specialty roles require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN), along with industry-recognized certifications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-specialties-guide/”]specialize in a particular nursing field[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Specialty Careers for Nurses: Top 35[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Specialty Career Choices to Consider[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”crna”]1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/”]CRNAs[/hen-ui-link] are the highest-paid among [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 9% among all nurse anesthetists from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $193,000 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Certified_Registered_Nurse_Anesthetist_(CRNA)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”agnp”]2 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”]AGNPs[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 40% among all nurse practitioners (NPs) from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $110,000 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Gerontological_Nurse_Practitioner_(GNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cnm”]3 | Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The primary role of a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]CNM[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 11% among all nurse-midwives from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $109,995 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Midwife/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”fnp”]4 | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] FNPs need an RN license and a graduate nursing degree. They must also pass the FNP national board certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 40% among all NPs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $108,133 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Family_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”whnp”]5 | Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”]WHNPs[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 40% among all NPs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $106,280 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Women%27s_Health_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cno”]6 | Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/chief-nursing-officer/”]CNOs[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] CNOs typically have an RN license and a graduate degree in nursing, health administration, or business. Some CNOs may choose to earn an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-mha-programs/”]MSN/MHA dual degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 23% among all medical and health services managers from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $149,791 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”admin”]7 | Nurse Administrator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-administrator/”]Nurse administrators[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 23% among all medical and health services managers from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $96,538 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Administrator/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”attorney”]8 | Nurse Attorney[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because many attorneys don’t have medical knowledge comparable to nurses, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/meet-a-nurse-attorney/”]nurse attorneys[/hen-ui-link] are typically in high demand. These professionals work in various settings, including hospital legal departments and litigation firms.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 4% among all attorneys from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $98,330 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”educator”]9 | Nurse Educator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-educator/”]Nurse educators[/hen-ui-link] 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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage/”]growing nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 7% among all postsecondary teachers from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $87,172 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Educator/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”pain”]10 | Pain Management Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/pain-management/”]Pain management nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $94,984[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/pain-management-nurse-salary” target=”_blank”]according to Salary.com[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”neonatal”]11 | Neonatal Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]Neonatal nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $127,391 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”researcher”]12 | Nurse Researcher[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-researcher/how-to-become/”]Nurse researchers[/hen-ui-link] create reports based on analysis and research gathered in the nursing field. They aim to improve medical and healthcare services.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] Although RN candidates with a BSN qualify, individuals with an MSN or higher have a better chance of obtaining the position.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $113,102 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”pediatric-endocrinology”]13 | Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/pediatric-nurse/how-to-become-a-pediatric-endocrinology-nurse/”]pediatric endocrinology nurse[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $76,348 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”lnc”]14 | Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $90,493 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Legal_Nurse_Consultant/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”telehealth”]15 | Telehealth Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]telehealth nurse[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $91,375 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Telehealth_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”informatics”]16 | Informatics Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/how-to-become/”]Informatics nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $85,161 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Informatics_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”critical-care”]17 | Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $99,240 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Critical_Care_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”oncology”]18 | Oncology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/oncology-nurse/”]oncology nurse[/hen-ui-link] provides specialist care for cancer patients in clinical care centers, homes, or hospitals by administering chemotherapy and other treatments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] Oncology nurses need a BSN and experience working as nurses for several years. Nurses may then earn certifications in oncology nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $85,936 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Oncology/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”travel”]19 | Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/”]Travel nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $92,366 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Travel_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”dialysis”]20 | Dialysis Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/dialysis-nurse/”]Dialysis nurses[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $82,839 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Dialysis_Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”infection”]21 | Infection Control Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/infection-control-nurse/”]Infection control nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $82,281 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Infection_Control/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”case-manager”]22 | Nurse Case Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-case-management/”]Nurse case managers[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $82,398 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Case_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2024[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cosmetic”]23 | Cosmetic Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/meet-a-cosmetic-nurse/”]Cosmetic nurses[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $80,321 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”military”]24 | Military Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/military-nurse/”]Military nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $80,321 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”geriatric”]25 | Geriatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]Geriatric nurses[/hen-ui-link] work with elderly patients in nursing homes or hospitals, handling these patients’ specific challenges, such as dementia, arthritis, and heart or lung problems.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] These nurses need RN licensure and a BSN, plus experience working with elderly patients.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $77,951 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”psychiatric”]26 | Psychiatric Nurse or Mental Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] Psychiatric nurses need either an ADN or a BSN and a valid RN license to enter the field.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $79,833 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”advocate”]27 | Nurse Advocate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-advocate/”]Nurse advocates[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $72,155 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Advocate/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”orthopedic”]28 | Orthopedic Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $74,492 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/eac42f7f/Orthopedics” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”home”]29 | Home Healthcare Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/home-healthcare-nurse/”]home healthcare nurse[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] Home healthcare nursing requires completion of an ADN or a BSN degree and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $73,461 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Home_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”public-health”]30 | Public Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/public-health-nurse/”]Public health nurses[/hen-ui-link] care for entire populations, generally focusing on preventative medicine by educating patients about health issues and how to make improvements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] A public health nurse must possess RN licensure and a BSN, plus experience as a regular nurse. Some public health nurses hold an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $74,427[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”med-surg”]31 | Medical-Surgical Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/surgical-nurse/how-to-become/”]medical-surgical nurse[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $77,993 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Surgical_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”lactation”]32 | Certified Lactation Counselor Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified lactation counselor nurses advise and educate parents about lactation and breastfeeding, helping them overcome challenges and offering emotional support.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $74,000 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Certified_Lactation_Counselor/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”pediatric”]33 | Pediatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $72,210 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatric_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”forensic”]34 | Forensic Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/forensic-nurse/”]Forensic nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $65,466 according to ZipRecruiter, September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”school”]35 | School Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/school-nurse/how-to-become/”]School nursing[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How to Become:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BLS Projected Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] 5% among all RNs from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $51,532 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=School_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2025[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card]