Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC)
The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) accredits certification programs that have met its standards.
ABSNC accredits assessment-based certificate programs and two kinds of certification programs: examination-based and portfolio assessment. According to ABSNC's frequently asked questions, an assessment-based certificate program awards a credential tied to a specific educational component, while certification programs are not tied to a specific educational component and differ only in the type of assessment used to award the credential.
ABSNC is not the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). ABSNC's FAQ describes ABNS as a not-for-profit membership organization made up of specialty nursing certification organizations, and describes ABSNC as the only accrediting body specifically for the certification of nurses and non-RN nursing team members.
ABSNC does not certify practitioners. According to ABSNC's answer on credential verification, organizations that want to verify an individual's certification credential should contact the appropriate certification board.
Below are the certification programs listed in the ABSNC accredited programs directory as of Sept. 30, 2026. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the ABSNC website.
Organization | Accredited Certification Program(s) | Minimum Career Level Required |
|---|---|---|
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) | ACNPC-AG | Not verified here; check with certifier |
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) | CHFN | Not verified here; check with certifier |
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) | FNP-C, AGNP-C: RN license plus completed graduate NP program (AANPCB FAQ) | |
Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) | RN (CGRN eligibility) | |
Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN®) | ||
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) | ||
Nurse Coach Board Certified (NC-BC®) | NC-BC, HN-BC, HNB-BC, AHN-BC: RN (NC-BC quick guide; holistic nurse certifications) | |
Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC®) | RN (LNCC eligibility) | |
Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) | CARN: RN (CARN application) | |
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Nurse Practitioner Certifications | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) | |
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Clinical Nurse Specialist Certifications | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) | RN license plus graduate CNS preparation (AGCNS-BC) |
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Registered Nurse Certifications | RN license (ANCC certification pages) | |
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) | CNML® | Not verified here; check with certifier |
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN®) | ||
Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner (CUNP) | APRN (CUNP eligibility) | |
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR®) | ||
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (DNPCB) | DCNP | Not verified here; check with certifier |
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) | CHPN, CHPPN: RN (HPCC credentials) | |
Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) | RN (CRNI eligibility) | |
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN®) | RN (CMSRN handbook) | |
National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) | CRNFA | Not verified here; check with certifier |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | CRNA: RN license plus completion of an accredited nurse anesthesia program (NCE handbook) | |
NCSN® | RN (NCSN certification) | |
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP; NCC awards NNP-BC®) | ||
Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) | CNN and CDN: RN (CNN; CDN) | |
Orthopaedic Nurse Certification (ONC®) | ONC: RN (ONC eligibility) | |
Plastic Surgical Nurse Certification Board (PSNCB) | CANS® | Not verified here; check with certifier |
Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN®) | RN (CRN certification) | |
Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) | RN (CRRN eligibility) | |
Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN®) | CWOCN, CWCN, COCN, CCCN, CWON: RN (WOC eligibility) |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. The programs combine live classes, engaging coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences to help you advance your career as an NP. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown enables RNs to earn their MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University. Through a research-based curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, the program prepares students to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area and provide specialized care for patients in their communities. BSN required.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Master of Science in Nursing
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. The online pathway combines live classes, 600 hours of clinical rotations, and on-campus immersions to prepare you to pursue NP licensure in one of four specialties: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Information last updated: September 2026