Nursing Degrees Specialisation, Career Options, and Salary Expectations
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Nursing Degrees Specialisation, Career Options, and Salary Expectations

Team Careers360Updated on 29 Aug 2025, 05:19 PM IST

Nursing is a dynamic and high-demand profession. All nursing degrees are popular in the healthcare sector. Nursing degrees are professional courses that prepare students to work as nurses in various healthcare sectors. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, assisting doctors, monitoring patient health, administering medications, and providing emotional support to patients and families.

This Story also Contains

  1. Nursing Degrees- Highlights
  2. Types of Nursing Degrees in India
  3. Entrance Exams for Nursing Degrees
  4. How to Choose the Right Nursing Degree?
  5. Nursing Degrees with Specialisation
  6. Job Roles and Average Salary after a Nursing Degree
  7. Top Nursing Degree Colleges in India with Fees
  8. Benefits of Nursing Degrees
  9. Nursing Career Progression Pathway: From GNM to PhD/NPCC

In today's evolving healthcare field, nursing is more than just a support role; it is a respected, essential career with a wide scope, both in India and the world. Whether students are exploring career options or a nursing professional looking for career growth, nursing courses offer diverse opportunities with rewarding outcomes.

In India, nursing degrees are regulated by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and offered by both government and private institutions across the country. In this article, we will give information on the different types of nursing degrees, their specialisations, career options in the public and private sectors, and the average salary in India.

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Nursing Degrees- Highlights

Nursing degrees offer academic knowledge and clinical skills for careers in healthcare. These programmes span undergraduate to postgraduate levels, preparing graduates for roles in patient care, teaching, and research. With strong demand in hospitals and communities, nursing ensures growth and stability. Below are key highlights, including eligibility, job roles, recruiters, fees, and salaries:

Particulars

Value

Level of Degrees

Graduates and Post-Graduates

Types of Degrees

BSc, MSc, Phd, NPCC, GNM, ANM

Eligibility Criteria

UG- 10+2 any stream, or 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology

PG- BSc Nursing/Post Basic, BSc + 1-year experience, MSc Nursing

Job Roles

Nurse Staff, Home Care Nurse, Corporate Nurse, Community Health Staff, Nursing Officer, Telehealth Nurse

Top Recruiters

Apollo, Max Hospitals, Wellness Centres, Fortis Hospital, Government Hospitals and NGOs

Fees

Rs. 50,000 to 10 Lakhs

Average Salary

Rs. 2.5 to 4 LPA

Types of Nursing Degrees in India

India offers a wide range of nursing programmes for students interested in healthcare careers. These courses provide the skills and training needed to succeed in the medical field. Based on their academic qualifications and career goals, students can select the programme that best matches their aspirations.

Degree Name

Duration

Eligibility

GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)

3.5 years

10+2 (any stream, preferably Science)

Auxiliary Nurse & Midwife

2 years

Completed 10+2 in any stream

BSc Nursing (Basic)

4 years

10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Post Basic BSc Nursing

2 years

GNM + 10+2

MSc Nursing

2 years

BSc Nursing/Post Basic BSc + 1-year experience

PhD in Nursing

3–5 years

MSc Nursing

NPCC (Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care)

2 years

MSc Nursing

Entrance Exams for Nursing Degrees

Before getting admission to any nursing degree, students should know about the entrance exams related to the nursing degree. Here is a Top Entrance Exams for Nursing Degrees in India. These exams are required for various nursing programmes such as ANM, GNM, BSc Nursing, Post Basic BSc Nursing, and MSc Nursing.

Exam NameConducting Body

NEET

NTA

AIIMS

AIIMS

CUET

NTA

Universities Exams

Some top private universities have their own nursing admission process or accept national/state-level scores.

State-level Entrance Exams (CET)

Each Indian state conducts its own nursing entrance exam

How to Choose the Right Nursing Degree?

A nursing degree is more than just a qualification; it is a roadmap to a purpose-driven career. Here are some relevant questions to help candidates choose the right nursing degree, tailored specifically to candidates' goals, preferences, and career plans.

Specialisation in Nursing

After graduation, candidates who wish to pursue higher education or focus on a particular field can choose from various nursing specialisations. These specialisations are in high demand across the healthcare sector and medical field, offering better career opportunities and professional growth.

  • Paediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • ICU/Critical Care
  • Oncology
  • Community Health
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Nursing Degrees with Specialisation

In the healthcare sector, there are several degrees with specialisations that have a great scope for future growth, with plenty of career options. Specialising in a specific field allows nurses to work in high-demand areas and command better salaries. Nursing degrees are increasingly becoming popular nowadays in the healthcare sector. Some of the top specialisations include.

Specialisations

Work Profile

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Manage adult patients before, during, and after surgeries

Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing

Focus on women’s health, pregnancy, labour, and delivery

Pediatric Nursing

Care for infants, children, and adolescents

Critical Care Nursing

Work in ICUs and emergency departments

Psychiatric Nursing

Assist patients with mental health issues

Community Health Nursing

Provide health education and services in rural/urban areas

Oncology Nursing

Care for cancer patients, assist in chemotherapy

Neonatal Nursing

Work with newborns, especially premature or sick babies

Cardiac Care Nursing

Assist in cardiac units, monitor post-surgical heart patients

Job Roles and Average Salary after a Nursing Degree

After completing nursing degrees with specialisations, there are several job opportunities with good salaries available in the market. Nursing degrees are now in high demand in India and around the world. Nursing is not limited to hospitals. It extends to education, research, community work, and even corporate and international sectors.

Nursing Job Roles in the Government Sector

In the government or public healthcare sector, there are many job roles available for candidates. These roles give candidates a secure future and career growth. Here is the table that mentions some prominent job roles for candidates with job descriptions and average salaries.

Job RolesDescriptionAverage Salary (LPA)

Staff Nurse

Staff Nurse provides clinical care, monitors patient health, administers medications, and assists in medical procedures. They are the first line of care providers in any healthcare facility.

Rs. 2.9 LPA

Community Health Officer

Community Health Officers trained healthcare professionals. They provide primary healthcare services at the village or block level, especially in rural and underserved areas of India.

Rs. 4.3 LPA

Nursing Officer

Nursing Officer supervises nursing staff, manages patient care delivery. They ensure adherence to medical protocols in hospitals, especially in government institutions and other central/state-run hospitals.

Rs. 4.3 LPA

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurse focuses on improving the overall health and well-being of communities. They play a key role in preventive care, health education, immunisation drives, maternal-child health, and epidemic control, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Rs. 4.1 LPA

Lecturer

Lecturer in Government Nursing Colleges teaches, mentors, and prepares future nurses under standards set by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and respective universities. They help shape nursing education, conduct research, and contribute to improving the healthcare workforce in India.

Rs. 4.3 LPA

Salary Source- AmbitionBox

Top Government Recruiters

  • AIIMS
  • ESIC
  • State hospitals
  • Defence hospitals
  • Railway hospitals

Nursing Job Roles in the Private Sector

Job opportunities in the private sector after completing a nursing programme give candidates excellent growth. In the private sector, specialised roles (ICU, NICU, Dialysis, Oncology) often require extra certification, but lead to better pay and career growth. Here is a list of job roles with descriptions and average salaries after completing a nursing degree in the private sector in India.

Job RolesDescriptionAverage Salary (LPA)

Hospital Nurse

Hospital Nurses work in hospitals providing direct patient care, monitoring health conditions, and assisting doctors. They ensure patients receive treatment and support during recovery.

Rs. 1.2 LPA

Home Care Nurse

Home Care Nurses visit patients at home, offering personalised care, medication support, and health monitoring. They help patients maintain comfort in familiar surroundings.

Rs. 3 LPA

Corporate Nurse

Corporate Nurses are employed by companies to manage employee health, conduct check-ups, and handle workplace emergencies. They also promote wellness programmes within organisations.

Rs. 3.6 LPA

Clinical Instructor

Clinical Instructors teach nursing students in colleges and training centres. They provide theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations for skill development.

Rs. 3.5 LPA

Telehealth Nurse

Telehealth Nurses deliver care through digital platforms, guiding patients remotely. They assist with consultations, follow-ups, and health advice.

Rs. 2.6 LPA

Medical BPO/KPO Executive

Medical BPO/KPO Executives support healthcare processes like insurance claims, medical transcription, and data analysis. They ensure accuracy and efficiency in outsourced medical services.

Rs. 3.5 LPA

Top Private Recruiters

  • Apollo hospitals
  • Max hospitals
  • Aster DM Healthcare
  • Nightingale's Home Health Services
  • Medanta – The Medicity
  • Fortis Healthcare
  • Cloudnine Hospitals

Top Nursing Degree Colleges in India with Fees

Here is a list of some of the top nursing colleges/universities with fees in India known for their quality education, experienced faculty, and excellent clinical exposure, ideal for pursuing nursing degrees such as BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing, GNM, and Post Basic BSc Nursing.

Benefits of Nursing Degrees

Pursuing a nursing degree offers numerous advantages, not just in terms of career prospects but also personal growth and societal impact. Here is why investing in a nursing degree can be one of the best decisions:

  • Wide Range of Career Opportunities after Nursing Degrees
  • Job Security and Stability after Nursing Degrees
  • Competitive Salary and Perks after Nursing Degrees
  • Chance to Make a Real Difference after Nursing Degrees
  • Continuous Learning and Professional Growth after Nursing Degrees
  • Flexibility in Work after Nursing Degrees
  • Global Recognition and Opportunities after Nursing Degrees

Nursing Career Progression Pathway: From GNM to PhD/NPCC

Here is a step-by-step Career Progression Pathway for nursing in India. This progression reflects how a nurse can move from foundational roles to advanced clinical, academic, or administrative positions over time.

Level 1- foundation of nursing career

GNM / B.Sc Nursing

Entry into clinical roles:

- Assistant Nurse

- Health Worker

- Midwife

Level 2- Mid-Level Nursing Practice

B.Sc Nursing (Basic)

(10+2 with PCB)

- Registered Nurse

- Community Health Nurse,

- Home Care Nurse

Level 3- Bridge to higher qualifications

Post Basic BSc Nursing (for GNM holders)

-Staff Nurse

-Team Leader

Level 4- Specialised clinical roles or academics

MSc Nursing

(after BSc/Post Basic + 1 year exp.)

- Clinical Nurse Specialist

- Nurse Educator

- Department Head

Level 5- Clinical leadership, advanced practice

NPCC (Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care)

or MSc + Experience

- Critical Care Specialist

- Nursing Superintendent

- Hospital Admin

Level 6- Teaching, research, health policy

PhD in Nursing

(after M.Sc)

- Nursing Professor / Lecturer

- Nursing Researcher

- Academic Head

Nursing is a dynamic, people-centric career that offers job security, global mobility, and emotional satisfaction. Whether students start with a GNM or go all the way to a PhD, each step opens doors to greater opportunities. From caring for newborns to leading hospital teams or teaching the next generation of nurses, the paths are vast and meaningful.

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Questions related to Nursing

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to Nursing ?

hello,

the Average Indian Army Nursing Officer salary in India is 8 Lakhs for 4 to 10 years of experience . Nursing Officer salary at Indian Army ranges between 2.1 Lakhs to 11 Lakhs. According to our estimates it is 11% less than the average Nursing Officer Salary in Defence & Aerospace Companies.

Furthermore, the starting salary of Military nursing is as follows :
Basic Pay of the MNS BSc Nursing Salary : 15,600 Rs

Grade Pay of the MNS BSc Nursing Salary: 5,400 Rs

Military Service : 4,200 Rs

Dearness Allowance : Will be given according to the current DA for central government employees stand at 17%

I hope that this will help.

Hello Aspirant, Hope you are doing good.

The fee structure for B.Sc. nursing course in Tripura institute of nursing .

1. Non Refundable charges for the whole course ( One time during admission)

Admission Fee -2000, Students welfare fund -200, Registration Fee -310.

Total of =2510

2. Refundable charges for the whole course (One time during admission)

Laboratory Security Fee  -15,000, Library Security Fee -10,000

Total= 25,000

3.  Recurring Annual Fees

Tuition Fee- 99000, college magazine -300, examination fee -2500, games -300,cultural -600, library -500, annual charge -1200

total =1,04,400

A grand total of =1,31,910

Hostel charge = 24,000

Mess charge -24,000

For more details can visit the link given below

https://www.tmc.nic.in/nursing/admission_process.html

Hope this information helps you.

All the best.


Read the information below -

Golden Institute of Nursing Science is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

It is a private institute.

The institute offers bachelor's program in Nursing.

The institute is approved by Karnatka State Nursing Council.

There are total intake of 40 students in a batch.

The faculty is highly qualified and experienced.

Lab and Library are common facilities provided by this institution.

It provides 4 years full time course of B.Sc Nursing.

The career opportunities include industrial nurse, military nurse, critical care nurse, rehabilitation specialists and community.

Hello candidate,

Here is a list of private Nursing colleges in kolkata which might be of your interest based on your rank-

Kolkata paramedical college and research hospital

Maa Sharda nursing college

BM birla college of nursing

Charnock healthcare Institute

Shova Rani nursing college

Army School of nursing

Sri aurobindo Kendra Seva School of nursing

Mission Mercy School of nursing

School of nursing and medical Technology

Hope you found it helpful. If you have any further questions feel free to post it here!!

Hello,

Here is the list of job oriented courses that you can pursue after Diploma in Mechanical Engineering:

1. M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering

2. Piping Design and Engineering Course

3. Master of Engineering in Tool Design

4. Robotics Course

5. Mechatronics Course

6. Nanotechnology

7. Master in Business Administration

Hope it helps.

Good Luck!