Top 11 Nurse Extern Certifications

Certifications are important for nurse externs in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills that employers value. Certified nurse externs have proven their ability to perform entry-level nursing duties correctly. They have also demonstrated their commitment to continuing education and professional development, which is desirable for employers when hiring new employees. Certification also shows potential employers that a nurse extern has the necessary training to perform tasks safely and competently. Ultimately, certifications provide evidence of a nurse extern’s readiness to work as a professional nurse in the field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Nurse Externs and explains how they can help them progress in their nursing career.

What are Nurse Extern Certifications?

Nurse extern certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes the achievements of new nursing graduates who are employed in acute care settings. The certification indicates that the nurse has achieved a level of competency in providing safe and effective patient care, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills beyond those required for entry-level practice. It also signifies that the nurse has met specific standards set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

By becoming certified as a nurse extern, nurses can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in patient care and gain recognition for their hard work. This certification can be especially beneficial to new nurses who have just graduated from school, as it provides them with an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, having this credential may give nurses more credibility with employers, colleagues, and patients alike. Finally, being certified as a nurse extern can help nurses stay current on their education and stay ahead of changes in healthcare technology and practices.

Pro Tip: Be sure to research the nurse extern certification requirements in your state before applying. Each state has different requirements and you may need to complete additional courses or tests in order to become certified.

Related: What does a Nurse Extern do?

Top 11 Nurse Extern Certifications

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

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care to patients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. CNAs are responsible for assisting with patient activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. They also provide vital signs monitoring, take vital signs measurements, and observe changes in patient condition.

It typically takes between 4-12 weeks to become a CNA depending on the program you choose. The most common route is to attend a state approved CNA program at a local college or university. These programs usually involve classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam in order to become certified by their state’s Board of Nursing.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the school or program you choose. Costs can range from $500-$3000 for tuition and fees associated with the program. Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, background checks/fingerprinting fees, and NNAAP exam fees.

2. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who works in a clinical setting to provide patient care and administrative support. They are responsible for helping patients with their medical needs, performing laboratory tests, taking vital signs, recording patient information, and assisting physicians in providing quality care.

The certification process for becoming a CMA takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. The first step is to complete an accredited medical assistant program from an institution approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). After completing the program, you must then pass the AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMAE) in order to become certified.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $125-$175. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with your medical assistant program such as tuition and books.

Once you have passed the CMA exam and become certified, you will need to renew your certification every five years in order to remain active in the field. This requires completing continuing education credits as well as paying a renewal fee of approximately $50-$100.

3. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of medical procedures that are used to restore and maintain circulation and breathing for someone who has suffered cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or other life-threatening medical emergencies. BLS is typically performed by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and EMTs. It can also be performed by laypersons in some cases.

BLS usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. The steps of BLS include assessing the patient's condition; performing CPR if needed; using an AED (automated external defibrillator) if necessary; providing rescue breaths if needed; and providing chest compressions if needed.

To get Basic Life Support training, you must take a course from an accredited provider. Courses are available online or in person at local hospitals or community centers. Most courses will cost between $50-$100 depending on the length and type of course taken.

In addition to taking a course, it is important to practice your skills regularly in order to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and protocols for BLS.

4. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an advanced level of medical care that is used to treat life-threatening cardiac and respiratory emergencies. It is designed to provide immediate, high-level care for patients who are in cardiac arrest or have other life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack, or shock. ACLS includes a variety of techniques and interventions such as airway management, chest compressions, defibrillation and drug administration.

It typically takes around two days to complete the ACLS course and receive certification. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers courses in most major cities across the United States. The course consists of lectures, skills practice sessions, and a written exam. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

In order to become certified in ACLS, you must first complete an AHA approved course and pass the written exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing the exam, you will be issued a card that verifies your certification status for two years.

5. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a two-day course that provides healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage critically ill infants and children. The program focuses on recognizing and treating life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, shock, respiratory distress, and other medical conditions. It also covers resuscitation techniques, airway management, pharmacology, electrical therapies, and team dynamics.

It typically takes two days to complete the PALS course. The first day is dedicated to lectures and practice sessions while the second day consists of written exams and practical skills testing. After successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from the American Heart Association (AHA).

To get PALS certification, you must attend an AHA approved training center or provider. You can find a list of approved training centers on the AHA website. Once you have identified a provider in your area, contact them for more information about their courses and registration fees.

The cost of PALS certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $200 to $300 USD per person. This fee usually includes materials such as textbooks or DVDs as well as access to online resources for review purposes.

6. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is a training program designed to teach healthcare providers how to respond to and manage newborn emergencies. It is an evidence-based program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association. The program covers topics such as resuscitation, airway management, breathing support, circulation support, stabilization, and transport of newborns.

The NRP course typically takes one day to complete. It can be taken in-person or online through an accredited provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100 - $200 USD.

7. Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)

The Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) is an advanced nursing course designed to prepare nurses to care for pediatric patients in emergency situations. The ENPC is developed and administered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). It provides a comprehensive review of pediatric assessment, management, and interventions for common emergency conditions.

The ENPC is a two-day course that consists of lectures, interactive activities, hands-on skills stations, and case studies. The course covers topics such as pediatric assessment, airway management, shock management, trauma management, medical emergencies, special populations and more.

To get the ENPC certification you must first complete the two-day course. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive your ENPC certification card. You must also pass a written exam with a score of at least 80%.

The cost of the ENPC varies depending on where you take it. Generally it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the course plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam.

8. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is an advanced nursing course designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for trauma patients. The TNCC is offered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). It is a two-day, 16-hour course that includes lectures, hands-on skills practice, and interactive activities.

The TNCC focuses on the principles of trauma nursing, including assessment, interventions, and management of trauma patients. Topics covered include: shock and resuscitation; airway management; head injury; abdominal and thoracic trauma; musculoskeletal injuries; burns; pediatric trauma; psychological aspects of care; ethical considerations in trauma care; and disaster preparedness.

To obtain the TNCC certification, nurses must complete the two-day course and pass a written exam. The cost of the TNCC course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $350 - $400 USD. After successfully completing the course, nurses will receive a certificate of completion as well as a wallet card indicating they are certified in TNCC.

The certification is valid for four years after which time nurses must retake the course in order to maintain their certification status.

9. Surgical Technology Certification Program (STCP)

The Surgical Technology Certification Program (STCP) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of surgical technologists. It is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The STCP exam is designed to measure the competency of individuals who are already working in the field or those who are seeking to enter it.

The STCP consists of two parts: a written examination and a clinical simulation. The written examination tests knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, infection control, and patient safety. The clinical simulation tests practical skills such as scrubbing for surgery, setting up instruments for a procedure, and assisting during a procedure.

The STCP typically takes about three months to complete. To get certified, you must first register with NBSTSA and pay the registration fee ($200). You will then receive study materials to prepare for both parts of the exam. After studying for several weeks or months, you can schedule an appointment to take the exams at an approved testing center.

Once you pass both parts of the exam, you will be officially certified as a surgical technologist. Your certification will be valid for four years before needing to be renewed. The cost of getting certified varies depending on how long it takes you to prepare for the exams and any additional fees associated with taking them at an approved testing center.

10. Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN-CMC)

Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN-CMC) is a specialized certification for registered nurses who provide care to critically ill patients. It is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and is recognized as the gold standard in critical care nursing.

The CCRN-CMC certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in an acute or critical care setting, and to pass a comprehensive examination. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, interventions, pharmacology, and professional practice.

The process typically takes about 6 months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first complete an application form and pay the associated fee. After submitting the application, applicants will receive their eligibility letter with instructions on how to register for the exam. Applicants must then purchase the CCRN-CMC study guide and begin studying for the exam. Once they are ready, they can schedule their exam date with Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of obtaining the CCRN-CMC certification varies depending on which country you live in and whether or not you are an AACN member. In general, it costs around $400 USD for non-members and $300 USD for members. This includes both the application fee and the cost of taking the exam.

11. Certified Dialysis Nurse Exam (CDN-E).

The Certified Dialysis Nurse Exam (CDN-E) is a certification exam offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of dialysis nurses who provide direct patient care in a dialysis setting. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions, which cover topics such as patient assessment and management, dialysis access management, infection control, nutrition, pharmacology, and professional practice.

The CDN-E exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The fee for the exam is $350 for members of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), or $400 for non-members. To be eligible to take the CDN-E exam, applicants must have a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in their state of residence and at least two years of full-time experience in nephrology nursing within the last five years.

Applicants must also submit an application form with documentation of their qualifications and pay an application fee of $50. Once approved for the exam, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the test online or by mail.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Extern Certificate?

No, you do not need a nurse extern certificate to become a nurse. However, having one may help you stand out from the competition and give you an advantage in the job market. A nurse extern certificate is a professional credential that demonstrates to potential employers that you have successfully completed an approved program or course of study related to nursing. It can also provide evidence of your skills, knowledge, and experience in the nursing field.

Having a nurse extern certificate can be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career. Employers may view this certification as proof that you have put in the extra effort to learn more about nursing and hone your skills. This type of certification shows that you are serious about your career and committed to staying up-to-date with current trends and developments in nursing care. Furthermore, it may make you more competitive when applying for higher-level positions such as registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.

In summary, while it is not necessary to have a nurse extern certificate in order to become a nurse, it can be helpful for those looking for additional opportunities or advancement within their career. Having this certification can demonstrate your commitment to learning new information and staying current with advances within the profession, which can make all the difference when competing for jobs in today's competitive job market.

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FAQs About Nurse Extern Certifications

1. What is a Nurse Extern Certification?

Answer: A Nurse Extern Certification is an entry-level certification that provides nurses with the knowledge, skills and abilities to work in a healthcare setting as part of a team of healthcare professionals. It is typically obtained through a program offered by an accredited nursing school or educational institution.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Nurse Extern Certification?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the specific program, but generally include completing coursework, clinical experience and passing an exam. Additionally, most programs require some type of background check and drug screening prior to enrollment.

3. How long does it take to complete a Nurse Extern Certification Program?

Answer: Most programs take between six months to one year to complete depending on the program and individual student’s progress.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Nurse Extern Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Nurse Extern Certification can help advance your career by providing additional knowledge and skills in patient care, communication and teamwork in order to provide better care for patients in any healthcare setting. Additionally, it can also open up job opportunities such as working as part of a clinical team or in management roles within the healthcare industry.

5. Is there any continuing education required after obtaining a Nurse Extern Certification?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required for most certifications in order to maintain them over time. The specifics of this requirement will depend on the specific certification you obtain and may involve taking courses or attending seminars related to your area of expertise or specialty.