Top 10 ICU Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for ICU nurses in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certified ICU nurses have the education, training, and skills to provide the highest quality care to critically ill patients. Certification also shows that an ICU nurse has the ability to work in a high-pressure environment, is up-to-date on the latest treatments and techniques, and can handle complex patient cases. Additionally, having a certification can help open doors to higher paying positions or even specialty roles. Ultimately, certifications serve as proof of an ICU nurse’s dedication to their profession and commitment to providing excellent care.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications available for ICU Nurses and explain how they can help advance an ICU Nurse's career.

What are ICU Nurse Certifications?

ICU Nurse Certification is an advanced certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and experience of registered nurses who specialize in the care of critically ill patients. This certification is offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). The certification program consists of a specialized knowledge test, a clinical simulation exam, and a portfolio review. This program provides nurses with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in providing quality care to critically ill patients.

The benefits of ICU Nurse Certification are numerous. With this certification, nurses can show employers that they have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for providing optimal care for critically ill patients. This certification also serves as an indication that the nurse is current on best practices for caring for these patients and has demonstrated mastery of critical-care concepts and tasks. The credential also helps employers identify qualified candidates when hiring new staff or promoting within their facility’s nursing staff. In addition, this certification may be used to fulfill continuing education requirements or to qualify for higher salaries or positions within certain healthcare organizations or government agencies.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an ICU Nurse Certification, make sure to complete the necessary courses and clinical hours that are required for certification. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in order to provide the highest quality of care for your patients.

Related: What does an ICU Nurse do?

Top 10 ICU Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)

Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) is a certification offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nurses who specialize in providing care for critically ill patients.

To be eligible to take the CCRN exam, applicants must have an active RN license and at least 1,750 hours of direct bedside care in a critical care setting within the past two years. Additionally, applicants must have completed 30 hours of continuing education related to critical care nursing within the past three years.

The CCRN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost for taking the exam ranges from $300 to $400 depending on whether or not you are an AACN member. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CCRN certification and will need to renew it every three years by completing 45 hours of continuing education related to critical care nursing.

2. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC)

An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC) is a registered nurse with advanced training and certification in the diagnosis and management of acute, critical, and chronic illnesses. ACNPs are able to provide a wide range of services including ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, providing patient education, performing minor procedures, and managing complex medical conditions.

It typically takes two to three years to become an ACNP-BC. This includes completing a master's degree in nursing or higher from an accredited school, passing the national board exam for nurse practitioners, and obtaining certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become an ACNP-BC, you must first complete a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) program or higher. The MSN program should include courses related to acute care such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, and advanced practice nursing. After completing your MSN program you will need to take the national board exam for nurse practitioners which is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Once you have passed this exam you can apply for certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from ANCC.

The cost of becoming an ACNP-BC varies depending on the school and program chosen. Tuition for a Master’s degree in nursing ranges from $10,000-$30,000 depending on the university chosen. Additionally there is a fee for taking the national board exam which is approximately $200-$400. Finally there is a fee for obtaining certification which is approximately $200-$300 per year depending on whether you choose initial certification or renewal.

3. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a certification program offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of registered nurses who specialize in emergency care.

To become a CEN, you must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience as an emergency nurse within the last three years. You must also have completed at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the emergency department during that time.

The CEN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as trauma nursing, medical emergencies, legal issues, and professional practice. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CEN exam is $360 for BCEN members and $460 for non-members.

4. Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)

A Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) is a specialized type of registered nurse who has been certified to provide medical care during air transport. CFRNs are trained in the unique environment of aeromedical evacuation and must be able to quickly assess and treat patients while in flight. They must also be able to manage the aircraft's limited resources, such as oxygen, medications, and equipment, while providing patient care.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become a CFRN. The process includes completing an approved course of study in aeromedical nursing and passing a certification exam administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse in an emergency or critical care setting.

The cost of becoming a CFRN varies depending on the course chosen and any additional materials needed for preparation. The BCEN offers several study packages that range from $200-$400 USD. In addition, there is an application fee of $225 USD and an exam fee of $395 USD.

Overall, becoming a CFRN requires dedication and commitment but can open up many opportunities within the field of aeromedical nursing.

5. Certified Pediatric Critical Care Nurse (CPCCRN)

A Certified Pediatric Critical Care Nurse (CPCCRN) is a professional certification for nurses who specialize in providing care to critically ill pediatric patients. This certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It recognizes nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in caring for pediatric patients in critical care settings.

To become certified as a CPCCRN, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse in pediatric critical care, hold an active RN license, and have completed at least 1,000 hours of practice in pediatric critical care nursing within the past three years.

The CPCCRN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that assess the nurse's knowledge and skills related to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementation, evaluation of outcomes, family education and support, ethical decision making, legal considerations, research utilization and quality improvement. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CPCCRN exam is $395 for AACN members or $495 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and resources to help prepare for the exam.

6. Certified Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

The Certified Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is a two-day, 16-hour course designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for trauma patients. The TNCC program is based on standards developed by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). It is the only nationally accredited trauma nursing course available in the United States.

The TNCC course consists of lectures, interactive activities, and skill stations that focus on assessment, intervention, and evaluation of the trauma patient. It covers topics such as shock recognition and management, airway management, fluid resuscitation, wound management, and special considerations for pediatric and geriatric trauma patients.

It typically takes two days to complete the TNCC course. The cost of taking the TNCC course varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs between $400-$600. You can find a list of approved providers offering the TNCC course on the ENA website.

In order to get certified in TNCC, you must successfully complete both days of instruction and pass an exam at the end of each day with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have completed all requirements for certification, you will receive a wallet card from ENA indicating your successful completion of the TNCC program.

7. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac conditions. The ACLS course covers basic life support, advanced airway management, rhythm recognition and treatment of cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, and other cardiovascular emergencies.

The ACLS course typically takes two days to complete and includes both a written exam and a skills assessment. The written exam consists of multiple choice questions that test the participant’s knowledge of ACLS topics. The skills assessment is designed to evaluate the participant’s ability to perform specific tasks related to ACLS protocols such as establishing an airway, defibrillation, administering medications, etc.

In order to obtain an ACLS certification, participants must successfully complete both the written exam and the skills assessment. Participants can take the course in person at an approved training center or online through an accredited provider.

The cost of obtaining an ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

8. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of emergency medical techniques designed to provide immediate care for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening medical emergency. It includes chest compressions, rescue breaths and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). BLS can be performed by anyone with basic training in CPR, such as healthcare professionals, first responders, and lay rescuers.

It typically takes around 4-6 hours to complete a BLS course. The length of the course may vary depending on the provider and the type of certification being sought. The cost of a BLS class varies depending on the provider and location; however, most classes range from $50-$100.

To get certified in Basic Life Support, you must take an approved course from an accredited instructor or organization. During the course, you will learn how to recognize signs of cardiac arrest, how to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths correctly, and how to use an AED safely and effectively. After completing the course successfully, you will receive a certification card that is valid for two years.

9. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is a program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association to teach healthcare providers how to resuscitate newborns who are not breathing or have a dangerously low heart rate. The program covers topics such as airway management, chest compressions, ventilation, umbilical cord care, and medications for resuscitation.

The NRP course typically takes around 8 hours to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. It is available in both online and in-person formats.

In order to obtain certification in NRP, individuals must pass an exam at the end of the course. To take the course, individuals must first register with their local AAP chapter or with an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on location but usually ranges from $100-$200 USD.

10. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a specialized course designed to teach healthcare providers the skills and knowledge needed to care for children in emergency situations. The course focuses on recognizing and treating life-threatening medical conditions, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, shock, and other medical emergencies. It is based on the American Heart Association’s Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care of Infants and Children.

The PALS course typically takes two days to complete and consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with manikins. During the course, participants learn how to assess critically ill infants and children; recognize life-threatening medical conditions; perform high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); use automated external defibrillators (AEDs); provide advanced airway management; administer medications; interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs); manage pediatric trauma; recognize cardiac arrhythmias; treat peri-arrest conditions; and more.

To become certified in PALS, you must successfully complete a PALS provider course offered by an approved AHA training center. The cost of the course varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD. After completing the course, you will receive a PALS provider card that is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a ICU Nurse Certificate?

No, you do not need an ICU nurse certificate to become a nurse. While having specialized training and experience as an ICU nurse may be beneficial in certain situations, it is not required for all nursing roles. There are many types of nurses that do not require any specific certification or training in the ICU setting. Nurses can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, psychiatry, and more.

In addition to the variety of career paths available, nurses can also take courses and pursue certifications related to their area of specialty. This allows them to advance their knowledge and skills and become experts in their field. For example, a nurse interested in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner might pursue a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification (PNPC). Similarly, a nurse wishing to become an oncology nurse might pursue an Oncology Nursing Certification (ONC).

Ultimately, having an ICU Nurse Certificate may be beneficial if you are seeking employment in the ICU setting but is not necessary for most nursing positions. Ultimately it depends on your individual goals and interests as well as what type of nursing position you are looking for.

Related: ICU Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About ICU Nurse Certifications

1. What is an ICU Nurse Certification?

Answer: An ICU Nurse Certification is a specialized certification for nurses who provide care to critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). The certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and demonstrates a nurse’s knowledge and skills in critical care nursing.

2. How do I become certified as an ICU Nurse?

Answer: To become certified as an ICU Nurse, you must have at least one year of experience providing direct patient care in an acute or critical care setting within the past three years, and you must successfully complete the AACN’s exam for certification.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the certification exam and complete all requirements for certification.

4. What are the benefits of being an ICU Nurse?

Answer: Being an ICU Nurse provides many benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job satisfaction due to providing specialized care to critically ill patients.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Your certification must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education activities related to critical care nursing and passing a recertification exam provided by the AACN.