Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certifications

For nurses or nursing students aspiring to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), there are several specializations you can explore, each requiring its own certification.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

A certified nurse-midwife specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. To become a CNM, you need to obtain a master’s or doctorate degree in nurse-midwifery from an accredited university and then pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam. This certification can lead to a highly rewarding career, allowing you to provide care to women from adolescence through menopause. Aside from the main focus on pregnancy and childbirth, CNMs also offer services like annual exams, family planning advice, and menopausal care.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

As a CRNA, you are responsible for administrating anesthesia to patients in a variety of surgical scenarios. After obtaining a master’s or doctorate degree in nurse anesthesia from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and at least a year’s critical care experience, you can sit for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) examination. Benefits of this profession include a high level of autonomy and being a critical part of a surgical team.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

CNS is a specialization focusing on promoting best nursing practices and enhancing patient outcomes. To become a CNS, obtain a master’s or doctorate degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Then, you can choose to get certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This designation benefits not just patients but also other nursing staff, as you play an important role in clinical expertise, education, research, and management.

Specialized Nursing Certifications

In your career as a nurse, you may want to consider obtaining specialized nursing certifications. These certifications can add value to your practice, helping you cater to specific patient needs and advance in your career.

Wound Care Nursing

Wound care nursing is a specialized area of nursing that focuses on the proper care of patients with wounds, ostomies, bedsores, burns, and diabetic foot wounds. As a wound care nurse, you would assess, monitor, and treat wounds of varying degrees, from minor surgical wounds to severe pressure ulcers. Wound care nurses often work in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. To obtain a wound care certification (WCC), you’ll need to pass a certification exam after gaining some experience in wound care.

Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing is a niche within the nursing field where healthcare, law enforcement, and the legal system intersect. As a forensic nurse, you often work with law enforcement agencies to collect evidence from victims of violence and may provide testimony in court. To become a certified forensic nurse (CFN), you must pass a certification exam.

Critical Care Nursing

As a critical care nurse, you would handle patients in life-threatening conditions in areas like intensive care units (ICUs), trauma centers, and emergency departments. This certification requires you to master the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to critically ill patients. To become a certified critical care registered nurse (CCRN), you must pass an exam after acquiring experience in a critical care setting. While these are just a few examples, there are many specialized certifications available that allow nurses to focus on areas they are most passionate about. Keep in mind that each certification has its own prerequisites, such as a certain amount of work experience, so always research appropriately to ensure you meet the qualifications. Renewing these certifications typically involves maintaining clinical practice hours and continuing education hours. These specialty certifications not only distinguish you as a professional but also inspire ongoing learning and quality improvement in your nursing practice.

Certification Processes and Requirements

The following are the general steps a nurse must undertake to earn a certification, from application to examination, obtaining state licensure, gaining experience, and pursuing additional certifications if desired.

Step 1: Apply to a Board Certified Program

First, choose a nursing specialization and apply to a board-certified program that supports this specialization. You must take an accredited program to ensure that the education you receive meets the standards set by the nursing profession. This can be either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Some nursing students often choose accelerated programs designed for students already holding a bachelor’s degree in a different field.

Step 2: Complete the Nursing Program

Dedicate yourself to completing the program. This typically involves a mix of classroom instruction and clinical hours. Full-time students can generally complete a BSN program in four years, while ADN programs usually take two to three years. However, accelerated programs can often be completed in 11 to 18 months.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After graduation, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, this exam assesses your competency to practice effectively as an entry-level nurse.

Step 4: Obtain State Licensure

Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, apply for a nursing license in the state where you plan to work. Different states have different licensing requirements, which can include criminal background checks, verification of education, and submission of application fees.

Step 5: Gain Experience

Before pursuing specialized nursing certifications, gain experience by working as a nurse. Some certification bodies require a certain amount of practice hours (generally one to two years) in a specific area of nursing before you can sit for a certification exam.

Step 6: Pursue Specialized Certification (if desired)

If you wish to further specialize in your nursing career, consider pursuing a certification such as a pediatric nurse certification or a critical care registered nurse certification. These certifications typically require passing an exam, having a certain amount of experience, and other specific requirements. Be prepared to validate your qualifications and meet any prerequisites. Remember, nursing certifications aren’t always a one-and-done process. Some certifications will require you to renew every 2-5 years to stay up-to-date on the latest practices in the field. By following these steps, you can achieve your goal of becoming a specialized nurse.