March 8, 2024

Complete List of Common Nursing Certifications

Listing your nursing certifications and credentials correctly communicates your skills to employers and colleagues alike. Thus, knowing your RN certification acronyms is essential in your practice. So, Nurse.org compiled a comprehensive list of over 150 nursing certifications, their acronyms, and certifying agencies so you know exactly how to list your hard-earned credentials.

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The Complete List of Nursing Certifications

CREDENTIAL CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATION
A-GNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner aanpcert.org
AACRN Advanced HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse hancb.org
ACCNS-AG Clinical Nurse Specialist; Wellness through Acute Care (Adult-Gerontology)
ACCNS-N Clinical Nurse Specialist; Wellness through Acute Care (Neonatal) aacn.org
ACCNS-P Clinical Nurse Specialist, Wellness through Acute Care (Pediatric) aacn.org
ACHPN Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
ACLPN HIV/AIDS Certified LPN/LVN hancb.org
ACNP-BC Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
ACNPC Acute Care NP - Adult (Renewal Only)
ACNPC-AG Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology) aacn.org
ACNS-BC Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
ACRN HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse hancb.org
ACRP-CP Certified Clinical Research Professional - Certified Professional
ADM-BC Advanced Diabetes Management (specialty certification, retired exam) nursingworld.org
ADM-BC Advanced Diabetes Management nursingworld.org
AE-C Certified Asthma Educator nbrc.org
AFN-BC Advanced Forensic Nursing
AGACNP-BC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
AGCNS-BC Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
AGN-BC Genetics Nursing, Advanced
AGPCNP-BC Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
AHN-BC Advanced Holistic Nurse, Board Certified ahncc.org
AMB-BC Ambulatory Care Nursing
ANP-BC Adult Nurse Practitioner
AOCNP Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner oncc.org
APHN-BC Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse ahncc.org
AWCC Advanced Wound Care Certified nawccb.org
BC-ADM Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management ncbde.org
BMTCN Blood & Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse
C-EFM Electronic Fetal Monitoring nccwebsite.org
C-NPT Certified - Neonatal Pediatric Transport
CANS Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist psncb.org
CAPA Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse cpancapa.org
CARN Certified Addictions Registered Nurse cnetnurse.com
CARN-AP Certified Addictions Registered Nurse - Advanced Practice cnetnurse.com
CBC Certified Breast Feeding Counselor childbirtheducation.org
CBCN Certified Breast Care Nurse
CBHC Correctional Behavioral Health Certification
CBRN Certified Burn Registered Nurse bcen.org
CCCN Certified Continence Care Nurse wocncb.org
CCCN-AP Certified Continence Care Nurse-Advanced Practice wocncb.org
CCE Certified Childbirth Educator childbirtheducation.org
CCHP Certified Correctional Health Professional ncchc.org
CCHP-A Certified Correctional Health Professional-Advanced ncchc.org
CCHP-CP Certified Correctional Health Professional - Clinical Provider ncchc.org
CCHP-RN Certified Correctional Health Professional-RN ncchc.org
CCHT Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician nncc-exam.org
CCHT-A Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician-Advanced nncc-exam.org
CCNS Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult (Renewal Only)
CCNS Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist - Pediatric (Renewal Only)
CCNS Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist - Neonatal (Renewal Only)
CCRA Certified Clinical Research Associate acrpnet.org
CCRC Certified Clinical Research Coordinator acrpnet.org
CCRN Acute/Critical Care Nursing (Adult, Pediatric & Neonatal) aacn.org
CCRN-E Tele-ICU Acute/Critical Care Nursing (Adult) aacn.org
CCRN-K Acute/Critical Care Knowledge Professional (Adult, Pediatric & Neonatal) aacn.org
CCRP Certified Clinical Research Professional socra.org
CCCTM Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management nursingworld.org
CD-LPN/CD-LVN Certified Dialysis Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse nncc-exam.org
CDCES Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist cbdce.org
CDE Certified Diabetes Educator cbdce.org
CDN Certified Dialysis Nurse nncc-exam.org
CEN Certified Emergency Nurse bcen.org
C-ELBW Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate
CENP Certified in Executive Nursing Practice aonl.org
CFCN Certified Foot Care Nurse wocncb.org
CFPN Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse cc-institute.org
CFRN Certified Flight Registered Nurse bcen.org
CGRN Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse abcgn.org
CHFN Certified Heart Failure Nurse aahfn.org
CHFN-K Non-Clinical HeartFailure Nurse aahfn.org
CHPCA Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator advancingexpertcare.org
CHPLN Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse advancingexpertcare.org
CHPN Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse advancingexpertcare.org
CHPNA Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant advancingexpertcare.org
CHPPN Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse advancingexpertcare.org
CHSA Certified Health Service Administrator aca.org
CLC Certified Lactation Counselor centerforbreastfeeding.org
CIC Certified in Infection Control cbic.org
CM Occupational Health Nursing Case Management abohn.org
CMC Cardiac Medicine (Adult) aacn.org
CMCN Certification in Managed Care Nursing abmcn.org
CMGT-BC Nursing Case Management Certification
CMSRN Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse amsn.org
CNAMB Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse www.cc-institute.org
CNE Certified Nurse Educator nln.org
CNE-cl Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator nln.org
CNL Clinical Nurse Leader www.aacnnursing.org/
CNM Certified Nurse Midwife https://www.amcbmidwife.org/amcb-certification
CNML Nurse Manager and Leader aonl.org
CNN Certified Corrections Nurse aca.org
CNN Certified Nephrology Nurse nncc-exam.org
C-NNIC Certified Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care
CNN-NP Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner nncc-exam.org
CNN/M Certified Corrections Nurse/Manager aca.org
CNOR Certified Perioperative Nurse cc-institute.org
CNRN Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse abnncertfication.org
CNS-BC Clinical Nurse Specialist, Core www.nursingworld.org
CNS-CP Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative cc-institute.org
COCN Certified Ostomy Care Nurse wocncb.org
COCN-AP Certified Ostomy Care Nurse-Advanced Practice wocncb.org
COHN Certified Occupational Health Nurse abohn.org
COHN-S Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist abohn.org
CORLN Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse sohnnurse.com
C-ONQS Certified Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety
CPAN Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse cpancapa.org
CPEN Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse bcencertifications.org
CPHON Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse
CPHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality cphq.org
CPHRM Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management aha.org
CPI Certified Principal Investigator acrpnet.org
CPLC Certified in Perinatal Loss Care advancingexpertcare.org
CPN Certified Pediatric Nurse pncb.org
CPNP-PC Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care pncb.org
CPON Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse oncc.org
CPNP-AC Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care pncb.org
CPSN Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse psncb.org
CRN Certified Radiologic Nurse arinursing.org
CRNA Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist nbcrna.com
CRN-BC Clinical Research Nurse Certification crncc.org
CRNFA Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant nascertification.com
CRNI Certified Registered Nurse Infusion ins1.org
CRNO Certification for Registered Nurses of Ophthalmology asorn.org
CRRN Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse rehabnurse.org
CSC Cardiac Surgery (Adult) aacn.org
CSSM Certified Surgical Services Manager www.cc-institute.org
CTRN Certified Transport Registered Nurse bcencertifications.org
CUA Certified Urologic Associate cbuna.org
CUNP Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner cbuna.org
CURN Certified Urologic Registered Nurse cbuna.org
CV-BC Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification
CWCA Certified Wound Care Associate abwmcertified.org
CWCN Certified Wound Care Nurse wocncb.org
CWCN-AP Certified Wound Care Nurse-Advanced Practice wocncb.org
CWOCN Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse wocncb.org
CWOCN-AP Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse-Advanced Practice wocncb.org
CWON Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse wocncb.org
CWON-AP Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse-Advanced Practice wocncb.org
CWS Certified Wound Specialist abwmcertified.org
DCNP Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner dnanurse.org
DNC Dermatology Nurse Certified dnanurse.org
ENP-BC Emergency Nurse Practitioner (specialty certification) www.nursingworld.org
FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner www.nursingworld.org
FNP-C Family Nurse Practitioner aanpcert.org
GERO-BC Gerontological Nursing Certification
GNP-BC Gerontological Nurse Practitioner www.nursingworld.org
HN-BC Holistic Nurse, Board Certified ahncc.org
HNB-BC Holistic Baccalaureate Nurse, Board Certified ahncc.org
HWNC-BC Health and Wellness Nurse Coach, Board Certified ahncc.org
IBCLC International Board Certified Lactation Consultant iblce.org
LNCC Legal Nurse Consultant Certified lncc.aalnc.org
MEDSURG-BC Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification
MWC Medical Writer Certified amwa.org
NC-BC Nurse Coach, Board Certified ahncc.org
NCSN National Certified School Nurse nbcsn.org
NE-BC Nurse Executive www.nursingworld.org
NEA-BC Nurse Executive, Advanced www.nursingworld.org
NHDP-BC National Healthcare Disaster Certification
NI-BC Informatics Nursing Certification nursingworld.org
NNP-BC NNP-BC - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner nccwebsite.org
NP-C Adult Nurse Practitioner aanpcert.org
NPD-BC Nursing Professional Development Certification
NPDA-BC Nursing Professional Development Advanced - Board Certified cc-institute.org
OCN Oncology Certified Nurse oncc.org
OCNS-C Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist - Certified oncb.org
OMS Ostomy Management Specialist nawccb.org
ONC Orthopaedic Nurse Certified oncb.org
ONP-C Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner-Certified oncb.org
PCCN Progressive Care Nursing (Adult) aacn.org
PCCN-K Progressive Care Knowledge Professional (Adult) aacn.org
PCNS-BC Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist nursingworld.org
PED-BC Pediatric Nursing Certification
PHCNS-BC Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (retired exam) nursingworld.org
PHMS Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist pncb.org
PHNA-BC Public Health Nursing, Advanced www.nursingworld.org
PMGT-BC Pain Management Nursing Certification
PMH-BC Psychatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
PMHCNS-BC Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist nursingworld.org
PMHCNS-BC Child/Adolescent Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist nursingworld.org
PMHNP-BC Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner nursingworld.org
PPCNP-BC Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner nursingworld.org
RN-BC Certified Vascular Nurse (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC College Health Nursing (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC Community Health Nursing (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC Faith Community Nursing nursingworld.org
RN-BC General Nursing, Practice (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC Hemostasis Nursing nursingworld.org
RN-BC High-Risk Perinatal Nursing (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC Home Health Nursing (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC Perinatal Nursing (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RN-BC Rheumatology Nursing nursingworld.org
RN-BC School Nursing (retired exam) nursingworld.org
RNAS-C Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified https://nascertification.com/rnas-c/
RNC-LRN RNC-LRN - Low Risk Neonatal Nursing nccwebsite.org
RNC-MNN RNC-MNN - Maternal Newborn Nursing nccwebsite.org
RNC-NIC RNC-NIC - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing nccwebsite.org
RNC-OB RNC-OB - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing nccwebsite.org
SANE-A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Adult/Adolescent forensicnurses.org
SANE-P Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Pediatric forensicnurses.org
SCRN Stroke Certified Registered Nurse abnncertification.org
SNP-BC School Nurse Practitioner (retired exam) www.nursingworld.org
TCRN Trauma Certified Registered Nurse bcen.org
WCC Wound Care Certified nawccb.org
WHNP-BC WHNP-BC - Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner nccwebsite.org

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

FAQs About Nursing Certifications

  • What does RN-certified mean? 

    • An RN certification is an optional and voluntary specialty nursing certification that a nurse can achieve independently and that represents a standard beyond minimum licensure. In addition to APRN certification, RNs can get certifications in areas such as wound care, critical care, hospice care, addictions, informatics, education, and much more. 
  • Are nursing certifications worth it? 

    • Nursing certifications are a way to advance your career, show your dedication, and gain advanced education in your field.
  • What's the lowest degree in nursing?

    • A CNA is a Certified Nurses Assistant, and they are someone who assists a nurse. An LPN could be considered the “lowest” rank of a nurse, although there is no such thing as a “lowest” degree—all degrees are important and can be right for your career goals and current resources. 

 

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