Is Rheumatology Nursing Right for You?
Rheumatology nursing is a specialty focused on caring for patients with arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune or musculoskeletal disorders. From administering biologic infusions to teaching patients how to manage symptoms day to day, this role blends advanced clinical skills with continuous patient support. And with more than 58.5 million U.S. adults and 300,000 children living with rheumatic conditions, your specialized skills are in demand.
If you’ve ever wondered whether this specialty is right for you, this article is your guide. From education and certification to job duties and salaries, we cover everything you need to know to enter this field.
Rheumatology Nursing: Career Snapshot
- Mission: Support patients living with chronic rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.
- Responsibilities: Administer biologic infusions and other therapies, monitor disease progression, educate on managing conditions and the pain associated with them, and offer emotional support.
- Workplace settings: Hospitals, outpatient rheumatology clinics, specialty practices, and research facilities
- Career path: Nursing degree, followed by optional specialty certification
- Length of study: Approximately 2 to 4 years
What Is a Rheumatology Nurse?
Rheumatology nursing is the nursing specialty that focuses on caring for people with rheumatic diseases — conditions that involve joints, muscles, connective tissue, and the immune system. These illnesses are often chronic, painful, and can affect many parts of the body.
Wondering what illnesses you’ll assist in treating in this specialty? Here are some examples of rheumatic conditions:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis
- Scleroderma
- Sjögren’s disease
To thrive in this specialty, nurses must build strong therapeutic relationships, since most patients require long-term management rather than short-term or acute care. That means that along with clinical skills, you’ll need to develop strong soft skills like empathy, creative problem-solving, and cultural competence.
Curious about where you’ll be working in this role? These professionals can be found in outpatient rheumatology clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices, where they collaborate closely with rheumatologists and other providers. Some also work in academic or research settings, contributing to clinical trials and advancing treatments for autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.
What Does a Rheumatology Nurse Do?
Rheumatology nurses are essential in caring for patients with chronic rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, helping patients enhance their quality of life. Here are some examples of tasks you might do:
| Key responsibilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Administer medications and treatments | Deliver biologic infusions, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and other prescribed therapies. Assess for and manage adverse reactions or side effects. |
| Manage pain | Assist patients with strategies to manage joint pain, inflammation, and fatigue, including medication guidance, physical therapy recommendations, and lifestyle modifications. |
| Monitor disease progression | Regularly assess patients’ symptoms, laboratory results, and reported outcomes to evaluate the course of the disease and adjust care plans as needed. |
| Coordinate care | Collaborate with rheumatologists, physical therapists, primary care providers, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care. |
| Document care provided | Maintain accurate patient records, update treatment plans, and communicate findings with the care team to ensure continuity of care. |
| Provide emotional support | Help patients cope with the challenges of living with chronic rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. |
How to Become a Rheumatology Nurse: 4 Steps
Your journey into this specialized, patient-centered nursing specialty begins here. Let’s explore the key steps to get started.
1. Get a Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming a rheumatology nurse is earning a nursing degree. This foundational education prepares you with the clinical knowledge, patient care skills, and critical thinking necessary to get started in any nursing specialty, including rheumatology.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you complete your first step on this journey:
- Prerequisites: Before entering a nursing program, you’ll typically need to complete prerequisite coursework, such as chemistry, anatomy, and microbiology.
- Nursing entrance exam: Some programs require prospective students to pass an entrance exam, such as the HESI or TEAS.
- Program types: There are two main pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN) — a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a BSN degree, especially for specialized roles. A BSN degree can also make it easier to pursue graduate-level studies if you decide to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner (NP) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS), along the way.
2. Obtain Licensure
After earning your nursing degree, the next step is to become a licensed RN. In the U.S., this requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a comprehensive assessment that tests the knowledge and skills you learned in nursing school to ensure you’re ready for real-world clinical practice.
Each state’s board of nursing also has specific requirements, including background checks, fingerprinting, and education verification, so be sure to carefully review your state’s rules.
3. Gain Experience
Before stepping into specialized roles like rheumatology care, some nurses prefer to start their careers in broader specialties that provide the opportunity to develop a wide range of nursing skills. If this path seems appealing to you, here are some specialties to build a strong groundwork:
4. Attain Rheumatology Nursing Certification (Optional)
While certification isn’t required to work as a rheumatology nurse, obtaining a specialty credential can help position you as a leader and qualify you for top-level positions in the field. Rheumatology Nursing Certification (RN-BC) is only available for renewal by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification recognizes nurses who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in caring for patients with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions.
Alternatively, you can pursue broader certifications such as Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) or other specialty credentials that align with chronic disease management and patient care.
How Much Does a Rheumatology Nurse Make?
While the average RN in the U.S. earns about $98,430 annually ($47.32 per hour), a typical rheumatology nurse salary may differ based on factors like experience, education, and work setting. Nurses that work in specialized areas and outpatient facilities typically see higher earnings than those at general hospitals.
Geographic location also plays a major role in compensation. Below are some states where nurses tend to earn higher salaries:
Frequently Asked Questions: Rheumatology Nurse
What is the job outlook for rheumatology nurses?
According to the BLS, employment for RNs is projected to grow 5% in the next several years, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for rheumatology professionals is increasing as well due to the prevalence of chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.
How long does it take to become a rheumatology nurse?
Generally, it takes about two to four years to join this specialty. The quickest way to become an RN is by completing an ADN program, which takes about two years. Although some employers may welcome new grads, gaining one or two years of general nursing experience may also be required to step into some specialized roles.
Are there professional organizations for rheumatology nurses?
Yes. The Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS) offers education and networking opportunities. Additionally, organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provide valuable resources, clinical guidelines, and education opportunities.
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