Top 11 Nurse Certifications

Certifications are essential for nurses in the job market because they demonstrate a nurse's expertise and knowledge. Certifications show that a nurse has taken the time to learn additional skills and has achieved a certain level of mastery in their field. This can make them more desirable to employers, as it shows that they have gone above and beyond the basic requirements of their job and have taken initiative to expand their skill set. Certifications also provide evidence of a nurse's dedication to lifelong learning, which is an important quality in any healthcare professional. Additionally, certifications can help a nurse stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs and can be used to negotiate higher wages or better benefits.

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

What are Nurse Certifications?

Nurse certification is a voluntary process that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of nursing professionals in specific areas of practice. It is a way for nurses to demonstrate their expertise in a particular specialty area, such as critical care, pediatrics, gerontology, oncology or informatics. Certification is granted by an independent body after successful completion of an examination that tests the nurse’s knowledge and skill level.

Nurse certification can help in many ways. It can increase job opportunities as employers often prefer certified nurses over non-certified ones. Certification also provides recognition from peers and colleagues who recognize that the nurse has achieved a certain level of mastery in his or her specialty field. Certified nurses may receive higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts, as well as other benefits such as increased job security and advanced career opportunities. Additionally, certification can provide personal satisfaction and pride for those who have worked hard to achieve it.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for nurse certification in your state or country before beginning the process. Different states and countries may have different requirements for earning a nursing certification, so it is important to know what is required of you before starting.

Related: What does a Nurse do?

Top 11 Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and medical procedures. CRNAs are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating a patient's care before, during, and after the administration of anesthesia. They work closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive safe and effective anesthesia care.

It typically takes between 7-9 years to become a CRNA. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), obtaining a registered nurse license (RN), gaining at least one year of experience as an RN in an acute care setting such as an operating room or intensive care unit, completing a master’s degree program in nurse anesthesia (MSN), passing the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), and obtaining state licensure.

The cost of becoming a CRNA can vary depending on the school you attend, but it typically ranges from $50,000 - $150,000 USD. This includes tuition for both undergraduate and graduate programs as well as any fees associated with taking the NBCRNA certification exam.

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and clinical training in midwifery. They are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, from adolescence through menopause. CNMs provide gynecological care, family planning services, preconception counseling, prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postpartum care, and newborn care.

It typically takes three to four years of full-time study to become a CNM. This includes completing a bachelor's degree in nursing followed by an accredited master's degree program in midwifery. After completing the educational requirements, you must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to become certified as a CNM.

The cost of becoming a CNM varies depending on the school you attend and any financial aid or scholarships you may receive. Tuition costs for the master’s program can range from $10,000-$50,000 depending on the school and length of program. In addition to tuition costs there are also fees associated with taking the AMCB exam which range from $425-$600.

3. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)

A Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in pediatric nursing. They are qualified to provide primary care for children from birth through adolescence, including physical examinations, immunizations, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, health promotion and counseling.

In order to become a CPNP, one must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. After completing the BSN program, the individual must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once licensed as a registered nurse (RN), the individual can then pursue certification as a CPNP by obtaining an advanced practice degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Post-Master's Certificate Program.

The length of time it takes to complete an advanced practice degree varies depending on the program chosen and whether or not the student is attending classes part-time or full-time. Generally speaking, most programs take two to three years to complete.

Once the individual has obtained their advanced practice degree, they must then pass the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam administered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). The cost for taking this exam is $395 for ANCC members and $445 for non-members.

After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CPNP certification which is valid for five years. In order to maintain certification status, individuals must complete continuing education credits every five years as well as recertify every ten years.

4. 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 nurses who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in emergency nursing. The CEN certification is recognized as the gold standard in emergency nursing, and it provides evidence of excellence in emergency care.

To become certified as a CEN, you must meet the following requirements: hold an active RN license, have at least two years of full-time work experience in emergency nursing within the past three years, complete at least 2,000 hours of emergency nursing practice within the past three years, and pass the CEN exam.

The CEN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, medical interventions, trauma management, pharmacology, and professional issues. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CEN exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs around $300-$400 for the application fee and test fee combined.

In addition to taking and passing the CEN exam, you will also need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education activities every two years. This includes completing at least 45 contact hours in approved continuing education activities related to emergency nursing or other areas relevant to providing safe patient care in an emergency setting.

5. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a certification for registered nurses who specialize in medical-surgical nursing. It is an advanced certification that demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to providing quality care and knowledge in the field of medical-surgical nursing. The CMSRN certification is awarded by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), which is part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become certified, nurses must have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse and must pass an exam administered by the MSNCB. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management; pharmacology; pathophysiology; professional practice; and leadership/management.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam, but this can vary depending on an individual’s study habits and prior knowledge. The cost to take the exam is $255 for members of the MSNCB or ANCC and $305 for non-members.

6. Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS)

A Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS) is a specialized healthcare professional who has expertise in the use of technology and information systems to support the delivery of patient care. The CNIS credential is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is part of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

To become certified, applicants must have a current registered nurse license, hold a master's degree in nursing informatics or a related field, and have at least two years of experience in nursing informatics or related field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ANCC.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are an ANA member or not; members pay $400 while non-members pay $450. After passing the exam, you will receive your CNIS certification within 4-6 weeks.

7. Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN)

Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN) is a certification offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in providing end-of-life care. This certification demonstrates that the nurse has met specific educational requirements, has experience in hospice and palliative care, and has passed an examination.

The CHPN exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as pain management, symptom management, communication, legal/ethical issues, cultural diversity, spiritual care, family dynamics, bereavement support, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CHPN exam, you must be an RN with at least two years of full-time experience in hospice or palliative nursing within the past five years. You must also have completed 30 contact hours of continuing education related to hospice or palliative nursing within the past three years.

The cost for taking the CHPN exam is $395 USD. There are additional costs associated with obtaining continuing education credits required to maintain your certification after passing the exam.

8. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a medical protocol used to treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies. It is based on the most current scientific evidence and guidelines from the American Heart Association. ACLS includes a set of algorithms, protocols, and skills that are used to assess and manage patients in cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies.

The ACLS course typically takes two days to complete. The first day focuses on didactic teaching, while the second day is dedicated to hands-on practice with simulation manikins. During this time, participants learn how to recognize and treat arrhythmias, use pharmacology for advanced resuscitation, manage airway devices, provide team dynamics during resuscitation, and understand post-cardiac arrest care.

To get ACLS certification, individuals must attend an accredited course taught by an AHA-certified instructor. These courses can be found at local hospitals, community centers, or online through AHA approved providers.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on the provider and location but typically ranges between $200-$400 USD per person.

9. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of medical procedures and techniques used to provide emergency care for cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. BLS includes chest compressions and rescue breathing, as well as the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). BLS is often provided by healthcare professionals such as paramedics, nurses, doctors, and firefighters.

BLS training typically takes about four hours to complete. During this time, students learn how to recognize signs of cardiac arrest or stroke, how to perform CPR correctly, how to use an AED safely and effectively, and how to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

To get BLS certification, you must complete a course offered by an accredited provider. These courses are usually offered through hospitals or community centers. The cost of a BLS course varies depending on the provider; however, most courses cost between $50-$100 USD.

10. 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 the skills needed to resuscitate newborns. It is an evidence-based program that includes guidelines for providing care to infants who are born prematurely or with complications. The program focuses on airway management, breathing support, chest compressions, and drug administration.

It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the NRP course. The course can be taken in person or online, depending on availability and preference. In-person courses are offered at hospitals and medical centers throughout the US, as well as through some universities and private organizations. Online courses are also available through various providers such as the American Heart Association and Medscape Education.

The cost of taking an NRP course varies depending on where it is taken, but generally ranges from $150-$400 USD. Some organizations may offer discounted rates for students or those in need of financial assistance.

Overall, NRP is an important program designed to help healthcare providers provide lifesaving care to newborns in need of resuscitation. It provides essential knowledge and skills needed to ensure optimal outcomes for infants requiring resuscitation at birth.

11. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC).

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is an internationally recognized program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for trauma patients. The course is offered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and consists of two parts: a lecture portion and a skills lab.

The lecture portion of TNCC covers topics such as trauma assessment, management of shock, airway management, fluid resuscitation, and injury prevention. It also provides an overview of the principles of trauma nursing and the roles of other healthcare providers in caring for trauma patients. The lecture portion typically takes 8-10 hours to complete.

The skills lab portion of TNCC focuses on developing hands-on skills related to trauma nursing. This includes practice in airway management, wound care, splinting techniques, IV access, and patient handling. The skills lab typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.

To get TNCC certification, you must first take both the lecture and skills lab portions of the course. After completing both parts, you will be eligible to take the online exam which is required for certification.

TNCC courses are offered at various locations around the world and can cost anywhere from $200-$400 depending on where you take it. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for taking this course or even pay for it upfront if they require their nurses to be certified in TNCC.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Certificate?

When it comes to pursuing a career in the nursing field, there is no denying that having a nurse certificate can be beneficial. Having a certificate shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to invest in your education, and it can be used as proof of your qualifications. It also provides evidence that you are dedicated to learning and expanding your knowledge base in the nursing field.

Having a nurse certificate can also open up more opportunities for advancement within the healthcare industry. Many employers look for individuals who have gone through additional training or obtained certification in order to fill certain positions. If you want to move up within the ranks of a healthcare organization, having a certificate may be necessary in order to demonstrate your commitment and dedication to professional development.

Moreover, obtaining certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. It gives you an edge over those who do not have any type of credentials and demonstrates that you are serious about developing yourself professionally. This could mean the difference between getting hired and being passed over for another applicant with more experience or education.

In conclusion, obtaining a nurse certificate is definitely worth considering if you are looking to pursue a career in nursing. Not only does it provide evidence of your qualifications, but it can also increase your chances of advancing within the healthcare industry by giving you an edge over other applicants. Ultimately, investing in furthering your education through obtaining certification will pay off in the long run if you are committed to making progress in your nursing career.

Related: Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Certifications

1. What certifications do nurses need?

Answer: Nurses typically need a current RN license, as well as specialty certifications in the areas of their practice. Certifications vary by state and specialty, but may include certifications from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified varies depending on the certification and organization offering it. Generally, it can take anywhere from two months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.

3. What is the cost associated with getting certified?

Answer: The cost of nurse certification varies depending on the type of certification and organization offering it. Generally, fees range from $50 to $500 for initial certification and renewal fees can range from $50 to $150 annually.

4. Are there any prerequisites for certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations have certain prerequisites that must be met before you can apply for a certification exam. These prerequisites may include specific educational requirements or experience within a particular field of nursing practice.

5. Do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications are valid for three years and must be renewed in order to maintain them. Renewal requirements vary by organization and may include completing continuing education credits or taking an exam every few years in order to remain certified.