Best institutions to study Critical Care Nursing
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide specialized care to patients with life-threatening problems, including those in intensive care facilities and on life support.
39 U.S. institutions graduated 505 Critical Care Nursing students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.3814, a specialization of Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38), and leads most directly to the Registered Nurses occupation (BLS SOC 29-1141).
About Critical Care Nursing programs
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide specialized care to patients with life-threatening problems, including those in intensive care facilities and on life support. Includes instruction in adult, neonatal, and pediatric critical care; technical skills; patient monitoring and assessment; normal and abnormal readings; and troubleshooting.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Critical Care Nursing program prepares registered nurses to deliver specialized care to patients facing life-threatening conditions. This program focuses on equipping nurses with the necessary skills to work effectively in intensive care settings, including those involving life support. It is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their nursing careers in high-stakes environments.
Students in this program will gain critical skills in patient monitoring and assessment, technical care, and troubleshooting. Coursework includes instruction in adult, neonatal, and pediatric critical care, emphasizing both normal and abnormal clinical readings.
Credentials awarded
What Critical Care Nursing graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree390 graduates / yr · 25 institutions77%
- Post-master's certificate73 graduates / yr · 20 institutions15%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice34 graduates / yr · 7 institutions6.7%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate6 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.2%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.4%
Graduates over time
Critical Care Nursing completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 162 |
| 2013 | 244 |
| 2014 | 298 |
| 2015 | 298 |
| 2016 | 311 |
| 2017 | 368 |
| 2018 | 536 |
| 2019 | 639 |
| 2020 | 576 |
| 2021 | 771 |
| 2022 | 746 |
| 2023 | 652 |
| 2024 | 594 |
| 2025 | 505 |
Top 39 institutions for Critical Care Nursing, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 105 | 43% | $21,535 | $92,781 |
| 2 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 53 | 88% | $29,023 | $111,360 |
| 3 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 42 | 66% | $24,921 | $69,116 |
| 4 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 30 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 5 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Cupey Campus San Juan, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 25 | 31% | $8,290 | $15,515 |
| 6 | Youngstown State University Youngstown, OHPublicMaster's | 23 | 50% | — | $65,668 |
| 7 | Herzing University - Madison Madison, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 23 | 28% | $20,965 | $75,774 |
| 8 | Barry University Miami, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 22 | 38% | $24,719 | $81,868 |
| 9 | Molloy University Rockville Centre, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 70% | $25,812 | $105,747 |
| 10 | Winona State University Winona, MNPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 16 | 57% | — | $75,313 |
| 11 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster's | 16 | 79% | — | $73,872 |
| 12 | Professional University Dr. Carlos J. Borrero Rios Hato Rey, PRPrivate for-profitMaster's | 14 | — | — | — |
| 13 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster'sMaster's | 13 | 76% | — | $94,853 |
| 14 | Seton Hall University South Orange, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 69% | $27,376 | $91,908 |
| 15 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NHPublicMaster'sMaster's | 10 | 76% | — | $77,271 |
| 16 | Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 8 | 87% | $27,976 | $69,389 |
| 17 | Oregon Health & Science University Portland, ORPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 8 | — | — | $92,371 |
| 18 | Marquette University Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 83% | $25,376 | $74,574 |
| 19 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 97% | $16,260 | $77,288 |
| 20 | University of Rochester Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 5 | 85% | $25,874 | $75,093 |
| 21 | EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc - San Sebastian San Sebastian, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 29% | $7,300 | $31,869 |
| 22 | Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster Lancaster, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 4 | 69% | $36,413 | $74,676 |
| 23 | Lewis University Romeoville, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 67% | $17,632 | $76,766 |
| 24 | Allen College Waterloo, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 3 | — | — | $65,924 |
| 25 | DeSales University Center Valley, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 72% | $26,990 | $79,460 |
| 26 | Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TNPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 3 | 49% | $24,187 | $61,225 |
| 27 | University of Virginia - Main Campus Charlottesville, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 3 | 96% | — | $75,220 |
| 28 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Barranquitas Barranquitas, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 38% | $8,476 | $16,039 |
| 29 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 68% | — | $78,168 |
| 30 | Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 2 | — | — | $98,610 |
| 31 | University of Louisville Louisville, KYPublicMaster's | 2 | 61% | — | $69,027 |
| 32 | Creighton University Omaha, NEPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 83% | $27,353 | $77,587 |
| 33 | Ursuline College Pepper Pike, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 2 | 67% | $18,312 | $69,155 |
| 34 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicMaster's | 2 | — | — | $70,826 |
| 35 | Alverno College Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 49% | $17,221 | $72,005 |
| 36 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Arecibo, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 39% | $9,729 | $15,731 |
| 37 | University of Mississippi University, MSPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 72% | — | $69,353 |
| 38 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicMaster's | 1 | 64% | — | $66,990 |
| 39 | Dewey University - Hato Rey Hato Rey, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 54% | $5,184 | $21,237 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Registered Nursing field (CIP 51.38) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 23 states & territories
Where Critical Care Nursing graduates come from. Each state links to all Registered Nursing programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1141, Registered Nurses, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Critical Care Nursing program can pursue careers as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or nursing instructors. The job outlook for registered nurses is about as fast as average, with an expected growth of 4.9% and approximately 189,100 annual openings. The median wage for registered nurses is $93,600, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.3814
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nursesprimary SOC 29-1141 | $97,550 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~189,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Nurse Practitioners SOC 29-1171 | $132,300 | +40.1% Much faster than average | ~29,500 | Master's degree |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1072 | $80,250 | +16.8% Much faster than average | ~8,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Critical Care Nursing programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
Tools and technology used
Other Registered Nursing specializations
The 22 other 6-digit CIP codes under Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38).
- Registered Nursing/CIP 51.3801
Registered Nurse 263,325 graduates / yr2,067 institutions - Family Practice Nurse/CIP 51.3805
Nursing 14,703 graduates / yr293 institutions - Nursing PracticeCIP 51.38189,384 graduates / yr322 institutions
- Nursing AdministrationCIP 51.38027,804 graduates / yr198 institutions
- Psychiatric/CIP 51.3810
Mental Health Nurse/ Nursing 5,358 graduates / yr179 institutions - Nursing ScienceCIP 51.38084,605 graduates / yr148 institutions
- Registered NursingCIP 51.38993,940 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Nurse AnesthetistCIP 51.38042,183 graduates / yr72 institutions
- Adult Health Nurse/CIP 51.3803
Nursing 2,125 graduates / yr75 institutions - Public Health/CIP 51.3811
Community Nurse/ Nursing 934 graduates / yr21 institutions - Geriatric Nurse/CIP 51.3821
Nursing 680 graduates / yr43 institutions - Clinical Nurse LeaderCIP 51.3820588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Nurse Midwife/CIP 51.3807
Nursing Midwifery 530 graduates / yr22 institutions - Pediatric Nurse/CIP 51.3809
Nursing 389 graduates / yr36 institutions - Women's Health Nurse/CIP 51.3822
Nursing 350 graduates / yr15 institutions - Perioperative/CIP 51.3812
Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/ Nursing 150 graduates / yr10 institutions - Maternal/CIP 51.3806
Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/ Nursing 149 graduates / yr14 institutions - Clinical Nurse SpecialistCIP 51.3813135 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Emergency Room/CIP 51.3816
Trauma Nursing partial data83 graduates / yr9 institutions - Forensic NursingCIP 51.3824partial data26 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Occupational and Environmental Health NursingCIP 51.3815partial data21 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Palliative Care NursingCIP 51.3819partial data19 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What is the focus of the Critical Care Nursing program?+
The program focuses on preparing registered nurses to provide specialized care for patients with life-threatening conditions.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn critical thinking, patient monitoring, technical skills, and effective communication.
What are the career opportunities after graduation?+
Graduates can work as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or nursing instructors.
What is the expected job outlook for registered nurses?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.9% and 189,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Critical Care Nursing?+
Critical Care Nursing is CIP 51.3814 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares registered nurses to provide specialized care to patients with life-threatening problems, including those in intensive care facilities and on life support. Includes instruction in adult, neonatal, and pediatric critical care; technical skills; patient monitoring and assessment; normal and abnormal readings; and troubleshooting.
How many institutions offer Critical Care Nursing programs?+
39 U.S. institutions reported Critical Care Nursing graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 23 states & territories, awarding 505 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Registered Nursing graduates.
How much do Critical Care Nursing graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Registered Nurses occupation, which Critical Care Nursing most directly leads to, pays a median of $97,550 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Registered Nursing field report median earnings of $74,676 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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