Nursing Careers & Specialties: What Are My Options? (2025)

Entry Level Nursing Careers

No prior nursing experience? No problem. There are several entry-level nursing career pathways that get you started in the healthcare field. Many of these roles can be utilized as stepping stones toward more advanced nursing careers later on. See all Entry Level Nursing Careers

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants (MAs) complete clinical and administrative duties in medical offices after a short (6-12 month) training program.
Medical Assistant Careers

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs work alongside RNs, LPNs, and the rest of the medical team assisting with clinical duties. This is a great stepping-stone role for those who wish to eventually become nurses.
CNA Careers

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are entry-level nurses who complete one to two years of training. They have more responsibilities than MAs or CNAs, but still work under the direction of an RN and/or physician.
LPN/LVN Careers

Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Careers

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are RNs who have completed a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher in one of the four APRN specialty roles: the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nurse Practitioner (NP). APRNs are high-level nurses who have much more responsibility and autonomy within their roles.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are APRNs who provide specialized comprehensive care, to include preventative care, to patients in a variety of settings. Popular specializations include Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology, Family Care, Neonatal, Pediatric, Psychiatric, and Women’s Health.

Clinical Nurse Midwife

A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is an APRN who specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. They assist with pregnancy, labor, postpartum care, and much more.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an APRN who is a leader in their field. They may specialize in a particular patient population, such as geriatrics, or in an area of care, such as emergency room services. They use their clinical skills to mentor and educate personnel and patients.

Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are APRNs who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients. They may work alongside anesthesiologists or independently.

See All APRN Careers

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