[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/how-to-become/”]Critical care nurses[/hen-ui-link] take care of people, from infants to older adults, who have life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They play a pivotal role in stabilizing patients and managing complex technology. These nurses need strong communication skills, must practice good logistics, and stay calm in a stressful and fast-paced environment.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] Associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Recommended):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified” target=”_blank”]Certified critical care registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (CCRN) granted by AACN Certification Corporation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation:[/hen-ui-text] Average annual base salary of $99,240 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Critical_Care_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/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”]Outlook:[/hen-ui-text] The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that all RN positions will grow by 5% from 2024-2034, which critical care nurse positions should follow as the percentage of seniors in the general population rises.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Occupational Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/occupational-nurse/”]Occupational health nurses[/hen-ui-link] specialize in preventing injury and illness in a variety of industries. These RNs assess hazards, provide education, and collaborate with the employer to create a safe and healthy work environment to support employee safety and productivity.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] ADN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Recommended):[/hen-ui-text] The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses offers two core certifications and one specialty certification:

Certified occupational health nurse (COHN) – focuses on clinical practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified occupational health nurse-specialist (COHN-S) – emphasizes administrative aspects in the workplace[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specialty: case management (CM) – focuses on coordinating cost-effective quality care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Compensation: Average annual base salary of $85,418 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Occupational_Health_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link]

Outlook: As employer awareness grows around the importance of occupational health, the demand for occupational health nurses in the workplace also increases.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Informatics Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/”]Informatics nurses[/hen-ui-link] integrate nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage data and knowledge in nursing practice. These RNs [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/how-to-become/”]leverage technology[/hen-ui-link] to enhance patient care and improve workflow efficiency to facilitate decision-making in the healthcare setting.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/how-to-become/”]Bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Recommended):[/hen-ui-text] Informatics nursing certification (RN-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation:[/hen-ui-text] Average annual salary of $85,487 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Informatics_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/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”]Outlook:[/hen-ui-text] The BLS does not provide job growth projections for informatics nursing. However, data shows a 23% job growth projection from 2024-2034 for medical and health services managers who plan and coordinate healthcare provider activities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Nurse-Midwife[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]Certified nurse-midwives[/hen-ui-link] are advanced practice nurses who specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. These nurses provide their patients with prenatal, labor, and postpartum care, including gynecological services and family planning.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] Master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Required):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amcbmidwife.org/amcb-certification” target=”_blank”]Certified nurse-midwife[/hen-ui-link] (CNM) from the American Midwifery Certification Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation:[/hen-ui-text] Average annual salary of $111,891 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Midwife/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/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”]Outlook:[/hen-ui-text] The BLS projects job growth of 11% from 2024-2034, which is far faster than average.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]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] are RNs who work temporary assignments in a variety of settings across the country. Assignments typically last several weeks to several months, offering nurses the opportunity to network and gain new clinical skills.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] BSN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification:[/hen-ui-text] There is no certification available for travel nurses, but specialty certifications can improve job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation:[/hen-ui-text] An average base annual salary of $92,366 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Travel_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/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”]Outlook:[/hen-ui-text] Travel nursing experienced significant growth since 2020, which has since begun leveling off. However, as long as there is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown/”]national nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link], there will be a demand for travel nurses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]Family nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who focus on providing primary care to individuals and families. They diagnose and treat common acute and chronic health conditions, promote health maintenance, and emphasize preventive care.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] MSN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Required):[/hen-ui-text] Two organizations offer certification examinations for family nurse practitioners.

Family nurse practitioner – board certified (FNP-BC) from the ANCC[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/” target=”_blank”]Family nurse practitioner – Certified[/hen-ui-link] (FNP-C) from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Compensation: Average annual salary of $108,317 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Family_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link]

Outlook: The BLS projects a 40% job growth from 2024-2034 for nurse practitioners.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]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] focus on improving the health and well-being of communities using preventive care and health promotion strategies. These nurses assess the needs of the community and use this information to develop and implement programs, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to address these 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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] ADN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification:[/hen-ui-text] Required in some states. Two organizations offer certification:

Advanced public health nursing certification (PHNA-BC) from ANCC[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbphe.org/” target=”_blank”]Certified public health[/hen-ui-link] credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Compensation: Average annual salary of $74,427 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link]

Outlook: Employment opportunities are expected to increase, but public health nurses with certain skills, including strong data analysis skills and fluency in more than one language, could grow at a higher rate.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Geriatric and Continuing Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]Geriatric and continuing care nurses[/hen-ui-link] specialize in providing comprehensive healthcare to senior adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities. RNs in this job assess, manage, and coordinate services tailored to promote quality of life and continuity of care across a variety of healthcare settings.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] ADN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Recommended):[/hen-ui-text] Two organizations offer certification:

[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.gapna.org/certification” target=”_blank”]APRN gerontological specialist – certified[/hen-ui-link] (GS-C) from the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gerontological nursing certification (GERO-BC) from the American Nurses Association[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Compensation: Average annual salary of $78,063 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link]

Outlook: The job growth in this market is expected to rise as the Baby Boomer generation will all reach retirement age by 2030.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Oncology[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/oncology-nurse/how-to-become/”]Oncology nursing[/hen-ui-link] focuses on providing specialized care to patients with cancer and their families. These nurses play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. They offer support, education, and compassionate care throughout their journey with cancer.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] ADN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Recommended): [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/oncology-certified-nurse-ocn” target=”_blank”]Oncology certified nurse[/hen-ui-link] (OCN) from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation:[/hen-ui-text] Average annual salary of $85,936 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Oncology/Hourly_Rate?loggedIn” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/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”]Outlook:[/hen-ui-text] By 2040, the number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year is expected to rise to [hen-ui-link href=”https://canceratlas.cancer.org/the-burden/the-burden-of-cancer/#:~:text=In%202040%2C%20an%20estimated%2029.4,rates%20in%202018%20remain%20unchanged).” target=”_blank”]29.4 million[/hen-ui-link], and medical technologies and treatments continue to evolve, contributing to the expected growth in this field.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Legal Nurse Consultant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/legal-nurse/”]Legal nurse consultants[/hen-ui-link] are RNs who lend their expertise in healthcare to legal proceedings. These nurses bridge a gap between healthcare and the law, which helps attorneys who have medical- or health-related cases by reviewing records, interpreting information, and offering insight into complex healthcare issues. They perform medical literature searches, educate attorneys, and provide evidence at trial.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] ADN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Recommended):[/hen-ui-text] There are two credentials for legal nurse consultants:

[hen-ui-link href=”https://lncc.aalnc.org/LNCC-Certification” target=”_blank”]Legal nurse consultant certified[/hen-ui-link] (LNCC) from the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.legalnurse.com/certified-legal-nurse-consultants/naclnc-association” target=”_blank”]Certified legal nurse consultant[/hen-ui-link] (CLNC) from the National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

Compensation: Average annual salary of $90,493 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Legal_Nurse_Consultant/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link]

Outlook: There are 1.3 million attorneys in the U.S., and opportunities are expanding for legal nurses to contribute to malpractice, personal injury, and worker’s compensation cases.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/”]Certified registered nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-link] (CRNAs) are APRNs who specialize in administering anesthesia and managing pain during surgical procedures. CRNAs play a vital role in patient safety throughout an operation.[/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”]Minimum Education:[/hen-ui-text] MSN and DNP[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Required):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcrna.com/initial-certification/nbcrna-certification” target=”_blank”]National certification examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation:[/hen-ui-text] Average annual salary of $192,885 as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Anesthetist_(CRNA)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/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”]Outlook:[/hen-ui-text] According to the BLS data, CRNAs could see a 9% job growth from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]