High-Demand Nursing Specialties: Top Roles with Shortages
Nurses are essential to today’s healthcare systems. However, data show that the U.S. nursing workforce is facing significant shortages that limit providers’ ability to meet patient needs. Labor market projections tell the same story. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand is even more pronounced for advanced practice nurses. BLS data shows that the employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow by 35% during the same period. This growth rate places advanced practice nursing roles among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.
As the demand for nurses grows, employers face increasing pressure to fill positions, resulting in a significant rise in job opportunities for nurses. Keep reading to explore some of the nursing specialties experiencing the greatest demand and learn how you can gain the education and credentials needed for long-term success in healthcare.
What's Driving the Nursing Shortage?
Several factors contribute to shortages in the nursing workforce. The U.S. population is aging, and older adults often require more frequent and complex medical support. As patients live longer with multiple chronic conditions, the need for skilled nursing care continues to rise. Healthcare delivery has also expanded beyond traditional settings. More services are provided through outpatient clinics, home-based care, and specialized treatment centers. Each of these environments requires nurses with specific training and experience. At the same time, many experienced nurses are reaching retirement age, while others are leaving bedside roles due to burnout and workload stress. In some specialties and regions, nurses are leaving faster than new professionals can replace them. Education and training capacity also play a part in nursing shortages. Many nursing programs are unable to accommodate additional students due to limited faculty, classroom space, and clinical placement sites.
H3: Why Shortages Hit Some Nursing Specialties Harder
Some nursing specialties face greater shortages because of differences in patient needs and clinical complexity. Acute care settings like emergency departments and intensive care units often have heavier caseloads and more stressful work environments, which increase turnover and burnout. Barriers to entry can also contribute to specialty nursing shortages. Specialties like geriatric nursing, labor and delivery nursing, and psychiatric nursing often require nurses with specialized training and experience beyond general RN preparation, meaning the pool of eligible candidates is smaller.
Other nursing specialties face shortages because broader workforce gaps in healthcare systems increase reliance on other roles. For example, physician shortages contribute to the high demand for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) because these nurses provide many of the same clinical services. The growing needs of patients and the shift toward outpatient and community care settings further drive the demand for APRNs.
Nursing Roles in High Demand
If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse or advancing in your current nursing career, many nursing roles and practice areas offer strong job opportunities right now. These in-demand roles span both RN and APRN levels. Opportunities can vary based on the type of role you pursue and the setting where you work. Demand also differs by geographic location, with some regions facing greater nursing shortages than others.
Critical Care Nursing
Critical care nurses care for patients with life-threatening conditions who need constant monitoring. They typically work in intensive care units, where patient needs can change quickly and care involves advanced equipment, complex treatments, and rapid decision making.
Hospitals frequently struggle to hire and retain critical care nurses due to the emotional and professional demands of these roles. Research found that many nurses in this field reported wanting to leave their units because of heavy workloads and stressful working conditions. The 2025 NSI National Health Care Retention and RN Staffing Report found that critical care RN turnover rose from 18.3% in 2023 to 19.4% in 2024. That translates to about 19 departures per 100 ICU bedside RN positions in a year.
While the work can be demanding, critical care nurses also enjoy strong job security, high pay, and personal fulfillment. If you’re interested in becoming a critical care nurse, you’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program, earn an RN license, and gain experience in acute care or hospital settings. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certifications such as the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) designation can further strengthen your qualifications and improve your chances of moving into this specialty.
Geriatric Nursing
Geriatric nurses provide care for older adults in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health environments. They focus on managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia, helping patients maintain their quality of life as they age. Census data shows that there are more than 61 million adults over age 65 in the U.S., and this number is steadily increasing. Consequently, there is a significant demand for nurses who can deliver skilled and compassionate care to older adults.
If you’re seeking a nursing career that meets a clear and growing need, geriatric nursing might be ideal. You’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program, obtain an RN license, and gain experience in elder care settings to become a geriatric nurse. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Certifications like the Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC) can further strengthen your qualifications.
Labor and Delivery Nursing
Labor and delivery nurses support patients through childbirth and usually work in hospitals and birthing centers. The demand for labor and delivery nurses is strong because the role requires specialized skills and the ability to manage high-risk situations. According to the 2025 NSI report, nurses in the women’s health specialty, which includes labor and delivery, had a turnover rate of 13.3% in 2024. This level of turnover means that more than 13 out of every 100 labor and delivery–related nursing roles were replaced in a single year, indicating strong job opportunities in the field.
If you want to become a labor and delivery nurse, you will need to obtain an RN license and have experience in a clinical hospital setting. While some entry-level positions may only require an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree is increasingly the standard requirement.
Nurse midwives are also in high demand. These advanced practice registered nurses provide prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. To become a certified nurse midwife, you’ll need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in nurse midwifery, pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam, and obtain state licensure as an APRN.
Nurse Educators
Nurse educators teach and mentor the next generation of nurses in nursing schools and clinical settings. They develop curriculum, lead classroom and clinical instruction, and help prepare nursing students to meet licensure and practice requirements.
Data shows that there are not enough nurse educators to train the next generation of nurses, and this shortage directly fuels the broader nursing shortage. For example, the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing reports that U.S. nursing schools turned away nearly 92,000 qualified applicants in a single year due to inadequate staffing.
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse educator, you’ll need an RN license and clinical experience. Most employers prefer to hire nurses who have a Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education.
Psychiatric Nursing
Psychiatric nurses care for patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Their work often involves assessment, crisis intervention, and patient monitoring. The demand for psychiatric nurses remains high as more people seek mental health services.
Many healthcare facilities, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and residential treatment centers, are experiencing ongoing challenges in staffing these critical roles. The 2025 NSI report indicates that the turnover rate for behavioral health nurses was approximately 23% in 2024, up from just under 21% in 2023. Staffing gaps in psychiatric nursing reduce care quality and highlight the urgent need for more trained professionals in mental health settings.
If you’re interested in helping those with mental health challenges by becoming a psychiatric nurse, you must complete an accredited nursing program, earn an RN license, and gain experience in mental health settings. Some positions only require an associate degree, but most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal nurses specialize in treating and monitoring newborns and often work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Their role requires hands-on management of specialized therapies and exceptional clinical decision-making. The demand for neonatal nurses remains high due to the number of newborns with severe medical conditions, advances in neonatal care, and turnover in the field.
According to the 2025 NSI report, pediatric nurses, a category that includes neonatal care, had a turnover rate of 12.2% in 2024, which is lower than many other specialties but still significant given how difficult these roles are to fill. Even modest turnover in neonatal units can strain staffing because replacing experienced NICU nurses takes time and specialized preparation.
If you’re interested in becoming a neonatal nurse, you’ll need an RN license and clinical experience, often in pediatrics or critical care. Many employers require a BSN, and some neonatal nurses pursue additional certifications or specialized training to work in NICU settings.
Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses care for patients with cancer in hospitals, outpatient infusion centers, and specialty clinics. Their work includes administering treatments, monitoring side effects and symptoms, and helping patients navigate cancer care plans. Cancer is a leading cause of serious illness in the U.S., and the demand for oncology nurses is high. However, the shortage of oncology nurses is only expected to grow. Staffing challenges in oncology settings are common due to the specialized knowledge required and the sustained emotional demands of the role.
If you want to support cancer patients and help meet a critical need for oncology nurses, start by graduating from an accredited nursing program and earning your RN license. Then, gain experience in medical-surgical or acute care settings. Most employers prefer nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and certifications such as the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential.
Home Health Nursing
Home health nurses work with patients in their homes, providing ongoing support, clinical services, and education to help individuals manage health conditions outside of traditional medical facilities. They serve older adults who may face age-related health challenges, individuals managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, and patients who are recovering from surgery or illness. Home health nursing is increasingly important as the population ages, leading to a notable rise in opportunities in the field.
As the demand for home health nursing services continues to grow, so too does the need for qualified home health professionals. To become a home health nurse, candidates must hold a valid RN license and have strong skills in patient assessment, wound care, communication, critical thinking, and time management. While some home health nurse positions only require an associate degree in nursing, many employers prefer candidates with a BSN due to the increased complexity of care and the need for advanced critical thinking skills.
Cardiac Nursing
Heart disease remains one of the most common and life-threatening health challenges in the U.S., and cardiac nurses are central to caring for patients affected by it. Unfortunately, the cardiovascular workforce is facing a growing shortage that is already affecting patient access and care. Only about 3% of RNs specialize in cardiac care, which makes cardiac units especially sensitive to turnover and retirements.
If you’re interested in cardiac nursing, complete an accredited nursing program, obtain RN licensure, and gain experience in clinical settings where cardiac patients are common, such as critical care settings. Most cardiac nurse positions require a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Additional training or certifications can help you move into this area and grow your expertise.
Informatics Nursing
Informatics nurses help healthcare teams use technology and data more effectively. They help implement and optimize tools such as electronic health records, clinical dashboards, and workflow systems to support safer, more efficient care. Demand for informatics professionals is rising as healthcare becomes more data-driven. The BLS projects strong growth for related health information roles at 15% from 2024 to 2034, reflecting the rapid expansion of healthcare organizations' information and operational systems.
If you are interested in becoming an informatics nurse, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an active RN license, and solid clinical experience. Many employers prefer or require candidates to hold a master’s degree in nursing informatics. H2: Advanced Practice Nursing Specialties in Demand
APRNs take on broader clinical responsibilities than RNs, often working as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. Compared with registered nurses, APRNs have more autonomy and are qualified to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and manage treatment within their scope of practice, often serving as primary or specialty care providers.
The demand for APRNs is exceptionally high, with the BLS reporting a 35% employment growth from 2024 to 2034. This demand reflects a combination of provider shortages, rising patient complexity, and broader use of advanced practice roles across healthcare settings. Becoming an APRN requires earning a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Specialty
Every nurse brings different strengths, goals, and personal circumstances to their career, which means there is no single “right” specialty. Each of the in-demand nursing specialties listed above comes with different work environments, patient populations, and job duties. Taking time to consider how a specialty aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals can help you make a more informed decision. When choosing a specialty, consider:
- Education and training requirements: Some nursing roles require additional education or training beyond an RN license.
- Patient population served: Are you interested in working with critically ill patients, children, older adults, or expectant mothers? Do you want to treat the general population?
- Work environment: Consider whether you’d rather work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home-based care, or academic institutions.
- Emotional and physical demands: Some specialties involve higher stress levels, complex cases, or long shifts. Understanding these demands can help you assess whether a role is sustainable in the long term.
- Career growth and mobility: Think about how a specialty supports career advancement, specialization, or transitions into leadership or advanced practice roles. Some paths offer more flexibility than others as your goals evolve.
- Geographic demand: Job opportunities for nurses vary significantly by location. Researching local demand can help you identify where opportunities are strongest.
Nursing Career FAQs
Which Nursing Specialties Have the Highest Salaries?
Nurse salaries can fluctuate significantly based on several factors, including the specific role, geographic location, and employer. Generally, nurses in advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, tend to earn higher salaries compared to RNs due to their specialized skills, increased responsibilities, and advanced education. Additionally, regions with higher costs of living or greater demand for healthcare professionals often offer more competitive salaries.
Can I Switch Nursing Specialties Later in My Career?
Yes, many nurses change specialties at different points in their careers. They often make these transitions by gaining experience in related settings, completing unit-specific training, or earning certifications that support their long-term professional goals. In some cases, nurses return to school for a BSN, MSN, or targeted coursework that can help open doors to new roles.
What Are the Benefits of Earning a BSN over an Associate Degree?
A 2023 report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that 25% of hospitals and other healthcare facilities now require new hires to have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Additionally, 69.8% of employers strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. Earning a bachelor’s degree can significantly expand your job opportunities and increase your employability. This degree can also strengthen your clinical judgment and evidence-based practice skills, open doors to leadership and specialty roles, and create a clearer path to graduate education if you later want to become an APRN.
Should I Pursue a Certification or a Post-Master’s Certificate?
Nursing certifications and post-master’s certificates are both valuable, but they are not the same. Certifications are earned through professional certifying bodies and prove specialized knowledge, often through eligibility requirements and an exam. Post-master’s certificates are university programs that add graduate-level coursework in a focused area for nurses who already hold a master’s degree. In some specialties, certifications are strongly preferred and sometimes required. Even when they’re not required, both types of credentials can strengthen a nurse’s credibility and make it easier to move into a new specialty or qualify for promotions.
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