Top 10 Surgical Nurse Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a surgical nurse’s job market advantage. Certifications demonstrate that a nurse has the knowledge and skills necessary to practice safely and effectively in the operating room. Certification also shows potential employers that the nurse is committed to their profession, has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on best practices, and is dedicated to providing quality patient care. Additionally, certifications can help nurses advance in their career by providing them with more job opportunities and higher salaries. Certification also allows nurses to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various certifications available to Surgical Nurses and explain how they can benefit their careers.

What are Surgical Nurse Certifications?

Surgical nurse certification is a formal recognition of an individual’s expertise in providing patient care in the operating room. It is a voluntary credential that can be earned by nurses who specialize in surgical nursing. With certification, nurses demonstrate their commitment to excellence and provide evidence of their specialized knowledge and experience. The certification process involves meeting certain educational and practice requirements and passing an exam administered by a certifying body.

Earning a surgical nurse certification can help nurses advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and enhance their professional credibility. Certified nurses are more marketable when seeking new employment opportunities or promotions, as employers recognize the value of having certified staff on board. Certification also helps them stay current with the latest trends in surgical nursing care by requiring ongoing continuing education credits to maintain it. Additionally, certified surgeons may be eligible for higher pay than non-certified counterparts due to the extra training they have completed. Finally, having certification provides nurses with a sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from achieving such a high level of expertise in their field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of surgical nurse certification available and determine which one is best for your career goals. It is important to understand the requirements for each type of certification, such as educational background, experience, and continuing education. Additionally, staying up-to-date on the latest advances in surgical nursing will help you remain competitive in the field.

Related: What does a Surgical Nurse do?

Top 10 Surgical Nurse Certifications

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

1. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a professional healthcare provider who works in the operating room. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining the operating room before, during, and after surgery. They also help to ensure that all surgical instruments and supplies are properly sterilized and ready for use. CSTs may also be involved in patient care, such as transporting patients to and from the operating room, assisting with positioning patients on the operating table, setting up sterile fields, passing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and helping to close incisions after surgery.

It typically takes two years of post-secondary education or training to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. Most programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, microbiology, surgical technology principles and practices. Upon completion of an accredited program you must then pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam in order to receive your certification.

To get certified as a CST you must first complete an accredited program in surgical technology or surgical assisting. After completing your program you must then register with NBSTSA and pay the required fees which vary depending on where you are located. The cost of registering with NBSTSA is currently $200 USD for US residents or $250 USD for international residents. You will then be required to take the NBSTSA exam which costs an additional $300 USD for US residents or $400 USD for international residents.

In total it can cost around $500 - $600 USD to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

2. Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA)

Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) is a certification program for registered nurses who have completed additional training and education in the field of surgical assisting. The CRNFA certification is designed to recognize the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a first assistant in the operating room.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete all of the requirements for CRNFA certification. To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements such as having an active RN license and at least two years of experience in surgical nursing or related practice. Applicants must also complete an approved course in first assisting, pass a comprehensive exam, and demonstrate competency through a clinical practicum.

The cost of obtaining CRNFA certification varies depending on the program chosen by the applicant. Costs may include tuition fees, exam fees, and other associated costs such as travel expenses or materials needed for the coursework or practicum.

3. Certified Operating Room Nurse (CORN)

Certified Operating Room Nurse (CORN) is a professional certification for nurses who specialize in the care of patients undergoing surgical procedures. It is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The certification demonstrates a nurse’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide optimal patient care in the operating room.

The CORN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anesthesia, infection control, instrumentation, patient safety, and perioperative nursing. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience as an operating room nurse within the last five years.

The exam fee for CORN is $200 USD. The cost includes a study guide, practice test questions, and access to online resources. The exam can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center or through remote proctoring if necessary.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. If you pass the exam you will receive your certificate via mail within 6-8 weeks from NBSTSA.

4. Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) is a certification program for nurses who specialize in the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. The CNOR credential is granted by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). To become certified as a CNOR, nurses must meet certain educational requirements, have at least two years of experience in perioperative nursing, and pass an exam.

It typically takes approximately four to six months to complete the application process and prepare for the exam. During this time, applicants should review the CCI's Candidate Handbook and study materials available from the CCI website.

To get certified as a CNOR, nurses must submit an application to CCI along with documentation of their education and experience in perioperative nursing. Once approved, they will receive an authorization to test letter from CCI that will allow them to register for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CNOR varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of CCI. For non-members, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $350 for the exam fee. For current members, it costs $295 for the application fee plus $350 for the exam fee.

5. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of medical guidelines and protocols for the management of cardiac emergencies. It is used by healthcare professionals to provide life-saving treatment to patients who are experiencing serious heart problems such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or arrhythmias. ACLS is an advanced level of care that requires specialized training and certification.

It typically takes about two days to complete the initial ACLS certification course. The course includes instruction in basic life support, recognition and treatment of cardiovascular emergencies, airway management, resuscitation techniques, pharmacology, and more. The cost of the ACLS certification course varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$400 USD.

In order to become certified in ACLS, you must first successfully complete an approved course and pass the associated exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing the exam, you will be issued a card indicating your successful completion of the course and your certification status.

6. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of life-saving techniques and interventions that are used to provide emergency care for individuals who are experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or other medical emergencies. BLS includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). It is typically taught in a two-day course and can be taken at most hospitals or medical centers.

The course typically takes about 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as CPR, AED use, choking management, airway management, and basic anatomy and physiology. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $50-$100. After completing the course, participants are issued a certification card that is valid for two years.

BLS is an essential skill for healthcare professionals as well as laypeople who may find themselves in a situation where they need to provide emergency care. Knowing how to perform BLS can help save lives in an emergency situation.

7. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a certification program designed to teach healthcare providers the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening conditions in infants and children. It is based on the American Heart Association's Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). The PALS course covers topics such as airway management, rhythm recognition, pharmacology, resuscitation techniques, team dynamics, and more.

The PALS course typically takes 16 hours to complete. Participants must attend all sessions of the course in order to receive their certification. Most courses are offered by hospitals or other medical facilities as well as online through accredited providers.

The cost of a PALS course varies depending on the provider and location but typically ranges from $150-$400 USD.

8. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is a program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association. It is designed to teach healthcare professionals how to properly resuscitate newborns in the event of an emergency. NRP focuses on the assessment, stabilization, and management of newborns who require resuscitation at birth. The program takes approximately 8 hours to complete and is typically offered as a two-day course.

In order to receive certification in NRP, participants must attend an approved course and successfully pass both a written and skills assessment. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $100 - $200 USD per person. Once certified, participants are required to renew their certification every two years by completing an online refresher course or attending a full NRP course again.

9. Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is an educational program developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to teach medical professionals the principles and strategies for the early assessment, resuscitation, stabilization, and management of trauma patients. The program is designed to teach a systematic approach to patient assessment and treatment that can be applied in any clinical setting.

ATLS courses are typically two-day programs that include lectures, skill stations, and simulated scenarios. Participants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through written exams and practical assessments. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive an ATLS provider card valid for four years.

In order to take an ATLS course, you must be a healthcare professional with a current license or certification in your field (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner). You will also need to have completed pre-course reading materials prior to attending the course.

The cost of taking an ATLS course varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, however, most courses range from $400-$600 USD for physicians and $300-$500 USD for non-physicians.

10. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is a two-day intensive 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) and provides evidence-based information on best practices in trauma nursing. The program focuses on topics such as assessment, management, and evaluation of the trauma patient; injury prevention; and psychological aspects of trauma care.

The TNCC course takes approximately 16 hours to complete, including lectures, interactive activities, and hands-on skill stations. Participants must pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

In order to take the TNCC course, participants must be licensed RNs or advanced practice nurses with a minimum of one year experience in emergency nursing or critical care nursing.

The cost of taking the TNCC course varies depending on where it is taken and who is teaching it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$500 per person for two days of instruction.

Do You Really Need a Surgical Nurse Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a surgical nurse certificate to practice as a surgical nurse. However, having the certificate does demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and experience in the field of surgery, and it can be beneficial for those wanting to specialize or advance in their career.

In order to become a surgical nurse, one must first obtain an associate degree or higher in nursing from an accredited college or university. Additionally, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once these requirements are met, they can then seek employment at hospitals and clinics where they will receive specialized training in operating room techniques and procedures.

While having a surgical nurse certificate is not essential for entry-level positions, it can be beneficial for those who wish to specialize. It shows potential employers that the individual has gone beyond the basic requirements of becoming a registered nurse and has taken additional courses related to surgery. This may help them stand out from other applicants when looking for more advanced positions such as head nurse or lead surgeon's assistant.

Having a surgical nurse certificate also offers many benefits during job interviews. It demonstrates that the individual is knowledgeable about medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and other topics related to surgery that are necessary for providing quality care. Furthermore, it may give them an edge over other candidates who lack this certification by demonstrating their commitment to pursuing continuing education opportunities.

In conclusion, while having a surgical nurse certificate is not necessarily essential for becoming a successful surgical nurse, it certainly can be beneficial in terms of advancing one's career and showing potential employers that they have taken extra steps to increase their knowledge base in this field.

Related: Surgical Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Surgical Nurse Certifications

1. What certifications are available for surgical nurses?

Answer: The most widely recognized certification for surgical nurses is the Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) credential from the Competency & Credentialing Institute. Other certifications available include the Certified Perioperative Registered Nurse (CNOR-CP) and the Certified Ambulatory Perioperative Registered Nurse (CAPRN).

2. How much does it cost to become certified as a surgical nurse?

Answer: The fee for CNOR certification is $360, while the fees for CNOR-CP and CAPRN certifications are $320 each.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a surgical nurse?

Answer: The process usually takes between 6-12 months, depending on individual experience and preparation. You must also pass an exam administered by the Competency & Credentialing Institute in order to be certified as a surgical nurse.

4. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a surgical nurse?

Answer: Generally, you must have at least two years of full-time experience in an acute care setting within the past five years prior to applying for certification. You must also hold an active registered nursing license and complete continuing education courses related to perioperative nursing practice throughout your career in order to maintain your certification status.

5. How often do I need to renew my surgical nurse certification?

Answer: Certification is valid for 5 years, after which time you must renew your certification by taking continuing education courses or passing an exam administered by the Competency & Credentialing Institute in order to maintain your certification status.