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Nursing Specializations

Congratulation on choosing a nursing career! This is a profession that is slated for phenomenal growth—a 22 percent growth rate in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But job prospects are even better, say experts, for those who have entered nursing specializations. Moreover, the pay rates of specialized nurses should be higher than their non-specialized counterparts.

Becoming a Specialized Nurse

Surprisingly, becoming a specialized nurse does not take much more effort than becoming a general nurse. Most nurses, in fact, become specialized by gaining experience within a particular specialization rather than by obtaining specialized schooling. Although there are many routes to becoming specialized, the following steps are the most common ones:

  1. Become a registered nurse by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the licensing exam to become registered.
  2. Decide on the area of specialization that you would like to pursue.
  3. Seek an entry-level position within a department of that specialty.
  4. Take continuing education courses that focus on that specialty.
  5. Become certified in that specialty. (There are governing bodies that offer certification within most specialties.)

Choosing a Specialization

But how do you choose a specialization? In most cases, your choice will be related to your personal interests. Perhaps there was a particular subject in nursing school that fascinated you. Perhaps you have a natural flair for a certain area of nursing. Perhaps you have a special interest in a certain area of nursing. Pay attention to those areas of interest, because they will lead you to the ideal nursing specialty—for you.

Areas of Specialization

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are four areas of specialization within the nursing profession. A nurse may either:

  • Specialize in a particular setting or treatment
  • Specialize in specific health conditions
  • Specialize in particular organs or body systems
  • Specialize in patient types

Specialties in Setting or Treatment

Although not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of nursing specialties within a particular setting or treatment:

  • Ambulatory Care – Providing care within doctor’s offices and clinics.
  • Critical Care – Providing care in intensive care units, primarily
  • Emergency or trauma care – Providing care in emergency rooms.
  • Hospice – Providing care in the patient’s home or in hospice care settings.

Specialties in Specific Health Conditions

Some of the nursing specialties for specific health conditions include:

  • Oncology – Providing care to cancer patients
  • Genetics – Providing care to those with genetic conditions
  • Diabetes Management – Providing care to those with diabetes
  • Addictions – Providing care to those with alcohol, drug, and other addictions.

Specialties in Particular Organs or Body Systems

Some of the nursing specialties for particular organs or body systems include:

  • Cardiovascular – Providing cardiac care treatments
  • Gastroenterology – Providing care to those with digestive or intestinal ailments
  • Orthopedic – Providing care to those with muscular and skeletal problems
  • Respiratory – Providing care to those with respiratory ailments

These are just a few of the many nursing specialties. By carefully analyzing all of the available specialties, you are sure to find one that will bring you the ultimate in career satisfaction. Good luck!

Top Nursing Schools

  • University of Phoenix

    If you’ve wondered how you can pursue a college education while working or raising a family, you’re not alone. Many University of Phoenix students wondered the same thing, but more than 400,000 alumni are proof that it’s possible.

    We’ve empowered students from all walks of life to take control of their educational goals and earn a degree that works for them, personally and professionally.

    We’re an accredited university offering on-campus and online college degree programs. Choose from our associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, criminal justice, nursing, technology and other in-demand fields.

  • Keiser University eCampus Online

    For over 30 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University eCampus Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for high-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.

  • Brookline College - Nursing

    If you’re looking to continue your nursing education without giving up your passion for helping others, then Brookline College’s Master of Science in Nursing Education program may be the right path for you. The program is specifically designed to prepare you for a role as a nurse educator in a future academic or health care field, focusing on areas of study that include:

    • Health systems and policy
    • Organizational leadership
    • Research applications

  • Grand Canyon University

    If you are driven to pursue a higher standard of success and require flexibility in your schedule to get there, Grand Canyon University, one of the Top 10 Christian colleges, is the right choice for you! GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students, as well as the working professional. With our cutting-edge curriculum, you will gain the real-world experience you need to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Online and campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered through the College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ken Blanchard College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts.

  • Indiana Wesleyan University

    Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed to liberal arts and professional education. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University as “one of the best Master’s universities in the Midwest.”

    Over 3,200 students live and learn in state-of-the-art residence halls and academic facilities on IWU’s residential campus in Marion, Indiana. More than 80 majors are offered, covering everything from Art to Theology and Ministry. An increasing number of honors students on the residential campus has led to the formation of the John Wesley Honors College.

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