Top 10 Graduate Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for graduate nurses in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers look for. Having certifications show employers that you have taken the time to develop your skills and maintain a certain level of expertise. Certifications can also give you an edge over other applicants, as they demonstrate a commitment to excellence and dedication to your career. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified nurses because they know that these nurses have already passed rigorous tests and have acquired specialized skills. Finally, having certifications can open up new job opportunities or promotions that may be unavailable to those without them.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Graduate Nurses and explain how they can enhance a graduate nurse's career.

What are Graduate Nurse Certifications?

Graduate nurse certification is a program designed to help newly graduated nurses transition from student to professional nurse. It provides a framework for new graduates to become proficient in their roles and responsibilities as a nurse, and demonstrates their commitment to excellence in the field. Through graduate nurse certification, new nurses demonstrate that they have achieved the necessary knowledge and skills required of them to provide safe and effective patient care.

The certification includes areas such as clinical practice, professional development, leadership, communication, research and evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics and technology, health promotion and disease prevention. It also includes topics such as health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing interventions, legal issues related to nursing practice and cultural competence.

By obtaining graduate nurse certification, new nurses are able to show employers that they have taken the initiative to further their education beyond what is required of them by their state board of nursing. This can be beneficial for those seeking employment or advancement opportunities in the field of nursing. Additionally, it can help ensure that new nurses are knowledgeable about current standards of practice and patient care protocols. Graduate nurse certification also serves as an additional credential on resumes when applying for jobs or promotions within healthcare organizations.

Pro Tip: Get certified in a specialty area of nursing to stand out from the competition. Many employers are looking for nurses with specialized skills and knowledge in a particular field, so having a certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Related: What does a Graduate Nurse do?

Top 10 Graduate Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients. CRNAs are highly trained professionals who provide a variety of services related to anesthesia including pre-operative assessment, preparation, and post-operative care. They also monitor the patient's vital signs during surgery and provide pain management for patients before, during, and after surgery.

It typically takes around seven years to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This includes earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher from an accredited nursing program, obtaining licensure as a registered nurse (RN), completing at least one year of acute care experience as an RN, and then completing a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program.

To become a CRNA you must first complete the necessary educational requirements. This includes earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher from an accredited nursing program and obtaining licensure as a registered nurse (RN). After this you must complete at least one year of acute care experience as an RN before enrolling in a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program. Once enrolled in the program you will need to complete coursework, clinical rotations, and pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

The cost for becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist varies depending on the school and program chosen. Generally speaking tuition costs range from $50,000 - $100,000 for the entire program. Additional costs may include textbooks and supplies, licensing fees, exam fees, travel expenses for clinical rotations etc.

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed additional education and training in midwifery. CNMs provide care for women throughout the lifespan, including prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postpartum care, gynecological care, and family planning services. CNMs are qualified to diagnose and treat common conditions of the female reproductive system such as infections and menstrual irregularities.

In order to become a CNM, one must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, individuals must then complete an accredited midwifery program which typically takes two years to complete. After completing the midwifery program, individuals 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 one completes their midwifery program and any additional costs associated with taking the AMCB exam. Generally speaking, tuition for a midwifery program can range from $20,000-$50,000 per year depending on the institution. Additionally, there is an application fee for taking the AMCB exam which ranges from $300-$400 dollars.

3. Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a specialized advanced practice registered nurse who has obtained additional education and training to provide direct patient care, as well as consult on patient care and lead healthcare teams. CNSs are experts in their field of specialty and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to improve the quality of patient care.

The process for becoming a CNS varies by state, but typically involves obtaining a master’s degree or higher in nursing, completing an accredited clinical nurse specialist program, and passing the national certification exam. Most programs take two to three years to complete.

To become certified as a CNS, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by your state board of nursing. These requirements may include having an active RN license, at least one year of experience working as an RN in the specialty area you wish to pursue certification in, and completion of an accredited clinical nurse specialist program. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the national certification exam through your state board of nursing or through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are applying through your state board or ANCC.

4. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)

A Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced training and certification in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. The CPNP credential is granted by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and requires a minimum of 500 hours of pediatric clinical experience in addition to passing an exam.

To become a CPNP, individuals must first have a valid RN license and at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in a pediatric setting. They must also complete an accredited master's or doctoral degree program in nursing with an emphasis on pediatric care. After completing their degree program, they must then pass the PNCB's certification exam.

The cost to take the PNCB certification exam varies depending on when you register for it. Generally, it costs around $400-$500 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining your master’s or doctoral degree program in nursing, such as tuition and fees associated with attending school.

In total, it usually takes about two to three years to become a CPNP after completing your RN license requirements.

5. Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

A Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a licensed advanced practice nurse who has specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. PMHNPs are qualified to provide a broad range of services including psychotherapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to promote mental health and wellness.

To become certified as a PMHNP-BC, you must first complete an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric/mental health nursing. You must also have at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience that includes direct patient care in the specialty area. Once you have completed your educational requirements, you can take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

The cost of becoming certified as a PMHNP-BC will vary depending on your individual circumstances. The cost of tuition for an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program can range from $20,000 to $60,000 or more depending on the institution and length of the program. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees associated with taking the ANCC certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

In total it typically takes 3-5 years to become certified as a PMHNP-BC depending on your individual circumstances such as whether you already hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or if you need to complete prerequisite courses before beginning your master's or doctoral program.

6. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a certification program designed to teach healthcare providers the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a patient in cardiac arrest. ACLS is based on the American Heart Association's (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. The program covers topics such as basic life support, airway management, rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and resuscitation algorithms.

ACLS certification typically takes two days to complete. During this time, participants will learn how to recognize and treat various cardiac emergencies including ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. Participants must demonstrate their ability to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). They will also be tested on their knowledge of ACLS algorithms and pharmacology.

To get certified in ACLS, you must attend an AHA-approved training course at an accredited institution or online provider. Online courses are available for those who cannot attend in-person classes due to scheduling conflicts or geographic distance. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the AHA that is valid for two years.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges between $100-$300 USD.

7. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is an 8-hour course designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for trauma patients. The course covers a wide range of topics, including assessment, management, and prevention of trauma. It also provides information on the use of advanced technologies and techniques in the care of trauma patients.

The TNCC program is offered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). To obtain TNCC certification, you must complete a two-day course that consists of lectures, hands-on activities, case studies, and skill stations. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate from ENA that is valid for four years.

The cost of the TNCC course varies depending on your location and whether or not you are an ENA member. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 - $500 for non-members and $200 - $300 for members.

In order to register for the TNCC course, you must first become an ENA member if you are not already one. You can then search for available courses near you on the ENA website or contact your local chapter for more information.

8. Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)

Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) is an advanced two-day course designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for pediatric patients in emergency settings. The course covers topics such as pediatric assessment, airway management, shock and resuscitation, trauma management, medical emergencies, and other related issues. It also includes a hands-on skills lab with simulations of common pediatric emergency scenarios.

The ENPC course takes two days to complete and is offered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). It can be taken at an ENA approved training center or online through an accredited provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $350-$500 USD.

9. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is an educational program designed to teach healthcare professionals the skills and knowledge needed to resuscitate newborns. It was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The program is based on evidence-based guidelines from these organizations.

The NRP consists of a two-day course that includes lectures, video demonstrations, and hands-on practice with manikins. Participants learn how to assess a newborn’s condition, initiate resuscitative efforts, recognize signs of distress in newborns, and provide basic care for a newborn in need of resuscitation.

The NRP course is offered at hospitals, medical centers, universities, and other locations throughout the country. It typically takes two days to complete the course. The cost of the course varies depending on location but usually ranges from $150-$250 per person.

In order to become certified in NRP, participants must pass an exam at the end of the course. After successful completion of the course and passing of the exam, participants receive an NRP certification card which is valid for two years.

10. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP)

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP) is a course designed to teach healthcare providers the skills and knowledge needed to provide basic life support in an emergency situation. It includes CPR, AED use, and airway management. The course takes approximately 4 hours to complete and is offered by many organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA).

To get BLS-HCP certification, you will need to attend a class or online course that is approved by the AHA. You will also need to pass a written exam at the end of the course. The cost varies depending on which organization offers the course, but typically ranges from $50-$100.

Do You Really Need a Graduate Nurse Certificate?

The answer to the question of whether you need a graduate nurse certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are already a Registered Nurse (RN) and have been working in the field for some time, then a graduate nurse certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are just starting out in the nursing profession or are looking to advance your career, then having a graduate nurse certificate can be beneficial.

A graduate nurse certificate demonstrates to employers that you possess advanced knowledge and skills beyond what is required for entry-level nurses. This can give you an edge over other candidates who do not have such credentials. It also shows potential employers that you are willing to go the extra mile and invest in yourself by completing additional education requirements.

Having a graduate nurse certificate can also open up more job opportunities and even allow for higher pay rates than those without such credentials. For example, some hospitals require their nurses to have at least a master's degree in order to work in certain roles or departments, such as intensive care units or operating rooms. Furthermore, if you plan on pursuing advanced nursing roles such as becoming a Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, then having a graduate nurse certificate is essential since these roles typically require additional education and/or certification beyond what is required for RNs.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a graduate nurse certificate really depends on your individual goals and aspirations within the nursing profession. If you want to take your career to the next level, then obtaining this credential can help set you apart from other candidates while providing access to more job opportunities with better pay rates.

Related: Graduate Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Graduate Nurse Certifications

1. What are the requirements for obtaining a graduate nurse certification?

Answer: The exact requirements vary by specialty, but typically involve successful completion of an accredited nursing program, passing a national licensing examination, and passing a specialty certification exam.

2. How much do graduate nurse certifications cost?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the type of certification and the institution providing it. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for the application fee and exam fees.

3. How long does it take to complete a graduate nurse certification?

Answer: Depending on the specialty, it may take several months or longer to complete all the necessary requirements for a graduate nurse certification.

4. What is the difference between certification and licensure?

Answer: Certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates advanced knowledge in a specific area of practice; licensure is a mandatory process that grants permission to practice in a given state or jurisdiction.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my graduate nurse certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require ongoing continuing education credits to maintain your credential. The number and type of credits required will vary depending on your specialty and certification board guidelines.