Overview of Nursing Majors
When one decides to go into the field of nursing, there is usually a specialty he or she is attracted to for various reasons. Some may love the action of emergency nursing, some may prefer caring for children, and some may be drawn to caring and comforting those under the care of oncology. While it's well known that nursing has several types of majors, nurses may not be aware of ways they can specialize in their specialty of choice when declaring nursing as a major.
What Are the Different Levels of Nursing?
Students can select from various types of nursing, and their choice can depend on many factors:
License Practical/Vocational Nursing (LPN/LVN) – This type of nurse is considered an entry-level nurse and requires little to no formal education, though an associate’s degree such as an ADN or ASN can help. They work under the direction of an RN and perform many tasks, such as taking vital signs, collecting assessment data, passing PO and IM injections, and assisting in activities of daily living (i.e. walking, feeding, bathing, etc.).- Registered Nursing – A registered nurse can either select an associate's or bachelor's degree nursing program. The RN is considered the leader of the care team and oversees the overall care of patients including physical, mental, and psychosocial needs. The RN acts as a liaison between the patient and physician, as well as other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) – An APRN can choose from many different fields. APRNs include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. A master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) is required for these roles.
Types of Nursing Majors
Generally speaking, the opportunity to specialize in a particular nursing field happens at the graduate level, though in some rare cases, you might find that some BSN programs offer a specialized route, especially during clinicals. As an APRN or nurse practitioner, however, there are endless possibilities to specialize. These are just a few common nursing majors that you might come across in your search for the perfect MSN or DNP program:
Administrative
- Nursing Administration: Focuses on the management of nursing staff and the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring efficient and effective patient care.
- Nursing Leadership and Management: Prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare, emphasizing strategic planning, decision-making, and team management.
- Health Systems Management: Involves overseeing healthcare systems, focusing on policy, finance, and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
- Nursing Informatics: Combines nursing science with information technology to improve patient care through better data management and analysis.
Related: 8 Specializations for Management-Oriented Nurses
In-Patient/Out-Patient
- Adult Gerontology: Specializes in providing care for adults and elderly patients in acute care settings like hospitals.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Provides care for patients undergoing surgery or dealing with various medical conditions, primarily in hospital settings.
- Pediatric Nursing: Specializes in treating critically ill children in hospital settings, including intensive care units.
- Neonatal Nursing: Provides care for newborns, especially those who are premature or have critical health conditions.
- Critical Care Nursing: Focuses on patients with life-threatening conditions, providing care in intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency rooms.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Specializes in the mental health and well-being of patients, offering psychiatric care in inpatient settings.
- Oncology Nursing: Provides care for cancer patients, focusing on treatment plans, symptom management, and patient support during hospitalization.
- Substance Abuse Nursing: Specializes in the treatment and support of patients dealing with substance use disorders, focusing on rehabilitation, counseling, and helping patients achieve and maintain sobriety.
- School Nursing: Provides healthcare services within educational institutions, focusing on the health and well-being of students.
Alternative
- Holistic and Integrative Nursing: Emphasizes a whole-person approach to care, integrating traditional nursing with alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage.
- Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing: Provides end-of-life care, focusing on comfort, quality of life, and emotional support for patients and their families.
- Public Health Nursing: Involves working on a larger scale to improve the health of communities and populations through education, advocacy, and disease prevention.
- Correctional Nursing: Specializes in providing healthcare services to individuals in correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails.
- Transcultural Nursing: Focuses on providing culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
See a full list of nursing specializations through our comprehensive guide!
Nurse Practitioner Programs
As mentioned, some of the nursing majors listed above are available at the bachelor’s level, but typically, specialization happens at the graduate level. Many nurses who get a graduate degree in nursing such as an MSN or DNP are doing so to get licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or as a nurse practitioner. These types of nurses are almost always specialized in a specific area such as cardiology or neurology and have a much wider scope of practice allowing them to diagnose conditions and even prescribe medication.
Read more about nurse practitioner programs here.
Dual Majors and Minors in Nursing School
As stated earlier, many prospective nurses are drawn to other specialty areas that help complement their nursing degrees. Typically, nursing programs require students to declare "nursing" as a major. However, some students may choose to have a double major. For example, nurses interested in caring for the aging population may select Gerontology as a second major. Those interested in pediatrics can work towards a child development degree.
A double major in social work can complement any field of nursing. The drawback to a double major, unfortunately, is that schooling will take longer to complete, however specializing in multiple areas is almost a guarantee for higher pay, especially if they’re in one of the higher-paying specialties. An alternative to declaring a double major is to minor in certain areas. One can minor in any of the examples above, such as gerontology or child development. The key is to choose a school that offers certain majors or minors that are of interest to the nursing student. It's also important to verify the school's requirements – some schools do not require nursing students to declare a minor. However, those looking to expand their knowledge in different fields to enhance their nursing practice may opt to do so.
Online Nursing Schools
Online nursing schools offer flexible and accessible pathways for individuals aspiring to enter the nursing profession or advance their careers in healthcare. These institutions leverage digital platforms to deliver comprehensive nursing education, including theoretical coursework, practical training, and clinical experiences.
Through interactive virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and simulation technologies, students can engage with course materials, collaborate with peers, and interact with instructors from anywhere with internet access. This format not only accommodates learners’ diverse schedules and commitments but also fosters a dynamic learning environment that encourages active participation and critical thinking. Additionally, online nursing schools often provide personalized support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to empower students to succeed in their educational journey and thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.
