American Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC)
The American Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) accredits certification programs that have met the standards set forth on assessment-based certificates, examination-based certificates, and portfolio assessment certificates.
Below are the accredited certification programs with their granting organization, as of February 2020. For most up-to-date information, refer to the ABSNC website.
Organization | Accredited Certification Program(s) | Minimum Career Level Required |
|---|---|---|
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | APRN | |
Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) | RN | |
Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN®) | RN | |
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) | RN | |
Nurse Coach Board Certified (NC-BC®) | NC-BC, HN-BC, HNB-BC, | |
Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC®) | RN | |
Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) | CARN: RN | |
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Nurse Practitioner Certifications | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) | APRN |
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Clinical Nurse Specialist Certifications | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) | APRN |
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Registered Nurse Certifications | Nursing Case Management | RN |
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN®) | RN | |
Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner (CUNP) | APRN | |
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR®) | RN | |
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) | CHPN: RN | |
Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) | RN | |
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN®) | RN | |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | APRN | |
NCSN® | RN | |
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) | APRN | |
Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) | CNN and CDN: RN | |
Orthopaedic Nurse Certification (ONC®) | ONC: RN | |
Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN®) | RN | |
Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) | RN | |
Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN®) | RN |
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: August 2026