In-demand nursing specialties with top career growth opportunities

Nursing is more than a job — it’s a fulfilling career with purpose and endless opportunities. As healthcare needs evolve, nurses remain essential, whether in high-pressure ERs or providing personal care for mental health.

The demand for skilled nurses is growing rapidly, with the profession projected to expand 6% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – faster than average job growth. This increase is driven by an aging population, greater access to healthcare and emerging technologies, creating more opportunities for nurses to make a real impact.

If you’re considering nursing, now is the time to explore high-demand specialties. From trauma care to mental health, each offers a chance to grow your career while making a difference. The College of St. Scholastica offers personalized pathways to help you earn your nursing degree in the specialty of your choice. This article will highlight the top nursing careers with the best growth and educational opportunities to help you succeed. Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding, future-proof career?

Earn Your Nursing Degree with St. Scholastica

Reasons for growth in nursing

There are several factors contributing to the growth in nursing. The aging population is one of the main reasons, as older adults often have more complex health needs that require ongoing medical attention. According to the National Center for Health Statistics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65 or older, with one in five Americans reaching retirement age, driving the increased demand for healthcare services.

Additionally, healthcare reforms and the expansion of healthcare access have made it more necessary than ever to have a highly trained nursing workforce.

Essential skills needed in nursing

Success in nursing requires a combination of technical expertise and soft skills, such as critical thinking and compassion. These essential abilities are key to providing quality care and adapting to the ever-changing healthcare environment. Skills include:

• Communication skills: Nurses must effectively communicate with patients, families and other healthcare professionals
• Compassion and empathy: Understanding and addressing patients’ needs with care is fundamental to nursing
• Critical thinking: Nurses must make quick, informed decisions, especially in high-pressure environments like the emergency room
• Attention to detail: Accurate documentation and medication administration require precision
• Physical stamina: Nursing often involves long hours on your feet, assisting patients and handling physical tasks

Nursing roles are in high demand

Nursing roles play an essential part in the healthcare system and demand continues to grow among specialties and in general. For example, specialties such as mental health nursing, critical care and long-term care are seeing rapid growth as healthcare providers strive to meet the needs of a diverse and aging population. Here’s an overview of these high-demand specialties and the qualifications required.

1. Mental health nursing

Mental health nurses work with patients who have mental illnesses, helping to develop care plans, administer medications and provide emotional support. The rise in mental health awareness and the ongoing need for mental health professionals has created a surge in this field.

Types of nurses in this area:

• Psychiatric nurses
  • Degree needed: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), possibly a Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs)
  • Degree needed: Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

2. Long-term care nurses

Long-term care nurses provide care to patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities who need ongoing care. With the aging population, long-term care nurses are in high demand across nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities.

Types of nurses in this area:

• Nurses in nursing homes/assisted living
  • Degree needed: (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN), sometimes requiring specialized training in geriatric care
• Home health nurses
  • Degree needed: (BSN), with some positions requiring certifications in home health care

3. Emergency room (ER) nurses

ER nurses work in fast-paced settings, providing urgent care for a variety of conditions, including trauma, infections and emergencies. As emergency rooms are busy with an increasing number of patients, the demand for experienced ER nurses continues to rise.

Types of nurses in this area:

• Trauma nurses
  • Degree needed: BSN, with additional certifications in trauma nursing (such as TNCC)
• Emergency department nurses
  • Degree needed: BSN, with possible certifications in advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)

4. Medical-surgical nursing

Medical-surgical nurses work with adult patients in a variety of settings, caring for individuals undergoing surgery or dealing with medical conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. It remains one of the most common and in-demand specialties in nursing.

Types of nurses in this area:

• General med-surg nurses
  • Degree needed: BSN or ADN, with ongoing training in various medical and surgical procedures
• Certified medical-surgical nurses (CMSN)
  • Degree needed: BSN, with certification in medical-surgical nursing

High-demand nurses looking to advance their careers can consider earning an RN to BSN degree from St. Scholastica. This program is designed for registered nurses who want to expand their skills, increase their marketability, and take on leadership roles in growing specialties like critical care, mental health and long-term care.

Growing opportunities in nursing

In addition to the specialties mentioned, several emerging types of nurses are experiencing significant growth as healthcare advances and patient needs evolve. Fields like nurse midwifery, travel nursing and critical care are expanding rapidly due to factors such as increased access to healthcare, the rise of telemedicine, and the growing need for flexible and specialized care. These growing opportunities not only offer strong career prospects but also allow nurses to work in dynamic, high-demand roles that make a direct impact on patient care. Considering these types of nurses for your career can provide a pathway to fulfilling, in-demand positions with long-term stability.

1. Nursing midwives

Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) provide prenatal, delivery and postnatal care to mothers and newborns. As more women are seeking personalized care in childbirth, the demand for midwives is growing.

Degree needed:

• MSN or DNP in Nurse Midwifery

2. Travel nursing

Travel nurses are in high demand due to staffing shortages in hospitals across the nation. Travel nursing offers flexibility, competitive salaries and the chance to work in different locations.

Degree needed:

• BSN or ADN, with clinical experience. Some travel nursing agencies may also require a current RN license

3. Critical care nursing

Critical care nurses work with patients who are seriously ill or recovering from surgeries in intensive care units (ICUs). With advancements in technology and an aging population, critical care nursing remains a vital and expanding field.

Degree needed:

• BSN, with certifications like critical care registered nurse (CCRN).

For nurses looking to take their careers even further, pursuing a BS to DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from St. Scholastica can open doors to advanced practice roles in these growing fields. This program prepares nurses for leadership positions, allowing them to provide high-level care and contribute to healthcare innovation in specialties like nurse midwifery, travel nursing and critical care. With a DNP, you’ll gain the expertise and credentials needed to lead, teach and influence change in the nursing profession.

Education pathways in nursing

Choosing the right nursing degree is crucial for accessing these high-demand roles. The College of St. Scholastica offers several nursing programs tailored to various career stages, including:

• CNA program: Become a certified nursing assistant to enter the nursing field quickly and gain hands-on patient care experience
• Veteran to BSN program: Designed specifically for military veterans transitioning to nursing careers
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program: This program prepares students to become RNs and is a standard requirement for many specialized nursing roles
• Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program: For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, this program allows for fast-track entry into the nursing profession
• RN to BSN program: For registered nurses who want to earn a BSN and open doors to advanced practice roles and higher earning potential
• BS to DNP program: The transition from a BSN to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is ideal for those seeking advanced clinical roles and leadership positions
• Post-Graduate DNP program: For nurse practitioners looking to further their education and impact healthcare policy, this degree is essential

Guide to becoming a nurse

How can I advance my nursing career?

You can advance your nursing career by pursuing higher education, such as an RN to BSN, or by specializing in high-demand fields like critical care, mental health or nurse midwifery. For advanced practice roles, consider a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.

What is the difference between an RN to BSN and a BS to DNP program?

An RN to BSN program is for registered nurses with an ADN who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A BS to DNP program is for nurses who already hold a BSN and wish to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice, preparing them for advanced practice roles or leadership positions.

How long does it take to become a nurse?

Becoming an RN typically takes two to four years, depending on whether you pursue an ADN or a BSN. After earning a degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your license.

What skills are needed to be an effective nurse?

Effective nurses need a combination of technical skills, critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Strong communication, attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also essential.

How can I specialize in areas like mental health or critical care nursing?

Specializing in areas like mental health or critical care typically requires gaining experience in the field, earning certifications (such as a critical care registered nurse (CCRN) certification) and pursuing further education to deepen your expertise in these areas.

Is nursing a stable career choice?

Yes, nursing is considered one of the most stable career choices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in registered nurse employment from 2023 to 2033, driven by the aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services.

Can I work as a travel nurse?

Yes, travel nursing is an excellent option for nurses who enjoy flexibility. Travel nurses take on temporary assignments in hospitals or clinics across the country, providing care where there are staffing shortages. Many travel nurses have a BSN or ADN with clinical experience.

What are the benefits of pursuing a nursing degree at The College of St. Scholastica?

St. Scholastica offers personalized nursing pathways, including RN to BSN, BS to DNP and more, to help you specialize in high-demand nursing fields. With a focus on hands-on learning and leadership, CSS prepares students for meaningful careers in nursing.

Explore your nursing career with a nursing degree from St. Scholastica

Nursing offers a variety of exciting careers, each with strong job growth and meaningful opportunities. Whether you’re interested in direct patient care, leadership roles or flexible positions like travel nursing, there’s a specialty for you.

Before choosing a nursing program, consider your goals and the education level needed for your desired specialty. St. Scholastica offers flexible nursing pathways, such as RN to BSN and BS to DNP, to help you gain the skills needed for high-demand roles. With the right program, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in nursing.

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