- Key Takeaways
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse
- School Nurse
- Dialysis Nurse
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Researcher
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- Advanced Geriatric Care in Nursing
- Pediatric Nurse Specialist Roles
- Telehealth Nursing Best Practices
- Community Health Nursing: Expanded Impact
- Inbound Care Coordination in Chronic Disease Management
- Informatics Nursing for Healthcare Innovation
- Next Steps
- Final Words
We may earn a commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last Updated on June 27, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Specialized nursing is growing: Increasing demand in healthcare is driving more RNs and APRNs to pursue specialized nursing roles for
career growth and impact. - FNPs lead in popularity: Family Nurse Practitioner remains the most pursued specialization, offering broad patient care across all ages and high employment flexibility.
- Online education is vital: Flexible MSN programs allow working nurses to gain certifications without interrupting their professional responsibilities or work schedules.
- High-need specialties are emerging, with roles in dialysis, psychiatric health, and oncology nursing becoming increasingly essential due to the prevalence of aging populations and chronic diseases.
- Non-clinical roles expanding: Nurse researchers and informatics nurses are shaping the future of healthcare through data, technology, and evidence-based improvements.
The world population is rising, and so is the demand for healthcare. This growing need has led many to pursue careers in healthcare, particularly nursing. As the healthcare system expands, it requires registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to specialize in specific areas. These nursing careers offer not only professional growth but also expertise in specific fields. Below are several specialized degrees that can help nurses advance their careers.
Thinking about advancing your nursing career? Discover 9 high-growth nursing specialties that offer better pay, job security, and purpose. Explore your next step in healthcare and find the role that fits you best. #nursingcareersClick To TweetFamily Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) offer comprehensive primary care to individuals across the lifespan. Their duties include diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and promoting wellness. FNPs build long-term relationships with patients, making this role ideal for nurses who value continuity of care. With more than 65% of APRNs certified in this area, FNP is the most popular specialization. Nurses can pursue this through an MSN with an FNP focus or flexible online programs.
This book offers practical guidance and income strategies for nurses and healthcare professionals seeking flexible, remote work opportunities outside traditional clinical settings.
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses care for newborns, especially those born prematurely or with critical health conditions. They monitor vital signs, provide intensive treatment, and support families during high-stress situations. Some neonatal nurses work with infants through discharge, while others manage long-term neonatal care. An RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are generally required to pursue neonatal nursing certification.
School Nurse
School nurses promote student health and manage minor injuries or illnesses on campus. They collaborate with faculty and parents to ensure the physical and mental well-being of students. Responsibilities often include monitoring immunizations, creating care plans, and educating students on healthy habits. Nurses need an RN license and a BSN to obtain certification for this role.
The Exact Roadmap That Will Lead You to a Fulfilling Career in Nursing!
Dialysis Nurse
Dialysis nurses play a critical role in treating patients with kidney failure. They manage dialysis machines, monitor patient reactions, and educate individuals on treatment care. This specialization requires precise technical
- Patient Monitoring: Assess vitals and patient condition before and after treatment.
- Machine Setup: Prepare and calibrate dialysis equipment accurately.
- Health Education: Provide patients with guidance on diet, medications, and care routines.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records to ensure continuity of care.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. They assist with prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum support, and routine gynecological exams. These nurses focus on empowering patients and providing personalized care. An MSN in nurse-midwifery is required to enter this field.
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia during surgeries and monitor patient responses. They assess medical histories to determine the safest anesthesia plan and remain vigilant during procedures. This role requires advanced
This guide, tailored specifically for aspiring pediatric nurses, is your roadmap to success. It ensures you're fully prepared to pass the CPN exam with flying colors.
Nurse Researcher
Nurse researchers improve healthcare by conducting scientific studies on diseases, treatments, and patient outcomes. Their work influences policy, clinical practices, and healthcare innovation.
- Data Collection: Design studies and gather quantitative or qualitative data.
- Clinical Trials: Test new treatments under strict ethical guidelines.
- Literature Review: Analyze existing research to identify gaps and trends.
- Publication: Share findings in peer-reviewed journals to advance nursing knowledge.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Psychiatric mental health nurses diagnose and treat individuals facing mental health challenges. They may work with people suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction, or other psychological disorders. This career requires an RN license and a specialized MSN in psychiatric mental health.
"Unwind and Thrive" is an empowering and comprehensive ebook designed specifically for nurses, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to help you effectively deal with stress and cultivate a sense of well-being in your demanding profession.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses care for patients battling cancer. They administer chemotherapy, manage side effects, and offer emotional support. These professionals play a vital role in patient recovery and quality of life. An RN license and an associate’s degree in nursing are required to pursue this path.
Specialized nursing careers offer rewarding paths for those passionate about health and healing. They empower professionals to focus on meaningful areas of care, enhance their earnings, and improve patient outcomes. Whether through clinical practice or research, nurses have diverse opportunities to advance and specialize in the growing healthcare landscape.
Advanced Geriatric Care in Nursing
As the global population ages, nurses specializing in geriatric care play an increasingly vital role in the healthcare ecosystem. These professionals focus on addressing complex conditions like dementia, arthritis, heart disease, and chronic pain management. With the number of adults over 65 expected to double in the next few decades, geriatric nursing offers meaningful opportunities for those interested in elderly wellness, long-term care strategies, and interdisciplinary
Then CONCISE SUMMARY OF PEDIATRICS is the right book for you. Every page is loaded with high-yield, clinically optimized, and exam-focused information in all areas of Pediatrics and child health.
Pediatric Nurse Specialist Roles
Pediatric nurses certified in specialized areas such as neonatal ICU, pediatric oncology, or pediatric emergency care can make a significant impact on children’s health outcomes. These nurses develop advanced proficiency in growth milestones, developmental disorders, family education, and child‑friendly treatment techniques. With increasing awareness of early childhood development and mental health, pediatric nursing specialists are in high demand across children’s hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health programs that focus on promoting healthy childhood development and fostering critical family engagement.
Telehealth Nursing Best Practices
Telehealth nursing has become essential due to higher demand for virtual care delivery, remote patient management, and digital health literacy. Nurses in telehealth settings must combine strong clinical
Interested in a career as a medical scribe? Want to learn tips and tricks to be a successful scribe? Look no further. Being a medical scribe is one of the best ways to get into a graduate healthcare field, and this book will give you the foundation to scribing.
Community Health Nursing: Expanded Impact
Community health nursing focuses on promoting wellness and preventing health issues across diverse populations, from urban neighborhoods to rural communities. These nurses develop outreach programs that promote vaccination, nutrition education, and disease screening, with a special focus on health equity and cultural competence. Community health nurses partner with schools, local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to implement health fairs, mobile clinics, and support groups that effectively address social determinants of health and foster long-term community resilience.
Inbound Care Coordination in Chronic Disease Management
For nurses managing patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or COPD, coordination of care has become a vital specialization. In this role, nurses oversee the patient journey through multiple touchpoints, including hospital admissions, primary care follow‑ups, and home care services. They track medication adherence, symptom progression, and communication among the care
- Patient monitoring: Regularly assess vital signs and laboratory results to identify any early warning signs or complications.
- Medication coordination: Ensure that prescriptions are filled, dosages are correct, and patients understand their regimen.
- Care
team collaboration : Serve as the liaison between primary physicians, specialists, pharmacists, and therapists to deliver cohesive care. - Education & support: Provide patients and families with resources on disease management, dietary considerations, and lifestyle adjustments.
This book is intended for someone curious to learn more about a career in healthcare, but not certain if it is right for them, or if the industry would be a good fit for them.
Informatics Nursing for Healthcare Innovation
Informatics nursing blends clinical expertise with data analysis and health IT knowledge to improve care delivery, patient safety, and system efficiency. These nurses design electronic health records, analyze clinical data trends, and support telehealth platforms. As health systems embrace digital transformation, informatics nurses lead initiatives to reduce medication errors, optimize documentation workflows, and develop clinical decision support tools. They bridge the gap between frontline nursing and technology, guiding healthcare innovation with professional insight, improving nursing practice, and patient outcomes.
Next Steps
- Evaluate your goals: Identify your interests, strengths, and long-term objectives to choose the nursing specialty that aligns best with your career vision.
- Research program options: Explore accredited online and on-campus programs that offer certifications or degrees tailored to your chosen specialty.
- Connect with professionals: Join nursing forums, attend webinars, or network with professionals to gain firsthand insight into various
nursing career paths. - Update your credentials: Ensure your RN license is current and begin gathering documentation required for admission into specialized programs or certifications.
- Plan your timeline: Map out a realistic schedule for completing educational requirements while balancing current work and personal responsibilities.
Final Words
Specializing in nursing not only enhances your professional
Focuses on the application of information technology (IT) to the field of medicine to improve individual and population healthcare delivery, education and research.
Mark Fiebert is a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
