In both the US and Canada, there are certification opportunities in a wide range of specialties. Below, you will find information about the major bodies.
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)
Canada has only one certification body, the CNA. The program was initiated in 1980 and now has more than 13,000 certified nurses. This body offers certification in:
- Cardiovascular Nursing CCN(C)
- Community Health Nursing CCHN(C)
- Critical Care Nursing CNCC(C)
- Critical Care Pediatric Nursing CNCCP(C)
- Emergency Nursing ENC(C)
- Enterostomal Therapy Nursing (new certification; designation TBA)
- Gastroenterology Nursing CGN(C)
- Gerontology Nursing GNC(C)
- Hospice Palliative Care Nursing CHPCN(C)
- Nephrology Nursing CNeph(C)
- Neuroscience Nursing CNN(C)
- Occupational Health Nursing COHN(C)
- Oncology Nursing CON(C)
- Orthopaedic Nursing ONC(C)
- Perinatal Nursing PNC(C)
- Perioperative Nursing CPN(C)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing CPMHN(C)
- Rehabilitation Nursing CRN(C)
Documents/experience required to write a CNA certification exam – except the Occupational Health and Enterostomal Therapy exams, which are detailed separately below.
- At least 3,900 hours in the specialty acquired over the past five years (verified).
A BScN/BN in nursing, or a post-basic program in the nursing specialty of at least 300 hours, with 1,950 hours in the specialty over the past three years (verified).
Documents/experience required to write the Occupational Health exam:- At least 5,000 hours of work in the specialty (verified) and 75 hours of continuous learning activities specific to occupational health (verified), both of which must have been acquired over the past five years.
A BScN/BN in nursing or a post-basic program in occupational health of at least 300 hours.
- At least 3,050 hours in the specialty (verified) over the past four years, and 75 hours of continuous learning activities (verified) over the past five years.
Documents/experience required to write the Enterostomal Therapy exam:Those who have completed the 2009 (and beyond) CAET Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Education Program (ETNEP):
- Proof of CAET ETNEP completion.
- At least 1,950 hours in the specialty over the past three years (verified) – including the 225 hours of clinical preceptorship earned during the CAET ETNEP – and 75 hours of continuous learning activities (verified) specific to enterostomal therapy over the past three years before applying for certification. (CL hours during the CAET ETNEP may be counted.)
Those who have completed the CAET Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Education Program (ETNEP) before 2009 or another ETNEP recognized by CAET:
- Proof of CAET ETNEP completion prior to 2009 or of completion of an ETNEP recognized by the CAET.
- At least 1,950 hours in the specialty over the past three years (verified), and 75 hours of continuous learning activities (verified) specific to enterostomal therapy over the past three years before applying for certification.
Exams: The scheduled date for 2009 exams is April 4. Applications for a 2009 exam must be postmarked by October 17, 2008.
Exam Fee: C$477.75 to $C728.85. The cost varies according to province/territory of residence, whether the applicant is a CNA member or not, etc.
Recertification: In all cases, the certification is valid for five years. The nurse can recertify by writing the examination, or by submitting a record showing that s/he has completed 100 hours of continuous learning activities in the specialty and has at least 3,900 hours of nursing practice within the specialty during the five-year term.
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
The ANCC, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, was founded in 1973 and administers approximately 40 types of specialty and advanced practice certification examinations each year, with different certifications available based on experience and education. More than a quarter million nurses have been certified by the ANCC since 1990, and more than 75,000 advanced practice nurses are currently certified by the ANCC.
1. Advanced Practice Certifications:Nurse practitioner certifications include:
Note: The School Nurse Practitioner (SNP-BC) exam has been retired to new applicants, but those with the credential may renew it.
Clinical nurse specialist certifications include:
Note: The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Home Health Nursing (HHCNS-BC) exam has been retired to new applicants, but those with the credential may renew it.
Other advanced-level exams include:
Documents/experience required to write a nurse practitioner exam:
Documents/experience required to write a CNS exam except Advanced Public Health Nurse:
Documents/experience required to write the Advanced Public Health Nurse exam (credential before May 2008: PHCNS-BC; after May 2008: APHN-BC):
Documents/experience required to write the Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) exam:
2. Registered Nurse Specialty Certifications:The specialty credential is offered for:
Note: The Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, Community Health Nurse, High-Risk Perinatal Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Maternal-Child Nurse, Perinatal Nurse, and School Nurse exams have been retired to new applicants, but those with the credential may renew it.
Documents/experience required to write the RN-BC exam in the above areas except both Informatics Nurse options and the Nurse Executive option:
Documents/experience required to write the Informatics Nurse exam:
Documents/experience required to write the Nurse Executive (NE-BC) exam:
Exams: Most exams are computer-based, but some are still pencil-and-paper. To see which type an exam is, check the ANCC certification page. Paper-and-pencil exams are scheduled twice per year (in May and October), and are offered in approximately 50 cities in 30 states. The computer-based exams are scheduled regularly by authorized testing agencies.
Exam Fee: For 2009, cost ranges from US$270 to US$390. (Varies according to factors such as whether a nurse is an ANCC member, is eligible for discounts, etc.) Additional fees may be charged for alternate test dates, etc.
Recertification: Certification is for five years. To recertify, a nurse must have a current US nursing license, have met CE requirements for the certification and either have 1,000 hours of nursing practice in the area of certification specialty (unless stated otherwise) or re-take the exam.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
The AACN was established in 1969 and has more than 70,000 certified members. The AACN offers examinations leading to ACNPC (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification)CCNS (Certification for Adult, Neonatal, and Pediatric Acute and Critical Care CNSs), CCRN (Certification for Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal Critical Care Nurses), and PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) credentials. Additionally, in 2005, two subspecialty certificates were added: Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) and Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC).
1. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC):In fall 2007, the AACN launched an
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner exam, for the ACNPC credential. To qualify, applicants must:
Hold a current US RN license.Complete an advanced graduate degree that meets AACN requirements, which include 500 supervised hours (caring for acutely or critically ill adult patients) in the role of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner within the program.Exam: Computer-based and offered year-round at testing sites across the US.
Exam Fee: US$245 for AACN members and US$345 for others.
Recertification: Certification lasts for five years. To renew, candidates must have a current US RN license; have been actively involved in the care of acutely and/or critcally ill patients
as an acute care nurse practitioner for a minimum of 2,000 hours over the five-year period, with a minimum of 400 hours completed within the last 12 months of the certification period (experience must be in the USA or any of its territories); successfully pass the ACNPC certification exam
or accumulate 150 CE renewal points, with at least 100 in the area of acute care (e.g., acute-care educational programs, professional publications/presentations, and/or precepting or volunteer activities).
2. Certification for Adult, Neonatal and Pediatric Acute and Critical Care CNSs (CCNS):CCNS certification is the advanced practice certification program for clinical nurse specialists in adult, pediatric, or neonatal acute and critical care.
Documents/experience required to write the CCNS exam:
Computer-based and offered year-round at testing sites across the US.
Exam Fee: CCNS exam is US$245 for AACN members and US$345 for others.
Recertification: Certification lasts for four years. To renew, candidates must have a current US RN license and have active involvement in the care of acutely ill or critically ill patients (a minimum of 2,000 hours within the past four years, of which at least 400 must be in the last 12 months). Also, candidates must either complete CE requirements (60 Category A CEs, with at least 15 CEs within the Acute and Critical Care Educational Program area)
or pass the CCNS exam again.
3. Certification for Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal Critical Care Nurses (CCRN):CCRN certification is for adult, neonatal, and pediatric critical care nurses. (The
CCRN website specifically says that the letters CCRN do not stand for "critical care registered nurse.")
Documents/experience required to write the CCRN exam:
Computer-based and offered year-round at testing sites across the US.
Exam Fee: US$220 for AACN members and US$325 for others.
Recertification: Certification lasts for three years, and certification can be renewed by CERPs (Continuing Education Renewal Points) or by passing the CCRN exam again.
4. Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN):The
PCCN certification (initiated 2004) is for nurses working in areas known as intermediate care, direct observation, stepdown, telemetry, transitional care, or progressive care units.
Documents/experience required to write the PCCN exam:
Computer-based and offered year-round at testing sites across the US.
Exam Fee: US$170 for AACN members and US$250 for others.
Recertification: Certification lasts for three years, and certification can be renewed by CERPs (Continuing Education Renewal Points) or by writing the PCCN exam again.
5. Subspecialties: Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) & Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC):These are new (2005)
subspecialty certifications. The CMC is for nurses working in areas such as CCU, catheterization lab, progressive care, electrophysiology, etc. The CSC is for nurses working in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, post-cardiac PACU, etc.
Documents/experience required to write the CMC or CSC exam:
Computer-based and offered year-round at testing sites across the US.
Exam Fee: US$135 for AACN members and US$180 for others.
Recertification: Certification lasts for three years. To renew, candidates must have a current US RN license; have current nationally-accredited clinical nursing specialty certification (e.g., CCRN, CCNS, PCCN, CEN, ACNP, FNP, CPAN, CRNA, CNOR, CRNFA, APRN-BC); complete 25 CERPs (pertaining to cardiology or cardiac surgery, depending on the subspecialty); complete 432 practice hours (for CMC, in the care of acutely/critically ill cardiac patients; and for CSC, in care of cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours post-op) within the last 3 years preceding date of application, of which 144 must be accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
The ONCC was incorporated in 1984 and develops, administers, and evaluates programs for certification in oncology nursing. The ONCC offers four credentials: Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN); Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON); Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP); and Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS). In January 2005, the AOCNP and AOCNS exams replaced the single AOCN exam. As of 2008, there were more than 25,000 oncology certified nurses.
The following information regarding exam, fees, and recertification pertains to all four certifications:Exams: Testing is computer-based, and offered at testing centers throughout North America. From November 1-29, 2008, international testing will be available for all four exams in select countries (Brazil, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates). Exam Fees: US$260 to US$455 depending on how early one applies, whether one is a member of the ONS/APON, and which exam one is writing. There is an added fee (US$75) for the international testing.Recertification: Certification lasts for four years. Renewal involves holding an active nursing license, completing nursing practice hours, and being retested or completing the required number of CE points through ONC-PRO (Oncology Nursing Certification Points Renewal Option).
1. OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse):The examination tests knowledge needed for the nurse to practice at the basic level, within the specialty of oncology nursing.
Documents/experience required to write the OCN exam:
2. AOCNP (Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner):Documents/experience required to write the AOCNP exam:
3. AOCNS (Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist):Documents/experience required to write the AOCNS exam:
4. CPON (Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse):The examination tests knowledge needed for an oncology nurse to function in a pediatric practice role.
Documents/experience required to write the CPON exam:
National Certification Corporation (NCC)
Since its inception in 1975, the NCC has awarded more than 83,000 certificates. The NCC specializes in the area of maternal child. All of the following seven types of nurses receive RNC certification: Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner; Neonatal Nurse Practitioner; Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (INPT); Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (NIC); Low Risk Neonatal Nursing (LRN); Maternal Newborn Nursing (MN).
Documents/experience required to write the exams for:
- Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Current RN license (from the US or Canada).
- For Women's Health Care NP – completed a formal NP program that awards a Master's or post-Master's in the specialty. Applicants must be graduates of a program in 2005 or later.
- For Neonatal NP – completed a formal NP program that awards a Master's degree or post-Master's degree in the specialty. Applicants must be graduates of a program in 2005 or later.
Documents/experience required to write the exams for:
- Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (INPT)
- Maternal Newborn Nursing (MN)
- Low Risk Neonatal Nursing (LRN)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (NIC)
- Current RN license (from the US or Canada).
- 24 months of experience in the specialty (totaling at least 2,000 hours) in the US or Canada.
- Employment in the specialty within the last 24 months.
Exams: Offered in both computer and pencil-and-paper formats.
Exam Fee: US$250 to $US300, depending on format.
Recertification: The credentials must be renewed every three years, by reexamination or by completing 15 CE hours in your certificate's area of specialty.
Exams for Certificate of Added Qualification
The NCC awards a Certificate of Added Qualification in the subspecialty area of Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM). The qualification is open to RNs and to physicians, physician assistants, and nurse-midwives.
Exam Fee: Tests for the added qualification are offered in both computer and pencil-and-paper formats and cost US$100 to US$185, depending on format and whether one holds an NCC certification.
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)
The ENA was founded in 1970. In the early 1980s, the ENA established the BCEN. The BCEN is responsible for certification of nurses with the ENA-recognized credentials: CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse); CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse); and, new in March 2006, CTRN (Certified Transport Registered Nurse).
1. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN):Documents/experience required to write the CEN exam:
Computer-based and can be written year-round. The BCEN has released two
practice exams, one of which has 50 questions (the actual exam has 150 questions) and one of which has 150 questions, and is designed to reflect the content and average difficulty level of the actual exam. The fee to write the 50-question practice exam is US$30 and to write the 150-question practice exam is US$75.
Exam Fee: US$220 to US$360. Varies according to applicant's location, membership status, etc.
Recertification: The CEN credential is valid for a period of four years, and recertification is by taking the original exam, CE, or by internet-based test.
2. Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN):Documents/experience required to write the CFRN exam:
Computer-based and can be written year-round.
Exam Fee: US$230 to US$370. Varies according to applicant's location, membership status, etc.
Recertification: The CFRN credential is valid for a period of four years, and recertification is through reexamination or by CE.
3. Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN):Documents/experience required to write the CFRN exam:
Computer-based and can be written year-round.
Exam Fee: US$230 to US$370. Varies according to applicant's location, membership status, etc.
Recertification: The CTRN credential is valid for a period of four years, and recertification is through reexamination or by CE.
4. Other ENA Courses:Additionally, the ENA offers the following courses, which are offered regularly at locations in the USA, Canada, and overseas:
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) (formerly Certification Board Perioperative Nursing)
In 1978, the AORN voted to provide a voluntary certification program for OR nurses, which is now known as the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), and which was formerly known as the Certification Board Perioperative Nursing. The CCI offers the CNOR and Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) examinations. Regarding CNOR, many people assume that this acronym stands for Certified Nurse Operating Room. However, according to the newsletter of the AORN of Alameda County, CNOR does not stand for anything specific, it signifies only that an individual has met all the education, examination, or experience requirements necessary to be certified.
1. CNOR:Documents/experience required to write the CNOR exam:
The exam is computer-based, and can be written year-round.
Exam Fee: US$250 for AORN members and US$350 for non-AORN members.
Recertification: Certification lasts five years. Recertification is by contact hours (125, of which 75 must be related to perioperative practice); points (300, e.g. by CE, study, etc.); or exam.
2. Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA):Documents/experience required to write the CRNFA exam:
The exam is computer-based, and can be written year-round.
Exam Fee: US$425 for AORN members and US$550 for non-AORN members.
Recertification: Certification lasts five years. Recertification is by contact hours, points, or exam.
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification Program
The AANP was founded in 1985 and is the largest and only full-service professional membership organization in the US for nurse practitioners in all specialties. The AANP Certification Program, Inc. provides competency based national certification exams for family, adult, and geriatric nurse practitioners. They receive a NP-C credential.
Documents/experience required to write the NP-C exam:
- Master's or post-Master's level adult, gerontologic, and family nurse practitioner programs; other NPs may petition for permission to sit for the examinations.
Endorsement: Family, gerontologic, and adult nurse practitioners with prior certification by an approved national certification body (e.g., ANCC) who meet the criteria for endorsement established by the AANP Certification Program, may apply for endorsement by submitting the approved application.
Exam: Computer-based format.
Exam Fee: US$240 for members, and US$315 for non-members.
Recertification:Certification must be renewed every five years by either rewriting the exam, or by meeting practice requirements of at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice as an NP in the area of specialization and 75 contact hours of CE relevant to one's area of specialization.
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
The PNCB was established in 1975. The PNCB offers exams for certification as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), and Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN).
1. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP):A candidate can specialize in primary care (CPNP-PC) or acute care (CPNP-AC). In both cases, certification can be obtained by exam.
Documents/experience required to write the CPNP-PC exam:
Documents/experience required to write the CPNP-AC exam:
Computer-based and available year-round.
Exam Fee: US$385.
Recertification: Certification is maintained annually for the CPNP. Please visit the
PNCB for information about the requirements.
2. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN):Documents/experience required to write the CPN exam:
Current US or Canadian RN license.1,800 hours of pediatric clinical practice within a 24-month period. For specifics on how the 1,800 hours may be accomplished, see the eligibility page.Exam: Computer-based and available year-round.
Exam Fee: US$295.
Recertification: CPNs must participate annually in the PNCB Recertification Program. Please visit the
PNCB for information about the requirements.
3. Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN):This new exam was developed by the PNCB and the BCEN. The exam will be available in January 2009, and registration will commence in November 2008.
:
Current RN license.Having practiced at least 1,000 hours in pediatric emergency nursing practice in the past 24 months. For specifics on how the 1,000 hours may be accomplished, see the eligibility page.Exam: Computer-based and available year-round (from January 2009 onwards).
Exam Fee: US$280.
Recertification: Details are not yet available as of October 2008.
The Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB)
The WOCNCB offers 11 certifications: CWOCN (Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse); CWCN (Certified Wound Care Nurse); COCN (Certified Ostomy Care Nurse); CCCN (Certified Continence Care Nurse); CWON (Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse); CFCN (Certified Foot Care Nurse); CWOCN-AP (Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse - Advanced Practice); CWCN-AP (Certified Wound Care Nurse-Advanced Practice); COCN-AP (Certified Ostomy Care Nurse-Advanced Practice); CCCN-AP (Certified Continence Care Nurse-Advanced Practice); CWON-AP (Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse-Advanced Practice).
Documents/experience required for Advanced Practice Certification:
- Current RN license.
- Entry level WOCNCB certification.
- Completed graduate-level NP or CNS program.
Submit a portfolio following requirements from AP Handbook.
Documents/experience required to write other WOCNCB exams:
- Current RN license.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Complete a WOC Nursing Education Program that is accredited by WOCN.
- Completion of a graduate-level nurse program with documentation of graduate clinical coursework equivalent to two semester hours in each specialty for which certification is sought.
- Accumulate 50 contact hours (CEU) and 1,500 clinical hours over the last five years within each specialty for which certification is sought; 375 hours must be in the year prior to certification.
Exam: Computerized and offered on most weekdays.
Exam Fee: Range from US$300 to US$450, and vary by number of exams being taken and payment form.
Recertification: Credentials are valid for five years. To recertify, nurses can re-take the exam or participate in the Professional Growth Program.
American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
The AMCB has been conducting Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) exams since 1971 and Certified Midwife (CM) exams since 1998.
1. Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM):Documents/experience required, if trained in the US, to write the CNM exam:
Documents/experience required, if trained internationally, to write the CNM exam:
2. Certified Midwife (CM):Documents/experience required to write the CM exam:
computer-based, and available at 120 test sites across the USA.
Exam Fees (for either exam): US$750.
Recertification for both: For candidates certified after January 1, 1996, the certification is valid for eight years. By the end of the period, candidates must have fulfilled the requirements of the ACC's Certificate Maintenance Program (CMP) in order to have their certificate renewed for the next eight years. The CMP requirements are different for different years (see website), but involve obtaining CE credits and completing open-book module exams.
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
The AANA was founded in 1931, has been offering certification since 1945. There are more than 37,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Documents/experience required to write the CRNA exam:
- Current US RN license.
- Graduated from an accredited nurse anesthesia program (these are from 24 to 36 months in length, depending upon university requirements, and all are at the Master's level, or higher).
- Make eligibility certifications, e.g., attest to the absence of mental, physical, substance abuse problems that could interfere with the job.
Sign Waiver of Liability and Agreement of Authorization, Confidentiality, and Nondisclosure (for information about this waiver, see the Candidate Handbook.
Exam: The exam is in a computer format, so may be written at any time.
Recertification: CRNAs must recertify every two years. Requirements include: current RN license, completion of 40 hours of CE credits, certification of having been substantially engaged in the practice of anesthesia during the period (min. 850 hours), and verification of the absence of mental, physical, or other problems that could interfere with the job.
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC)/ American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board (ALNCCB)
The AALNC was founded in 1989 and offers the Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) credential through the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board (ALNCCB). There are currently over 3,400 members.
Documents/experience required to write the LNCC exam:
- Current US RN license.
- Have a minimum of five years of experience practicing as a RN.
- Have evidence of 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting experience within the past three years.
Exam: Held twice each year (spring and fall) at Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) locations throughout the US.
Exam Fee: US$275 to US$375, depending on whether one is a member of the AALNC.
Recertification: Must be done every five years. To recertify, a nurse must have a current US RN license, show evidence of 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting practice within certification period and re-take the exam or complete 60 CE hours.
There are a large number of other certification options available.
Can't purge your system of your love for nephrology or hemodialysis nursing? For Certified Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP), Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN), or Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) credentials, see the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).
Are you waking up to how much you enjoy recovery room nursing? See the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABPANC) for information about Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification.
Has your dermatology specialization gotten under your skin? Obtain Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC) credentials through the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA).
Love the never-ending variety of medical/surgical nursing? Check out the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses for information about becoming a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN).
Want to help people get back on their feet? See the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) for information about becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN).
A diabetes educator? Why not obtain Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credentials through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).
Is the way to your nursing heart through your stomach? See about the Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) credential offered by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses, Inc (ABCGN).
Do you specialize in the care of AIDS patients? Visit the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care to learn about AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) certification offered through the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board.
Want to improve your image as a radiology nurse? Check out the American Radiological Nurses Association (ARNA) for information about the Certification Examination for Radiologic Nursing (CRN) in imaging, interventional, and therapeutic environments.
Do you want to specialize in the care of people at the end of life? Visit the Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association (HPNA) for information about certifications offered through the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses – Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN), and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA).
An IV specialist? I've got a place for you to look: check out Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) certification through the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC) of the Infusion Nurses Society (INS).
You're in to urology? See about certification through the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates. For RNs, they offer Certified Urologic Registered Nurse (CURN), Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner (CUNP), and Certified Urologic Clinical Nurse Specialist (CUCNS) credentials.
Constantly boning up on your skills? Learn about the Orthopaedic Nurse Certified (ONC) credential offered by the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses' (NAON) Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board.
Is case management your specialty? See the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) for information about becoming a Certified Case Manager (CCM).
Can't get nursing off your brain? Contact the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) to learn about Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) examination.
Do you pressure yourself to excel in your specialty? Check out the Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA) to learn about their certifications: Certified Hyperbaric Nurse (CHRN); Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Nurse (ACHRN); and Hyperbaric Nurse Clinician (HNC).
Updated on August 18, 2008.