Entry-Level to Advanced Nursing Careers

Registered Nurses from entry-level to advanced are proud of their nursing careers and specialties.
Compare the length of education, degree level, license requirement, certification, and salary for over 100 nursing careers and specialties nationwide in the United States of America.

Nursing is a meaningful and rewarding career within the expanding healthcare industry. With over 14 million jobs in the United States, healthcare is the nation's largest employment sector. Among the countless roles in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and long-term care facilities are more than 100 nursing careers and specialties. Our healthcare career guides explain the education requirements, licensing, certification, and average salary for each nursing career path, from entry-level to advanced.

Entry-Level Careers

I'm Just Getting Started in Nursing

Nursing is a highly regulated occupation that requires a license to practice. To become a Nurse, you must complete the state board of nursing licensing requirements before applying for jobs in that state. Among the state nursing license regulations is a minimum education requirement for nursing staff at various levels of care. These entry-level nursing roles are ideal for individuals starting their journey and looking to build long-term healthcare careers.

Nursing Assistant (NA)

Nursing Assistant

  • Education: 6 to 12 weeks
  • Degree: Diploma or Certificate
  • License: CNA
  • Avg Salary: $30,290
Practical Nurse (PN)

Practical Nurse

  • Education: 1 to 1.5 years
  • Degree: Diploma or Certificate
  • License: LPN or LVN
  • Avg Salary: $48,070
Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurse

  • Education: 2 to 4 years
  • Degree: ASN or BSN
  • License: RN
  • Avg Salary: $77,600

Advanced-Level Careers

I'm Already A Registered Nurse

If you're already a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), there are many ways to grow your nursing career, whether through formal education or hands-on experience. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or even a PhD can lead to roles in leadership, advanced clinical practice, or healthcare policy. But graduate school isn't the only path forward. Many nurses advance into supervisory, management, or specialty roles over time through on-the-job experience and professional certification. If you're exploring career changes or looking to specialize without pursuing a higher degree, browse our nursing specialties section further down this page.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Advanced Practice Nurse

  • Education: 6 to 8 years
  • Degree: MSN, DNP, or PhD
  • License: RN and APRN
  • Certification: Varies
  • Avg Salary: $125,000
Clinical Nurse Leader

Clinical Nurse Leader

  • Education: 6 to 7 years
  • Degree: MSN
  • License: RN
  • Certification: CNL
  • Avg Salary: $100,000
Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical Nurse Specialist

  • Education: 6 to 8 years
  • Degree: MSN or DNP
  • License: RN and APRN
  • Certification: CNS-BC
  • Avg Salary: $115,000
Health Policy Nurse

Health Policy Nurse

  • Education: 6 to 8 years
  • Degree: MSN, DNP, or PhD
  • License: RN
  • Certification: Varies
  • Avg Salary: $100,000
Nurse Administrator

Nurse Administrator

  • Education: 6 to 8 years
  • Degree: MSN or DNP
  • License: RN
  • Certification: NE-BC
  • Avg Salary: $110,000
Nurse Midwife

Nurse Midwife

  • Education: 6 to 7 years
  • Degree: MSN or DNP
  • License: RN and CNM
  • Certification: AMCB
  • Avg Salary: $110,000

Nursing Specialties

I Already Have Some Nursing Experience

How many nursing specialties are there? By our count, there are at least 100 nursing specialties, and more are emerging as healthcare evolves. A nursing specialty is often defined by a specific job title, clinical focus, or patient population. Each role differs in setting, required education, license or certification, and daily responsibilities. Nursing specialties span from entry-level positions to advanced practice roles and may require additional training or professional credentials. These nursing specialty career guides outline the education pathways, licensing, certifications, and average salaries associated with each career.

When should I choose a nursing specialty? Becoming a Registered Nurse is often the first major milestone in a nursing career. Some Associate and Bachelor degree programs include opportunities to explore a nursing specialty through elective courses or clinical rotations, while others offer a more general curriculum. Once you begin working in the field, specialty options may become clearer based on your experiences, interests, or staffing needs. With a national nurse turnover rate of around 20%, it's not uncommon for employers to encourage lateral moves into new roles. Pursuing a nursing specialty may also require additional coursework, certification, or on-the-job training, depending on the path you choose.

Last updated: May 17, 2025

Nursing Schools

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