Top 10 Professional Nurse Certifications

Certifications are an important way for professional nurses to demonstrate their expertise, proficiency and commitment to a specialty area of nursing. They can help nurses stand out in a competitive job market by showing potential employers that they have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to provide quality care. Certifications also provide evidence of a nurse’s dedication to staying current in their field. In addition, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement, such as higher salaries and more responsibility. Finally, certifications can be used as proof of eligibility for certain state licensure requirements.

This article reviews some of the most popular certifications for Professional Nurses and explains how these certifications can help to boost a nurse's career.

What are Professional Nurse Certifications?

Professional nurse certification is an official recognition of a nurse's advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in a specific area of nursing practice. It is typically obtained through a voluntary process that involves passing an exam or completing coursework. Professional nurse certification demonstrates to employers and peers that the nurse has gone beyond the basic requirements for licensure and has achieved expertise in their field.

Professional nurse certification can help nurses in many ways. It indicates to employers that the nurse has taken the initiative to gain additional knowledge and experience in their area of practice, which can result in more job opportunities, higher salaries, and more responsibility. It also serves as an important credential when applying for promotions or seeking specialty positions. In addition, professional nurse certification provides nurses with a sense of accomplishment and pride as they demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their profession. Certification also allows nurses to stay current on advances in their field by requiring them to recertify every few years. Finally, having a professional nursing certification may provide greater job security as it demonstrates loyalty to one's employer due to the commitment required for obtaining and maintaining such credentials.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of online courses and resources to help you prepare for professional nurse certification. Many organizations offer free or discounted courses that provide the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pass the certification exam. Additionally, participating in community forums and networking with other nurses can be a great way to stay up-to-date on changes in the industry and gain insight from experienced professionals.

Related: What does a Professional Nurse do?

Top 10 Professional Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in the administration of anesthesia. CRNAs are responsible for assessing patients prior to surgery, developing and implementing anesthetic plans, monitoring patient vital signs during the procedure, and providing post-operative care.

It typically takes a minimum of seven years of education and clinical experience to become a CRNA. After completing a Bachelor's degree in nursing, individuals must obtain a Master's degree in nurse anesthesia from an accredited program. The program consists of didactic coursework as well as clinical rotations that provide hands-on experience with administering anesthesia.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). This exam is offered at testing centers throughout the United States and costs $725 for first-time test takers. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals may apply for state licensure through their respective Board of Nursing.

The cost associated with obtaining a CRNA can vary depending on factors such as tuition rates at the school attended and whether or not financial aid is available. In general, students can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000-$100,000 for tuition alone over the course of their studies.

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and clinical training in the specialty of midwifery. CNMs provide primary care to women throughout their lifespan, including gynecologic and family planning services, prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postpartum care, and newborn care.

It typically takes between three and four years to become a CNM. This includes completing an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN), completing an accredited midwifery program, and passing the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to become certified as a CNM.

To get started on the path towards becoming a CNM, you must first complete an accredited nursing program at either the associate’s or bachelor’s degree level. After graduating from your nursing program, you must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become an RN. Once you have your RN license, you can then apply for admission into an accredited midwifery program. Upon completion of your midwifery program, you must pass the AMCB exam in order to become certified as a CNM.

The cost of becoming a CNM varies depending on where you attend school and how long it takes you to complete your education and certification requirements. Generally speaking, tuition for both nursing programs and midwifery programs ranges from $10,000-$50,000 per year depending on whether you attend public or private schools. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the NCLEX-RN exam ($200) and AMCB exam ($500).

3. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)

A Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in the specialty of pediatric nursing. CPNPs are qualified to provide comprehensive primary health care services to children from birth through young adulthood, including preventive care, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses, immunizations, and health promotion.

It typically takes two to three years to become a CPNP. This includes completing an accredited master's or doctoral degree program in nursing with a specialization in pediatrics, as well as gaining clinical experience in the field. In addition, CPNPs must pass a certification exam administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

To become a CPNP, individuals must first complete an accredited nursing program at either the associate’s or bachelor’s level. After graduation, they must then gain experience working as a registered nurse in pediatric settings for at least two years before enrolling in an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program with a specialization in pediatrics. Once they have completed their degree program, they can apply for the PNCB certification exam.

The cost of becoming a CPNP will vary depending on the individual’s educational path and any additional certifications they may pursue. The cost of tuition for an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program can range from $10,000-$50,000 depending on the institution and length of study. Additionally, there is an application fee for taking the PNCB certification exam which is currently $395 for members and $495 for non-members.

4. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

A Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a specialized certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of nurses who provide care to adult patients in medical-surgical units. The CMSRN certification is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), an independent, non-profit organization.

To become a CMSRN, you must have a valid RN license, two years of full-time clinical practice as an RN in the medical-surgical specialty within the past three years, and at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care in medical-surgical nursing during that time. You must also complete 30 hours of continuing education related to medical-surgical nursing within the past three years.

The process to become a CMSRN typically takes about four months from start to finish. To begin, you will need to register for the exam online through MSNCB’s website. Once your registration is approved, you will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and location. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your CMSRN certification.

The cost for taking the CMSRN exam is $290 for members of MSNCB or $390 for nonmembers. Additionally, there may be fees associated with registering for and scheduling the exam depending on your location and test center.

5. Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS)

Certified Nursing Informatics Specialists (CNIS) are healthcare professionals who specialize in the use of technology and data to improve patient care. They work with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement systems that improve communication, workflow, and patient outcomes.

CNIS certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To be eligible for CNIS certification, applicants must have a current RN license in good standing and at least two years of experience working with information systems in a clinical setting. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the ANCC.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as nursing informatics principles, information systems management, data management, safety and security, leadership and collaboration, evidence-based practice, project management, quality improvement strategies, communication technologies, and more. The exam takes 3 hours to complete.

The cost of taking the CNIS exam is $395 for members of the American Nursing Association or $495 for non-members.

6. Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL)

Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL) is a credential that recognizes nurses who have achieved advanced practice competencies in the clinical setting. This certification is offered through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

To become a CCNL, nurses must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one year of experience as an RN. Additionally, they must complete an AACN-approved CCNL program. These programs typically take two years to complete and are offered at accredited universities and colleges throughout the United States.

The cost for obtaining the CCNL credential varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, tuition for these programs range from $5,000 to $20,000. Additional fees such as application fees, registration fees, and exam fees may also be required.

Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, nurses will receive their CCNL certification. This certification must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

7. Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)

Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) is a nursing certification offered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT). The CDN certification is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the care of patients with kidney failure.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having an unrestricted RN license, at least 1 year of experience in dialysis nursing, and completing a minimum number of continuing education hours. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as renal physiology, dialysis therapies, patient assessment, and vascular access management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all the requirements for CDN certification. The cost of the application fee is $200 and the cost of the exam fee is $300.

8. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a certification program designed to recognize the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of emergency nurses. It is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). The CEN certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years with continuing education credits or re-examination.

To become certified as a CEN, an individual must have a minimum of two years of full-time emergency nursing experience within the past three years prior to applying for the exam. In addition, they must have at least 2,000 hours of direct emergency nursing practice in the past three years. The applicant must also hold a current unrestricted license as a registered nurse in their state of residence.

The cost to take the CEN exam varies depending on when you apply and where you plan to take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200 - $350 USD.

The CEN exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. It tests your knowledge in areas such as trauma nursing care, medical/surgical emergencies, pediatric/neonatal emergencies, geriatric/psychiatric emergencies, legal/ethical issues related to emergency care, and more.

9. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a certification program designed to teach healthcare professionals the skills and knowledge needed to respond to life-threatening cardiac emergencies. This includes recognizing signs of heart attack, stroke, shock, and other cardiovascular events. The program focuses on early recognition and management of these conditions, as well as the use of medications and advanced airway techniques.

The ACLS certification course typically takes two days to complete and consists of lectures, simulated cases, and skill practice sessions. Participants must successfully pass a written exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

To get ACLS certified, you must be a licensed healthcare provider such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or paramedic. You will need to register for an approved ACLS course from an accredited provider. Most courses are offered online or in person at hospitals or medical centers.

The cost for ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $100-$400 USD per person.

10. Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN)

The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is a professional credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill adult, pediatric, and/or neonatal patients. The CCRN certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

To be eligible for CCRN certification, applicants must have an active RN license in the United States or its territories and one year of experience as an RN in a critical care setting within the past two years. Applicants must also complete 1,750 hours of direct patient care in a critical care setting within the past two years.

The exam for CCRN certification consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as cardiology, pulmonary/respiratory, neurology/neurosurgery, endocrinology/metabolism/nutrition, hematology/immunology/oncology, renal/urology/gastroenterology, pharmacology and general principles. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified as a CCRN nurse you must first apply online through AACN's website. After submitting your application and documentation you will be able to register for the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $295 for members of AACN or $395 for non-members. Once you pass the exam you will receive your certificate in 4-6 weeks after completing all requirements.

Do You Really Need a Professional Nurse Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For some, a professional nurse certificate may be necessary in order to get the job they want or to advance their career. For others, a professional nursing certificate may not be necessary but could still be beneficial in terms of providing additional knowledge and experience.

For those who are just starting out in the nursing field, a professional nurse certificate is often not required for entry-level positions. However, having one can demonstrate that you have taken the initiative to learn new skills and become more knowledgeable about your chosen profession. This can help differentiate you from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions, as employers look for nurses who take initiative and demonstrate commitment to their profession. Additionally, many organizations require certifications for certain specialty areas such as labor and delivery or critical care nursing.

A professional nurse certificate can also provide nurses with an opportunity to further develop their skillset by taking courses that focus on specialized topics such as leadership development or healthcare management. These courses will give nurses the tools they need to be successful in their roles and make them more attractive candidates when seeking new employment opportunities.

Ultimately, whether or not a professional nurse certificate is needed depends on an individual’s personal goals and career aspirations. In some cases, it may be essential in order to gain access to certain positions or advance in one’s career. In other cases, it may simply provide an additional level of knowledge that can help set someone apart from others when searching for jobs or promotions.

Related: Professional Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Professional Nurse Certifications

1. What are the different types of professional nurse certifications?

Answer: There are a variety of different professional nurse certifications available, including Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN).

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must meet the requirements of the specific certification program, which may include completing an accredited nursing program, passing an exam, and having a certain amount of applicable clinical experience.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the specific certification program and your prior experience and education. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete all requirements for certification.

4. Is there a fee associated with becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, most professional nurse certifications require payment of a fee in order to apply for and maintain certification status. Fees vary depending on the type of certification and organization offering the certification.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming professionally certified offers many benefits, including improved job opportunities, increased earning potential, greater credibility among peers and employers, access to specialized resources and knowledge, increased job satisfaction, and more respect within the healthcare industry.