Undergraduate programs do not offer a pediatric specialty, but you can get experience by seeking out a pediatric rehabilitation unit, pediatric intensive care unit, or other clinical environment that caters to kids. You will need at least six years of formal education, and then you will need to pass a national certification exam from the American Nurse Credentialing Center. There are many specialization options, each with unique benefits, which is why nursing as a profession appeals to such a wide variety of people. These nurses are the «first line of defense» when a patient is brought in by ambulance in an emergent situation, following accident, illness or disease. Some nursing careers require no degree, while most require an associate’s degree, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing or other advanced degree.