Nursing Specialty Certification Boards

All nurses must be licensed by the state's in which they work.  While licensing requirements vary some from state-to-state, individuals must demonstrate a specific level of education and competency in their chosen nursing profession in order to obtain, and maintain, a license to practice in a state.  Much like doctors and dentists, nurses can attain specialty designations in specific practice areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics and other advanced clinical specialties. Nurses can attain such specialist designation by demonstrating, to a national certification organization, a specified level of clinical knowledge and proficiency in a particular nursing practice area. Although certification is usually voluntary, it demonstrates a specific level of competency that nursing employers often desire.

There are more than twenty national boards that confer specialty certifications to nursing professionals who meet their certification (or recertification) standards.  To find these national nursing specialty certification organizations and to learn more about their contribution to establishing and maintaining professional nursing standards, visit our resource page:

Nursing Specialty Certification Boards | Health Guide USA