What Is Your Nursing Career Path?

Nursing

What Is Your Nursing Career Path?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Nov 21, 2025

Infographic explaining a nurse’s career path.

Nursing is a broad field that encompasses a range of specializations. Most nurses complete some level of higher education and must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to practice. In 2024, the United States had 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs), but more are always needed.

To learn more, check out the infographic created by The University of Tulsa’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN).

Nursing Programs

Several paths to becoming a nurse are available, including diplomas and degree programs.

Practical Nursing Diploma

A practical nursing diploma prepares nurses for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) through a 1-to-2-year nondegree program. It also emphasizes practical skills and establishes a solid foundation in nursing. The diploma awards no college credits.

Nursing Diploma

Nursing diplomas prepare nurses for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through a 2-to-3-year nondegree program. It consists of clinical studies and coursework but awards no college credits.

Associate Degree in Nursing

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a 2-year program that prepares nurses for the NCLEX-RN and can be completed in 18 months. Although some positions require a 4-year degree, nurses with an ADN are licensed RNs who can work in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year program at a college or university that prepares nurses for the NCLEX-RN. RN to BSN programs allow nurses with an ADN to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2 years. Accelerated programs allow students with a degree in another field to earn a BSN in 1 to 2 years. BSN graduates can pursue advanced degrees.

Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a 1 1/2-to-2-year program that prepares nurses with a BSN (or RNs in an RN to MSN Pathway program) for advanced nursing roles and clinical positions. It allows students to focus on a specialty.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a 3-to-5-year terminal degree program — 2 years with an MSN — that represents the highest level of education nurses can achieve. It focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, policy advocacy, and systems thinking. The program also allows students to choose a specialty to focus their studies and allows graduates to put science-based research into practice.

Certifications

In addition to nursing school programs, nurses can pursue a wide variety of certifications that require further training and allow them to work in specific fields or at higher levels.

Certifications for Licensed Practical Nurses

Certifications for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) include pharmacology, IV therapy, advanced life support, and hospice and palliative care.

Certifications for RNs

Certifications for RNs include medical-surgical nursing, ambulatory care nursing, nurse executive, and psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Nursing Career Paths

After completing a program, passing the NCLEX, and becoming licensed, nurses are allowed to practice. However, many different types of nurses exist.

LPNs

LPNs don’t have a degree, but they’ve passed the NCLEX-PN. Instead of a college degree, they have a high school diploma or have passed an exam demonstrating high school equivalency and must complete a practical nursing program. LPNs can provide basic patient care working under RNs, doctors, and other health care providers. The median annual salary for LPNs was $62,340 in May 2024.

RNs

RNs have completed a diploma or degree program and passed the NCLEX-RN. They may work as general nurses or in specialties such as addiction, cardiology, critical care, neonatal care, and rehabilitation. The median annual salary for RNs was $93,600 as of May 2024.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) hold an advanced degree in nursing and have experience working as RNs. They may become nurse practitioners (NPs). The median annual salary for APRNs was $129,210 in May 2024. Below are some NP specialties.

Pediatrics

Pediatric NPs work in outpatient offices, clinics, hospitals, and medical centers to perform well-child exams, diagnose developmental issues, and manage vaccines and prescriptions.

Family Medicine

Similar to primary care physicians, family medicine NPs care for patients over their lifespans.

Women’s Health

Women’s health NPs specialize in illnesses and conditions unique to women, such as fertility, gynecology, and female risk factors.

Oncology

Oncology NPs help cancer patients manage care, schedule assessments and appointments, and help with chemotherapy and other treatments.

Psychiatry

Psychiatric NPs provide direct assessments and care to patients and prescribe medication for emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric health conditions.

Other Types of APRNs

Nurse Educators

Nurse educators are APRNs with years of clinical experience. Their job is to develop training, work with staff, and help with employee remediation. Often, they travel to receive continuing education and train others. The median annual salary for nurse educators was about $86,300 as of April 2025.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) work with a specific department to improve nursing care and patient satisfaction. They develop new care techniques for their department, as well as analyze patient satisfaction and medical outcomes. The median annual salary for CNSs was about $105,000 as of July 2025.

Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia during surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetric procedures. They also explain risk factors to patients and monitor them during procedures. The median annual salary for nurse anesthetists was $223,210 as of May 2024.

Nurse Midwives

Nurse midwives deliver babies, repair lacerations, and occasionally provide surgical assistance during cesarean sections. They may also act as primary maternity care providers. Nurse midwives may work with patients’ partners regarding sexual or reproductive health issues. The median annual salary for nurse midwives was $128,790 as of May 2024.

Find Your Path

The need for nurses is as high as ever, and those with advanced training and certifications are highly sought after. After completing a nursing program, graduates can pursue further education, certifications, or clinical experience to shape their own rewarding nursing careers.

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, About the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet

American Nurses Association, ADN vs. BSN: Which Is Right for You?

American Nurses Association, Our Certifications

American Nurses Association, The Levels of Nursing Practice

American Nurses Association, What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

Cleveland Clinic, Licensed Practical Nurse

Indeed, LPN Degree: How to Start Your Licensed Practical Nurse Career

Indeed, What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Nursing?

IntelyCare, “10+ Types of Nurse Practitioners: Guide to NP Specialties”

Nursa, “NCLEX PN vs. RN: What Are the Differences?”