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) |
