Many Options ...

There are many options within the career of registered nursing. Once you earn the title of Registered Nurse (RN), opportunities in specialty certification are available. RNs gain their specialty knowledge through extensive clinical experience, formal coursework, self-study, and continuing education. Certification by examination is available to individuals who choose to specialize and provides formal recognition of the nurse's expertise. Certification signifies personal growth and professional achievement, and it may contribute to career advancement.

Where to Start ...

This guide is for registered nurses interested in pursuing certification credentials. Contact information for organizations that offer certification are included: 1) the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and (2) individual Specialty Organizations.

For certification awarded from ANCC, there are two major levels of credentialing: Certified (RN, C), and Board Certified (RN, BC). In addition, the Advanced Practice credential has been approved for nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists), APRN, BC. The advanced practice nurse can use this credential or attach the BC (Board Certified) component to the designation required by the state in which she/he practices. See Web site www.nursecredentialing.org

For certification awarded from Specialty Organizations, please refer to each individual Web site.

The purpose of this guide is as a tool to access RN certification and credentialing processes. It is not all-inclusive. The guide is organized into broad categories for RN and Advanced Practice Certification. Some specialty credentials appear in parentheses. In specialties where levels of certification may exist (RN, C and RN, BC), credentials are not reflected.

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. (n.d.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com

Nursing Administration
Nursing Education
Nursing Informatics
General
Gerontology
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Community Health
Medical
Operating Room
Critical Care/Emergency
Surgical
Pediatric
Maternal/Child
Nurse Midwife
Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Specialist
Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice Clinical Specialist
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner