Healthcare is a diverse and innovative field with many careers to choose from, and nursing is no exception. With several specialties to study, facilities to work at, and duties to fulfill, various types of nursing are at your fingertips.
That said, when considering a nursing career, it can be difficult to set clear goals without knowing which nursing path aligns with your interests and strengths. Nursing offers a wide range of specializations, from registered nurses (RNs) to certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), each with distinct roles and responsibilities.
In this guide, we’re breaking it all down.
Exploring the Spectrum of Nursing Roles
No matter the branch of nursing you’re interested in, one quality unites them all: helping others. As patient-focused frontline workers, nurses play a pivotal role in influencing patient care outcomes and even survival.
The diverse spectrum of nursing allows individuals to find their niche within the field, all while making a meaningful impact on others' lives. This variety of roles not only enables nurses to pursue their passions but also strengthens the healthcare system by filling critical gaps and improving access to care for all.
How Specialized Nursing Roles Enhance Patient Care
Research shows that specialized nurses significantly improve hospital safety, patient outcomes, and staff organization. That’s because specializations require:
- Advanced training
- Efficient resource allocation
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
As a result, healthcare institutions that rely on specialized nurses improve patient safety thanks to:
- Personalized medication management
- Infection prevention
- Reduced barriers to care
- Lower mortality rates
- Improved medication adherence
- Thorough quality and safety oversight
- Advanced therapeutic methods
Overall, specializations help address health disparities, empower patients, and streamline care.
Categorizing Nursing Roles
There are as many types of nurses as there are branches of healthcare. This includes medical (physical and mental), education, legal, administrative, and even travel nursing.
Take a look at this comprehensive, though not exhaustive, breakdown of different nursing roles.
Registered Nurses (RNs) & their Scope of Practice
If you’ve ever spent time in a hospital, chances are, you were cared for by a Registered Nurse (RN). An RN works alongside doctors in numerous healthcare settings, providing patient-forward care, administering medication, relaying information between staff, patient, and family members, and more.
RNs have the opportunity to become certified in various nursing specialties, unlocking job opportunities in a variety of roles. Specifically, RNs can work in:
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Pediatric clinics
- Schools
- The military
- Nursing homes
- Education
- Public health
An RN becomes licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the official exam for licensing nurses in the United States. While it’s not required, it is increasingly common and useful to first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): Specialties & Responsibilities
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have greater responsibility than RNs, thus requiring them to pursue further graduate education—either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Unlike RNs, APRNs can often diagnose conditions, create treatment plans, and prescribe medications.
APRNs include several different types of nurses:
- CRNPs (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners) – Primary, acute, and speciailty health care via assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to patients of all ages
- CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurses Anesthetists) – Anaesthesia services and pain management care
- CRNMs (Certified Registered Nurse Midwives) – Primary, gynecological, and reproductive health care, including pregnancy, labor and delivery, and family planning
Many APRNs supervise staff or influence healthcare policies through positions of leadership. In some states, APRNs can open their independent practices.
Specialized Nursing Roles: From Pediatric Nurses to Surgical Nurses
Now that you know the varying levels of nursing, it’s time to look at the wonderful world of nursing specializations. No matter your passion, you’re sure to find your calling.
Types of nurses include:
- Pediatric
- Cardiac
- Oncology
- ER
- ICU
- Critical care
- Labor and delivery
- Neonatal
- Geriatric
- Home health
- Mental health
- Public health
- Travel
Each of these roles requires specific education, training, and certification, which brings us to different nursing school opportunities.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs at Jefferson
A BSN is typically a four-year degree obtained at an undergraduate college or university. It is the entry-level undergraduate nursing degree (not to be confused with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) earned at a community college).
BSN degrees set prospective nurses up for success, providing rigorous classroom instruction paired with practical clinical experience. A BSN is highly valued by potential employers and opens new doors for future career growth or further graduate education.
In fact, 45% of nurses entered the workforce with a BSN as of 2022, making it the most common degree for licensing.
Traditional BSN Track
Jefferson’s BSN Traditional Track is designed for undergraduate students who have earned a high school diploma and fulfilled the necessary nursing prerequisites in their first two years of college.
The BSN curriculum is completed in the following four semesters (junior and senior year). Engaging courses include Medication Calculations, Pharmacology, Healthcare Ethics, and Clinical Judgment Applications.
Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) – One-Year & Two-Year Pathways
For students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, have fulfilled the prerequisites, and want to pivot to a career in nursing, we have designed the fast-track two-year or one-year accelerated BSN program.
The one-year pathway involves three semesters of intensive study in which students earn a BSN while also accumulating credits for an MSN. The accelerated two-year BSN provides greater flexibility, allowing students to work at a slower pace and have the summers off. Both Pathway programs prioritize admission to an MSN or DNP degree, where students get a head start thanks to the graduate credits earned during the BSN.
To apply your skills on an international level, you can also participate in an optional global clinical capstone experience at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Advanced Nursing Degrees at Jefferson
A BSN is just the first step in a nursing education journey. To become eligible for more specialized roles, career growth, and leadership opportunities, it is necessary to pursue graduate education.
MSN Specializations in Adult Gerontology, Pediatric Care, Psychiatric Mental Health & More
Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs include hybrid (online/in-person), two- or three-year options.
All MSN students complete the same core curriculum, with different specialty programs to choose from:
- Nursing Education – Academic Nursing
- Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family-Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Transformative Systems Leadership
- Women’s Health – Gender Related Nurse Practitioner
An MSN from Jefferson prepares students for advanced specialties at the forefront of nursing.
DNP Programs with Focus on Nurse Anesthesia, Executive Leadership & Advanced Clinical Practice
A DNP is one of the highest possible education levels in nursing. At Jefferson, our practice-focused DNP prepares today’s nurses and tomorrow’s leaders.
Our accredited DNP programs can be completed part-time or full-time through a hybrid curriculum (online and on campus). Students choose from the following dynamic tracks:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Curriculum
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Curriculum
- Family-Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP PMHNP) Program
- Women’s Health - Gender Related Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
DNP graduates can work in a variety of fields, such as academia, scholarly practice, policy, and government.
PhD in Nursing and Dual Degree Options
A research-based program, our PhD in Nursing prepares nurse scientists to perform scientific research, formulate solutions to healthcare needs, educate nursing students, and promote innovation in nursing. The four-year degree is hybrid, with part-time options available for working professionals.
If your goal is to work in community health, consider the PhD in Nursing/MPH dual degree, a revolutionary program that combines nursing research, social justice, and health equity.
Specialized Certificates & Post-Graduate Options
Reflecting the diverse array of nursing roles, there are many ways to specialize further without going back to school, such as post-bachelor’s or post-graduate certificate programs. These specialized advanced certifications allow nurses to expand their knowledge and skill set in a more affordable, accessible, and flexible way than a degree program.
Advanced Post-Bachelor’s Certificates
After earning a BSN, nurses can sign up for low-credit online certificate courses at Jefferson. Our Academic Nursing and Transformative Systems Leadership certificates can help nurses improve day-to-day duties or serve as a springboard to apply for an MSN.
Post-Graduate Programs
Nurses with an MSN, DNP, or PhD can study a variety of Post-Graduate Certificate Programs in topics such as Advanced Headache Diagnosis & Management and Emergency Nurse Practitioner.
Plus, existing APRNs can choose from six APRN programs to earn 18-credit certificates.
Find Your Path in the Diverse World of Nursing
Entering the nursing field is an exciting opportunity to explore various specialties, acquire new skills, and uncover your true passions within the field. To further improve patient outcomes and healthcare access, pursue a nursing specialty that aligns with your interests and strengths.
At Thomas Jefferson University, we have a nursing program for you, whether you’re just starting college or pursuing an advanced degree.
Apply today, or request information from our admissions team.