Nursing Certifications

If your goal is to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, like a cardiac nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife or certified registered nurse anesthetist, you will need to earn a specific type of certification.

All advanced practice nurses must have, at minimum, a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Prior to applying to graduate programs, you will likely need your RN license. Requirements for the RN license vary by state. Most graduate programs also recommend a few years of work experience as an RN. During your MSN program, you may take advanced courses and complete supervised clinical hours. Once you complete your degree, you may need to pass a certification exam from the appropriate certifying organization for your specialization.

You might choose to pursue an APRN certification at the beginning of your career. This may allow you to move quickly into a specialty and gain work experience in your chosen field. On the other hand, you may want to work as a general nurse for several years to gain exposure to lots of different nursing fields and work environments before deciding on a path.

If you are not interested in becoming an APRN or do not have a lot of experience yet, you can still begin a career in nursing. There are a variety of nursing specialties as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).

The most basic certification in nursing relates to becoming a CNA. You may obtain certification as a CNA without a degree by completing an approved training program and passing a skills exam. As a CNA you may specialize in such areas as cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, geriatrics or home care, often without any additional special certification. 

As a LPN, you may be able to pursue certification from The National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service in:

Other organizations offer specialty certifications for LPNs, including:

CNAs and LPNs are often entry-level or early career positions, so additional certification at this level may help you advance your career and prepare you for further education and licensure. Choose the ones that will help you meet your career goals or match your interests. Some employers may help pay for these certifications.

To become a registered nurse (RN), you must have either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a school accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. You also need to pass the NCLEX-RN, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Requirements to become a RN may vary by state.

Once you become a RN, there are a variety of specialty certifications you can choose based on your interests, experience, and future career goals. Some of these certifications include:

In some cases, certification is not strictly necessary to work in a particular specialty but having the proper certification may help you find a job in a different facility or advance to leadership roles. Most certifications, however, do require you to have prior work experience in that specialty area. As you continue your career as a registered nurse, these certifications can demonstrate your professionalism and expertise.