Top 11 Nursing Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the nursing profession and can help nurses stand out in the job market. Certification provides a way for nurses to demonstrate their expertise, knowledge and skills in a specific area or specialty. It also helps employers identify those who have achieved a certain level of competency, which is vital in today’s competitive job market. In addition, certifications provide evidence that nurses are up-to-date on the latest advances in their field and can provide higher quality patient care. Certifications also offer career growth opportunities and can lead to increased job security, recognition, and higher salaries.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Nursings and explains how they can contribute to a nursing's career, helping nurses advance their professional development.

What are Nursing Certifications?

Nursing certification is a voluntary process that recognizes nurses for their specialized knowledge and experience in a particular nursing specialty or practice area. It is designed to demonstrate a nurse’s commitment to providing quality patient care and professional development. Certification requires the successful completion of an exam, which tests the nurse's knowledge on topics related to their specialty. The exams are typically offered by nationally recognized organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Certification can help nurses advance their careers, increase job satisfaction, and earn higher salaries. It also helps ensure that patients receive high-quality care from knowledgeable professionals. Certification can also be an important part of pursuing higher education opportunities such as advanced degrees or leadership positions in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Additionally, certification may be required for certain types of nursing jobs, such as those in management or in clinical research. Finally, certification can also serve as a way for nurses to stay up-to-date with changing healthcare regulations and advancements in technology and medicine.

Pro Tip: To maximize your career potential and ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the nursing field, be sure to obtain certifications related to your specialty area. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession and can open up new opportunities for advancement.

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Top 11 Nursing Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in the specialty of anesthesia. CRNAs are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They also provide pain management services and monitor patient vital signs throughout the procedure.

In order to become a CRNA, one must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). After that, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once the RN license is obtained, individuals can then pursue an accredited nurse anesthesia program which typically takes two to three years to complete. During this time, students will receive classroom instruction as well as clinical experience under the supervision of experienced CRNAs. Upon completion of the program, graduates must pass a certification exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) in order to become certified as a CRNA.

The cost of becoming a CRNA varies depending on factors such as tuition costs and living expenses while attending school. The average cost of tuition for an accredited nurse anesthesia program ranges from $20,000-$50,000 per year. In addition to tuition costs, there are other expenses associated with becoming a CRNA such as books and supplies, travel expenses for clinical rotations, examination fees for licensing/certification exams, etc.

Overall it typically takes four to five years from start to finish to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified in the field of midwifery. CNMs provide comprehensive care to women throughout their lifespan, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, gynecological exams and family planning services. They may also provide primary care for newborns.

It typically takes four to five years to become a CNM, depending on the individual's educational background. Generally speaking, prospective CNMs must first complete an undergraduate degree in nursing and then pursue a master's degree in nurse-midwifery from an accredited program. After completing the academic requirements, students must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

The cost of becoming a CNM varies depending on the program chosen. Tuition for nurse-midwifery programs can range from $10,000 to over $50,000 per year. Additional costs may include books and other educational materials, fees for clinical experience placements or internships, travel expenses for attending conferences or workshops related to midwifery practice, and licensing fees associated with taking the AMCB certification exam.

3. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

A Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a registered nurse who has achieved a higher level of specialty certification in medical-surgical nursing. This certification demonstrates an advanced knowledge and expertise in the care of adult patients with acute and chronic health conditions. The CMSRN certification is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB).

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for CMSRN certification. To be eligible, applicants must have an active RN license, two years of full-time experience as an RN within the past five years, and at least 2,000 hours of practice in medical-surgical nursing within the past three years. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, medication administration, health promotion and disease prevention, and professional communication.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200 to $400. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain your CMSRN certification.

Overall, becoming certified as a CMSRN demonstrates a commitment to excellence in medical-surgical nursing and can help nurses advance their careers by increasing their job opportunities and earning potential.

4. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a certification offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). The CEN certification is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in emergency nursing. The CEN certification is valid for four years and must be renewed every four years.

In order to become certified, nurses must meet the following requirements: hold a current, unrestricted RN license; have at least two years of full-time clinical experience as an RN in the emergency department within the last three years; and pass the CEN exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that test a nurse’s knowledge of emergency nursing practice.

The cost to take the CEN exam is $325 for BCEN members and $425 for non-members. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with applying for certification or renewing certification.

5. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

A Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is a nurse who has achieved a level of advanced knowledge and skill in the care of children. CPNs are registered nurses (RNs) who have completed additional training and certification in pediatric nursing, providing them with a higher level of expertise and experience in caring for children.

To become a CPN, an RN must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain licensure as an RN. After that, they must pass the Certification for Pediatric Nursing (CPN) Exam administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). This exam covers topics such as child health assessment, growth and development, family dynamics, pharmacology, nutrition, and more.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether or not you are already certified as an RN. If you are already certified as an RN, it will cost $395 to take the CPN Exam. If you are not yet certified as an RN, it will cost $495 to take the exam.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The passing score for this exam is 75%. It typically takes about two weeks to receive your results from the PNCB after taking the exam.

Once you have passed the CPN Exam, you will be eligible to use the “CPN” credential after your name when practicing pediatric nursing. You will also need to renew your certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the CPN Exam.

6. Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP-BC)

A Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP-BC) is a nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of older adults. They provide comprehensive assessment and management of health problems that are specific to aging, such as chronic diseases, functional decline, and end-of-life care. GNP-BCs are licensed to diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions for elderly patients in both primary and specialty care settings.

To become a GNP-BC, you must first complete an accredited master’s degree program in nursing with a focus on gerontology or geriatrics. After completing the required educational program, you must then pass the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Gerontological Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Once certified, you may apply for state licensure as a nurse practitioner specializing in gerontology or geriatrics.

The cost of becoming a GNP-BC varies depending on your educational program and the cost of taking the certification exam. Most accredited master’s programs range from $20,000-$50,000 depending on your location and school choice. The ANCC certification exam fee is currently $395 for members of the American Nurses Association and $495 for nonmembers. Additionally, you may be required to pay fees associated with applying for state licensure as a nurse practitioner specializing in gerontology or geriatrics.

7. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a type of nurse that has completed advanced education, training and certification in a specialized area of nursing. APRNs are registered nurses who have obtained a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and have passed a national certification exam. They are licensed to provide primary care services, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and providing patient education.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the educational requirements for an APRN. The educational requirements vary by state but generally include completing an accredited master’s or doctoral program in nursing, passing the appropriate national certification exam, and obtaining a state license.

To become an APRN, you must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. After completing your BSN program, you must then complete an accredited master's or doctoral program in nursing with a focus on advanced practice nursing. During this program you will learn about advanced health assessment skills, pharmacology principles and procedures for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Once you have completed your advanced practice nursing program, you must pass the appropriate national certification exam for your specialty area such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), etc. Finally, you must obtain your state license to practice as an APRN.

The cost of becoming an APRN will vary depending on the type of degree you pursue and the school where you attend classes. Generally speaking, tuition for a Master’s degree in Nursing ranges from $10,000 - $30,000 per year while tuition for a Doctoral degree can range from $20,000 - $50,000 per year. Additionally there may be fees associated with taking the national certification exam which can range from $200 - $500 depending on the specialty area chosen.

8. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a specialized advanced practice registered nurse role that focuses on improving patient outcomes through the coordination of care delivery. The CNL works with healthcare teams to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care, while also evaluating and improving the effectiveness of healthcare systems.

It typically takes 2-3 years to complete a CNL program, depending on the program and whether you are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. To become a CNL, you must first have an active RN license in your state and then complete an accredited CNL program. Most programs require applicants to have at least one year of experience as an RN before applying.

The cost of a CNL program varies depending on the school and type of degree being pursued. A Bachelor’s degree in nursing typically costs between $10,000-$25,000, while a Master’s degree can range from $20,000-$50,000. Additionally, some schools may offer scholarships or grants to help offset the cost of tuition.

9. Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS)

Certified Nursing Informatics Specialists (CNIS) are healthcare professionals who specialize in the use of information technology and data to improve patient care. They help bridge the gap between clinical and IT teams, ensuring that healthcare data is properly managed and used to provide high-quality care.

CNIS certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To become certified, applicants must have a current RN license and at least two years of experience in nursing informatics or a related field. Applicants must also complete an approved CNIS program or pass an exam administered by ANCC.

The cost for the CNIS examination varies depending on whether you are an ANCC member or nonmember. For members, it costs $295; for nonmembers, it costs $395. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CNIS certification from ANCC and can begin using the CNIS designation after your name. You will also be required to renew your certification every three years to maintain your credentials.

10. Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)

A Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) is a registered nurse who has specialized in the care of individuals with end stage renal disease. CDNs are responsible for providing direct patient care, including assessing patients’ physical and mental health needs, administering medications, monitoring dialysis treatments, and educating patients about their condition.

The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To become certified as a CDN, you must first be a registered nurse in good standing with your state board of nursing. You must also have at least one year of experience working in an acute or chronic dialysis setting. After meeting these requirements, you can then apply to take the CDN exam through the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO).

The cost of taking the CDN exam varies depending on which state you are taking it in. Generally speaking, the fee ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and other related costs such as travel expenses or study materials.

Once you have completed all of the necessary steps and passed the exam, you will receive your official certification as a Certified Dialysis Nurse from NNCO. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years to remain active.

11. American Nurses Credentialing Center's Nursing Professional Development Certification Program

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Nursing Professional Development Certification Program is designed to recognize the expertise of nurses in the field of professional development. This certification program is available to registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nurse educators who have a minimum of two years experience in nursing professional development.

To obtain this certification, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as leadership, education, evaluation, consultation, research and evidence-based practice. It typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive results from the exam.

The cost for the ANCC Nursing Professional Development Certification Program is $395 for ANA members and $495 for non-members. The fee includes a one-year membership to the ANA if you are not already a member.

Once certified, professionals must renew their credentials every five years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Nursing Certificate?

When deciding whether or not to pursue a nursing certificate, it is important to consider several factors. Ultimately, the decision should be based on one’s own career goals and ambitions.

First, it is important to consider the type of job that one wants to pursue. In some cases, pursuing a nursing certificate can be beneficial for obtaining certain positions in the healthcare industry. For example, if an individual wanted to become a nurse practitioner, they would likely need a nursing certificate. Additionally, many hospitals and medical facilities require nurses to have certain certifications before they can be hired for certain positions. Therefore, if an individual is looking for a specific job in the healthcare industry and certain certifications are required for that position, then he or she should strongly consider getting a nursing certificate.

Second, it is also important to consider the cost associated with obtaining a nursing certificate. Depending on the type of program chosen and the institution offering it, there may be significant costs associated with earning a nursing certificate. These costs include tuition fees as well as other expenses such as textbooks and supplies. Therefore, if cost is an issue for an individual considering pursuing a nursing certificate, then he or she should thoroughly research all available options before making any decisions about enrolling in a program and paying associated costs.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual decides to pursue a nursing certificate will depend on his or her own personal needs and goals. If obtaining certain certifications are necessary for achieving desired career objectives then pursuing such certifications may be beneficial in the long run. On the other hand, if cost is an issue then individuals should carefully consider all available options before making any decisions regarding enrolling in programs or paying associated fees.

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FAQs About Nursing Certifications

1. What is a Nursing Certification?

Answer: Nursing Certifications are voluntary credentials that demonstrate a nurse’s advanced knowledge, experience, and skills in a particular area of nursing practice.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must meet the eligibility criteria for each certification and pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the specialty area.

3. How long does a certification last?

Answer: Most certifications are valid for five years before recertification is required.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements to maintain my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require completion of continuing education activities to maintain the credential. The number of hours or type of activities vary by certification organization.

5. Is there financial assistance available for obtaining certifications?

Answer: Some organizations offer scholarships or other forms of financial assistance to help nurses cover the cost of certification exams or fees associated with recertification. It's best to check with your employer or local nursing organization for more information on available resources.