Nursing is diverse profession that offers an array of specialties that cater to varying skills, interests and personalities. As the nursing profession evolves and expands, the range of specialties available to nurses also grows. When considering a career in nursing, you should examine various nursing specialties and determine which best aligns with your interests, strengths and goals.

With the increasing demand for highly skilled and specialized nurses, choosing the right nursing specialty is essential for both personal and professional satisfaction.

Following is three of the most common nursing career paths to consider.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) complete a certificate program. CNAs do not need to be licensed to practice like some other nursing professionals. However, they must obtain certifications to prove competency.

Some of the tasks CNAs can perform include:

The competition for nursing schools is tough, but there are ways to increase your chances and make yourself stand out amongst the other applications. Here are 3 ways to set yourself apart and set yourself up for success.

1. Volunteer!

Not all programs require volunteer work, however admission counselors will commonly recommend this to applicants.

There are a number of ways to fund nursing school. You can take out federal and private loans and may qualify for grants and scholarships.

Scholarships

Scholarships are grants and do not have to be repaid. Some nursing programs award scholarships to students who meet certain (high) academic criteria. You can research to find the best scholarships to meet your needs with this tool to quickly identify options.

Grants

1. Graduate High School or Earn a GED

This is mandatory, no matter what kind school you are planning on applying to.

Nursing schools may have a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, which can vary between programs. Most CNA programs don’t have minimum GPA requirements. However, you can expect them from LPN and RN programs.

2. Meet the prerequisites

For Most Nursing Schools: