Top 10 Head Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for a head nurse in the job market because they demonstrate that the nurse has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skill. By obtaining certifications, nurses show employers that they have gone above and beyond the basic requirements for their position. Certifications can also help increase earning potential, as many employers are willing to pay more for certified nurses. Additionally, certifications can open up more job opportunities by demonstrating specialized expertise in certain areas. Finally, certifications can help build credibility and trust among patients and other healthcare professionals.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Head Nurses and explain how they can help to advance a head nurse's career.

What are Head Nurse Certifications?

Head Nurse Certification is a professional certification awarded to nurses who have successfully completed a program of study and passed an assessment of their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the role of head nurse. This certification demonstrates that the nurse has achieved a level of excellence in their practice as a head nurse.

The certification can be beneficial for nurses because it provides recognition from peers and other healthcare professionals for their expertise in leading nursing teams. It also serves as proof that the individual has met the specific standards required to practice as a head nurse. The credential can help nurses qualify for more advanced positions within their organizations, such as clinical manager or director roles. Additionally, it may provide access to additional education opportunities and resources which can help them stay up-to-date with current trends in healthcare. Finally, having this certification may increase job prospects, allowing them to command higher salaries and better benefits packages than those without the credential.

Pro Tip: When pursuing certification as a Head Nurse, be sure to research the certification requirements and process thoroughly. Additionally, look into any continuing education opportunities that may be available to help you maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Head Nurse do?

Top 10 Head Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

The Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) is a professional certification offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved excellence in their practice as nurse managers and leaders. The CNML credential demonstrates that the holder has met rigorous standards of knowledge, experience, and competency in the field of nursing management and leadership.

To be eligible for the CNML certification, an individual must have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field, plus five years of full-time experience as a nurse manager or leader within the past seven years. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by AONE.

The cost for taking the CNML exam is $450 for members of AONE and $550 for non-members. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as organizational management, financial management, human resources management, legal and regulatory issues, quality improvement initiatives, and evidence-based practice.

It takes approximately four weeks to receive your score after taking the exam. If you pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher, you will be awarded the CNML credential.

2. Certified Nursing Executive (CNE)

Certified Nursing Executive (CNE) is a credential offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of nurses in executive roles. The CNE credential demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to excellence in nursing leadership, practice, and management.

To become certified as a CNE, nurses must meet certain criteria established by the ANCC. This includes having a current registered nurse license, a minimum of two years of full-time experience as an RN in an executive-level position within the last five years, and completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing administration or management within the last three years.

The process for obtaining the CNE credential takes approximately four to six weeks from start to finish. To begin, applicants must complete an online application and submit all required documentation. Once approved, applicants will be required to take and pass an online certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official certification from ANCC.

The cost for obtaining the CNE credential varies depending on whether you are already an ANCC member or not. For non-members, the fee is $495; for members it is $395. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking and passing the certification exam.

3. Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)

Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) is a certification program offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). It is designed to recognize nurse executives who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in executive nursing practice. The CENP credential demonstrates that the nurse executive has met the highest standards of professional excellence and has the necessary competencies to lead a healthcare organization.

The CENP program requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a registered nurse, three years of which must be in an executive role. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from an accredited nursing school, complete a professional portfolio, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as leadership, finance, quality improvement, and legal/regulatory issues.

It takes approximately four months to receive your results after taking the exam. The cost for the CENP exam is $500 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

4. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Executive-Advanced Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Executive-Advanced Certification is a credential that recognizes nurses who have achieved the highest level of nursing leadership. This certification is designed to recognize those nurses who have demonstrated expertise in leading and managing healthcare organizations, developing and improving patient care services, and advocating for quality improvement initiatives.

In order to be eligible for this certification, an individual must hold a valid RN license, have at least three years of experience as a nurse executive or manager, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in the areas of nursing administration and management. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam which covers topics such as organizational leadership; financial management; legal and ethical issues; human resources management; quality improvement; strategic planning; information systems; and evidence-based practice.

The ANCC Nurse Executive-Advanced Certification is valid for five years from the date of issuance. In order to maintain the credential, individuals must complete 45 hours of continuing education every five years in areas related to nursing administration or management.

In order to obtain the ANCC Nurse Executive-Advanced Certification, individuals must first apply online through the ANCC website. Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam with Prometric Testing Centers. The cost for taking the exam is $395 (USD).

5. American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Leadership Certificate Program

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Leadership Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to help nurses develop the knowledge and skills they need to become successful nurse executives. The program consists of three courses that cover topics such as healthcare policy, financial management, and organizational leadership. The program also includes an online portfolio project, which allows participants to demonstrate their mastery of the material.

The AONE Leadership Certificate Program takes approximately 18 months to complete and requires participants to attend all three courses in person. The cost for the program is $2,000, which covers tuition and materials.

To get started in the AONE Leadership Certificate Program, interested individuals must first apply for admission by submitting an application form along with official transcripts from their nursing school. Once accepted into the program, participants will be provided with a study guide and access to course materials and resources. They will also receive guidance from faculty members who specialize in nursing leadership development.

Upon completion of the AONE Leadership Certificate Program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible for recognition as a Certified Nurse Executive (CNE). This certification is recognized by healthcare organizations around the world as a mark of excellence in nursing leadership.

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certification

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the advanced level of nursing practice achieved by registered nurses. It is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is recognized across the United States.

To get APRN Certification, nurses must first complete an accredited master’s or doctoral program in nursing. They must then pass a national certification exam administered by the ANCC. The exam covers topics such as pharmacology, physical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

The process of getting APRN Certification typically takes between 12 to 18 months to complete. During this time, nurses must complete their education requirements and pass the certification exam.

The cost of APRN Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and the state in which it is being obtained. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for all fees associated with obtaining APRN Certification. This includes application fees, examination fees, and continuing education costs.

7. National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Certified Nursing Home Administrator

The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNH) is a professional credential designed to recognize the highest level of achievement in long-term care administration. The CNH is awarded to individuals who have completed a rigorous course of study and demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide competent, ethical, and effective leadership in long-term care settings.

To become certified as a CNH, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have an active license or certification as a nursing home administrator in good standing from at least one NAB-member board
• Have at least two years of experience in long-term care administration
• Successfully complete the CNH examination administered by NAB
• Submit a signed application with all required documentation
• Pay all applicable fees
• Maintain an active license or certification as a nursing home administrator in good standing from at least one NAB-member board for the duration of their CNH certification.

The process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish. The cost for the exam is $400 for members ($500 for non-members). Additionally, there are fees associated with submitting an application and maintaining certification.

8. American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Administration Certification

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Administration Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in nursing administration. It is designed to recognize the professional knowledge and skills necessary for successful leadership in nursing administration.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete the certification process. To be eligible, an individual must hold a current RN license, have completed at least one year of experience in nursing administration or management, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing administration within the past three years.

To obtain ANA Nursing Administration Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by the ANA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as leadership principles, organizational structure, policy development, personnel management, financial management, quality improvement, and legal issues.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the state in which it is taken but typically ranges from $200-$400. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or enrolling in review courses prior to taking the exam.

9. National Council of State Boards of Nursing's (NCSBN) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize nurses who have met the highest standards in advanced practice nursing. This certification is available for registered nurses with a master’s degree or higher in an APRN role, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.

To obtain the NCSBN APRN Certification, applicants must pass an exam that assesses their knowledge and skills in the areas of advanced practice nursing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also meet additional eligibility requirements such as having a current RN license and at least two years of full-time experience in their specialty area.

The cost of the NCSBN APRN Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. The fee for taking the exam is $350 plus any applicable taxes and fees. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with obtaining the certification, such as application fees or renewal fees.

Once obtained, the NCSBN APRN Certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To maintain certification status, nurses must complete continuing education activities related to their specialty area every two years and renew their certification every five years by submitting an updated application and paying any applicable renewal fees.

10. American College of Healthcare Executives' (ACHE) Fellow in Healthcare Management

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Fellow in Healthcare Management is a prestigious recognition awarded to healthcare executives who have demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of professional development and service. The Fellow designation is the highest level of membership in ACHE, and it is achieved through a rigorous process that includes both professional achievement and service to the healthcare management profession.

To be eligible for the Fellow status, an individual must have been an ACHE member for at least three years and must have held a senior-level position in healthcare management for at least five years. Additionally, they must demonstrate professional achievement by meeting criteria such as earning a master's degree or higher in healthcare administration or another related field, completing at least 100 hours of continuing education credits, and participating in ACHE activities. They must also demonstrate service to the profession by providing leadership on committees or boards, mentoring others, publishing articles or books related to healthcare management, or engaging with other organizations dedicated to advancing the profession.

The process of becoming an ACHE Fellow typically takes two to three years. It involves completing an application form that includes information about educational background, work experience, professional achievements, and service activities. After submitting the application form and supporting documentation, applicants are reviewed by a panel of experienced Fellows who evaluate their qualifications against established criteria. If approved by the panel, applicants are then inducted into ACHE's Fellows program during its annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership.

The cost associated with becoming an ACHE Fellow varies depending on whether you are already an ACHE member or not. For non-members, there is an initial fee of $200 plus membership dues ranging from $125-$225 per year depending on your job title; for current members there is only a one-time fee of $100 plus annual dues ranging from $95-$195 per year depending on your job title.

Do You Really Need a Head Nurse Certificate?

Head nurse certificates are not essential for all nurses, but they can be beneficial in certain circumstances. Firstly, a head nurse certificate provides evidence of advanced knowledge and experience in nursing. This can be used to demonstrate a high level of expertise to employers or other healthcare professionals. It also serves as an indication that the holder has obtained specialized training and qualifications in their area of expertise.

In addition, a head nurse certificate allows nurses to take on greater responsibility within the workplace. This may include taking on additional duties such as managing staff, developing policies and procedures, supervising clinical activities, or even leading teams or departments. By obtaining a head nurse certificate, nurses become eligible for more senior roles and higher pay grades which can increase their career prospects and earning potential.

Finally, having a head nurse certificate is often beneficial when it comes to continuing education opportunities. Nurses with these credentials may be able to get access to scholarships or grants to help further their education and gain additional qualifications. This could open up new job opportunities or allow them to specialize in a particular field or area of interest.

In conclusion, while a head nurse certificate is not essential for all nurses, it can be very helpful in certain situations where advanced knowledge and experience is required. Additionally, it can provide access to more senior roles with better pay grades as well as continuing education opportunities that could lead to greater career success and satisfaction.

Related: Head Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Head Nurse Certifications

1. What is a Head Nurse Certification?

Answer: A Head Nurse Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the advanced knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced nurses who have achieved the highest level of nursing practice. It demonstrates the nurse's commitment to excellence in patient care and provides recognition for those who have successfully completed a rigorous program of study and practice.

2. How do I become certified as a Head Nurse?

Answer: To become certified as a Head Nurse, you must first complete an accredited nursing program with an emphasis on leadership and management. After graduation, you will need to obtain at least two years of experience in nursing leadership roles before applying for certification. Once your qualifications are verified by a certifying body, you will be eligible to take the certification exam.

3. What does the certification exam include?

Answer: The certification exam includes multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge about various aspects of nursing leadership such as patient safety, quality assurance, resource management, legal considerations and ethical issues. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to think critically in order to solve problems and make decisions related to patient care.

4. How long does my certification last?

Answer: Your certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. At the end of this period, you will need to renew your certification by completing continuing education credits or taking an additional exam covering new developments in nursing practice since your initial certification was granted.

5. Are there any other requirements I should be aware of?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that head nurses maintain current CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification at all times while practicing as a head nurse and adhere to ethical standards set forth by their organization or state board of nursing. Additionally, some employers may require additional credentials or training beyond what is required for basic head nurse certification.