How to Become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner

Should I Become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming a cardiac nurse practitioner may be a rewarding—albeit challenging— nursing career path. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults of all backgrounds. Cardiac NPs play a vital role in helping patients who are at risk of developing a form of heart disease, or who are already living with it. Additionally, as a cardiac NP, you may have the opportunity to play a life-saving role for acute patients who have experienced a heart attack. Consider the gravity of these responsibilities when you’re making a decision. The cardiac NP role can be demanding, but it enables you to make a genuine impact on patients' lives.

Cardiac Nurse Certification

The cardiac nurse certification may help you advance your career. They may also help you develop a deeper knowledge that allows you to better care for patients. There are several options for you to become certified.

Below are a few certifications to consider.

Name of Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) — Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Hold a current RN license (or international equivalent)
• Have completed two years of full-time nursing
• Have 2,000+ hours of clinical practice in cardiovascular nursing (completed in the last three years)
• Have 30+ hours of continuing education in cardiovascular nursing (completed in the last three years)

Fees:

• Non-ANCC member – $395
• American Nurses Association members – $295
• Society for Vascular Nursing members – $340
• Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association members – $340

Renewal:

• Renewal is required every five years
• Renewal fees are as follows:
  • Non-ANCC member – $350
  • American Nurses Association members – $250
  • Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association member – $295
  • Society for Vascular Nursing member – $295

Name of Certification: American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM) — CVNP-BC (Cardiac Nurse Practitioners Level II)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have 2+ years of practice as a nurse practitioner OR
• Have been a cardiac RN prior to becoming an NP
• Extensive knowledge of the cardiology field

Fee: $384 ($25 non-refundable application fee + $359 exam fee)

Renewal:

• Renewal is required every 3 years
• Renewal fees are as follows:
  • On-time recertification – $149
  • Late recertification – $169

Name of Certification: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) – Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Possess a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license in the U.S.
• Possess a current nationally-accredited clinical nursing specialty certification
• Have either:
  • 1,750 hours of direct care as an RN or APRN for acutely/critically ill adult patients in the last two years, with 875 accrued in the year directly before application and 875 in the care of acutely/critically ill adult cardiac patients; OR
  • Practiced as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct care with acutely/critically ill adult patients, with 144 accrued in the most recent year before application. Half of the total hours need to be in the care of acutely/critically ill adult cardiac patients

Fee:

• Non-AACN members – $235
• AACN members – $145

Renewal:

• There are several renewal requirements certified candidates must meet for renewal—you can either earn it via continued education or by exam.
• Renewal fees are as follows:
  • CERPs option:
    • Non-AACN members – $130
    • AACN members – $75
  • Exam option:
    • Non-AACN members – $165
    • AACN members – $120

Name of Certification: AACN – Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Possess a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license in the U.S.
• Possess a current nationally-accredited clinical nursing specialty certification
• Have either:
  • Provided 1,750 hours of direct care as an RN or APRN for acutely/critically ill adult patients in the last two years, with 875 accrued in the year directly before application and 875 in the care of acutely/critically ill adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours post-operation; OR
  • Practiced as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct care with acutely/critically ill adult patients, with 144 accrued in the most recent year before application. Half of the total hours need to be in the care of acutely/critically ill adult cardiac surgery patients within their first 48 hours post-operation.

Fee:

• Non-AACN members – $235
• AACN members – $145

Renewal:

• There are several renewal requirements certified candidates must meet for renewal—you can either earn it via continued education or by exam. View a complete list of requirements here.
• Renewal fees are as follows:
  • CERPs option:
    • Non-AACN members – $130
    • AACN members – $75
  • Exam option:
    • Non-AACN members – $165
    • AACN members – $120

State Nursing Licensure Information

Cardiac Nurse Practitioner Resources

For aspiring or current cardiac NPs, several resources can help you stay informed and deepen your education in the field. Below is a list of some resources and organizations for cardiac nurses and nurse practitioners.

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): The AACN is one of the leading professional membership organizations in nursing. Membership can offer you networking benefits and access to other experts in cardiology. The organization also offers cardiac nurse certifications that may help you further your career.
• American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM): The ABCM is strictly a credentialing organization, but they offer various courses and conferences that can help you gain additional knowledge and experience as a cardiac NP.
• American Nursing Association (ANA): The ANA is another professional organization that connects nurses with news, education, and certification opportunities. Representing 4 million nurses in the U.S., the ANA is the largest professional nursing organization in the country.urses in the country.
• American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC): The ANCC administers certifications that help nurses advance professionally and broaden their practices.
• The American Journal of Cardiology: As a cardiac NP, you may choose to subscribe to a medical journal. The American Journal of Cardiology can help you to gain insight into the latest therapies, studies, and medications in the field.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC is a trusted authority for national health statistics and warnings. If you’re exploring the field of cardiac health, their site provides an overview of the breadth of heart problems Americans are facing—and the most common ailments and risk factors leading to them.
• Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing: This medical journal contains insights and resources tailored to cardiac nurses.
• Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA): The PCNA provides education and practice resources, as well as news about new evidence-based treatments. Specializing in preventative care, the PCNA can be a resource for nurses looking to mitigate patient risks.