Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Specialties

Blog Updated on November 11, 2025.

Nursing offers healthcare professionals a wide range of rewarding and impactful career paths. Today’s advanced nursing roles for nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse educators and nurse administrators play a vital part in shaping the future of patient care, healthcare policy and nursing education.

These highly trained nursing specialties go beyond the traditional bedside role, combining clinical expertise, leadership and innovation to improve health outcomes and advance the nursing profession. They can advance into clinical leadership as nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses, or become nursing leaders in other areas.

Whether they’re diagnosing and managing patient conditions, preparing the next generation of nurses or leading healthcare organizations, these nurses share a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based practice. Prospective students should learn about the different types of advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders, as well as the educational pathways to become them.

 

Nurse Practitioner Specialties

NPs may diagnose diseases, prescribe medications and manage treatment for patients. However, many nursing specializations are available for NPs, depending on the patient population they focus on. 

These NP specialties include the following:

• Family Nurse Practitioner: The FNP role focuses on primary care for families, including patients of all ages. 
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: The PMHNP role focuses on the diagnosis and management of patients experiencing mental health issues. Management includes providing therapeutic interventions such as talk therapy, providing crisis care, treating substance abuse disorders, promoting prevention activities and supporting patients and their families experiencing mental health issues. 
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: The AGACNP role focuses on the management of patients 18 years and older who are experiencing life-threatening and unstable medical conditions.
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner: The ENP role focuses on treating injury and illness in patients in hospital emergency rooms. 

Other specialties include the following:

• Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP)
• Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)
• Pediatric primary care nurse practitioner (PPCNP)
• Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner (PACNP)
• Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)

Practice Authority

NPs have different levels of practice authority — the requirement to work under the supervision of a doctor — depending on their state of practice.

NPs have full practice authority in 27 states, while the other states may require collaboration or oversight from a physician for certain aspects of care. Despite this, they still have more authority and autonomy and sometimes higher pay than RNs.

In reduced-practice states, NPs have restrictions on their scope of practice. For example, in Ohio and some other reduced-practice states, NPs maintain collaborative agreements with physicians about prescribing certain medications and other aspects of practice.

 

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nurses must complete at least four steps to start practicing as fully licensed NPs. 

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

As advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), NPs must first enter the nursing profession by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a direct-entry master’s degree in nursing. 

Earning a BSN typically involves four years of combined coursework, including prerequisites for entering the program and clinical rotations. In clinicals, students put their new skills to work in real-life settings.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field such as physics, psychology, biology or chemistry may be eligible for an accelerated second-degree BSN program or a direct-entry master’s degree program. Students enter either program after obtaining a bachelor’s degree and successfully completing prerequisite science courses such as anatomy or physiology. Students complete these programs in 12 to 24 months. After obtaining their degrees, they’re eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure as RNs.

Graduates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may also return to school to earn a BSN and start down the path to becoming an NP.

2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination

After earning a BSN, the next step toward becoming an NP is passing the NCLEX-RN. All states require registered nursing professionals to be licensed to practice. 

The NCLEX-RN tests nursing professionals’ knowledge of nursing best practices, laws and ethics. Questions are designed to test prospective RNs’ ability to think critically about clinical situations and dilemmas that may arise between nurses, patients, families and other healthcare professionals. 

To take the NCLEX-RN, prospective RNs must first contact the nursing regulatory body (commonly referred to as the board of nursing) in their state of practice to receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, they officially become licensed RNs.

3. Enroll in Graduate School

Because NPs must hold an advanced degree, the step after passing the NCLEX-RN and becoming a licensed RN is graduate education. This typically involves enrolling in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a BSN-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) program. Many programs allow students to choose a population focus, such as family, adult-gerontology or psychiatric mental health, so prospective students should think about which patient groups and care settings are the best fit.

Graduate programs usually include advanced coursework in subjects such as health assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Students also complete supervised clinical experiences that build confidence and prepare them for independent decision-making in patient care.

Both the MSN and BSN-DNP paths prepare nurses for advanced practice, but they differ in scope. The MSN generally takes less time and focuses on clinical preparation. The BSN-DNP goes further, adding coursework in leadership, health policy, systems improvement and evidence-based practice. Some nurses complete an MSN first and a DNP later.

Before applying, prospective students should review program accreditation, curriculum expectations, clinical placement support and certification exam pass rates to ensure that the program aligns with their career goals.

4. Pass the National Nurse Practitioner Certification Board Exam

The last step to becoming an NP after successfully earning an MSN or a DNP is to pass a national board certification exam.

Multiple nationally recognized organizations, including AANP and the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), offer certification exams based on the focus of the NP’s role. The individual is only eligible to sit for the exam if their program of study is covered.

• The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exam tests pharmacological, professional and clinical aspects of primary care for prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and older adult patients.
• The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) certification exam tests clinical knowledge of patients 18 years and older.
• The Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) certification exam tests clinical knowledge of emergency specialty care.

After passing the board exam, graduates may apply for NP licensure in their states.NPs must maintain their RN licensure in addition to their APRN licensure.

NPs must periodically renew their certification and state licensure, according to AANP’s overview of NP certifications. This typically involves continuing education credits.

 

Nurse Practitioner Specialty Education Paths

Graduate NP students take part in several classroom and clinical experiences when they pursue an NP degree. NP programs must include the following:

• Advanced pathophysiology
• Advanced health assessment
• Advanced pharmacology

NP specializations allow nurses to focus on their area of interest in patient care. Two popular options are FNP and PMHNP. 

MSN-FNP Pathway

When students enroll in an online FNP program such as Walsh University Online’s MSN-FNP, they take graduate-level courses in a flexible online format, which allows them to continue working as RNs while earning an advanced degree. 

FNP programs help students develop clinical skills in areas such as pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning and care management, focusing on care that covers all family members.

Walsh also offers MSN students the opportunity to add a nurse educator certificate to their degree at no cost, allowing graduates the flexibility to teach nurses after graduation. Some of the benefits that NPs gain from this certificate include the following:

• Specialized training in instructional frameworks, learning environments and student management
• Practical experience applying theory in educational settings
• Increased competitiveness in the NP market 

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Pathway

Similar to psychiatrists, NPs specializing in psychiatric mental health can provide psychosocial treatment to individuals and families, including diagnosing mental health disorders. Depending on the state’s scope of practice regulations, PMHNPs may also prescribe medications. 

The Walsh University Byers School of Nursing offers PMHNP students an interdisciplinary experience with coursework delivered primarily online.

The PMHNP program emphasizes:

• Crisis care
• Psychiatric patient management
• Prevention
• Primary care delivery systems
• Pharmacology
• Treatment for substance use disorders 

 

Nurse Practitioner Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook and average salary for NPs make this profession an attractive option. 

The median annual salary for all NPs was $129,210 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

The BLS projects around 128,400 job openings for NPs between 2024 and 2034 as a result of the need to replace nurses who change professions or retire. 

According to Payscale, FNPs earned a median base salary of about $108,500 per year as of October 2025, and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) earned a median base salary of about $126,140 per year. 

 

Other Top Nursing Specialties: Nurse Educator

Nurse educators are among the top nursing roles in indirect patient care.

Nurse educators have the vital task of teaching and inspiring the next generation of nurses. They earn a stable salary and benefit from a positive forecast for job growth.

Where Do Nurse Educators Work?

Postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers serve in academic and clinical settings. The sectors with the highest levels of employment are:

• Colleges, universities and professional schools
• Junior colleges
• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Technical and trade schools
• Educational support services

What Are the Duties of Nurse Educators?

Nurse educators help individuals in other nursing roles develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide high-quality patient care.

Their responsibilities vary based on their work setting.

Academic Settings

In academia, nurse educators work as instructors, curriculum coordinators and administrators, such as deans.

The responsibilities of nurse instructors include the following:

• Designing, implementing, monitoring and managing curricula
• Delivering evidence-based instruction
• Fostering creativity and innovation in nursing practice
• Conducting and disseminating research
• Serving as mentors and advisors

Clinical Settings

The nature and complexity of health care are constantly evolving. To keep up, the nursing profession relies on continuing education to ensure that nurses maintain the highest level of competency.

In clinical settings, nurse educators plan, implement and measure professional development.

Their responsibilities include the following:

• Promoting professional development and career progression
• Managing professional development programs and initiatives
• Designing and delivering training
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Evaluating the outcomes of training programs
• Identifying opportunities to improve practice through education

Read everything you need to know about what a nurse educator does in a hospital setting here.

What Is the Demand for Nursing Roles in Education?

According to the BLS, the United States has 72,600 postsecondary nursing instructors, but it needs many more. The country is experiencing a critical lack of nursing faculty.

In 2023, nursing programs turned away over 65,000 applicants, according to AACN. Most programs reported having an inadequate number of nurse educators to teach potential students.

Several factors have led to the deficit of nurse educators:

• The average age of nurse educators is increasing, which shortens their careers.
• Approximately one-third of nursing faculty will retire by 2025.
• Graduate programs aren’t producing enough potential nurse educators.

According to the BLS, the result of the shortage will be an additional 15,300 nursing instructor jobs by 2034. Employment for nursing educators is expected to grow by 17% between 2024 and 2034, double the national average.

What Is a Nurse Educator's Salary?

The median annual wage for nursing instructors was $80,780 in 2023, with the top 10% earning $130,320. 

The states with the highest employment levels for postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers in 2023, along with mean salaries, were:

• Texas: $93,750
• California: $94,530
• New York: $102,980
• Florida: $84,740
• Pennsylvania: $85,540

 

Other Top Nursing Specialties: Nurse Administrator

The nurse administrator role is esteemed both within and outside health care.

U.S. News & World Report ranked it the No. 1 job in healthcare support and the No. 7 best job in the country overall.

Nurse administrators have exceptional opportunities to lead and influence patient care. They make an ample living and are currently in high demand.

What Is a Nurse Administrator?

Nurse administrators are often members of the executive team. They serve as leaders, planners and coordinators of nursing and health care, ensuring that health organizations and systems deliver the best patient outcomes.

Nurse administrator job titles include chief nurse executive, nurse manager and nursing director.

Some of these nursing roles blend administrative and clinical duties, while others focus exclusively on administration. However, qualified nurse administrators are proficient in all these areas.

According to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), nurse executives should have competencies in:

• Communication and Relationship Building: Maintaining collaborative relationships, inspiring consensus, valuing diversity, demonstrating community involvement and enhancing nurse education
• Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment: Understanding clinical practice, patient care delivery, health care economics and policy, governance, evidence-based practice, patient safety, performance improvement and risk management
• Leadership: Thinking critically, learning from setbacks and failures, operating at a systems and organization level, planning for succession and managing change
• Professionalism: Demonstrating accountability and ethics, mentoring and advocating for health care and nursing
• Business: Managing finances, human resources, strategy, health information and technology

Where Do Nurse Administrators Work?

Clinical settings are the leading employers of nurse administrators.

In 2024, the settings with the highest employment of medical and health services managers, including nurse administrators, were:

• Hospitals: 29%
• Physicians’ Offices: 14%
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: 9%
• Government: 7%
• Outpatient Care Centers: 7%

What Is the Demand for Nurse Administrators?

As with other top nursing roles, nurse administrators have significant job opportunities.

The BLS projects that the hiring of medical and health services managers will jump by 23% between 2024 and 2034. That’s over seven times faster than the rate for all occupations. By 2034, the sector will add an estimated 142,900 jobs.

The demand for administrative nursing roles is increasing because of the elevated need for healthcare services. Medical facilities are seeking nurse administrators to help manage the growing number of staff and volume of medical information.

What Salary Do Nurse Administrators Earn?

Nurse administrators are well compensated for their work.

For example, medical and health services managers earned a median average salary of $117,960 in 2024, according to the BLS.

However, nurse administrators have the potential to earn much more.

Certification

The salary for administrative nursing roles is notably higher for individuals holding the ANCC Nurse Executive Board Certified (NE-BC) credential. National certification isn’t required for nurse administrators, but some employers require it.

Here are the average salaries for nurse administrators with the ANCC certification in 2025, according to Payscale:

• Nursing Manager: $115,285
• Nursing Supervisor: $122,605
• Nursing Director: $149,597
• Chief Nursing Officer: $187,523
• Director of Patient Care Services: $174,121

Location

These states paid medical and health services managers the highest mean salaries in 2023, according to the BLS:

• New York: $179,160
• District of Columbia: $170,710
• Delaware: $164,190
• New Jersey: $162,430
• Massachusetts: $158,540

 

Launch a Career in One of Many Different Nurse Specialties

Varied nurse specialties leverage advanced education and clinical experience to provide care to patients and families. As nurses with graduate degrees, NPs advocate for their patients and tend to earn more than nurses with only a bachelor’s degree. 

Learn about the various online MSN degree specializations offered by Walsh, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP), Nurse Educator (MSN-NE), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP). These flexible, online programs can be completed in as little as 2 1/2 years while continuing to work. For working RNs who already hold a master’s degree, we also offer Post-Graduate FNP Certificate and Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate programs.

With one of the most affordable tuition rates and assistance in finding preceptors through Walsh’s many local clinical partnerships, there’s no need to put achieving your dreams on hold. Choose your career path and get started today.