Top 10 Licensed Practical Nurse Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Certifications demonstrate that a nurse has achieved a certain level of education and experience, and can provide employers with assurance that the nurse is well-trained and knowledgeable. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to continuing education, which is important for staying current on trends in the field. Additionally, certifications can help LPNs stand out from other applicants in the job market and can give them an edge when applying for competitive positions. Finally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and more career advancement opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available to Licensed Practical Nurses and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Licensed Practical Nurse Certifications?

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) certification is a type of licensure for nurses who have completed a state-approved educational program and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. This certification is required to practice as an LPN in most states. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that LPNs are competent and qualified to provide quality care to their patients.

Having an LPN certification can help one stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. It also shows employers that the individual has met certain standards of training and knowledge, making them more attractive candidates for employment. Additionally, having an LPN certification can be beneficial when working with third-party payers, as they may require it in order to reimburse the nurse for services provided.

Finally, having an LPN certification can provide nurses with a sense of pride and accomplishment in their field of work. It also gives them access to continuing education opportunities and professional development resources which can help them stay current on best practices and regulations in nursing.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for obtaining your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification before you begin the application process. Many states have different requirements, so it is important to make sure you are aware of all of them before submitting your application.

Related: What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?

Top 10 Licensed Practical Nurse Certifications

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

1. National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of practical nursing. It is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The NCLEX-PN is used by all U.S. state boards of nursing to determine if an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to become a licensed practical nurse.

The NCLEX-PN exam consists of between 85 and 205 multiple choice questions that assess a candidate’s ability to safely and effectively provide care in medical settings. The exam covers topics such as health promotion, basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, safety and infection control, psychosocial integrity, and physiological adaptation.

It typically takes about four hours to complete the NCLEX-PN exam; however, some candidates may take up to six hours depending on their performance. After completing the exam, scores are available within 48 hours through an online portal or by mail.

In order to take the NCLEX-PN exam, applicants must first apply for licensure with their state board of nursing. Each state board has its own set of requirements that must be met before taking the exam. Once these requirements have been met, applicants can register for the exam through Pearson VUE at a cost of $200 USD.

2. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a credential that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and experience of nurses who provide care to adult medical-surgical patients. The CMSRN certification is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). To be eligible for the CMSRN certification, you must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time practice as a registered nurse in medical-surgical nursing within the past three years.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. To get certified, you first need to complete an application and pay a fee. The fee for the CMSRN certification exam is $350 for MSNCB members and $400 for nonmembers. After submitting your application, you will be sent an authorization letter with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once you have completed the registration process, you will be able to take the exam at a testing center or online from home.

The cost of becoming certified depends on whether or not you are already a member of MSNCB. If you are not already a member, then it will cost $750 ($400 for the exam + $350 for membership). If you are already a member, then it will cost $400 ($350 for the exam + no membership fee).

3. Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)

A Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) is a registered nurse who has completed specialized training and certification in the field of dialysis. This certification is offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). To become certified, nurses must have at least two years of experience as a dialysis nurse, complete an approved continuing education program, and pass the CDN exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as patient assessment, dialysis treatments, vascular access management, and infection control.

The process to become certified typically takes about six months to complete. First, nurses must apply for certification with the NNCC and submit their transcripts and other required documents. Once they are approved, they can register for the CDN exam. After passing the exam, they will receive their official certificate from the NNCC.

The cost to become certified varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to register for the CDN exam and obtain your official certification from the NNCC.

4. Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP)

A Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP) is a nurse practitioner who has achieved a specialty certification in gerontological nursing. This certification recognizes advanced knowledge and skills in the care of older adults. CGNPs are prepared to provide comprehensive healthcare services to older adults, including physical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic illnesses.

In order to obtain the CGNP certification, candidates must have an unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and at least 2000 hours of experience in providing direct care to older adults within the last 3 years. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The cost for taking the CGNP exam is $395 for members of the American Geriatrics Society or $495 for non-members. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 4 hours.

5. Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN)

Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) is a specialized certification for nurses who provide care to patients with wounds, ostomies, and continence issues. The certification is offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB).

To become certified as a CWOCN, you must have an active RN license in the United States or Canada. You must also have at least two years of experience in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing within the last five years.

The process to become certified as a CWOCN includes completing an application form and providing documentation of your qualifications. You will then need to pass an exam that covers topics such as wound management, ostomy care, continence management, nutrition and pharmacology.

The cost to apply for the CWOCN certification is $350 USD. The exam fee is $325 USD. It typically takes 8-12 weeks from the time you submit your application until you receive your results.

6. Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN)

Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN) is an advanced certification for registered nurses who specialize in ambulatory care. Ambulatory care is the provision of health care services to patients outside of a hospital setting, such as in a clinic or physician’s office. CACN certified nurses are knowledgeable and experienced in providing comprehensive nursing care to patients in the ambulatory setting.

It typically takes around six months to complete the application process for CACN certification. The first step is to become an RN and obtain licensure from your state board of nursing. Then you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These include having at least two years of experience working as an RN in ambulatory care, completing at least 2,000 hours of practice within the last three years, and obtaining 30 continuing education credits related to ambulatory care nursing within the last three years. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for CACN certification through ANCC’s online portal.

The cost of getting CACN certified varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are a member of ANCC. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to become certified. This fee covers the cost of registering for the exam, taking it, and receiving your certificate once you pass.

7. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification is a type of certification that healthcare professionals can obtain to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in providing advanced life support for patients with cardiac and other medical emergencies. ACLS certification is offered by the American Heart Association (AHA).

The ACLS course takes approximately 12-14 hours to complete, depending on the provider. The course includes lectures, skill practice sessions, and simulated clinical scenarios. During the course, participants learn about basic life support (BLS) skills, airway management, rhythm recognition, pharmacology, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

To get ACLS certification, individuals must first complete an online pre-test prior to attending the course. After completing the course and passing the written exam with a score of 84% or higher, they will receive their AHA ACLS card.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150-$300.

8. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage critically ill infants and children. The program is offered by the American Heart Association, and it focuses on providing care in emergency situations.

The PALS course typically takes 8-12 hours to complete, depending on the provider and format chosen. It can be taken in a traditional classroom setting or online. The course consists of lectures, videos, practice sessions, and exams that cover topics such as airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rhythm recognition, pharmacology, shock management, and team dynamics.

To get certified in PALS, you must first complete an approved PALS Provider Course from an AHA Training Center or other approved provider. After completing the course, you will need to pass an exam to receive your certification card. The cost of the PALS Provider Course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400.

9. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is a certification program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association. It is designed to teach healthcare professionals how to effectively resuscitate newborns who are in distress or have stopped breathing. The program focuses on airway management, positive-pressure ventilation, chest compressions, and other interventions that can help save the lives of newborns.

The NRP certification typically takes about 8 hours to complete. It can be taken online or in person at an approved training center. The cost of the course varies depending on the type of training chosen and whether it is taken online or in person. Generally, online courses are more affordable than in-person classes.

To get certified, participants must successfully complete a written exam and demonstrate their ability to perform skills related to neonatal resuscitation during a skills assessment session with an instructor. Upon successful completion of both components, participants will receive a certificate that is valid for two years from the date of issue.

10. Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) Certification

Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) Certification is a comprehensive two-day program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for pediatric patients in emergency departments. The course covers topics such as pediatric assessment, pharmacology, airway management, trauma, medical emergencies, and more.

The ENPC certification is valid for four years and can be renewed by completing an online recertification course. To get certified, you must first complete the two-day course offered by either the Emergency Nurses Association or an approved provider. After completing the course, you must then pass a written exam administered by the Emergency Nurses Association.

The cost of the ENPC certification varies depending on whether you take the two-day course through the Emergency Nurses Association or an approved provider. The cost of taking the two-day course directly through the Emergency Nurses Association is $595 for members and $795 for non-members. If you take it through an approved provider, it may be less expensive. Additionally, there are often discounts available if you register early or if you are part of a group taking the class together.

Do You Really Need a Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate depends on your goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to become an LPN, then the answer is yes, you do need a certificate. This certificate is proof that you have achieved the necessary education and training to practice as an LPN in most states. It also serves as recognition of your knowledge and skills in this field.

On the other hand, if your goal is not to become an LPN but rather work in a healthcare setting, then having an LPN Certificate may be beneficial but it may not be essential. Depending on what type of job you are looking for, there may be other qualifications that are more important than having a certificate. For example, if you are looking for a job as a medical assistant or phlebotomist, then having experience in these areas would likely be more important than having an LPN Certificate.

The bottom line is that whether or not you need an LPN Certificate depends on your goals and career aspirations. If becoming an LPN is something that interests you, then obtaining this certification will help ensure that you meet the necessary requirements to practice in most states. However, if becoming an LPN isn’t something that interests you but rather working in some other capacity in the healthcare industry, then it may not be essential to obtain this certification.

Related: Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Licensed Practical Nurse Certifications

1. What is a Licensed Practical Nurse Certification?

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification is an entry-level nursing qualification earned through completing a state-approved educational program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

2. How long does it take to become an LPN?

It typically takes about one year to complete an LPN program, depending on the school’s curriculum and whether you attend full or part time.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining an LPN license?

In order to obtain an LPN license, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, complete a state-approved education program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and apply for licensure in their state of residence.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for LPNs?

Yes, most states require that licensed practical nurses complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their license. These courses may include topics such as infection control, patient safety, pharmacology, and more.

5. Is there a difference between an LPN and RN certification?

Yes – registered nurse (RN) certifications require additional coursework and clinical experience beyond what is required of licensed practical nurses. Additionally, RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to be certified as a registered nurse.