Advance Your Career with Certifications for Nurse Specialties

• Discover the pros and cons of obtaining a certification for one of several nurse specialties.
• Determine if you are eligible for nurse specialty certification.
• Explore these 40 nursing specialty certifications.

Many nurses have years of experience in their specialty. But how many can prove their expertise with a specialty certification?

A nursing certification sets you apart from other nurses in the field, giving you an edge when advancing your career. 

Nursing certification shows you are competent in a particular field of nursing. Believe it or not, more than 100 certifications are currently available to nurses and advanced practice nurses in various specialties. 

The more initials after your name, the better. Explore the pros and cons of obtaining certification, eligibility requirements, and certification options.

Pros of Obtaining Nursing Certification

Many nurses are eligible for certification but may not realize it. Obtaining a nursing certification has many professional benefits. Here are two benefits to heading down the certification pathway. 

Increased Pay Potential

Who doesn’t want some extra cash? Obtaining a nursing certification can increase your pay. Some healthcare organizations prefer their nurses to obtain a nursing certification as this helps them achieve “magnet status” (a highly esteemed recognition). For this reason, your workplace may offer a raise if you obtain the certification. Additionally, holding a certification may help you advance into new roles in your specialty, which can lead to higher pay.

Career Advancement

Nursing certifications show current and future employers that you are competent in your specialty field. As an expert in your field, you may be eligible for leadership roles (i.e., charge nurse). A certification may even qualify you for positions that would normally require a graduate degree. You can also serve as a nursing subject matter expert for media or publication companies (i.e., critiquing nursing-related movies or articles). 

Nursing certifications are particularly beneficial when transitioning to academia. Since nursing courses are categorized by specialty, your specialty certification can show nursing school officials that you have the expertise to teach a particular subject. This can give you an edge over other candidates. Obtaining certification can also show employers that you are dedicated to your specialty.

Cons of Obtaining Nursing Certification

For many nurses, application requirements may play a role in why they avoid applying for nursing certification. While certification can 100% benefit your career, here are some drawbacks. 

Nurse Specialties Exam

Initial certification typically requires passing an exam through a national or local certification board. You may feel like you’re taking the NCLEX all over again! Fortunately, there are plenty of workshops, webinars, courses, and test prep books available to help you study. You may also have the option to retake the exam if you fail (although this may come at an additional cost). 

Cost

A nursing certificate can run you around $300 to $400. The great news is, certification can last for several years, allowing you to professionally identify as a specialty RN until the certification expires.

Upon expiration, you have the option to renew your certification as long as you have worked a specified number of hours in the specialty field in the years prior to recertification. If you join a professional nursing organization, you may be eligible for a discount of up to $100 on your certification. Your workplace may also offer reimbursement for certification costs. Refer to your human resources department for more information.

Nursing Certification and Recertification Eligibility 

The application process for obtaining and renewing nursing certifications may seem tedious. However, it’s much easier than applying for the NCLEX or nursing school. No transcripts or recommendation letters required!

If you’re an RN with at least two to three years of experience in a specialty, you are likely already eligible.

Eligibility for initial certification depends on the requirements of the agency offering the certification. Typically, you must hold an RN license and have worked in a particular specialty for a specified number of hours or years. You must fill out an application and send in your application fee. After approval, you can schedule your exam.

When it’s time to renew your certification, you may have the option to skip retesting and simply use your work experience and specialty-focused continuing education credits as proof of continued expertise in the field. Certification renewal requirements are specific to each credentialing agency.

The Bottom Line

You may be a nurse who has decided to never go back to school. You may even be a nurse who enjoys what you do and has no intention of changing or advancing in your role. However, you never know when a great career opportunity will come your way. Why not be prepared by showing you are an expert in your field with nursing certification? Explore the opportunities above and aim for the certification(s) that best suit you and your career goals! 

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