There are nursing jobs accessible at every educational level that come with a variety of wages, duties, as well as locations. Regardless of whether you want to work with patients in their homes or help surgeons during procedures in a hospital, there’s a nursing specialty for you.
According to the BLS, the healthcare industry is expected to expand by 9% through 2030, creating more than 276,000 new jobs with chances to explore more than 100 specializations, from cardiac care to school or camp nurses. Thus, these are extraordinary times to consider pursuing a career in nursing.
11 Fast-Growing Nursing Specialties
You can become a variety of different types of nurses since the nursing profession is always evolving. Here are the 11 most demanded types of nursing specialties:
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Education requirement: Bachelor of Science or Associates Degree
Job growth: 15%
Yearly Salary: $77,600 (2021)
Suitable certifications: State Nursing License
Registered nurses (RNs) deliver and coordinate patient care, inform the public about various health issues, they additionally offer patients’ families emotional support and advice.
Since being an RN requires either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you are able to start working in the industry considerably sooner than in other medical specialties.
2. Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
Education requirement: A nursing associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree (respectively, an ADN, BSN, or MSN), with many companies preferring a BSN or MSN
Job growth: 19%
Yearly salary: $80,300 (2022)
Suitable certifications: Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
The fundamental distinction between critical care nurses and registered nurses is that unlike RN’s a critical care nurse has received specialized training for emergency situations. In challenging circumstances, a critical care nurse is counted on monitoring life support systems while tending to significant wounds.
3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Education requirement: Master’s degree (MSN), RN license, as well as one year of experience in an acute care setting (It’s important to note that CRNAs will be required to obtain a doctoral degree by 2025. Examples of such degrees include a Doctorate of Nurse Practice (DNP) or a Doctorate of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). Prior to 2025, students who plan to enroll should be aware of this impending change and how it may impact their ability to compete in the workforce.)
Job growth: 16%
Yearly salary: $203,105 (2022)
Suitable certifications: CRNA Certification
A highly skilled nurse with a focus on aiding with anesthesia during operations is known as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Due to their high demand in surgical settings and extensive training, CRNAs are among the highest-paid nurse specializations in the medical industry.
You must obtain a degree from a graduate-level institution in order to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
4. Cardiac Nurse
Education requirement: A registered nurse license, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in science (RN)
Job growth: 9%
Yearly salary: $88,646 (2022)
Suitable certifications: State Nursing License
A cardiac nurse focuses on cardiology and heart health. These professionals work at a clinic, a hospital or its intensive care unit, a long-term care institution, or in another sort of setting. Furthermore, they typically use medical equipment, assist with procedures, and communicate with patients with acute or chronic diseases, including cardiac arrest and heart failure.
5. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Education requirement: a postsecondary non-degree award, such as a nursing certificate, frequently available in technical schools and community colleges.
Job growth: 9%
Yearly salary: $48,070 (2021)
Suitable certifications: Such as Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification and Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) certification
As an LPN, duties include giving patients basic care and treatment, monitoring and documenting patients, going over care plans with patients, responding to their inquiries, besides, enabling communication between patients and medical experts.
6. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Education requirement: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, typically with a track for clinical nurse specialists required
Job growth: 15%
Yearly salary: $114,124 (2022)
Suitable certifications: N/A
A type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care by collaborating with other nurses also with personnel to enhance the standard of care a patient receives. For this reason, they frequently hold leadership positions and instruct other nursing staff members.
7. Emergency Room (ER) Registered Nurse
Education requirement: a registered nurse license (RN), an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in science
Job growth: 16%
Yearly salary: $75,900 (2022)
Suitable certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
For instance, following a careful assessment and patient stabilization, an ER nurse works with their team to complete a variety of responsibilities. By studying a patient’s medical records, an ER nurse identifies how to administer medication appropriately, then react to minor injuries or illnesses.
8. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Education requirement: Registered Nursing License (RN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree (MSN)
Job growth: 16%
Yearly salary: $123,780 (2021)
Suitable certifications: 500 clinical hours under faculty supervision
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a nurse who specializes in providing general primary healthcare to patients of all ages. A family nurse practitioner’s include typical responsibilities such as identifying and treating illnesses, performing physical exams, ordering diagnostic tests, and writing prescriptions.
9. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Education requirement: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree (MSN) or higher
Job growth: 19 – 26%
Yearly salary: $102,817 (2022)
Suitable certifications: Geriatric Nursing certification
AGNPs focus on providing treatment for older adults with unique health needs and challenges related to aging, such as reduction of bone density and susceptibility to fractures. Moreover, the day-to-day duties involve assisting patients with tasks (such as bathing or dressing), monitoring vital signs, and administering medication.
10. Mental Health Nurse
Education requirements: Registered Nursing License (RN) and master’s degree
Job growth: 31%
Yearly salary: $68,180 (2022)
Suitable certifications: N/A
In this kind of nursing position, typical responsibilities include evaluating patients’ mental health, recommending treatments, in addition to collaborating with behavioral health professionals to create appropriate individualized care plans.
11. Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Education requirements: a registered nurse license (RN), an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in science
Job growth: 16%
Yearly salary: $102,602 (2022)
Suitable certifications: Certified Nurse First Assistant (CNFA) certification and CNOR
A perioperative nurse, also referred to as a surgical nurse or an operating room nurse, concentrates on providing patients with pre-and post-operative care. Therefore, in order to control and maintain a patient’s bleeding, they set up a surgical area, manage the tools for operations, and use bandages.
Evidently, there are many great and rewarding nursing specialties for you out there. Surely, there’s no reason to wait to start a brand-new, lucrative job. Explore further nursing employment opportunities with us!
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