Top 10 Nurse RN Certifications

Certifications are important for nurses in the job market because they demonstrate specialized knowledge and experience to employers. They can also be used to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, as well as a desire to stay current on the latest medical trends and practices. Having certifications may also help you stand out from other applicants as they show that you have taken additional steps to become a more qualified candidate. Certifications also often provide tangible benefits, such as increased pay or career advancement opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Nurse RNs and explain how they can contribute to a nurse rn's career by providing knowledge, experience, and increased opportunities.

What are Nurse RN Certifications?

Nurse RN Certification is the process of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) through a formal program. This certification is obtained by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Becoming certified as an RN demonstrates that a nurse has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care to patients.

Having an RN certification can help nurses in many ways, such as:

1. Enhancing their professional credibility: Having an RN certification gives nurses more credibility and recognition in the healthcare field. It also shows potential employers that they have up-to-date knowledge and skills required for providing quality patient care.

2. Improving job opportunities: With an RN certification, nurses are more likely to be hired for positions with greater responsibility and higher salaries. They may also qualify for jobs in specialized fields such as critical care, emergency nursing, or pediatrics.

3. Enhancing patient safety: Nurses with an RN certification have the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe and effective care to patients in all types of settings. They are better able to recognize potential risks and take appropriate action when needed.

4. Increasing career satisfaction: An RN certification can help nurses feel more confident in their abilities, which can lead to greater job satisfaction overall. It also allows them to stay up-to-date on the latest practices and technology used in healthcare, which keeps them engaged in their work environment.

Overall, obtaining an RN certification is beneficial for both nurses and their patients alike. Not only does it demonstrate that a nurse has met the necessary qualifications for providing quality care, but it also provides them with enhanced job opportunities, improved patient safety, and increased career satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Before signing up for a nurse RN certification program, make sure to research the requirements and ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized organization. Additionally, consider taking courses that focus on specialty areas such as gerontology or pediatrics if you plan to pursue a career in those fields.

Related: What does a Nurse RN do?

Top 10 Nurse RN Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a nurse who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing medical procedures. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed a master's degree program in nurse anesthesia, as well as passed the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists.

It typically takes 3-4 years to become a CRNA, including completing a bachelor's degree in nursing and then enrolling in an accredited nurse anesthesia program. During this time, individuals will complete coursework and clinical rotations that focus on the principles of anesthesia administration, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and other related topics.

In order to become a CRNA, individuals must first obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN). After obtaining RN licensure, individuals can apply to an accredited nurse anesthesia program. The cost of tuition for these programs varies depending on the school and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $60,000-$120,000 for completion of a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia.

Once enrolled in an accredited program and upon completion of all coursework and clinical rotations required by the program, students must pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Upon passing this exam and meeting all other requirements set forth by the NBCRNA, individuals may then be awarded certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). They are responsible for providing direct patient care such as bathing, dressing, and helping with meals. CNAs also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

It typically takes between 4-12 weeks to become a CNA, depending on the state you live in and the program you choose. Most states require that aspiring CNAs complete an approved training program, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The cost of these programs can vary widely but typically range from $500-$2000.

To become certified, individuals must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. This exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of both written and skills components. The cost of the exam varies by state but generally ranges from $50-$200.

Once certified, CNAs must renew their certification every two years in order to remain active in the field. Renewal requirements vary by state but usually involve completing continuing education courses or retaking the NNAAP exam.

3. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

A Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a professional certification for registered nurses who specialize in medical-surgical nursing. This certification is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), and it is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurses who provide care to adult patients with acute and chronic illnesses.

To become a CMSRN, you must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience in medical-surgical nursing within the last five years. You will also need to pass an exam that covers topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, assessment and management of common medical-surgical conditions, communication, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and more.

The exam takes about three hours to complete and costs $225 for MSNCB members or $325 for non-members. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded the CMSRN credential. This credential is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.

4. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a specialty certification offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent care to patients in emergency settings. The CEN certification is valid for five years, after which time the nurse must renew their certification.

To become certified as a CEN, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements including having an active RN license, at least two years of full-time emergency nursing experience within the past three years, and completion of a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in emergency nursing within the past three years. Once these requirements are met, nurses can apply to take the CEN exam.

The cost of taking the CEN exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of BCEN. Non-members pay $360 while members pay $310. If you need to retake the exam due to failing it on your first attempt, there is an additional fee of $200.

5. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is a credential that recognizes nurses who have achieved a higher level of competency in pediatric nursing. The CPN certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To become certified, the nurse must have an active RN license and at least two years of experience in pediatric nursing.

It takes approximately four to six weeks to receive your CPN certification once you have completed the application process. The application process includes submitting an application form, providing proof of licensure, and passing an exam. The cost for the exam is $370 for non-members and $295 for ANCC members.

6. Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN)

Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) is a credential offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for nurses who specialize in public health. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nurses who work in public health settings.

To become certified, you must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse in a public health setting. You must also complete 30 continuing education hours within the last three years related to public health nursing.

The CPHN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as public health core competencies, population-based care, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental/occupational health, and policy/administration. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250 for ANCC members or $350 for non-members.

7. Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)

A Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of individuals with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. The CRRN certification is offered by the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN). It is designed to recognize excellence in rehabilitation nursing practice and demonstrate a commitment to quality patient care.

The CRRN certification requires applicants to have an active RN license, two years of experience as a staff nurse in rehabilitation nursing, and 30 hours of continuing education in rehabilitation nursing within the past three years. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to rehabilitation nursing.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and pay a fee of $275 for ARN members or $350 for non-members. Once approved, applicants may register for the exam which costs $300 for ARN members or $375 for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours.

Once the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their CRRN certification which is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To maintain certification, nurses must complete 45 contact hours of continuing education every three years and renew their certification every five years.

8. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. It is an advanced level of training that builds on basic life support (BLS) skills and includes the use of advanced airway management techniques, pharmacological interventions, and electrical therapies. ACLS is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat a wide range of cardiovascular emergencies.

The length of time it takes to get ACLS certification varies depending on the provider. Most providers offer courses that last two days or less; however, some may require additional time for review or practice sessions. The cost of ACLS certification also varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $100 to $300.

To obtain ACLS certification, individuals must complete an approved course from an accredited provider. During the course, participants will learn about topics such as resuscitation techniques, airway management, pharmacology, and electrical therapies. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification card.

9. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is an emergency medical procedure that is used to provide immediate care for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening medical condition. BLS is the foundation of all pre-hospital emergency care and includes techniques such as chest compressions, airway management, and defibrillation. BLS can be administered by any trained healthcare provider, including paramedics, nurses, doctors, and EMTs.

It typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete a BLS course. The cost of a BLS course varies depending on the institution providing the training; however, most courses range from $50-$150.

In order to obtain a BLS certification, you must attend an approved course and pass an exam at the end of it. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will receive your certification card which must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

10. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is an educational program that provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to resuscitate newborns. It is designed to teach healthcare providers how to assess, stabilize, and support critically ill or injured newborns. The program focuses on a team approach to resuscitating newborns, emphasizing communication and coordination among all members of the team.

NRP courses are offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA). Courses are typically one-day long and include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with manikins. NRP courses are available in both English and Spanish.

To get NRP certification, you must attend an approved course and pass a written exam at the end of it. You can find a list of upcoming courses on the AAP website. The cost for NRP certification varies depending on your location; however, most courses cost between $100-$200 USD.

Do You Really Need a Nurse RN Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some people, a nurse RN certificate is essential in order to pursue a career in nursing. For others, it may not be necessary depending on the type of job they are seeking.

For those who want to become an RN, the certification is essential. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively care for patients in a hospital or clinic setting. The certification also shows employers that you are competent and knowledgeable in your field. Without it, you may find it difficult to get hired or promoted within the medical community.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a job outside of nursing, such as a medical assistant or other health-related role, then having an RN certificate may not be necessary. Most employers will look at your experience and qualifications instead of your certification when making hiring decisions. However, if you do choose to pursue a career outside of nursing, having an RN certificate could still give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an RN certificate depends on what type of job you are seeking and how important having one is to achieving your goals. If becoming an RN is your ultimate goal, then getting certified should definitely be part of your plan; however, if that’s not what you’re interested in pursuing then it may not make sense for you to invest time and money into getting certified.

Related: Nurse RN Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse RN Certifications

1. What is a Nurse RN Certification?

Answer: A Nurse RN Certification is a credential that demonstrates a nurse has met the necessary qualifications to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United States. It is issued by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

2. How do I become certified as an RN?

Answer: To become certified as an RN, you must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a nursing license from your state board of nursing. After this, you can apply for RN certification through either ANCC or NCSBN.

3. How long does it take to get my Nurse RN Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to receive your certification varies depending on the organization you are applying through and the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it can take anywhere from three months up to one year to receive your certification after submitting your application.

4. What is included in an RN Certification exam?

Answer: An RN Certification exam typically includes questions related to topics such as patient safety and care, pharmacology, pathology, physiology, health assessment and promotion, professional ethics and legal issues related to nursing practice.

5. What is the cost of obtaining Nurse RN Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining Nurse RN Certification can vary depending on which organization you are applying through and which specific credentials you are seeking. Generally speaking, however, costs range from $200-$600 per test or credentialing package.