Career Roadmaps
Your Step-by-Step Career Roadmap
Visual progression plans showing the education, certifications, experience, and advancement opportunities for every nursing pathway.
Critical Care Career Roadmap
ICU / Critical Care RN → Critical Care Director
1
EntryYear 1–2
New Grad or Med-Surg RN
- ADN or BSN required
- Complete NCLEX-RN
- Pursue med-surg or step-down experience
- Obtain ACLS certification
2
SpecialtyYear 2–5
ICU Registered Nurse
- Apply to ICU residency or new grad program
- Complete ICU-specific orientation
- Develop ventilator and hemodynamic skills
- Pursue CCRN after 1,750 qualifying hours
3
AdvancementYear 4–8
CCRN Certified / Charge RN
- Earn CCRN certification
- Take on charge nurse responsibilities
- Pursue BSN if ADN-prepared
- Consider ICU educator or preceptor role
4
LeadershipYear 6–12
ICU Educator / Manager
- Complete MSN preferred
- Pursue NE-BC or NPD-BC certification
- Lead staff education or unit management
- Develop quality improvement skills
5
ExecutiveYear 10+
Critical Care Director / CNO
- MSN or DNP required
- Pursue NEA-BC certification
- Lead service line or multiple ICUs
- Build executive leadership portfolio
Ready to explore roles in this pathway?
