The nursing field is growing rapidly today, and there are so many different specialties that you can pick from. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to nursing. How can you choose what nursing field is right for you?
We’ve narrowed down the fastest-growing career opportunities in this article. These jobs are high in demand, so you’re much more likely to find a long-lasting career with them. Here’s what you need to know!
1. Registered Nurse (or RN)
Photo by MedicAlert UK on Unsplash
First, the registered nurse profession will see a lot of growth. Experts expect the field to have a job growth rate of 15% in the coming years.
These RNs make up a large portion of the expected career growth in the medical field since the American population is aging. Older people require more care, leading to a higher demand for nurses.
This growth provides limitless job opportunities and makes the career a great choice for those entering the job market. Since it’s so in demand now, RNs experience higher salaries and faster growth in their selected career.
Overall, now’s the time to become a registered nurse! This career is growing rapidly in nursing, making it perfect for your professional growth.
2. Labor and Delivery Nurse
Next, the labor and delivery nurse field is growing quickly. It has an expected growth rate of 9% and is essential for women’s health. Plus, the labor and delivery nurse salary is high, with most earnings between $69,000 and about $86,000. However, there’s always the potential to make more than that!
Also, labor and nursing jobs are always in demand since pregnant women will always require care. You’ll even have your choice of where to work, whether at a hospital, clinic, or specialized birthing center.
In short, this is the job for you if you’re passionate about teaching and providing mothers with essential care. It’s a rapidly growing field, so you’ll also receive plenty of benefits as you progress professionally.
3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (or CRNA)
Next, the CRNA field will grow quickly as well. This profession involves nurses specializing in anesthesia before and during surgery. It’s also very in demand and will see a growth rate of 16% in the coming years.
CRNAs are even some of the highest-paid nurses there are. The job requires a lot of training and certification. Still, the salary makes it well worth the effort and dedication you need.
Overall, CRNAs are very valuable in the medical field. You’re sure to have your pick of jobs when you graduate college with a specialization as an anesthetist.
4. Cardiology Nurse
Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash
There’s a high demand for more cardiac nurses in the United States. These professionals specialize in heart health and can even assist with surgical procedures, including bypasses. Cardiac nurses are responsible for developing heart treatment plans as well.
The expected job growth for cardiac nurses is 16% since heart conditions and diseases are the leading cause of death in the U.S. There’s a substantial requirement for experts with a great understanding of heart health.
Lastly, these nurses make high salaries as well. And, since the job is so in demand, you’ll receive competitive pay options.
5. Emergency Room Nurse
Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash
The emergency room nurse position is growing quickly as well. The field should see a 16% increase in the coming years, with the job having many open positions. If you want to become an ER nurse, you’ll likely have no issues finding work fast.
As an ER nurse, you’ll need to evaluate patients and stabilize their conditions quickly. It’s a stressful job, but many nurses in the field feel the pay is worth it. Plus, you’ll be on the front lines saving lives, so the work is very rewarding.
Overall, there will always be a high demand for ER professionals because accidents can happen anytime and without warning. Your emergency patients will rely on you to help in those cases.
6. Geriatric Nursing
Geriatric nursing will see some of the highest, fastest growth in coming years at an expected 19 to 26% increase. With the population aging, there’s a higher demand for nurses to care for the elderly. Geriatric nurses specialize in treating older people and improving their life quality.
Geriatric nurses can have a wide salary range depending on where they work. In the U.S., the average geriatric nurse makes about $110,000, although they can make a lot more or less. Some can make as little as $20,000, while others make as much as $560,000! You can increase your salary by earning more certificates and experience to showcase your expertise to employers.
So, you’ll notice a great increase in demand for geriatric nursing in the future. Our population is aging, with adults over 85 quadrupling in number by 2040.
7. Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse
You’ll want to consider becoming a psychiatric nurse if you want to assist people with their mental and emotional health. This field should grow by 31%, making it the fastest growing nursing job on this list.
This career is in high demand, especially in underserved locations where there’s a need for more reliable mental health professionals. You’ll have your choice of where to work and can take pride in knowing you’re providing a difference in people’s lives.
Psychiatric nurses earn a median salary of about $107,000 and can work as primary care providers. This career has many benefits, and you’ll have endless opportunities if this is your chosen field.
All Nursing Fields are Growing
No matter what nursing field you decide to enter, you can be confident that the field is growing. These medical jobs are high in demand and pay well, making them the perfect career for many people. With an aging population and today’s health concerns, many practices constantly look for new nurses to add to their teams.
To summarize, there are many fast-growing career opportunities in various nursing fields. You’ll want to consider your interests and specialties before choosing a focus for your nursing career.