If you’re exploring nursing as a career path and want to maximise your future earnings, it’s important to understand which online nursing specialisations pay the most—and how to choose a degree that leads there.
This post provides insights into the highest-paying specialisations in online nursing degrees, and how to select a programme that matches both your financial goals and personal calling.
From Nurse Anaesthetists to Forensic Nurses, we’ll unpack the top-earning roles and show you how to align your education accordingly.
To help you choose wisely, here are three key factors to consider when evaluating any online nursing degree:
1. Course Scope and Specialty
Every one of us has a career dream ingrained in us. If you do not pay good attention to the very specific inner ambition you have, you can easily get derailed by picking a cul-de-sac online nursing degree which will not take you to your desired career destiny.
So, how do you ensure you avoid this?
When evaluating nursing degree courses, pay good attention to the degree course scope and specialties. Tertiary institutions have a way of channeling the degrees they offer into a particular specialty. Ensure that the degree program you want to pick runs along the very specialty that fits well with your ultimate career goal.
The highest-paying online nursing specialties include:
To be strategic, check the academic requirements of the job you want to land—or the master’s or doctoral nursing degree you may want to pursue after your first degree. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and UoPeople now offer specialisation-focused nursing tracks, and can be good starting points for exploring top-earning pathways.
2. Accreditation
You should be aware by now that not every institution that offers an online nursing degree is credible. There are many bogus institutions that offer online nursing degrees and some of these are not going to take you to your desired career destination.
Tertiary institutions must be accredited by various bodies that govern academic standards. Studying with an accredited institution also means that your degree will command authority in the job market.
Many universities offering online nursing degrees in the United States are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). For example, Capella University, Walden University, and SNHU all offer accredited online nursing programmes with recognised specialties.
3. Cost
The rationale for setting up e-learning is premised on cutting tuition costs and enabling affordable and efficient access to education. Nevertheless, you can find certain nursing degrees programs a bit pricier than you can afford.
No matter how enticing a particular nursing degree program is, if you cannot afford it that’s just that. Before you narrow your search down to online nursing degrees you can afford, you may be interested in the very one that costs more than you can shoulder. The best thing to do in such a case is to look for a nursing degree scholarship you are eligible for.
- Nursing Scholarships – Scholarships.com
- Sigma Nursing Scholarships
Online Nursing Degree Reviews
One of the challenges of choosing the best online nursing degree is that there is a multiplicity of options, and more often than not, prospective online nursing degree takers end up confounded with regards to which one is really the best nursing degree to pursue online.
What further compounds the search is the fact that not all online nursing degree providers are credible or well-aligned with high-paying nursing specialties. In this section, we explore the essentials of evaluating online nursing degree options—so you can choose a path that not only fits your calling but also your career goals.
Which Specialty in Nursing Pays the Most?
If your main concern is maximising income, Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs) typically lead the salary charts. With average salaries surpassing $200,000 annually, this specialisation requires advanced qualifications and strong clinical training.
Other high-paying nursing specialisations include:
Some of these tracks are available via accredited institutions like Walden University, University of Phoenix, or via flexible platforms like edX and Coursera, which offer postgraduate nursing certificates aligned to specialised roles.
1. Consider Degree Scope and Specialty
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself before you settle for any online nursing degree program is, “Which nursing specialty do I want to run with?”
This helps align your educational efforts with the bigger picture of your career goals. The healthcare field is expansive and has many options, specialties and subdisciplines.
Do you want to be a cardiac care nurse, or perhaps a camp nurse? Other specialties to consider include ambulatory care nursing, cardiac lab nursing, and clinic nurse leadership. You may also be interested in being a certified nurse midwife, especially given the increasing demand in maternal health sectors.
💡 Remember: if you aim to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s or Doctoral), it’s vital to pick an undergraduate nursing degree that gives you the right foundation and credits for progression.
Institutions often channel their curriculum towards certain specialties, so ensure you‘re selecting a degree programme that supports your long-term goals—whether it’s trauma, paediatrics, critical care, or anaesthesia.
What Nursing Course is Best with High Salary?
While salary depends on factors like location, experience, and work setting, nursing courses that feed into CRNA, NP, or Clinical Nurse Leader roles typically offer the highest returns. Online BSN and MSN programmes from Capella University, SNHU, and Chamberlain University are worth exploring for these tracks.
Complementing your studies with certifications from platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning in leadership, pharmacology, or health informatics can also boost your earning potential.
2. Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important factors when it comes to evaluating universities for a nursing degree. Not every institution you will come across online is credible.
Tertiary institutions need to be accredited by relevant bodies that govern academic disciplines. In the U.S., nursing programmes must be accredited by either:
- CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
- ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
Accreditation ensures you graduate with a qualification recognised by employers and licensing boards. Some reputable online nursing providers with accredited specialisations include:
- Walden University
- Capella University
- University of Phoenix
- Western Governors University (WGU)
What Specialty of Nursing is in Most Demand?
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) are currently among the most in-demand specialisations due to population ageing and chronic disease management.
Mental health-focused roles (like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners) are also in high demand, especially post-pandemic. You’ll find online options for these specialties through Coursera, Edureka, and SNHU, all offering programs aligned to current healthcare needs.
3. Cost
No matter how promising a certain nursing degree is, if you cannot afford it then you need to review feasible options.
You will either narrow your search down to degree programs you can afford, or you will look for nursing degree scholarships. The object of eLearning is to allow convenient remote and affordable access to education.
If you are interested in scholarships, explore these reliable sources:
- Scholarships.com – Nursing Scholarships
- Sigma’s Nursing Scholarship Opportunities
4. Duration
The standard BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree normally runs for four years. Course duration may vary according to institutions, chosen specialty, and learning pace (part-time vs. full-time).
Some online providers, like SNHU and Capella, offer accelerated pathways that combine flexible study with fast-tracked timelines.
Make sure your program covers enough theory and clinical practice (clinicals) to prepare you for licensing exams such as the NCLEX-RN.
What Is the Best Specialization in Nursing?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best nursing specialisation is one that intersects your passion, skills, and job market trends. That said, if we look at long-term earnings, job security, and career versatility, the following are standouts:
- Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Informatics Nurse
- Forensic Nurse
For students aiming for flexibility and high return, platforms like Coursera, edX, and universities such as Capella and Walden offer accredited specialisation-aligned pathways.
What is the hardest nursing specialty?
Many nurses consider critical care, neonatal ICU, or oncology nursing among the hardest, due to emotional demands and technical complexity.
Which nursing course pays the most?
Courses leading to Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner roles are among the highest-paying.
Which nursing specialty has the happiest nurses?
Surveys often show Nurse Educators, Pediatric Nurses, and Family Nurse Practitioners rank highly for job satisfaction due to work-life balance and meaningful patient relationships.
What are the four fields of nursing?
In the UK and some systems globally:
- Adult nursing
- Children’s nursing
- Learning disability nursing
- Mental health nursing
What is the best specialization in nursing?
The best depends on your goals, but CRNA, FNP, Informatics, and PMHNP are often cited for combining high salary with strong career growth.
Online Forensic Nursing Degree
As mentioned earlier, you don’t have to remain in a generalist nursing role if you’re seeking both a higher salary and a more specialised career path. One of the fastest-growing—and increasingly high-paying—nursing specialisations is forensic nursing.
What Is the Best Specialization in Nursing for Legal and Justice Work?
If you’re drawn to both healthcare and justice, forensic nursing may be your ideal niche. It allows you to work with victims of violence, investigate causes of death, and even assist legal proceedings.
Many nurses begin their forensic journey by training as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)—a role increasingly recognised in hospitals and justice systems.
Understanding the Forensic Nursing Pathway
The route to forensic nursing is not always straightforward. That’s partly because the specialty is still developing in many healthcare institutions. While the curriculum isn’t unusually difficult, the limited number of roles and institutional unfamiliarity can present barriers.
To start, you can take a Sexual Assault Examiner Class—which includes:
- 40 hours of classroom instruction
- 40 hours of clinical training
From there, you can pursue advanced qualifications—such as a Master’s in Forensic Nursing or even a PhD, depending on your prior academic background.
Forensic nursing success often requires self-advocacy. Be prepared to educate employers on the value of your role.
Which Nursing Specialty Pays the Most in the Legal-Medical Field?
While salaries in forensic nursing vary, SANE-certified nurses and forensic nurse examiners can earn competitive pay—particularly in urban and justice-focused healthcare systems. Those with advanced degrees may also serve as coroners, legal consultants, or death investigators—roles which often command higher salaries.
Additionally, legal nurse consultants (another forensic-aligned path) can work independently with law firms, insurance companies, or government agencies. These roles tend to offer significant earning potential after certification and experience.
Where to Study Forensic Nursing Online
If you want to explore this path, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) is a key resource. They provide up-to-date training, including SANEs and continuing education options.
You can also consider these accredited institutions:
- Fitchburg State University – Master of Science in Forensic Nursing (Online)
- Xavier University School of Nursing (Graduate) – Forensic Nursing Track
- Platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn occasionally offer forensic-focused healthcare and legal nursing modules.
FAQs
What is the hardest nursing specialty?
Forensic nursing can be emotionally taxing due to its exposure to trauma and violence, but ICU, oncology, and critical care often top the list for clinical difficulty.
Which nursing course pays the most?
Advanced practice roles such as Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA) typically pay the most. Forensic nursing and legal nurse consulting can also be highly lucrative, especially with certifications and experience.
Which nursing specialty has the happiest nurses?
Many forensic nurses report high job satisfaction due to the meaningful nature of their work, especially when working with survivors of violence or contributing to justice.
What are the four fields of nursing?
- Adult Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Learning Disability Nursing
- Children’s Nursing
(Though these are more UK-centric, they influence specialisation choices globally.)
What is the best specialization in nursing?
Based on salary, growth, and impact, the best options include:
- Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA)
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Forensic Nurse
- Informatics Nurse
Final Thoughts on Choosing a High-Paying Online Nursing Specialization
Whether you’re drawn to clinical excellence, technological advancement, or the intersection of justice and health, there’s an online nursing specialisation suited to your goals. Forensic nursing, though less traditional, is a smart pick for nurses willing to build a niche and advocate for their relevance.
Wishing you all the best in your nursing career endeavors.