Before you can decide which nursing certificate, diploma or degree to pursue, it’s important know what the educational requirements are for each different nursing career path.
Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the most popular nursing fields and career specialties. To learn more about a specific nursing career just click on the title in the left hand column. Directly to the right of each nursing career we’ve listed the minimum education requirements for entry-level nurse positions.
Please note that the education and licensing requirements for different nursing careers may vary by state – so you’ll want to check with your state nursing board before deciding on a particular nursing program.
| Nursing Career | Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | BSN, MSN and CNS Certificate |
| Critical-care Nurse | ADN or BSN (Preferred), CCRN Certificate |
| Emergency Nurse | Diploma, ADN or BSN (Preferred) |
| Hospice/Palliative Care Nurse | ADN or BSN (Preferred), Palliative Care Training |
| Labor & Delivery Staff Nurse | Diploma, ADN or BSN (Preferred), Neonatal Training |
| Neonatal Nurse | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Nephrology Nurse | ADN or BSN, MSN (Preferred) |
| Nurse Anesthetist | BSN, MSN in Nurse Anesthesia |
| Nurse Educator | BSN, MSN (Preferred) |
| Nurse Executive | BSN, MSN, Doctorate (Preferred) |
| Nurse Midwife | BSN and CNM Graduate Program |
| Nurse Practitioner | BSN, MSN, Doctorate (DNP) Preferred |
| Nurse Researcher | BSN, MSN, Ph.D. |
| Occupational Health Nurse | ADN or BSN |
| Oncology Nurse | ADN or BSN, MSN with Oncology Specialization |
| Orthopaedic Nurse | Diploma, ADN or BSN (Preferred) and ONCB Certification |
| Pediatric Nurse | Diploma, ADN or BSN |
| Perioperative (O.R.) Nurse | ADN or BSN |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse | BSN and MSN |
| Public Health Nurse | ADN or BSN (Preferred) |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Diploma, ADN or BSN |
| School Nurse | BSN and School Nurse Certificate |
| Staff Nurse | ADN or BSN |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Diploma |
| Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner | BSN and MSN (WHNP Program) |
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