40 Types of Nurses the World Needs Right Now

There are many types of nurses and nurse specializations possible, which is why nursing will always be such a promising profession. Not all nurses need high level degrees however, there are lots of options the further you progress with your education.

You’re reading one of our “Nursing Career Guide” articles. Need to practice for your upcoming exam? Take our free NCLEX practice test -- no registration required! ✨

In this article, we will guide you through all the types of nurse certifications and specializations based on education level.

• Associate and entry-level certifications
• Bachelor-level nurses
• Master-level nurses
• Terminal/Doctor-level nurses

Associate and Entry Level Certifications

For those interested in becoming a nurse, but don’t have prior experience or a related degree, there are still many educational options available. High school and GED holders have the option to become licensed as a CNA, LPN, or LVN. Attaining an associate-level degree in nursing will earn you an ADN, for example, and with that you can begin preparing for the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed registered nurse. These are all great stepping stones for a long-term career in nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works under the guidance and supervision of RNs or LPNs. They often work in nursing homes and hospitals to help patients on physical, emotional, and personal levels. A CNA helps patients bathe, takes and records their vitals, dresses patient’s wounds, and documents health issues for the nurse. Becoming a CNA does not require a degree, but it does require four to twelve weeks of training to earn your CNA credential.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + CNA certification

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Unlike a CNA who provides the most basic-level care to patients, an LPN does those same duties along with more extensive care. Depending on the state you work in as an LPN there may be certain regulations on the types of duties you are allowed to perform. Becoming an LPN requires you to have a bit more education normally in a state-approved program that lasts between 12 and 18 months, and you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + Diploma in Practical Nursing (DPN)

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

An LVN is essentially the same as an LPN. The only difference is the name and state that you work in. For example, LVN is the title used in Texas and California, while LPN is used in the rest of the United States. No matter which title your state uses, LVNs and LPNs report to RNs and work under their guidance.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + Diploma in Practical Nursing (DPN)

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses oversee CNAs and LVNs/LPNs. Their job duties go much more in-depth to the patient’s care. They perform diagnostics tests, analyze results, determine treatment plans, dress wounds, and provide information to the patient on how to manage their illness or symptoms. An RN must have an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) at the very least, and must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. It is important to mention that having a four-year bachelor’s degree is becoming increasingly required by employers.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + Associate’s Degree up to a Doctorate’s Degree

Meet Sally: Home-Care Nurse

Sally provides health care to her patients under the guidance of their physician.

Sally has a high school diploma and went to a vocational school where she earned her LPN/LVN license.

Her job responsibilities as a home nurse are:

• Addressing wounds, changing dressings, personal grooming and hygiene
• Administering medications and running tests on blood pressure, glucose, urine and stool
• Monitoring patient recovery and compiling reports for the physician
• Educating caregivers and family on the aftercare or ongoing care of the patient

LVN national entry level base pay:

$37,740 / yr

Job locations:

Private, home-health agencies, outpatient facilities and clinics

38% of LVNs and LPNs worked in nursing and residential care facilities in 2019

Bachelor’s Level Nurses (BSN)

If you’re interested in going to a four-year university or are already attending one, getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) will prepare you for taking the NCLEX-RN exam and becoming a registered nurse. RNs with bachelor’s degrees have more job opportunities than those with an associate’s, they are better trained in specialty areas, and they have higher annual salaries. You’ll find some of the types of nurses with an RN title and a bachelor’s degree, below.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing + Pass NCLEX-RN

Meet Hans: Pediatric Nurse

Hans is kind, patient, and great with communicating between children and their parents.

Hans has a bachelor of science degree in nursing and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. He is a certified RN for pediatric care.

Hans’s job responsibilities as a pediatric nurse are:

• Assisting the physician during examination, treatment and procedures
• Monitoring and recording changes in children’s symptoms and intervening in emergency situation
• Evaluating children for signs and symptoms of abuse
• Administering prescribed medication and treatments provided by the physician.

RN national entry level base pay:

$54,000 / yr

Job locations:

State, local and private hospitals and government hospitals

60% of RNs worked in a state, local or private hospital in 2019.

Master’s Level Nurses (MSN)

At the master’s level, a registered nurse has the option to specialize in different practice areas like clinical, administrative or educational. Those who hold an MSN can take on far more advanced responsibilities, taking on many of the roles of a physician. The additional schooling and degree specialities offer nurses a significant salary increase from a BSN.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing + Pass NCLEX-RN + Master’s Degree in Nursing

Types of MSN Degree Focuses

• Public Health
• Nurse Educator
• Nursing Informatics
• Nurse Administrator
• Nurse Executive
• Nurse Researcher

Meet Bianca: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Bianca understands patients’ concerns with going under anesthesia and is extremely compassionate.

Bianca has a Master’s degree focusing on anesthesia. She has completed extensive clinical training, and passed a certification exam approved by the National Boards of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Bianca’s job responsibilities as a nurse anesthetist are:

• Providing the patients with information about their surgery and recovery
• Preparing and administering the appropriate dose of general, local, or regional anesthesia
• Monitoring the patient’s vitals and anesthesia dose during surgery
• Working with other medical staff to develop pain management programs and recovery

CRNA national entry level base pay:

$172,554 / yr

Job locations:

Physicians offices, hospitals, surgical centers, dental offices, and military facilities

47% of CRNAs worked in a physician’s office in 2019.

Terminal/Doctor-Level Nurses

Having a doctorate degree in nursing is the highest level of education in the field. The programs in this curriculum often focus more on the areas of nursing leadership, like systems management, informatics, quality improvement, and data-driven specialties and decision-making.

There are a few variations for nursing professionals seeking to continue their education beyond a master’s degree but it is important to keep in mind that obtaining a doctorate level nursing degree does not make you a physician or a medical doctor.

Education route: High School Diploma or GED + Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing + Pass NCLEX-RN (Optional) + Master’s Degree in Nursing (not always a requirement) + Doctorate Degree in Nursing + Dissertation

Meet Apollo: Nursing Professor

Apollo has a great passion for teaching the generation of nursing professionals. He is also a department chair and oversees his department’s curriculum to give student’s top-notch materials.

Apollo has a PhD degree in nursing. He first earned a BSN and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, then went on to get an MSN before deciding to get a doctorate’s degree.

Apollo’s job responsibilities as a professor are:

• Planning, preparing, revising and grading curriculum and study materials for nursing courses
• Delivering lectures to undergraduate and graduate level nursing students
• Supervising students’ laboratory and clinical performance
• Hiring, supervising and conducting performance reviews of faculty members

DNPs & PhDs national average salary:

$100,000 / yr

Job locations:

Hospitals, medical laboratories, research facilities, public health facilities, or universities

5.6% of professors (postsecondary teachers) worked as nursing instructors in 2019.

Doctor or Nursing Science (DNSc)

A DNSc is a more research-driven, scholarly approach to nursing, much like a PhD. They focus on theory and academic research. Oftentimes, DNSs choose not to work directly with patients because they are interested in conducting innovative research, analyzing medical data, developing new healthcare procedures, and holding leadership positions.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP is considered a terminal degree in nursing. These nurses are highly trained on clinical applications of nursing practices. Their course content focuses on things like statistics, data analysis, leadership skills, advanced clinical skills, diagnostics, and disease treatment. Many DNPs work in leadership and administration roles or they are APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) and work directly with patients.

Nursing Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD in nursing is also considered a terminal degree. These nurses rarely ever work with patients. In fact, many of them pursue careers in research or teaching fields, where they can truly use their education to make an impact in the nursing field through mentoring and theory application.

As a nurse researcher, they do things like identifying research questions, collecting and analyzing scientific data, reporting findings and publishing reports, and training or supervising laboratory staff and other nurses.

As a nurse educator who has chosen to take a faculty position, their responsibilities are things like planning and revising curriculum and study materials, delivering lectures, supervising student’s laboratory and clinical work, and mentoring and advising students on their future in nursing.

Final Thoughts

It is clear to see that there are many options of nurse types and endless opportunities for specializing in what interests you. With so much to consider, it is important to factor in your current level of education when deciding what type of nurse you’d like to pursue. The field of nursing has so much to offer! Get started today by taking practice exams and reviewing our nursing career guide.