Nursing: Degrees, Specialties, and Resources
What Is Nursing?
Nurses help treat and care for patients, diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide emotional support and comfort.
This challenging career requires a selfless heart and a hardworking disposition. If you feel called to the nursing profession, there are many paths and educational options to get you there.
Nurses work in a variety of settings and roles. Whether you want to become a nurse practitioner in a medical office or a midwife working in a birthing center, many nursing roles boast high growth rates and above-average salaries.
Discover Entry-Level Nursing Roles
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs are healthcare professionals who perform patient-focused supporting duties. They may also assist patients with daily activities, monitor vital signs, note changes in a patient’s condition, and ensure that patients receive proper nutrition and hydration.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs work under physicians and registered nurses (RNs), performing basic medical duties and liaising between patients and their care teams. With experience and additional education, LPNs can advance into higher-level nursing roles.
Find LPN programs near you:
Advance Your Career With a Bridge Program
Bridge programs are designed for established nurses seeking to upskill and advance in their careers. They draw on existing experience and knowledge foundations, with many offering accelerated pathways to help motivated students graduate faster.
Accreditation Matters
Nursing is a state-regulated field, and most states require that you earn your nursing credential from an accredited program to qualify for licensure.
Explore Nursing Specialties
RNs can specialize in dozens of practice areas, such as pediatrics, cardiac care, postoperative care, informatics, and occupational health. You can also become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) — a professional category that includes nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nursing specialists.
Forensic Nursing Schools and Programs
Forensic nursing programs train students in advanced concepts and practice that are specific to the forensic nursing specialty.
Neonatal Nursing Schools and Programs
Neonatal nurses play a critical role in caring for infants who have a variety of conditions, including prematurity, birth defects, surgical problems, infection and cardiac malformations.
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
Are you a registered nurse who wants to specialize, earn more money, or take on leadership roles? Consider becoming a neonatal nurse.
Best Master’s in Pediatric Nursing Programs
Pediatric nursing programs typically include lecture-based classes, which may require multiple-choice and written exams.
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs
Want to become a nurse practitioner? Discover the best nurse practitioner programs to advance your career and boost your earning potential.
Best Online CRNA Programs
CRNAs generally work with surgical teams to administer anesthesia and medications to patients. Check out the top online CRNA programs here.
Apply for Financial Aid for Nursing Education
As a nursing student, you can qualify for various financial aid programs. Government agencies, educational institutions, nursing associations, health networks, and private donors offer scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other opportunities that help remove financial barriers to nursing education.