Nursing specialties are distinct areas within the profession that focus on specific patient populations, health conditions, skills, and levels of care.

Here are some of the many nursing specialties available: 

• Acute Care Nursing
  
• Military Nurse
  
• Critical Care Nursing
  
• Emergency Nursing
  
• Forensic Nursing
  
• Geriatric Nursing
  
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
  
• Neonatal Nursing
  
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  
• Oncology Nursing
  
• Pediatric Nursing
  
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
  
• Public Health Nursing
  
• Surgical Nursing
  
• Women’s Health Nursing

RN to BSN programs are for those who are already a registered nurse. They provide a swift route for nursing professionals to attain a BSN degree. Some programs award credit for the student’s registered nurse license. Students can advance their nursing knowledge and enhance their professional standing, with some able to graduate in just one year.

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or APRN is a nurse who has obtained at least a master's degree in nursing and has advanced clinical training beyond that of an RN. They can specialize in specific nursing areas, and they have a broader scope of practice than RNs. APRNs can (depending on state laws) prescribe medicine, diagnose conditions, and enact treatment plans.

Yes, a certified nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse can become a registered nurse, but the pathway involves further education and training. For a CNA to become an RN, they typically need to enroll in an accredited nursing program to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN, and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as an RN.

An LPN has a more direct pathway to becoming an RN. They can pursue one of the bridge programs, such as an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN program. These bridge programs are often offered online or at community colleges and are designed to build on the LPN's existing knowledge and skills, often allowing them to complete their degree in a shorter time frame. After completing the program, the LPN must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure.