Doctoral programs prepare nurses to become faculty members at universities, deans of nursing schools, medical center administrators, researchers, expert clinical practitioners, and consultants. Doctoral program length varies. Nursing specialties exist in a wide range of areas, including oncology nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetric nursing, and critical care nursing. There are specific requirements for certification in nursing specialization that are determined by the particular specialty. Educational programs are offered by hospitals, medical schools and nursing schools.
Some programs award a certificate, others award a master's degree.
A certificate program may last only eight months, whereas a master's program will usually last one to two years. This program involves twelve months of intense nursing training, after which the student is eligible to take the R.N. licensing examination. After passing the R.N. licensing exam, the student then chooses a specialty and enters the master's program in that area. In certain states, nurses are required by law to keep their skills well-honed through ongoing education. Continuing education, also a requisite of most nursing specializations, is often measured according to contact hour, as recommended by the American Nurses' Association.