Top 11 Infusion Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for an infusion nurse in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge and experience that employers value. Certification can also serve as a way to differentiate oneself from the competition, providing evidence of proficiency and dedication to one’s profession. Certified nurses may also be eligible for higher pay scales than non-certified nurses. Additionally, certifications can provide access to specialized roles or positions that require a certain level of expertise or knowledge.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Infusion Nurses, and explains how they can contribute to an infusion nurse's career.

What are Infusion Nurse Certifications?

Infusion nurse certification is a professional credential that is awarded to nurses who have demonstrated expertise in the field of infusion therapy. An infusion nurse is a specialized type of nurse who administers intravenous medications, fluids, and other treatments directly into the veins of patients. This type of nursing requires special knowledge and skills due to the complexity of administering intravenous therapies.

The American Board for Infusion Nursing (ABIN) offers an advanced certification program that allows nurses to demonstrate their competency in this specialty area. The certification process includes a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as infection control, IV access techniques, medication administration safety, and patient assessment. By successfully completing this exam and earning their certification, nurses can demonstrate their proficiency in the field of infusion therapy and increase their credentials within their profession.

Earning an infusion nurse certification can help nurses advance their careers by providing them with recognition and respect from peers, employers, and patients. In addition, having a certified infusion nurse on staff can improve patient outcomes as they are able to provide safer and more effective care due to their specialized knowledge and skills. Furthermore, certified infusion nurses may be eligible for higher salaries or promotions at work as well as increased opportunities for career growth.

Pro Tip: When pursuing infusion nurse certification, make sure to research the requirements for the specific certifying organization and ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria before beginning the certification process.

Related: What does an Infusion Nurse do?

Top 11 Infusion Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®)

Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) is a certification program for registered nurses who specialize in the administration of intravenous therapies. This certification is offered by the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of nurses who provide infusion therapy services.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must have a current RN license and at least two years of full-time clinical practice in the specialty area of infusion nursing within the past three years. They must also complete an approved continuing education program that includes topics related to infusion nursing.

The CRNI® exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as: pharmacology, infection control, patient assessment, IV therapy techniques, legal/ethical considerations, and professional standards. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

The cost to take the CRNI® exam is $395 USD for members of INCC or $495 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $90 USD to maintain your certification status.

2. Certified Ambulatory Infusion Nurse (CAIN)

A Certified Ambulatory Infusion Nurse (CAIN) is a professional nurse who has received specialized training in the administration of intravenous (IV) medications and treatments outside of a hospital setting. CAINs are responsible for providing safe, effective, and efficient ambulatory infusion care to patients in outpatient settings such as doctor’s offices, clinics, and home health agencies.

In order to become a CAIN, nurses must have at least one year of experience working with IV therapies in an ambulatory setting. After gaining experience, nurses can then apply for certification through the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). The certification process includes passing a written exam that covers topics such as pharmacology, infection control, patient assessment, and medication safety.

The cost of the CAIN certification exam varies depending on the applicant's country of residence; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center. Once certified, nurses must renew their credential every five years by completing continuing education courses or retaking the certification exam.

3. Certified Home Infusion Nurse (CHIN)

A Certified Home Infusion Nurse (CHIN) is a registered nurse who has specialized training and experience in providing home infusion therapy. Home infusion therapy involves the administration of intravenous medications, nutrition, and other therapies in the patient's home. The CHIN credential is a mark of excellence that demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to delivering quality care to patients receiving home infusion therapy.

To become certified, nurses must meet certain qualifications including having at least two years of full-time practice as an RN in home infusion within the last five years and passing an exam administered by the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA).

The certification process typically takes about 6-8 weeks from start to finish. To get started, nurses must first apply for certification through the NHIA website. This includes submitting an application form and paying a fee. Once approved, nurses will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to register for the exam. After registering for the exam, nurses will receive study materials from NHIA and have up to six months to take the exam.

The cost of obtaining CHIN certification varies depending on whether you are an NHIA member or not. For non-members, it costs $375 USD for the application fee plus $395 USD for the exam fee ($770 USD total). For members, it costs $275 USD for the application fee plus $295 USD for the exam fee ($570 USD total).

4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Infusion Therapy (APRN-IT)

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Infusion Therapy (APRN-IT) is a specialized nurse who provides intravenous (IV) therapy and other treatments to patients. They are responsible for administering medications, fluids, and blood products through IVs, as well as monitoring the patient’s response to the treatment. APRN-ITs also provide education and support to patients and their families about infusion therapy.

In order to become an APRN-IT, one must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. After completing the BSN program, individuals must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Once licensed as an RN, individuals can pursue further education to become an APRN-IT by enrolling in an accredited graduate program that specializes in infusion therapy. These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

The cost of becoming an APRN-IT varies depending on the school you attend and any additional certifications you may need. Generally speaking, tuition for a two-year master's program ranges from $20,000-$50,000. In addition to tuition costs, there may be fees associated with taking the NCLEX-RN exam or obtaining specialty certifications such as those offered by the Infusion Nurses Society (INS).

Overall, becoming an APRN-IT requires dedication and hard work but can lead to a rewarding career helping others through infusion therapy.

5. Certified Pediatric Infusion Nurse (CPIN)

Certified Pediatric Infusion Nurse (CPIN) is a certification offered by the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC). It is a specialty certification for nurses who have expertise in providing infusion therapy to pediatric patients. The CPIN credential demonstrates that the nurse has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to provide safe and effective care to children receiving infusion therapy.

The CPIN certification requires nurses to have at least two years of full-time practice as an RN in pediatric infusion nursing or one year of full-time practice as an RN in pediatric infusion nursing plus 30 contact hours of continuing education related to pediatric infusion nursing within five years prior to application.

To obtain the CPIN credential, nurses must apply online on the INCC website and submit proof of their qualifications. They must also pass an exam with multiple-choice questions that assess their knowledge and skills related to pediatric infusion nursing. The cost for the exam is $200 USD.

6. Certified Oncology Infusion Nursing (COIN)

Certified Oncology Infusion Nursing (COIN) is a professional certification for registered nurses who specialize in the care of oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, biotherapy, and other infusion therapies. This certification demonstrates expertise in the field of oncology nursing and provides recognition to those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in this specialty area.

The COIN certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). To be eligible for the COIN certification, an individual must meet certain requirements including being a licensed RN with at least two years of oncology nursing experience within the past three years.

The COIN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, symptom management, supportive care, psychosocial support, research utilization, and quality improvement. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To obtain the COIN certification, individuals must pass the exam with a score of at least 75%. The cost to take the exam is $340 for ONCC members or $400 for non-members.

7. Certified Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Infusion Nursing (CWCHOTIN)

Certified Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Infusion Nursing (CWCHOTIN) is a specialized certification program that prepares registered nurses to provide advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to patients. CWCHOTIN certification is offered through the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM). This certification is designed to help nurses gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive wound care, including HBOT.

It typically takes six months to one year of study and clinical experience in order to become certified as a CWCHOTIN. The program consists of three components: an online course, an on-site practicum, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as wound assessment, wound healing, infection control, patient education, documentation, and ethical considerations. The on-site practicum provides hands-on experience with HBOT treatments and other advanced wound care techniques. Finally, the final exam tests the nurse’s knowledge of the material covered in both the online course and practicum.

In order to become certified as a CWCHOTIN, nurses must first be licensed registered nurses in their state or country of residence. They must also have at least two years of experience working in an acute care setting or one year of experience working in a long-term care facility or home health agency providing direct patient care related to wounds or HBOT treatments.

The cost for becoming certified as a CWCHOTIN varies depending on where you take the courses and how many courses you need to complete. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 for all three components (online coursework + practicum + exam).

8. Certified Enteral Nutrition Support Nurse (CENSN)

Certified Enteral Nutrition Support Nurse (CENSN) is a certification program offered by the National Board for Certification of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Specialists (NBCEPS). The CENSN credential is designed to provide nurses with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to safely and effectively manage enteral nutrition support in a variety of settings.

The CENSN certification process includes an online application, an exam, and a clinical practice evaluation. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as enteral nutrition support assessment, management, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The clinical practice evaluation requires applicants to submit documentation of their experience with enteral nutrition support over the past two years.

The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. It is recommended that applicants begin the process at least six months before their desired certification date.

The cost for the CENSN certification program varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence. In the United States, it costs $295 for members of NBCEPS and $395 for non-members.

9. Certified Intravenous Nursing Certification (CIVNC)

Certified Intravenous Nursing Certification (CIVNC) is a certification that recognizes nurses who have demonstrated expertise in the area of intravenous therapy. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of nurses who provide care to patients receiving intravenous therapy. The CIVNC certification is issued by the National Board for Certification of Intravenous Nurses (NBCIN).

The CIVNC certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To be eligible for the CIVNC certification, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, such as having an associate's degree in nursing or higher and at least one year of full-time experience in intravenous nursing within the past five years. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by NBCIN.

The cost of obtaining the CIVNC certification varies depending on several factors, including whether or not applicants are members of NBCIN. Generally speaking, non-members can expect to pay between $300 and $400 for the entire process, while members may pay as little as $150. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for the cost of obtaining this certification.

10. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Vascular Access Management & Maintenance of Vascular Access Devices (APRN-VAMMVAD)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Vascular Access Management & Maintenance of Vascular Access Devices (APRN-VAMMVAD) is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and competence in the management and maintenance of vascular access devices. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The APRN-VAMMVAD certification requires a minimum of two years of full-time practice as a registered nurse with an active license in the United States or its territories, and at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience related to vascular access management within the last three years. Applicants must also demonstrate current knowledge of evidence-based practice guidelines related to vascular access management and maintenance.

The APRN-VAMMVAD exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam fee is $295 for ANCC members and $395 for non-members.

Once certified, APRN-VAMMVADs are expected to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every five years.

11. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Peripheral Venous Access Management & Maintenance of Peripheral Venous Access Devices (APRN-PVAMMVAD).

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Peripheral Venous Access Management & Maintenance of Peripheral Venous Access Devices (APRN-PVAMMVAD) is a certification program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain peripheral venous access devices. The program is offered by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN).

The APRN-PVAMMVAD certification program consists of two components: a comprehensive online course and an onsite clinical practicum. The online course provides an overview of peripheral venous access device management, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It also covers topics such as infection control, patient education, and legal/regulatory issues related to care delivery. The onsite practicum allows participants to practice their skills in a supervised setting.

The APRN-PVAMMVAD certification program typically takes four months to complete. During this time, participants must complete the online coursework, attend the onsite clinical practicum, and pass a final exam.

To get certified as an APRN-PVAMMVAD, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including being currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States or its territories; having at least two years of experience working with peripheral venous access devices; and completing the required coursework and practicum components of the program.

The cost for the APRN-PVAMMVAD certification program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD. This cost includes tuition for both the online coursework and onsite practicum components as well as any materials needed for completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Infusion Nurse Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals. For those who are interested in working as an infusion nurse, having a certificate is beneficial as it demonstrates to employers and other healthcare professionals that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. It also shows a commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

For those who already have a nursing degree or certification, obtaining an infusion nurse certificate may not be necessary. However, depending on the particular specialty of nursing they are practicing, further specialized training may be beneficial in order to provide more comprehensive care for patients.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an infusion nurse certificate will depend on your career objectives and what type of environment you would like to practice in. If you feel that having this additional certification would benefit your practice, then it can be worth pursuing.

Related: Infusion Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Infusion Nurse Certifications

1. What is an infusion nurse certification?

Answer: An infusion nurse certification is a specialized nursing credential that recognizes the expertise of nurses in providing intravenous (IV) therapy to patients.

2. How do I become certified as an infusion nurse?

Answer: To become certified as an infusion nurse, you must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by either the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These include having at least one year of experience in providing IV therapy and passing a certification exam.

3. What topics are covered on the infusion nurse certification exam?

Answer: The topics covered on the infusion nurse certification exam include professional practice, medical ethics, pharmacology, technology, safety, legal issues and patient assessment.

4. How often do I need to renew my infusion nurse certification?

Answer: Most certifications require renewal every three years and may require continuing education credits to maintain current knowledge and skills related to IV therapy.

5. What are the benefits of becoming an infusion nurse?

Answer: Benefits of becoming an infusion nurse include gaining specialized knowledge in IV therapy, increasing job opportunities in various clinical settings and demonstrating commitment to nursing excellence through professional recognition.