Top 10 Clinical Educator Certifications

Certifications are important for a clinical educator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is often required by employers. They can provide evidence to potential employers that you possess the specific skills and qualifications needed to be successful in the role. Certifications also show that a clinical educator has taken the initiative to further their education and invest in their own professional development, which is seen as an asset in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, certifications may help a clinical educator stand out from other applicants when applying for positions or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Clinical Educators and explain how they can help advance a clinical educator's career.

What are Clinical Educator Certifications?

Clinical educator certification is a professional credential awarded to healthcare professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach clinical practice. Clinical educators are typically nurses, physicians, or allied health professionals who possess expertise in their respective field and have experience teaching others.

Certification as a clinical educator provides recognition of an individual’s educational training and professional development in the area of clinical education. It also serves to validate an individual’s expertise in teaching and educating others in the healthcare field. Certification demonstrates that the educator has met a set of standards established by an organization or association dedicated to advancing excellence in healthcare education.

Having a certification as a clinical educator can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking employment or promotion opportunities. It also provides evidence of their commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. Additionally, employers may be more likely to hire certified educators due to the assurance that they will have a better understanding of how to effectively teach their students. Ultimately, becoming certified as a clinical educator can provide individuals with greater job security and career advancement options within the healthcare industry.

Pro Tip: When considering clinical educator certification, make sure to research the different types of certification available and select the one that best fits your career goals. Also consider the cost of the certification and any other requirements such as continuing education or recertification.

Related: What does a Clinical Educator do?

Top 10 Clinical Educator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Educators today.

1. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) is a credential that recognizes nurses who have met the standards for excellence in nursing education. The CNE credential is awarded by the National League for Nursing (NLN), and it is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in nursing education.

The CNE certification process consists of two parts: an online application and a comprehensive exam. To be eligible for the CNE, applicants must have a current RN license, a master’s degree or higher in nursing or related field, and at least three years of full-time teaching experience in nursing education within the past five years.

To apply for the CNE, applicants must complete an online application on the NLN website. The application includes questions about professional experience, educational background, and other relevant information. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by NLN staff to determine eligibility.

The comprehensive exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as curriculum development, assessment methods, instructional strategies, evaluation techniques, and legal/ethical issues related to nursing education.

The cost of the CNE certification process varies depending on whether you are an NLN member or non-member. For members, the total cost is $350; for non-members it is $450. This fee includes both the online application fee ($50) and the exam fee ($300/$400).

2. Certified Clinical Nurse Educator (CCNE)

Certified Clinical Nurse Educator (CCNE) is a certification program that recognizes nurses who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to teach in an academic or clinical setting. The CCNE credential is offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and is designed to recognize those nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in teaching and educational practice.

To earn the CCNE credential, applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license and have at least two years of clinical experience as well as two years of teaching experience within the past five years. Applicants must also complete 30 hours of continuing education in nursing education or related topics within the past three years.

The application process for the CCNE credential includes submitting a completed application form, providing official transcripts from all accredited colleges/universities attended, submitting two professional references, and paying a non-refundable application fee of $245. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass an exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost to obtain the CCNE credential is $245 for the application fee plus $295 for the exam fee. In addition, applicants may incur additional costs such as travel expenses associated with taking the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

3. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping people with diabetes manage their condition. They provide education and support to individuals and families living with diabetes, helping them to understand the disease and how to best manage it.

To become a CDE, you must have at least two years of experience working in diabetes care, hold a current license or certification in a health-related field, and have completed an accredited diabetes education program. The process of becoming a CDE typically takes between 6-12 months.

The first step to becoming a CDE is completing an accredited diabetes education program. These programs are offered by universities, hospitals, and other organizations, and may include courses on nutrition, exercise physiology, pharmacology, clinical management of diabetes, and more. After completing the program requirements, you will need to pass the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a CDE varies depending on the type of program you choose. Most programs range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additionally, there is also an application fee of $200 USD for the NCBDE exam as well as additional fees associated with maintaining your certification once it has been obtained.

4. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies for health education specialists. The CHES designation is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

To become a CHES, individuals must pass an exam demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the seven areas of responsibility for health education specialists, as outlined by NCHEC. These areas include: Assessing Needs, Planning, Implementing, Evaluating, Administration/Management, Professional Responsibility and Research.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. It is offered twice a year in April and October at testing centers around the country.

The cost to take the exam is $225 for NCHEC members and $275 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain certification.

5. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Clinical Nurse Leader Certification (CNLC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Clinical Nurse Leader Certification (CNLC) is a certification program for nurses who want to demonstrate their expertise in providing high-quality patient care. The CNLC certification is designed to recognize nurses who have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to lead clinical teams, develop and implement evidence-based practice strategies, and promote quality improvement initiatives.

The CNLC certification requires successful completion of an exam that tests knowledge in five core competency areas: Systems Thinking, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, Health Policy & Advocacy, and Interprofessional Collaboration. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to be eligible for the CNLC certification, applicants must hold an active RN license and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse within the past five years or 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience within the past three years.

The cost for the CNLC certification exam is $395 for ANCC members or $495 for nonmembers. The exam fee includes one free retake if needed. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $65 for ANCC members or $95 for nonmembers to maintain the certification status.

Overall, it typically takes about 6 months from start to finish to get your CNLC certification. This includes studying for the exam and completing all necessary paperwork before taking it.

6. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC)

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC) is a certification program that recognizes the advanced practice nurse who has achieved expertise in acute care. The certification provides recognition to those nurses who have demonstrated an understanding of the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and quality care in a variety of acute care settings.

To become certified as an ACNPC, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a current unrestricted RN license and at least two years of experience as an acute care practitioner. In addition, applicants must pass the ACNPC examination administered by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmacology, physical assessment, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and treatment plans for acutely ill patients.

The cost for taking the exam is $450 for members of AACN and $550 for non-members. It typically takes about 4 weeks to receive results from ABNS after completing the exam. Once certified, ACNPCs are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years.

7. National League for Nursing’s Advanced Practice Nursing Certification in Education and Administration (APNCEA)

The National League for Nursing’s Advanced Practice Nursing Certification in Education and Administration (APNCEA) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of advanced practice nurses in the areas of education and administration. This certification is available to registered nurses who have completed an accredited master's or doctoral degree program in nursing, as well as those with a minimum of two years of experience in nursing education or administration.

The APNCEA certification process includes an application, a written examination, and an oral examination. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as curriculum development, teaching methods, assessment strategies, evaluation techniques, and management principles. The oral examination focuses on the candidate’s knowledge of advanced practice nursing concepts and their ability to apply them in a clinical setting.

To get certified, candidates must submit an application form along with documentation verifying their educational background and experience. The cost for the application fee is $250 USD. Once approved by the NLN, candidates can then register for the written examination which costs $300 USD. After passing the written exam, candidates may then register for the oral exam which costs $400 USD. In total, it can cost up to $950 USD to become APNCEA certified.

In order to maintain certification status, APNCEA certified nurses must complete at least 45 hours of continuing education every three years and pay an annual renewal fee of $50 USD.

8. American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing’s Ambulatory Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNP-BC)

The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing’s Ambulatory Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNP-BC) is a certification program for nurses who are interested in providing primary care services in ambulatory care settings. The ACNP-BC is the only national certification program that recognizes the unique knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners practicing in ambulatory care settings.

To become certified as an ACNP-BC, nurses must have completed an accredited graduate-level education program and have at least two years of full-time clinical experience as an advanced practice nurse. They must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The process to become certified typically takes six to nine months, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework, clinical experience, and exam preparation.

In order to get certified, you will need to submit an application and pay a fee. The application fee is $295 for members of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AACN), or $345 for non-members. In addition, there is a $200 fee for taking the ANCC certification exam.

Overall, it costs approximately $495-$545 to become certified as an ACNP-BC.

9. American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (CNS-BC)

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (CNS-BC) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the advanced practice knowledge and expertise of nurses who are prepared at the master's or doctoral level in nursing. The CNS-BC certification is a mark of distinction for clinical nurse specialists and demonstrates their commitment to excellence in the field.

To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements that include having an active registered nurse license, completion of a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program, and completion of a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice as a CNS. Applicants must also pass the Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The process to obtain this certification can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year depending on how quickly you complete all the required steps. To get started, applicants must first submit an application along with documentation verifying their credentials. The application fee for ANCC certification is $395 for members and $495 for non-members. After submitting your application, you will be notified if you have been approved to take the exam. Once approved, you will need to register for and take the exam within 12 months. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CNS-BC certification.

10. National Board for Certification of School Nurses’ School Nurse Certificate Program (SNCP).

The National Board for Certification of School Nurses’ School Nurse Certificate Program (SNCP) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the professional practice of school nurses. The SNCP is an evidence-based program that provides recognition of school nurses who demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in the practice of school nursing.

The SNCP requires applicants to have a minimum of two years full-time experience as a school nurse and must meet educational requirements specific to school nursing. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their competency in the areas of assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and professional development.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the SNCP application process. During this time applicants will need to complete the online application form and submit all required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and portfolios. Once all documents are received by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), they will review them and make a decision regarding certification within two weeks.

The cost for the SNCP varies depending on whether or not you are an NBCSN member. For non-members it costs $450 plus any applicable taxes while members pay $400 plus applicable taxes. The fees cover the cost of processing your application as well as providing you with access to resources such as webinars and study guides that can help you prepare for the exam.

Once certified, school nurses must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education activities related to school nursing practice and submitting documentation verifying their completion.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Educator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a clinical educator certificate in order to be a successful clinical educator. However, having the certificate can be beneficial in several ways. The clinical educator certificate can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective instructor and mentor for healthcare professionals. It can also help you stay current on the latest research and trends in healthcare education, as well as demonstrate your commitment to excellence in this field.

Having the certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in this field. Employers may view it as evidence that you have taken the initiative to pursue additional education and training specifically related to clinical education. In addition, some employers may require certification or even prefer candidates who have completed a formal program of study in this area.

Overall, having a clinical educator certificate can certainly help your career prospects but is not essential for success. Ultimately, it comes down to your own individual goals and whether or not obtaining such certification will benefit you professionally.

Related: Clinical Educator Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Educator Certifications

Q1. What is a Clinical Educator Certification?

A1. A Clinical Educator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in clinical education, including teaching methods, assessment and evaluation, curriculum development and implementation, and other related topics.

Q2. How do I get certified as a Clinical Educator?

A2. To become certified as a Clinical Educator, you must complete a program of study or training that meets the requirements set by the certifying body or organization. You must also pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the material.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Clinical Educator?

A3. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the program you choose and the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, most programs require anywhere from one to three years of study and experience before taking the certification exam.

Q4. What are some benefits of becoming a Clinical Educator?

A4. Becoming certified as a Clinical Educator provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, greater respect within the medical community, enhanced credibility when teaching students, and access to specialized resources for clinical educators.

Q5. Is there any additional information available about Clinical Educator Certifications?

A5. Yes! Many organizations offer additional resources such as webinars, journals, conferences and seminars dedicated to helping clinical educators stay current with best practices in clinical education.