Top 11 Clinical Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for clinical nurses in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that a nurse has specialized knowledge, skills, and experience. Certifications also show that the nurse has made a commitment to professional development and is committed to providing quality care. Additionally, certifications can be used as evidence of continuing education credit, which many employers require for certain positions. Finally, certifications can help nurses stand out among the competition when applying for jobs or promotions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Clinical Nurses and explains how they can contribute to a clinical nurse's career development.

What are Clinical Nurse Certifications?

Clinical nurse certification is a credential that recognizes a nurse's professional accomplishments and commitment to excellence in their practice specialty. It is the highest form of recognition for nurses who have gone beyond basic nursing education to demonstrate competency in a particular clinical area. It is offered through national organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Earning a clinical nurse certification can help nurses advance their careers by demonstrating expertise, improving job satisfaction, and increasing earning potential. It also helps employers identify qualified nurses for positions in specific areas of practice. Certification also serves as an indication that the nurse has met rigorous standards and has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skills in the specialty area.

In addition to providing career advancement opportunities, clinical nurse certification can also provide nurses with greater job security, improved patient outcomes, and increased respect from peers. It can also open up more networking opportunities and allow nurses to stay up-to-date on advances in their specialty field. Finally, it can provide nurses with personal satisfaction knowing they have achieved excellence in their chosen field of practice.

Pro Tip: When considering clinical nurse certification, make sure to research the requirements for each program and determine which best fits your career goals. Additionally, look into any continuing education credits or other requirements for maintaining your certification over time.

Related: What does a Clinical Nurse do?

Top 11 Clinical Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the administration of anesthesia. CRNAs are responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing a patient’s care before, during, and after a surgical or medical procedure. They also monitor patients’ vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure their safety.

It typically takes between seven to eight years to become a CRNA. This includes earning an undergraduate degree in nursing, obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) license, gaining experience as an RN in critical care settings such as ICU or ER, completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a focus on nurse anesthesia, and passing the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

The cost of becoming a CRNA varies depending on the school you attend and whether you receive financial aid or scholarships. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $50,000-$100,000 to complete all of the necessary steps to become certified.

In addition to tuition costs, there are other fees associated with becoming a CRNA such as certification exam fees ($700-$800), licensing fees ($200-$400), malpractice insurance ($1,000-$2,000/year), continuing education courses ($500-$1,000/year), and professional membership dues ($50-$100/year).

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse with advanced education and training in midwifery. They provide primary care to women throughout their lifespan, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services, postpartum care, family planning services, gynecological exams, and menopausal care. CNMs are qualified to diagnose and treat common medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.

In order to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), you must first complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program from an accredited college or university. After obtaining your BSN, you will need to take the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become a registered nurse. Once you have obtained your RN license, you can then apply for admission into a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialization in midwifery. Most MSN programs require two years of full-time study and clinical experience. Upon successful completion of the MSN program, you must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam in order to become certified as a CNM.

The cost of becoming a CNM varies depending on the institution where you obtain your degree. The cost of tuition for an MSN program typically ranges from $15,000-$30,000 per year depending on the school and program length. Additionally, there is an application fee for taking the AMCB exam which is currently $500 for members of the American College of Nurse-Midwives or $650 for non-members.

3. Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has specialized knowledge in a particular area of nursing. The CNS provides direct patient care and consultation, as well as education, research, and leadership. They are experts in evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and quality improvement initiatives.

To become a CNS, you must have a current RN license and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or higher from an accredited program. Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete your MSN degree.

In order to be eligible for certification as a CNS, you must also have at least 500 hours of experience working in your specialty area within the last three years prior to application submission. You must also pass the CNS certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The cost of becoming a Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist varies depending on the program you choose and other factors such as books and materials. Generally speaking, tuition for an MSN degree ranges from $20,000-$50,000 depending on the school and length of program. The cost of taking the ANCC certification exam is $395 for members of professional organizations such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), or $445 for non-members.

4. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)

A Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is a registered nurse who has advanced training and experience in providing primary care to children. They are able to diagnose and treat common illnesses, injuries, and conditions in children from birth through adolescence. They also provide preventive health care services such as immunizations, physical exams, and health screenings.

To become a CPNP, you must first have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). You must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). After that, you will need to complete an accredited pediatric nurse practitioner program. The length of time it takes to complete the program varies depending on the school and whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time. Most programs take two to three years to complete.

Once you have completed your program, you will need to become certified by passing the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). The cost of taking the exam is $350 for PNCB members and $450 for non-members. After passing the certification exam, you will be eligible for licensure as a CPNP in your state.

5. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a certification offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is designed to recognize registered nurses who have achieved a level of excellence in emergency nursing practice. The CEN certification demonstrates that the nurse has obtained specialized knowledge and skills in emergency nursing, and is committed to providing quality care to patients in emergency settings.

The CEN certification requires nurses to have at least 2 years of experience as a full-time RN in an emergency department or related setting, as well as 1,000 hours of direct patient care within the past three years. Nurses must also pass an exam administered by BCEN. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as trauma management, medical emergencies, pediatric emergencies, geriatric emergencies, and legal issues.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for the CEN exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and online resources, attending review courses or seminars, and taking practice exams.

The cost of the CEN exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it usually ranges from $250-$400.

6. Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS)

A Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS) is a healthcare professional who has expertise in the use of technology to support nursing practice. This certification is designed for nurses who want to take their knowledge and skills in informatics to the next level.

To become a CNIS, you must have an active nursing license, at least two years of experience in nursing informatics, and have completed 30 hours of continuing education in informatics within the last three years. You must also pass an exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as data management, patient safety and quality improvement, health information systems, and leadership.

The cost for the CNIS exam varies depending on your location; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400. The exam fee includes registration, study materials, and the cost of taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from ANCC that is valid for five years.

In order to maintain your certification status after five years, you will need to complete 45 contact hours of continuing education in nursing informatics every three years. The cost for these contact hours can vary depending on where you obtain them; however, they typically range from $50-$100 per hour.

7. Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)

A Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment and management of wounds, including those caused by trauma, surgery, infection, or chronic medical conditions. The CWCN credential is offered through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN).

To become a Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN), an individual must have an active RN license in their state and must have at least two years of practice experience in wound care. They must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education related to wound care within the past three years. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by the WOCN.

The cost for obtaining the CWCN certification is $350 for members of the WOCN and $450 for non-members. This fee includes the exam application fee and access to study materials.

The entire process from application to certification typically takes about 6-8 weeks.

8. Certified Oncology Nurse (CON)

A Certified Oncology Nurse (CON) is a registered nurse who has specialized knowledge and experience in caring for cancer patients. The CON credential is awarded by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). To become certified, nurses must have a current RN license, two years of oncology nursing experience, and 30 hours of continuing education in oncology nursing within the past three years.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for the CON certification. The first step is to submit an application with proof of your RN license, oncology nursing experience, and continuing education credits. Once your application has been approved, you will be eligible to take the exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

The cost of obtaining the CON credential varies depending on whether or not you are an ONCC member. For non-members, the fee is $295; for members, it is $255. In addition to this fee, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or having your scores sent to another organization.

9. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS) is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies. ACLS is typically taken by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists who may be called upon to provide advanced cardiac care in emergency situations.

The ACLS certification course typically takes two days to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice of resuscitation techniques. During the course, participants learn how to assess a patient’s condition, initiate basic life support measures, recognize and treat cardiac arrhythmias, use a defibrillator, administer medications, interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs), and manage acute coronary syndromes.

In order to obtain ACLS certification, individuals must first complete an approved provider course. Provider courses are offered by many organizations including hospitals, universities, medical schools, community colleges or professional organizations such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. The cost of an ACLS provider course can range from $200-$400 depending on the organization offering it. After completing the provider course, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification card.

Overall, obtaining Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification requires attending an approved provider course followed by passing an exam. The cost of the provider course can range from $200-$400 depending on the organization offering it and the entire process typically takes two days to complete.

10. Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is a certification program designed to teach individuals the skills needed to save lives in emergency situations. It focuses on CPR, AED use, and choking relief for adults, children, and infants. BLS also covers rescue breathing, airway management, and other life-saving techniques.

The BLS certification process typically takes about four hours to complete. This includes a combination of online learning and hands-on training with an instructor. During the hands-on portion of the course, students will practice performing CPR on manikins and using AEDs (automated external defibrillators).

To get certified in Basic Life Support, you must first find an accredited provider that offers BLS courses. These courses can be found through hospitals, community centers, or online providers. Once you’ve found a provider that meets your needs, you can register for the course and pay any associated fees.

The cost of Basic Life Support certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Generally speaking, most courses range from $50-$100 per person. Some providers may offer discounts for groups or special circumstances such as military or healthcare personnel discounts.

11. Trauma Nursing Core Course Certification (TNCC).

Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is a two-day, 16-hour educational program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and hands-on training needed to care for trauma patients. The course is based on the Emergency Nurses Association’s (ENA) Trauma Nursing Process and covers topics such as patient assessment, airway management, shock and resuscitation, medical emergencies, trauma interventions, and special populations.

TNCC certification requires successful completion of both days of the course. Upon completion of the course, participants are eligible to take the TNCC exam which consists of multiple choice questions. Those who pass the exam will receive a certificate of completion from ENA that is valid for four years.

To get TNCC certified you must first register for a TNCC course through an accredited provider. There are several providers located throughout the U.S., including hospitals and universities. The cost of registration varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$500. Once registered for a course you must attend both days in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of TNCC certification includes both registration fees and exam fees which typically range from $400-$600 depending on location. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel or lodging if necessary.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Nurse Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some people, a clinical nurse certificate is necessary in order to work in certain roles or meet certain requirements. However, for others, a clinical nurse certificate may not be necessary.

For those who are seeking a career in nursing, a clinical nurse certificate can provide additional education and training that can be beneficial when working with patients. A clinical nurse certificate can also provide credentials that employers may look for when hiring nurses. It is important to note that depending on the state or country in which you live, there may be different requirements for becoming a certified clinical nurse.

In addition to providing credentials, a clinical nurse certificate can also increase an individual’s knowledge of various medical procedures and treatments. This added knowledge can help nurses better understand their patient’s needs and provide more effective care. It can also give them the confidence they need to handle difficult situations or complex medical cases.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a clinical nurse certificate will depend on their individual goals and situation. While it may be helpful for some individuals, it is not always necessary. Those interested should do their research to determine if it is something they need or want to pursue in order to further their career as a nurse.

Related: Clinical Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Nurse Certifications

1. What is a Clinical Nurse Certification?

Answer: A Clinical Nurse Certification (CNC) is a voluntary credential that recognizes advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular nursing specialty. It demonstrates to employers and colleagues that the nurse has achieved a higher level of proficiency in clinical practice.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must meet certain requirements set by the certifying organization related to experience, education, and continuing education. You must also pass an examination to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the specialty area.

3. Is certification required for nurses?

Answer: No, certification is not required for nurses; however, many employers prefer or require it as evidence of advanced knowledge and expertise in the field.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific requirements of the certifying organization as well as your educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to complete all of the necessary steps for certification depending on your situation.

5. Is recertification necessary?

Answer: Yes, recertification is necessary for most CNCs every few years in order to maintain your certification status. The specific requirements vary depending on the certifying organization but generally include completing continuing education courses or other activities related to professional development in the specialty area.