While embarking on your nursing education, you might already have an interest in a particular field of nursing. The good news is that many nursing programs offer pathways to specialize during your studies, allowing you to align your nursing education with your career goals.
During Your Undergraduate Studies
During your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, you’ll be exposed to various areas of nursing. While the majority of BSN programs offer a broad education to prepare you as a generalist, some offer elective courses in specialty areas, like pediatrics, geriatrics, or psychiatric nursing. This allows you to gain exposure and some foundational knowledge in your area of interest.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Programs
If you’re interested in a more specialized role, you’ll typically need to pursue graduate-level education. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have specialized education and training in a specific area of practice.
There are four APRN roles:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs often specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs can specialize in a specific population, setting, disease type, type of care, or type of problem.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs provide anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): CNMs provide care for women across their lifespan, including gynecological exams, family planning services, prenatal care, labor and delivery support, neonatal care, and menopause management.
Certification Programs
Post-graduate nursing certification programs provide further specialization in an array of areas, such as oncology, critical care, neonatal nursing, or psychiatric nursing. These programs usually require you to have some professional nursing experience and often end with a certification exam.
In conclusion, while undergraduate nursing programs tend to provide a generalist nursing education, opportunities for specialization increase as you move into graduate-level programs and post-graduate certification programs.
Summary:
- Some Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs offer elective courses in specialty areas.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) receive specialized education and training in specific areas of practice, such as family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
- Post-graduate nursing certification programs offer further specialization in areas like oncology, critical care, neonatal nursing, or psychiatric nursing.
- While undergraduate programs tend to provide a broad nursing education, opportunities for specialization increase as you move into graduate and post-graduate programs.