Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing certifications. Some of you may know this place well, while others may stumble upon it right after passing their NCLEX®. Either way, we are glad to have you here! My goal is to at least plant the seed of a nursing specialty certificate.
Today's nursing is more than just a job or even a profession; it is a lifelong journey of growth, learning, camaraderie and specialization. There are so many levels of certification, and it can get complicated.
I'm focusing today on specialty nursing certifications for registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurse practitioners (APRNs).
For these groups of nurses, obtaining a specialty certification is a proven way to demonstrate expertise, improve patient outcomes, and open doors to greater opportunities.
Before I jump into some nursing certifications to consider, you should know why certification is such a big deal. Afterall, you're a nurse, or even an advanced practice nurse. Do you really need to specialize?
Here's why I think you should consider it!
1. Certification validates your expertise
Certifications validate that you, as a nurse, have attained a high level of knowledge and clinical competence in a specialty area. They demonstrate all the hours and hard work you’ve put in for your profession and your patients.
Whether you're interested in becoming a certified pediatric nurse, a stroke certified registered nurse or an oncology certified nurse, you'll have to complete hours of specific training and practice in that area.
Then, when you complete your certification, employers and patients (and all your friends and family) know you truly have the expertise.
2. Certified nurses do more for patients
There's plenty of research in the National Library of Medicine about how certified nurses contribute to better patient reported outcomes.1 Their advanced training often leads to lower mortality rates, fewer complications and higher patient satisfaction.2
3. Certification leads to more opportunity
Being a certified nurse comes with perks—from leadership roles to high demand. Employers view nursing certifications as a mark of excellence, and we all know a rising tide brings up all ships.
4. Certification increases professional recognition
Having those credentials on your badge is more than just alphabet soup behind your name!
Those nursing certifications garner respect from colleagues, employers and healthcare professionals. They give you the distinction of being a leader and a trusted resource in your specialty area.
Plus, certified nurses gain access to specialty organizations, mentorship and national conferences. These connections support professional development and open the door to leadership opportunities.
17 Nursing certifications to consider
Here is a breakdown of some amazing certifications across nursing specialties at the registered nurse and nurse practitioner levels.
The following certifications may require additional or advanced education beyond the initial credential. They may also require specialized work experience. Be sure to contact the appropriate board or agency as well as future employers in your state of residence.
1. Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN® or RN-BC®)
Certifying Bodies:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board
- American Nurses Credentialing Center®
Eligibility: Registered nurse with at least two years of experience in med-surg nursing.
Why this one: As the foundation of nursing—and the floor where I took my first nursing job— medical-surgical nursing equips you with essential clinical skills that make you a versatile registered nurse. This area touches nearly every specialty, making it a great starting point for a range of nursing career paths. Certification demonstrates clinical excellence, boosts confidence and reflects your readiness for leadership.
It’s also associated with stronger patient outcomes and care coordination.
2. Critical Care Nursing (CCRN®)
Certifying Body: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses®
Eligibility: Registered nurses with 1,750–2,000 hours of direct critical care experience.
Why this one: For nurses in the ICU, ED, or cardiac care units, this nursing certification is a respected credential that signals advanced skills in managing complex, high-acuity patients. It strengthens your ability to respond to emergencies and contributes to positive patient outcomes.
3. Emergency Nursing (CEN®)
Certifying Body: Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®)
Eligibility: Registered nurses with a recommended two years of emergency clinical practice.
Why this one: The Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) designation reflects your ability to rapidly assess and stabilize patients in high-pressure environments. It’s one of the most recognizable nursing specialty certifications in urgent and trauma care settings.
4. Pediatric Nursing (CPN®, RN-BC)
Certifying Bodies:
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility: Registered nurses with pediatric experience (1,800–3,000 hours depending on the organization).
Why this one: Pediatric nursing requires developmentally appropriate care, sensitive communication, and strong family engagement. A pediatric nurse certification helps you stand out in hospitals, schools and specialty clinics. It supports your ability to deliver age-specific care that improves patient satisfaction.
Note: There are also options to get more granular, like certified pediatric emergency nurse if you prefer the emergency side of nursing.
5. Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC®)
Certifying Bodies:
- National Certification Corporation (NCC)
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Eligibility: Registered nurses with at least 1,750–2,000 hours and/or 2 years of NICU experience.
Why this one: NICU nurses care for vulnerable patients, like newborns facing serious health challenges. This nursing certification validates a high skill level in neonatal assessment, resuscitation and long-term care. If you’re passionate about helping fragile lives get their strongest start, this specialty may be your calling.
6. Oncology Nursing (OCN®, AOCN®, CPON®, etc...)
Certifying Body: Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation® (ONCC)
Eligibility: 2,000 hours of oncology nursing practice and continuing education.
Why this one: Cancer care is medically complex and emotionally demanding. Certified oncology nurses manage toxic medications, palliative treatment, and patient education with empathy and precision. These nursing specialty certifications help ensure safe, effective treatment and demonstrate expertise in supporting patients through their most difficult journeys.
7. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-RN, PMHNP-BC)
Certifying Body: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility:
- PMH-RN: 2 years of RN experience and 2,000 hours in psych-mental health
- PMHNP-BC: MSN or DNP in psychiatric-mental health nursing
Why this one: I may be biased, but psychiatric nursing is my favorite specialty. With growing awareness of mental health needs, this certification equips registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders. It prepares you to be a steady presence in emotionally turbulent spaces.
Check out
8. Nurse Practitioner Certifications (FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC®, etc.)
Certifying Bodies:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- National Certification Corporation
Eligibility: Completion of an accredited nurse practitioner program (MSN or DNP).
Why this one: Advanced practice registered nurses have lots of options in certification. One option is Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) if you'd like to work in primary care. Another is Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGACNP-BC) if you love working in gerontology with older patients.
Each state sets licensing requirements for nurse practitioners, and these certifications confirm your readiness for primary care, specialty practice, and leadership roles across healthcare settings.
There are too many cool NP specialties to list here! Check out Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work? 8 Places You Could Be as an NP.
9. Operating Room Nursing (CNOR)
Certifying Body: Competency & Credentialing Institute® (CCI)
Eligibility: A minimum of 2 years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with at least 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting.
Why this one: Operating room nurses handle high-stakes environments, ensuring surgical procedures run safely and smoothly. CNOR certification confirms proficiency in perioperative care, sterile technique, and team coordination. It’s a respected nursing certification for those who thrive behind the surgical drapes.
10. Informatics Nursing (NI-BC)
Certifying Body: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility: Registered nurse with informatics experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Why this one: If you’re tech-savvy and passionate about patient care, informatics nursing offers the best of both worlds. This certification supports nurses who bridge the gap between clinical teams and digital systems. From EHR implementation to data analysis, informatics specialists help improve patient outcomes using technology.
11. Public Health Nursing (PHNA-BC®)
Certifying Body: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of public or community health experience.
Why this one: Public health nurses serve entire populations through education, prevention, and advocacy. This certification is especially relevant post-pandemic as demand for population-focused care continues to grow. It’s ideal for nurses looking to influence health outcomes beyond individual patients.
For more on that, take a look at What Is a Public Health Nurse? Exploring This Impactful Nursing Specialty.
12. Case Management (CCM, RN-BC)
Certifying Bodies:
- Commission for Case Manager Certification® (CCMC)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility: Experience in case management, often 2,000 hours or more.
Why this one: Certified case managers coordinate care for patients with complex medical and social needs. They reduce hospital readmissions, improve patient satisfaction and help optimize care delivery. This nursing certification is also a great fit for nurses looking to step into non-bedside roles focused on care navigation and coordination.
13. Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN®)
Certifying Body: Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC®)
Eligibility: Registered nurse with experience in end-of-life or palliative care.
Why this one: Hospice and palliative nurses deliver comfort and support during some of life’s most challenging moments. As the population ages, this nursing specialty is growing quickly. CHPN certification validates your expertise in symptom management, family support and improving health outcomes at the end of life.
For more on this role, check out What I Wish I Knew Before Working in Hospice Nursing.
14. Ambulatory Care Nursing (AMB-BC)
Certifying Body: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility: At least 2,000 hours of ambulatory care nursing in the last three years.
Why this one: With the shift toward outpatient and home-based care, ambulatory care nurses are in high demand. Certification supports roles in telehealth, clinics, and home health—making this a great option for nurses who want flexibility while still improving patient care.
This can also be the beginning for more specific options like certified ambulatory perianesthesia nurse.
Check out Acute Care vs. Ambulatory Care: Comparing Your Nursing Options.
15. Flight Nursing (CFRN®) Certified Flight Registered Nurse
Certifying Body: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Eligibility: At least 2,000 hours of ambulatory care nursing in the last three years.
Why this one: With the shift toward outpatient and home-based care, ambulatory care nurses are in high demand. Certification supports roles in telehealth, clinics, and home health—making this a great option for nurses who want flexibility while still improving patient care.
Check out Flight Nursing: Exploring a Sky-High Job for the Adventurous Nurse.
16. Holistic Nurse (HN-BC®)
Certifying Body: American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation
Eligibility: At least 2,000 hours or one year of holistic nursing practice within the last 5 years.
Why this one: Holistic nursing is a good choice for nurses who crave more time to connect with their patients and truly enhance their quality of life (beyond just the clinical). A bc advanced holistic nurse (hn-bc holistic nurse) is the term for nurses who've been certified as holistic nurses through the American Holistic Nurses credentialing corporation.
To see what this role could look like, check out What is a Holistic Nurse?
17. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM®)
Certifying Body: American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB®)
Eligibility: A master’s or doctoral degree from a midwifery program is required to complete the AMCB certification exam.
Why this one: Nurse midwives work in the incredible phases of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. If you’re drawn to the beginnings of human life, this can be a great choice!
How to choose the right specialization area for you
When considering a nursing certification, think about your current role, your passion and your long-term nursing career goals. Take opportunities to try new areas of nursing and ask around for nurses in your network who already work in any areas you are interested in.
Assess your interests and experience
Love what you do and do what you love. Choose a specialty that aligns with your clinical strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Whether you’re drawn to critical care, primary care, or psychiatric-mental health, nursing certifications exist for nearly every specialty area.
Research certification requirements
Talk to healthcare professionals in your network. Ask coworkers or nurses you meet about their roles and how they earned their credentials.
I remember when I worked in the trauma ICU, I introduced myself to a nurse practitioner on the unit and asked her everything I could about how to become one. Use those conversations to guide your next steps, then visit the certifying body’s website for eligibility criteria and exam details.
Develop a study plan
Use official materials, board prep courses, and study groups to stay focused. Nurses who’ve already earned their certification are often happy to share tips and prep strategies. Their insights can be invaluable when you’re navigating complex requirements for exams like those from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or other nursing organizations.
Apply and schedule your exam
Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements, go ahead and apply. Pick a test window and commit to a date. Sometimes the hardest step is simply deciding to go for it.
Maintain and renew
Each nurse certification comes with specific continuing education and renewal guidelines. National certification boards provide clear breakdowns for how to stay current and maintain your status, so make sure to follow through and keep your credentials active.
What is holding you back from a nursing specialty certification?
Many nurses are ready for a change of pace long before they start looking into certification. But burnout in nursing is very real, and if you know you want to change up your nursing practice, why wait? Here are some of the most common barriers.
1. Cost?
Certification exams and prep materials can be expensive. However, many healthcare organizations offer bonuses, tuition reimbursement, or career advancement opportunities for nurses who earn certification. In Magnet-designated hospitals, certified nurses are especially valued for their commitment to clinical excellence and positive patient outcomes.
Nurse certification organizations may also offer member discounts or scholarship opportunities to help offset costs.
2. Time commitment?
Balancing work, life, and study can feel overwhelming. Creating a study plan and using flexible online tools or peer study groups can make a big difference.
I completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and earned my family nurse practitioner certification (FNP) while working three 12-hour night shifts a week. It wasn’t easy, but many programs today offer full-time, part-time, hybrid or self-paced formats to support busy nurses.
3. Fear of failure?
It’s natural to feel nervous. Maybe it's been awhile since you took on something brand new. Or maybe you're just coming out of a nursing program and are worried about launching right back into education.
But remember, working where you want to work is worth the effort of getting there. And failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the learning process. High-quality prep courses, practice exams, and solid advice from certified healthcare professionals can help you feel more confident.
I once asked an older student in my nursing program how he kept up with the demanding pace while managing a family. He said, “I’m too stupid to quit.” He wasn’t. He graduated and now leads a major home health company. The takeaway? Persistence pays off.
Make your nursing career exactly what you want
As healthcare continues to evolve, nurses must remain agile, educated and prepared. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard in my nursing journey is, “If you aren’t moving forward, you’re only falling behind.”
Nurse certification is not just a professional milestone—it’s a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning and the future of the profession. There are so many things nurses can become that go beyond this list!
Research more about any of the specialty areas you are drawn to and see if you already have what you need to apply for certification. If not, Rasmussen University offers programs in many different areas of nursing to help get you where you need to be.
Check out 11 Facts You Didn't Know About the Rasmussen University Nursing Programs to see what we offer! Maybe I’ll see you in a nursing course soon.
RN-BC® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center
CPN® is a registered trademark of Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, Inc.
BCEN® is a registered trademark of Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
CEN® is a registered trademark of Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses® is a registered trademark of American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
CCRN® is a registered trademark of AACN Certification Corporation
CMSRN® is a registered trademark of Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board, Inc.
ONCC® is a registered trademark of Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
CPON® is a registered trademark of Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
AOCN® is registered trademark of Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
OCN® is a registered trademark of Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
National Certification Corporation® is a registered trademark of National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties
RNC-NIC® is a registered trademark of National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties
American Nurses Credentialing Center® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center
CNOR® is a registered trademark of Competency & Credentialing Institute
AGACNP-BC® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center
Competency & Credentialing Institute® is a registered trademark of Competency & Credentialing Institute
PHNA-BC® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center
Commission for Case Manager Certification® is a registered trademark of Commission for Case Manager Certification
NI-BC™ is a trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center
HPCC® is a registered trademark of Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, Inc.
CHPN® is a registered trademark of Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, Inc.
AMCB® is a registered trademark of American Midwifery Certification Board
CNM® is a registered trademark of American Midwifery Certification Board
HN-BC® is a registered trademark of American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation
