Top 11 Assistant Director Of Nursing Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for assistant directors of nursing. These certifications demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their field, which can be critical for success in this role. Certifications also show that the individual is committed to continuing their education and staying up to date on advances in nursing practice and healthcare technology. Finally, certifications can help an individual stand out from other candidates who may not have the same credentials.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Assistant Directors of Nursing and explains how they can help to further an assistant director of nursing's career.

What are Assistant Director Of Nursing Certifications?

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) certification is a credential that recognizes a nurse's expertise in nursing administration and management. ADONs are responsible for providing leadership and guidance to the nursing staff, ensuring that the highest standards of patient care are met. The certification is awarded by state boards of nursing or other organizations and demonstrates that the individual has achieved a level of knowledge and skill necessary to effectively manage nursing staff.

The ADON certification can help individuals become more marketable as they seek advancement in their careers. It provides them with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in nursing administration and management, as well as their dedication to promoting quality patient care. Certification also serves as validation of an individual’s knowledge and skills, which can be beneficial when competing for positions within the field. Additionally, holding an ADON certification can lead to increased earning potential, as employers may offer higher salaries for those who have achieved this credential.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become an Assistant Director of Nursing, it is important to obtain certification from a professional organization like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in nursing and can help you stand out when applying for a job or promotion.

Related: What does an Assistant Director Of Nursing do?

Top 11 Assistant Director Of Nursing Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Director Of Nursings today.

1. Certified Director of Nursing (CDN)

Certified Director of Nursing (CDN) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise, knowledge, and experience of nurses who are responsible for managing nursing services in healthcare organizations. It is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

To become certified as a CDN, an individual must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time work experience in a management role within the past five years. Applicants must also complete an approved CDN program or coursework in management topics such as budgeting, personnel management, and quality improvement.

The process to become certified typically takes three to four months and involves submitting an application form with supporting documentation such as transcripts and proof of licensure. The cost to apply for the certification is $395 for ANA members and $495 for non-members. Once approved, applicants must pass an examination administered by Prometric Testing Centers. The cost to take the exam is $350 for ANA members and $450 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their certification from ANCC.

2. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional certification that demonstrates a nursing home administrator’s commitment to providing quality care for residents in long-term care facilities. The CNHA credential is awarded by the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NAB), and it is recognized across the United States.

To become a Certified Nursing Home Administrator, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam administered by NAB. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in health administration or related field; three years of full-time experience in long-term care administration; and have completed an approved program in long-term care administration.

The cost to take the CNHA exam is $360. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within two hours and 45 minutes. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from NAB.

In order to maintain your CNHA certification, you must complete continuing education credits every two years and pay an annual renewal fee of $60.

3. Certified Nurse Executive (CNE)

Certified Nurse Executive (CNE) is a certification program offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The CNE certification is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in nursing administration and management.

The program requires nurses to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, communication, financial management, human resources, legal and ethical issues, quality improvement, and patient safety. The CNE certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years.

To become certified as a Nurse Executive, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having an active RN license in the U.S., completing at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in a healthcare setting within the past five years, and completing at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing administration or management within the past three years. Applicants must also pass the ANCC's Nurse Executive Certification Exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a Nurse Executive varies depending on the state you live in and whether or not you are already an ANCC member. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 to apply for certification and take the exam.

4. Certified in Long-Term Care Administration (CLTCA)

Certified in Long-Term Care Administration (CLTCA) is a credential for long-term care administrators who demonstrate competence in the field of long-term care administration. This certification is offered by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA).

The CLTCA program requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in long-term care administration, and must have completed at least 45 hours of continuing education credits related to long-term care administration within the past three years. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as regulations, finance, risk management, quality improvement, and personnel management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process. To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their experience and continuing education credits. The application fee is $200 plus $50 for each additional endorsement area requested. Once approved, applicants will be required to take the CLTCA exam which costs $300. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLTCA certification from ACHCA.

5. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

A Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a registered nurse who has achieved a higher level of certification in medical-surgical nursing. This certification is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), and it recognizes nurses who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of medical-surgical nursing. The CMSRN credential is designed to recognize excellence in medical-surgical nursing practice and to promote quality patient care.

To become certified as a CMSRN, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Be an active RN with a current license in good standing

2. Have at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in medical-surgical nursing within the past five years

3. Successfully complete the MSNCB exam

The MSNCB exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost for taking the exam is $325 for members of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) and $375 for nonmembers. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee of $95 for certification maintenance every three years.

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a type of registered nurse who has completed additional education and clinical training beyond the basic RN requirements. APRNs are licensed to diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions independently or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Examples of APRN roles include Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM).

The length of time it takes to become an APRN varies depending on the individual’s educational background, experience level, and the type of APRN role they are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to six years to complete an accredited master’s degree program in nursing that prepares graduates for advanced practice roles.

In order to become an APRN, individuals must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. After completing their BSN, students may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Both MSN and DNP programs provide advanced coursework in nursing theory and research as well as specialized instruction in advanced practice roles such as NP or CRNA. Upon completion of their MSN or DNP program, students must then pass the national certification exam for their chosen specialty area before becoming eligible for licensure as an APRN.

The cost of becoming an APRN depends on several factors including the type of program pursued and whether students attend school full-time or part-time. In general, tuition costs range from $10,000-$50,000 depending on the institution attended and whether any scholarships or financial aid is available. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the national certification exam which range from $200-$500 depending on the specialty area chosen.

7. American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Program (ANCCCP)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Program (ANCCCP) is a national certification program that provides recognition to nurses who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their specialty area. The ANCCCP offers certifications in several areas, including adult-gerontology primary care, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and neonatal nurse practitioner.

To obtain an ANCCCP certification, nurses must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen specialty area. This includes having a valid RN license, completing an accredited nursing program, and having at least two years of clinical experience in the specialty area. After meeting these requirements, nurses can apply for the certification exam.

The ANCCCP certification exam typically takes about three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions related to the specialty area. After passing the exam, nurses receive their official certification from the ANCCCP.

The cost of obtaining an ANCCCP certification varies depending on the specialty area; however it typically ranges from $295 - $395 USD for members of the American Nurses Association or other professional nursing organizations. Non-members may have to pay additional fees.

8. Clinical Nurse Leader Certification (CNLC)

Clinical Nurse Leader Certification (CNLC) is a specialized certification for nurses who wish to demonstrate their expertise in providing clinical leadership. The CNLC certification is awarded by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and requires that applicants meet certain academic and professional requirements.

To be eligible for CNLC certification, applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing from an accredited program, have at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse, and have completed an approved course in clinical leadership.

The application process typically takes 6-8 weeks and includes completing an online application form, submitting official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended, and paying the applicable fee. The fee for the CNLC certification is $195 for AACN members or $295 for non-members.

Once the application has been reviewed and accepted, candidates will be required to take a comprehensive exam to assess their knowledge and skills related to clinical leadership. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CNLC certification.

9. Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP)

Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) is a designation given to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful human resources management. The four certifications offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) are: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

The PHR certification is designed for HR professionals with 1–4 years of experience, while the SPHR certification is designed for those with 5 or more years of experience. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications are designed for all levels of HR professionals, regardless of experience level.

The process to obtain any of these certifications involves passing an exam administered by SHRM. Each exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess knowledge on topics such as employee relations, compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, labor law compliance, and more. To prepare for the exams, applicants must complete a study program offered by SHRM or one of its approved providers. The length of time it takes to complete the program depends on how much time an individual has available to dedicate to studying.

The cost to take each exam varies based on whether an applicant is a member or nonmember of SHRM. For members, the cost ranges from $200-$300 per exam; for nonmembers, it ranges from $300-$400 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

10. National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards Certification Program (NAB/LTCAB)

The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB/LTCAB) Certification Program is a voluntary program that provides recognition to long term care administrators who meet the qualifications and demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence. The program is designed to ensure that long term care administrators have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for providing quality care in a safe and effective manner.

To obtain the NAB/LTCAB certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience as a long term care administrator or equivalent experience in a related field. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB/LTCAB). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as regulations, ethics, financial management, operations management, quality assurance, risk management, and resident rights.

The process typically takes between 6-12 months from start to finish. Applicants should allow ample time for studying and preparing for the exam before registering with NAB/LTCAB. Once registered, applicants will be given access to study materials and resources that can help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining certification through NAB/LTCAB varies depending on whether you are an individual or part of an organization. For individuals, the cost is $250 plus applicable taxes; for organizations, it is $500 plus applicable taxes.

11. American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification Program (AONE-CP).

The American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification Program (AONE-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize nurse executives who have demonstrated high levels of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field. The AONE-CP is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in nursing leadership.

To receive the AONE-CP certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience in nursing administration or management, including at least two years in a senior leadership role. They must also hold current licensure as a registered nurse and possess a master's degree from an accredited college or university.

The AONE-CP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as healthcare policy, finance, operations management, legal issues, quality improvement, human resources management, and organizational development. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is administered by Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States.

The cost for the AONE-CP exam is $395 for members of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and $495 for non-members. Additional fees may apply if applicants need to reschedule their exam or retake it after failing once. Once applicants have successfully passed the exam they will be awarded their AONE-CP certification which is valid for five years before renewal is required.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Director Of Nursing Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s career goals and experience. An Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) Certificate can be beneficial for nurses who are looking to advance in their nursing career by taking on more responsibility. The certificate provides a way for nurses to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to overseeing other nurses, managing nursing staff, and developing policies and procedures.

For nurses who already have some experience as an assistant director of nursing, the certificate may not be necessary. Most employers recognize that prior experience is one of the best ways to learn how to effectively manage a nursing team. However, if someone is new to the role or wishes to pursue a career in management, obtaining an ADON Certificate could be beneficial in helping them stand out from other applicants. Also, having the certificate may give the individual an edge when applying for higher paying positions or promotions within their organization.

In addition, many states require ADONs to obtain specific certifications in order to work as an assistant director of nursing. So depending on where you live and plan to work, obtaining an ADON Certificate may be essential for gaining employment in this field.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual nurse to decide whether or not they need an Assistant Director of Nursing Certificate based upon their own career goals and level of experience.

Related: Assistant Director Of Nursing Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Director Of Nursing Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Director of Nursing Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in nursing management and leadership roles, as well as specialized knowledge in areas such as quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.

2. How do I become certified as an Assistant Director of Nursing?

Answer: To become certified as an ADON, you must complete an accredited program in nursing management and leadership and pass the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

3. How long does it take to get my ADON certification?

Answer: Generally, it takes about six months to complete the program and pass the certification exam. However, this will depend on your individual learning style and how much time you are able to devote to studying for the exam.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining an ADON certification?

Answer: Having an ADON certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in nursing practice and provides recognition among peers that you have achieved a high level of expertise in nursing management and leadership roles. Additionally, having an ADON certification can open up opportunities for advancement within your organization or provide access to higher salary positions at other organizations.

5. Is there a cost associated with obtaining my ADON certification?

Answer: Yes, there is usually a cost associated with taking the ANCC certification exam, which can range from $200-$400 depending on the specific requirements of your chosen program or organization. Additionally, some programs may require additional fees for course materials or other related expenses.