Pathways to Nursing Careers

Begin your journey into professional nursing practice. Registered nurses deliver direct patient care across a wide range of settings and serve as the foundation of the health care workforce.

Best for: Individuals starting their nursing career

Provide advanced, patient-centered care across the lifespan. Nurse practitioners diagnose, treat, and manage health conditions while often serving as primary care providers.

Best for: Nurses seeking advanced clinical practice and autonomy

Lead improvements in patient care, clinical outcomes, and health systems. Clinical nurse specialists are expert clinicians who also influence practice at the organizational level.

Best for: Nurses interested in clinical expertise and systems-level impact

Drive change across health care organizations. Nurse leaders focus on operations, team performance, quality improvement, and strategic decision-making.

Best for: Nurses pursuing leadership, management, or executive roles

Transform data into better care. Informaticists design and optimize systems that improve clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Best for: Nurses and non-nurse professionals interested in data, technology, and innovation

Advance the future of nursing through research and education. Nurse scientists generate new knowledge, influence policy, and prepare the next generation of nurses.

Best for: Nurses interested in research, academia, or thought leadership