30 Types of Nurses Employers are Hiring Right Now
Nursing is a popular choice for those wishing to enter the medical field with flexibility for schooling, salary, and work environment.
Nursing is a popular choice for those wishing to enter the medical field with flexibility for schooling, salary, and work environment.
Many aspiring nurses search for the best nursing jobs based on their unique interests, level of training, and expertise. As nurses continue to be in high-demand, you can prepare now for a role that’s perfect for your individual skills and passions.
In addition to offering definitions about each type of nursing role, this guide will showcase the existing data and hiring projections for different specialities. This data will help you form realistic expectations while developing a life-changing career in nursing.
Employment and medical data from 2019 illustrate a shortage in qualified nursing professionals. As a result, nursing students have the opportunity to explore many fulfilling roles that come with high-quality benefits and lucrative salaries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 9 percent through 2030, which is much higher than most careers. Additionally, the number of available nursing jobs in 2020 was over 3 million, with the median salary of a full-time nurse being $75,330, an increase overall from previous years.
Data for the following section was compiled from sources like the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional nursing organizations, and accredited schools and universities.
The following list includes the most in-demand nursing positions available, along with salary information, job growth projections, and more. What’s important is that you choose the career that speaks to your unique interests and fits your desired level of education.
A Registered Nurse (RN) is one of the most widely-recognized types of nurses.
There are several educational pathways to this role, including a minimum of a diploma in nursing, or an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, but more and more employers are requiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
These programs include classroom and practical training. RNs can serve in medical offices, hospitals, care facilities, and in many other locations.
Additionally, candidates must register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become certified.
This is the standardized test in all 50 states, and those seeking to become a RN must successfully pass.
The NCLEX-RN test is graded on a Pass/Fail scale. A score of 0.00 logits is required to pass the exam. A logit is a unit of measurement used to report relative differences between item difficulty and candidate ability.
Credential Requirements: RN license + NCLEX-RN passed test
Relevant Certifications: Not required, based on speciality fields
Expected Job Growth: Faster than average
Salary Range: Varies locally, median average $36/hour, and up to $75,330/year
A cardiac care nurse typically has an advanced degree and works with patients who have heart conditions or disease. These nurses can combine continuing education credits and/or work experience to receive the Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification to advance in their speciality.
Eligibility Requirements: RN license plus work experience
Relevant Certifications: Board certification in cardiac care available
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally, median average salary is $70,000/year
Critical Care Nurses provide intervention and support to some of the most sick or unstable patients. In a hospital setting, these nurses often work in the ICU and must have RN certification as well as an Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Additionally, candidates are required to be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Although not required, it is also recommended to have 1-2 years of nursing experience before working as a Critical Care Nurse. Salaries vary based on state and hospital system.
Education Requirements: Associate OR Bachelor Degree in Nursing
Credential Requirements: RN license plus Pediatric Advanced Life Support and/or Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Recommended: 1-2 years nursing experience
Relevant Certifications: State licensure
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $69,300/year- $91,600/year, Median salary of $79,100/year
A CNS is an advanced role with leadership responsibilities. Clinical Nurse Specialists are considered Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) because of their graduate level education credentials.
CNS’s specialize in a specific area of focus. These areas of specialization include: patient population, medical setting, type of disease, type of patient care needed, and type of patient problem.
If you are a CNS, you might oversee specific care systems to suggest improvements and professional insight. A CNS might also provide expert-level knowledge on a given medical issue.
It is important to note that CNSs have varying powers and recognition in different states. A full breakdown of the scope of practice for CNSs can be found here.
Education Requirements: Master’s Degree in Nursing
Credential Requirements: RN license plus 500 supervised clinical hours in specialization area
Expected Job Growth: 26% projected
Relevant Certifications: Completed clinical hours required
Salary Range: Varies locally between $100,388/year- $121,608/year, Median salary of $111,021/year
A CRNA aids in the anesthesia process before surgical procedures. Regardless of practice setting, a CRNA administers anesthesia in all rural hospitals, as well as to the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Due to extensive training and certification, this role is reported to be one of the most lucrative in nursing.
Education Requirements: Master’s or Doctoral (based on hospital and location)
Certification Requirements: RN licensure as prerequisite, NBCRNA certification
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $177,219/year- $210,397/year, Median salary of $192,850/year
A FNP must obtain a higher degree and specialized training in order to serve patients in a family practice setting. If you enjoy working with both children and adults, this category provides flexibility in the type of patients and medical issues you treat.
Education Requirements: MSN
Relevant Certifications: RN licensure plus AANP or ANCC certification
Expected Job Growth: Projected to grow 19% above average
Salary Range: Varies locally between $106,070/year- $124,190/year, Median salary of $114,310/year
ER nurses work in the Emergency Room at most major hospitals. While some two-year ADN degrees are accepted, many positions require a BSN. Due to the intense nature of an ER setting, these nurses should be able to handle unexpected problems while remaining calm, practical, and direct.
Education Requirements: ADN to BSN
Relevant Certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) available
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $70,189/year- $87,290/year, Median salary of $78,598/year
A geriatric nurse treats elderly patients. Aging patients may have a variety of medical needs, which can include administering routine medications or providing more acute care for disease.
Education Requirements: RN Licensure
Additional Certifications: RN-BC
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $66,163/year- $84,468/year, Median salary of $73,054/year
A public health nurse works in a community (federal, state, or community level) to provide insight, education, and large-scale medical decisions.
If you are passionate about promoting community wellness, this role could offer substantial personal challenges and growth opportunities.
Education Requirements: M.S. in speciality area
Relevant Certifications: Available for renewal every 5 years via American Nurses Credentialing Center
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $56,359/year- $74,688/year, Median salary of $65,129/year
Traveling nurses help hospitals fill the gaps in short-term staffing. Travel nurses often go where their specialized skills are most needed, and many choose this route to broaden their connections or advance their career.
Nurse.org also reported that travel nurses on COVID crisis contracts are earning up to $10,000/week.
Education Requirements: ADN or BSN
Relevant Certifications: State licensure
Expected Job Growth: Continued growth
Salary Range: Varies per each state, average of $3,000/week, up to $100,000/year
Many large hospitals prefer that orthopedic nurses hold at least a BSN in order to meet the demands of addressing problems related to bones, the musculoskeletal system, and chronic conditions. Orthopedic nurses assist with diagnosis, casting, and surgeries.
Education Requirements: Diploma, ADN, or BSN
Relevant Certifications: Available through the Orthopedic Nursing Certification Board
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase alongside RN job demand
Salary Range: Varies locally between $109,100/year- $124,100/year, Median salary of $116,800/year
While there are different types of nurse practitioners. In this role, you’ll help with basic medical care in long-term facilities or hospitals. An LPN gets hands-on experience collecting samples, taking vitals, and performing routine care.
Education Requirements: LPN diploma, completed training program
Relevant Certifications: Voluntary through professional associations
Expected Job Growth: Needs are expected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $56,359/year- $74,688/year, Median salary of $65,129/year
A NP is licensed for specialized care in a specific setting such as family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, etc. Because of an increasing need for primary care doctors, NPs can fill a unique role and meet a growing demand. NPs treat the whole person through holistic medical diagnosis, advice, and care.
Education Requirements: MSN
Relevant Certifications: RN licensure plus certification as an NP
Expected Job Growth: Projected to grow 19% above average
Salary Range: Varies locally between $106,070/year- $124,181/year, Median salary of $114,308/year
An ICU Registered Nurse (RN) works with the most urgent or critical cases in a hospital. This may involve assisting in emergency surgeries, life-saving interventions, and patient monitoring.
Education Requirements: Minimum of ADN
Relevant Certifications: State licensure
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $70,500/year- $85,000/year, Median salary of $78,200/year
Often referred to as “Med-Surg,” these nurses can fulfill a number of different roles and responsibilities within a hospital environment. Most nurses in this role help treat a wide variety of conditions and ailments, which makes it a great way to discover a speciality or niche.
Education Requirements: Varies–certificate, ADN, BSN
Relevant Certifications: Optional Medical-Surgical Nursing Certificate
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $90,003/year- $110,823/year, Median salary of $99,480/year
Oncology nurses assist in the treatment and care of cancer patients. Both the career outlook and average salary level are very promising, but this particular field can be challenging physically and emotionally. Oncology nurses have high interaction with patients and families.
Education Requirements: RN Licensure, Minimum of ADN
Relevant Certifications: Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), various pediatric certificates
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase alongside RNs
Salary Range: Varies locally between $70,300/year- $88,000/year, Median salary of $78,700/year
Operating Room (OR) nurses help manage surgical procedures. Additional training may be required to prepare for emergencies, sterilization, discharge methods, and other interventions.
Education Requirements: ADN, or BSN preferred
Relevant Certifications: State licensure plus individual certifications found here
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase alongside RNs
Salary Range: Varies locally between $72,440/year- $89,250/year, Median salary of $80,730/year
As a nursing administrator, you’ll likely have several years of experience and advanced educational training. Administrators provide leadership and management to a team of nurses.
Education Requirements: BSN required, MSN highly recommended
Relevant Certifications: Optional administration certifications
Expected Job Growth: Projected 18% increase for nurse service managers
Salary Range: Varies locally between $86,677/year- $106,273/year, Median salary of $95,876/year
The demand for home health nurses is continuously growing, which makes this a great option if you prefer travel, variety, being mobile, and/or treating patients in their homes.
Patients who require home health care could be suffering from a terminal illness, disabled, or recovering from a surgical procedure.
Home Health Nurses have the opportunity to work one-on-one with their patients and develop a more personal relationship with those they serve. Pay ranges vary based on experience, training, and company.
Education Requirements: LPN or LVN, at minimum
Relevant Certifications: State licensure
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $71,711/year- $90,983/year, Median salary of $79,580/year
A post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse serves in the post-anesthesia care unit to help patients recover from surgeries and outpatient procedures. These nurses are specially trained to deal with side effects, unexpected events, and emergency situations.
Credential Requirements: RN Licensure plus 1,200 hours of direct perianesthesia clinical experience
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase alongside RNs
Salary Range: Varies locally between $80,700/year- $101,200/year, Median salary of $90,000/year
Nurse midwives specialize in maternity care and childbirth. Most midwives hold advanced degrees and certifications, and they may work independently or at major hospitals depending on the rules of practice. This role offers women an alternative to a traditional OB-GYN experience.
Education Requirements: MSN or higher
Relevant Certifications: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Expected Job Growth: 21% projected increase for all nurse midwives
Salary Range: Varies locally between $105,413/year- $129,952/year, Median salary of $114,642/year
As mentioned above, a CNS specializes in large-scale health settings. For psychiatry, a CNS may have advanced training with anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional or mental illnesses. With a growing need for mental health care, a CNS provides expert-level guidance.
Education Requirements: MSN or higher
Relevant Certifications: 2 years of practice as a full-time registered nurse, 2000 hours clinical practice in psychiatric nurse-mental health nursing within 3 years, and 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric mental-health nursing within 3 years
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase with CNS roles
Salary Range: Varies locally between $102,499/year- $144,500/year, Median salary of $115,056/year
A nursing aide or assistant typically helps with duties like dressing, grooming, eating, and exercising. This job role requires a more basic level of education, and many nurses begin their careers at this level while pursuing additional advanced training.
Education Requirements: Diploma or training program at minimum
Relevant Certifications: Dependent on state requirements
Expected Job Growth: Projected increase, although not as high as other nursing fields
Salary Range: Varies locally between $30,533/year- $36,991/year, Median salary of $33,501/year
With an increase in mental health services, this nursing category is promising for those who want to serve patients suffering from mental health issues. These nurses may need advanced training in areas like suicide prevention, psychiatric diagnoses, and medication.
Education Requirements: Licensure minimum or Advanced degree in Psychiatric NP
Relevant Certifications: 2 years of practice as a full-time registered nurse, 2000 hours clinical practice in psychiatric nurse-mental health nursing within 3 years, and 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric mental-health nursing within 3 years plus Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (Optional)
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase alongside RNs
Salary Range: Varies locally between $51,682/year- $68,657/year, Median salary of $61,736/year
A Nurse Manager is a supervisor for the nursing staff at a hospital or facility. This role requires knowledge and advanced training for case management, budgeting, recruitment, and other organizational responsibilities. As such, Nurse Managers often have higher salary levels.
Education Requirements: BSN to MSN
Relevant Certifications: Optional continuing education opportunities
Expected Job Growth: Projected increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $67,000/year- $119,000/year, Median salary of $88,089/year
NICU nurses provide around-the-clock care to premature or at-risk newborns. This requires at least a BSN, additional training, and knowledge of hospital protocols. There are several professional associations for NICU nurses to join in order to grow in their professional knowledge and sense of community.
Education Requirements: ADN to MSN, or BSN plus RN licensure
Relevant Certifications: Neonatal Resuscitation and/or Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certifications plus optional neonatal training available
Expected Job Growth: Expected to increase in hospital settings
Salary Range: Varies locally between $83,000/year- $115,000/year, Median salary of $101,727/year
A cardiovascular nurse often works alongside a certified cardiologist to provide care and testing for patients with heart disease. The salary range falls in line with other nursing roles, with some opportunities for higher pay and advancement depending on location and physician.
Education Requirements: RN licensure at minimum, BSN is recommended
Relevant Certifications: Board certification in cardiac care
Expected Job Growth: Projected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $67,674/year- $76,750/year, Median salary of $71,933/year
A medical imaging or radiology nurse is specially trained to assist with diagnostic testing and imaging procedures for patients. Common diagnostic testing procedures include MRIs, ultrasounds, CT Scans, and x-rays.
Some radiology nurses also administer radiation treatment, but additional certification and credentials are required.
The difference between a radiology nurse and a radiology technician comes down to imaging, as that is the only thing radiology technicians are licensed to do. The role of a radiology nurse is usually beyond that of a radiology technician, who may have less general medical training.
Education Requirements: ADN to MSN, depending on level of role
Relevant Certifications: State licensure plus ARIN licensure
Expected Job Growth: Expected to increase
Salary Range: Varies locally between $62,500/year- $103,000/year, Median salary of $81,942/year
School nurses are employed to help school-age children during the course of the normal academic year. They may provide quick diagnoses, health screenings for sports, or basic care for wounds and injuries. Education requirements vary by state.
Education Requirements: Minimum BSN
Relevant Certifications: Clinical experience, may vary by school district
Expected Job Growth: Projected increase alongside RNs
Salary Range: Varies locally between $41,916/year- $66,243/year, Median salary of $52,465/year
Nurse educators may be current or retired nurses who help teach the next cohort of students about nursing and medicine. Most positions require advanced training and graduate degrees.
Education Requirements: MSN, or upper-level degree
Relevant Certifications: Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl)
Expected Job Growth: Expected to grow, dependent on location
Salary Range: Varies locally between $85,619/year- $114,352/year, Median salary of $102,483/year
With the above list in mind, we hope that you understand the extent to which nurses can use their knowledge to meet a variety of needs.
It’s important to choose a nursing role that not only aligns with your strengths, but that also allows you to resonate with the work you perform daily.
For more information on how to jump start your nursing career this year, explore Labouré College of Healthcare's Nursing Programs.
Request more information today to take the first steps toward a rewarding nursing career!
Nursing is a popular choice for those wishing to enter the medical field with flexibility for schooling, salary, and work environment.
Laboure College shares some fast facts about nursing including salary expectation, common nursing job titles, what nurses do during a shift, and more.
Laboure College shares some fast facts about nursing including salary expectation, common nursing job titles, what nurses do during a shift, and more.
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