Top 11 RN Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are an important way for RN supervisors to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in a specialized area of nursing. They can help RN supervisors stand out from other applicants in the job market, as they show that they have gone beyond the traditional nursing education and have taken the time to gain additional qualifications. Certifications also provide validation from a third-party organization that the individual has acquired the necessary skills and abilities to excel in a particular area of nursing practice. This can be especially helpful for individuals who may not have had the opportunity to gain experience in a certain field through previous work experience.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for RN Supervisors and explain how they can enhance a supervisor's career prospects.

What are RN Supervisor Certifications?

RN Supervisor Certification is a credential that recognizes the expertise of Registered Nurses who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage and lead nursing staff. This certification is provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to help RN supervisors understand their roles and responsibilities, develop leadership skills, and demonstrate their ability to work with other healthcare professionals. By earning this certification, RN supervisors are better prepared to provide quality care for their patients and ensure the safety of their staff. The certification also serves as a sign of recognition from peers and employers that an individual has met the highest standards in nursing leadership.

The ANCC's RN Supervisor Certification program focuses on five core competencies: communication, professional development, clinical practice, operations management, and evidence-based practice. Through this program, RN supervisors can gain an understanding of how to effectively manage staff, develop policies and procedures that promote patient safety, create budgets that support patient care initiatives, evaluate performance outcomes, and maintain regulatory compliance.

In addition to providing recognition for RN supervisors who meet a high level of competency in their field, the certification can also be beneficial when it comes to job interviews or promotions. Having this credential on your resume can open doors to new opportunities as employers often look for individuals with this type of experience when hiring or promoting within the organization. Furthermore, many states require nurses in certain positions or roles to hold RN Supervisor Certification in order to provide direct patient care or supervise other nurses.

Overall, earning RN Supervisor Certification can be incredibly beneficial for both current and aspiring nursing leaders looking for ways to differentiate themselves from other candidates in the job market. It is also a great way for nurses who have already achieved success in their profession to further validate their capabilities and receive recognition from peers and employers alike.

Pro Tip: When considering an RN Supervisor Certification, make sure to research the requirements and ensure that it is applicable in your state. This will help ensure that you are on track to receive certification and can maximize the benefits of this certification.

Related: What does an RN Supervisor do?

Top 11 RN Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

A Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional who has been certified by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). The CNHA certification is designed to ensure that nursing home administrators have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care in long-term care settings.

In order to become a CNHA, individuals must complete an approved educational program and pass the NAB's national examination. Most states also require applicants to have at least one year of experience working in a long-term care facility prior to taking the exam.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral/practical portion. The written portion includes questions on topics such as patient rights, resident assessment, staffing, financial management, and regulations. The oral/practical portion requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

It typically takes about six months for individuals to prepare for the CNHA exam. During this time, they should review study materials provided by NAB or their state licensing board, take practice tests, and attend review courses if available.

The cost of becoming a CNHA varies depending on the state in which you are applying. In some states there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or obtaining licensure after passing it. Generally speaking, however, applicants should expect to pay around $500-$1,000 for all associated costs including study materials and test fees.

2. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to recognize nurses with expertise in medical-surgical nursing. CMSRN certification demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to excellence and professional development in this specialty area.

To be eligible for the CMSRN certification, a nurse must have an active RN license and two years of full-time experience as an RN in medical-surgical nursing within the past three years. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The fee for the exam is $260 for ANCC members and $310 for nonmembers. The fee includes access to study materials, including practice tests. After passing the exam, nurses will receive their CMSRN certification within 4-6 weeks.

3. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of case management. The CCM credential is awarded to those who meet the eligibility requirements, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education.

To be eligible for the CCM credential, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university; two years of full-time case management experience within the past five years; and current professional liability insurance coverage.

The application process for the CCM credential includes submitting an online application and fee, completing a background check, taking an online proctored exam, and meeting all other requirements as outlined by the CCMC. The entire process can take up to four months from start to finish.

The cost of obtaining the CCM credential varies depending on whether you are first-time applicant or renewing your certification. First-time applicants must pay a $395 fee for their initial application plus $295 for their proctored exam. Renewal fees are $185 every five years plus $95 for recertification exams taken every 10 years.

4. Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)

Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of executive nurses. It is an advanced certification that demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to excellence in executive nursing practice. The CENP credential is awarded by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

The CENP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a nurse executive, including two years in an executive role. In addition, applicants must have completed one of the following: a master’s degree or higher in nursing or healthcare administration; a Doctorate degree in nursing or healthcare administration; or a certificate program from an accredited institution.

To obtain the CENP credential, applicants must pass an exam administered by AONE. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as leadership, organizational management, finance and budgeting, human resources management, quality improvement and patient safety, strategic planning and marketing, information technology systems management, and legal/ethical issues.

The cost for the CENP examination is $395 for AONE members and $495 for non-members. The exam may be taken at any Prometric testing center across the United States. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CENP certificate within four weeks.

5. Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL)

Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL) is a certification program developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The CCNL certification is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved an advanced level of competency in the clinical setting. This certification demonstrates that the nurse has met the highest standards for professional practice and is dedicated to providing quality care to patients.

The CCNL certification requires nurses to complete an accredited graduate-level program in nursing leadership or a related field, such as health care administration or organizational management. The program must include coursework in evidence-based practice, healthcare systems, health policy, and population health. In addition, nurses must pass a comprehensive examination administered by the AACN.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete the requirements for the CCNL certification. However, some programs may be completed in less time depending on individual circumstances and prior education.

To get the CCNL certification, nurses must first complete an accredited graduate-level program in nursing leadership or a related field. Once they have completed their studies, they must then pass a comprehensive examination administered by the AACN. After passing this exam, nurses will receive their official CCNL certificate from the AACN.

The cost of obtaining the CCNL certification varies depending on individual circumstances and prior education. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 USD for tuition and fees associated with completing an accredited graduate-level program in nursing leadership or a related field. Additionally, there is usually an additional fee associated with taking and passing the comprehensive examination administered by the AACN which can range anywhere from $200-$400 USD depending on location and other factors.

6. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help professionals understand and apply quality improvement principles, tools, and techniques in their work environment. The CQIA certification is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to quality and show employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to improve processes and products.

The CQIA certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an examination. The online course covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer satisfaction, problem solving, and statistical analysis. The exam tests the knowledge gained from the course material.

To obtain the CQIA certification, individuals must successfully complete both parts of the program. The online course takes approximately 15 hours to complete and can be taken at any time. The exam is offered twice a year in June and December at various locations throughout the United States.

The cost of obtaining the CQIA certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, it costs $450 USD; for members it costs $375 USD.

7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of healthcare quality. It is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification provides evidence of an individual's knowledge and skills in healthcare quality management, and it is recognized as a mark of excellence throughout the industry.

It typically takes about four months to complete the CPHQ certification process. To become certified, you must first meet eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of full-time experience in healthcare quality or related fields. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, performance improvement, health data analysis, and risk management.

Once you have met all eligibility requirements and passed the exam, you will receive your CPHQ certificate from NAHQ. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NAHQ; members pay $350 while non-members pay $450.

8. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) is a credential that recognizes advanced knowledge and experience in nursing leadership. This certification is for nurses who have at least a master's degree in nursing or healthcare administration and have at least two years of executive-level nursing practice. The NEA-BC credential is valid for five years and can be renewed by meeting continuing education requirements.

To obtain the NEA-BC credential, nurses must meet the eligibility criteria and submit an application to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The application includes documentation of educational qualifications, professional experience, current licensure, and professional development activities. Once the application is approved, nurses must pass an examination to obtain their certification.

The cost of the NEA-BC certification varies depending on where you live and other factors. Generally, it costs around $400 to apply for the certification and $395 to take the exam.

9. ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®

The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® is a prestigious designation given to nursing organizations that meet rigorous standards for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice. The program recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing services and patient outcomes. Organizations that receive Magnet Recognition are also recognized as having a strong commitment to providing the highest quality of care to their patients.

To be eligible for the Magnet Recognition Program®, an organization must have been in operation for at least two years and employ at least 100 registered nurses. The process of applying for Magnet Recognition typically takes between 18-24 months, depending on the size and complexity of the organization's application.

Organizations must submit an extensive application that includes evidence of meeting requirements across four domains: Transformational Leadership; Structural Empowerment; Exemplary Professional Practice; and New Knowledge, Innovation, and Improvements. Organizations must also provide evidence of successful outcomes from initiatives implemented over the past three years.

The cost of applying for Magnet Recognition varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization's application. Generally, it costs between $20,000-$50,000 USD to apply for Magnet Recognition.

10. AACN Clinical Nurse Leader Certification

AACN Clinical Nurse Leader Certification is a certification program offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of excellence in providing care to critically ill patients. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education credits.

To become certified, nurses must meet certain criteria, including having an active RN license, at least two years of experience as an RN in an acute or critical care setting, and completion of an accredited AACN Clinical Nurse Leader program. The AACN offers several programs that meet the requirements for certification.

The cost for the AACN Clinical Nurse Leader Certification varies depending on the program you choose and whether you are a member of the AACN or not. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 to become certified. This cost includes tuition fees, exam fees, and any other associated costs with completing the program.

Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been passed, nurses can receive their certification within 4-6 weeks after applying for it.

11. American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification in Nursing Administration – Advanced Level (AONE-ANADV).

The American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification in Nursing Administration – Advanced Level (AONE-ANADV) is a certification program for nurse executives who are seeking to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of nursing administration. This certification is designed to recognize nurse executives who have achieved a high level of professional excellence and mastery in the practice of nursing administration.

In order to obtain the AONE-ANADV certification, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a current RN or APRN license, at least five years of experience as a nurse executive, and completion of an accredited graduate degree program in nursing administration. Once these requirements have been met, applicants must then pass an examination that covers topics such as healthcare policy and finance, organizational behavior and leadership, quality improvement and patient safety, legal issues in healthcare, population health management, and advanced practice nursing roles.

The AONE-ANADV certification exam is offered twice each year – once during the spring semester and again during the fall semester. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions.

The cost for taking the AONE-ANADV certification exam is $350 US dollars. This fee includes all materials necessary for taking the exam as well as access to online resources that can help prepare you for it. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their official AONE-ANADV certificate within two weeks.

Overall, obtaining the AONE-ANADV certification can be a lengthy process but it can also be very rewarding for those who are committed to achieving excellence in their profession.

Do You Really Need a RN Supervisor Certificate?

Whether or not you need an RN supervisor certificate depends on the job you are seeking. An RN supervisor certificate is a type of credential that demonstrates that you have the knowledge and qualifications to oversee the nursing staff in a health care facility. It shows employers that you have the qualifications and experience to manage nursing staff, and it can be beneficial when applying for supervisory roles.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing management, then obtaining an RN supervisor certificate may be beneficial. The certificate can help demonstrate your qualifications and provide proof of your knowledge and abilities as a supervisor. Additionally, some states require nurses to obtain certification if they wish to become supervisors in certain types of facilities, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities. This requirement varies by state, so it is important to check with your state board of nursing or local regulatory body before applying for any supervisory role.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an RN supervisor certificate depends on the job you are seeking and your state’s requirements for certification. If you plan on pursuing a career in nursing management, obtaining an RN supervisor certificate may be beneficial as it can help demonstrate your qualifications and provide proof of your knowledge and abilities as a supervisor.

Related: RN Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About RN Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a RN Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Registered Nurse Supervisor Certification (RNSC) is a professional credential that recognizes advanced knowledge and experience in nursing leadership and management. The certification is granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

2. What are the requirements to obtain an RN Supervisor Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for RN Supervisor Certification, nurses must meet the following requirements: have a current, unrestricted license as a registered nurse; have at least two years of experience in nursing within the last four years; and have completed 30 hours of continuing education in nursing management or administration within the last three years.

3. How long does an RN Supervisor Certification last?

Answer: An RN Supervisor Certification is valid for five years from the date of issue.

4. How can I renew my RN Supervisor Certification?

Answer: To renew your RN Supervisor Certification, you must complete 45 hours of continuing education credits related to nursing management or administration within the five-year period since you were certified. You must also submit documentation of your current, unrestricted license as a registered nurse to ANCC when renewing your certification.

5. Does an RN Supervisor certification qualify me for any particular job positions?

Answer: While having an RN Supervisor Certification may increase your chances of getting a job in a supervisory role, it does not guarantee any specific job position. It is up to employers to determine what qualifications they require for any given job opening.