Rheumatology nurse

A rheumatology nurse helps patients with rheumatic diseases that affect the joints and muscles, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, myositis, spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Lyme disease.

Required education

BSN

Average annual salary

$108,000

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 rheumatology nurse?

A large part of your job will include easing patients’ pain and helping them manage their symptoms.

What you’ll do as a rheumatology nurse

Assessment

You’ll evaluate patients with rheumatic diseases.

Education

You’ll teach patients and helping them finds ways to live healthier everyday lives.

Treatment

You’ll monitor vital signs and bloodwork and manage patients’ medications.

Female nurse in scrubs smiling and talking to elderly male patient

Where you’ll work as a rheumatology nurse

Rheumatology nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Doctors’ offices
Hospitals
Outpatient care centers

How to become a rheumatology 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 1,500 hours of experience and 30 hours of continuing education in three years.

Get your Rheumatology Nursing Certificate through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

You’re ready to work as a rheumatology nurse!