Rehabilitation nurse

A rehabilitation nurse cares for patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Average annual salary

$78,000

ZipRecruiter (Jan. 2026)

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Structured

Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.

Independent

Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

What is the role of a rehabilitation nurse?

You’ll work with many patients over the long term, helping them regain their health and become as independent as possible.

What you’ll do as a rehabilitation nurse

Collaboration

You’ll work with the patients’ full medical team to help them achieve goals and return to their daily lives.

Education

You’ll teach patients and families rehabilitation techniques that will help them learn how to live with chronic diseases and injuries.

Treatment

You’ll work with patients and their families and create a recovery plan that includes long and short-term goals.

Nurse in scrubs helping elderly patient in PJs with his walker

Where you’ll work as a rehabilitation nurse

Rehabilitation nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Assisted living facilities
Educational institutions
Home care agencies
Hospitals
Long-term care centers
Rehabilitation centers

How to become a rehabilitation nurse

Get an Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining two years’ experience in Rehabilitation Nursing.

Get your Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse credential through the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board.

You’re ready to work as a rehabilitation nurse!