School Nurse Certification

Nurse ABC · Jul 5, 2013

I worried about this and math was always one of my weakest subjects too. Imagine my suprise when I graduate nursing school and have to do my own drug calculations! (This was in the day before computer programs or pharmacy doing it for you!) Anyway, if you made it through high school math (and nursing school especially) you will be fine! It's all very basic. I took this test many years ago so things may have changed since then but I remember thinking I worried for nothing and this was in the days before computers were available so I had no way of reviewing since I didn't have any math books laying around! Maybe someone who has recently taken it can give you a better idea of how it is now.

Marisette, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2013

Thanks for the encouragement. I did not do well in the pre-test or sample test available to applicants who plan on taking the test. I heard the test was changed recently and each section is graded independently. So if I do well in reading and score highly, it will not compensate for not passing the math portion of the test. I wish I had taken the test before the new changes.

Nurse ABC · Jul 6, 2013

Since you were able to take a sample test then use those types of problems to practice with. There are tons of online math sites now that can give you practice questions/answers. Even YouTube has videos of step by step instructions that will teach you. We had to use those for my son when he had a really crappy math teacher that didn't care if he passed or failed. I'm sure the test is harder now but at least you have some ideas of what's on the test so you can use that to your advantage. Just do some google searches!

ERRNDeans · Jul 9, 2013

Marisette,

Would you post a link to the site to take this test? I am also looking into school nursing, been working in Illinois in the ER for 16 years and I am needing a change. What is this test called? And is it a certification? I am having a hard time finding the actual name for this certification. Thanks everyone for the info.

Dena

schooldistrictnurse · Jul 9, 2013

I can't get the link I was looking for to work, but if you search State by State School Nurse Requirements, you should stumble on a post of mine on this forum from Feb that lists all State requirements. Many States have their own certification requirements. Wisconsin has none, but there is an optional National Certification exam available.

Marisette, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2013

In IL, go to www.il.nesinc.com and register to take the IL test of academic proficiency. They call it the TAP. This test consist of four sections: reading comprehension, language arts, mathematics, writing. Each subtest is scored separately. You must have a score of 240 or higher to pass each section. If you fail a section, you can test for the failed section or sections the following try. However, you are limited to a total of five testing sessions total.

.

There is a practice test you can print www.icts.nesinc.com After you pass the TAP, you can apply to one of the school nursing programs which should lead to type 73 certification. University of IL has an online school nursing program. There are some review

classes available and I have taken two. However, I think I would need additional tutoring to pass the math section which includes many word problems, geometry and algebra. I know I had to pass a math test to enter nursing school, and I recall doing math calculations for administration of medications, but I don't recall my high school geometry and algebra. I believe the TAP is the same test students take to enter the teaching profession. The IL basic skills test which was graded on a total passing score was replaced with the tap.

ERRNDeans · Jul 10, 2013

Thank you, this clears things up tremendously. All I kept seeing was the 73, but knew there was something to get before that. I was on that website you linked (thank you). So will a school district hire someone without the 73? I was looking at that and wow, that's pretty expensive. I would like to actually be working as a school nurse and then get into that program. Not sure if that's possible. Are you planning on getting the 73?

Marisette, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2013

It's possible to get hired as a school nurse clerk or assistant without the type 73 certification for nurses. I imagine the RN most likely hired would be one with pediatric experience. I have limited experience in peds, mostly teens so my chances of finding school nursing employment are low. I think your chances are better with ER experience, but still limited because the pay will be lower than certified nurses. Also, some schools will not accept anyone without the type 73 certification. I am undecided if I should pursue this. I would not mind doing the internet school nursing program for certification if I could get in the program. But working full time, and studying geometry and algebra on my spare time to pass the TAP may take a while. I enrolled in two classes for review math and English. There were several school nurses who worked in schools who took the class, but could not pass the IL test of academic proficiency (tap). It appears this type of certification is becoming a mandate for employment, but I'm not sure of the time frame or details or what, if anything, happens to the nurses who currently work without certification. I have never actually taken the test, seems like a waste if I'm not prepared. Also, BSN may be a requirement for entry to the school nursing programs. I have the BSN. Each state has it's own requirements.

ERRNDeans · Jul 15, 2013

Thank you for your reply, it clears a a lot of things up for me. You can do it, just work hard and it will happen for you. I am pretty sure this cert is mandatory for employment. I spoke with an assistant principal who spoke with his superintendent and they said they won't look at anyone without a 73. I honestly thought they would jump on an ER nurse with a BSN. Guess I was wrong. I am still thinking about doing it though. Good luck, you got this.

haley19631 · Mar 22, 2015

I'm an LPN and was told that I could become certified as a school nurse in Illinois. Can you tell me if this is false information. If it is possible where do I find the certification classes. I have only found information online indicating the classes are for RN's.

kidzcare · Mar 23, 2015

I work in Illinois with an ASN. I have considered becoming certified, but it is pretty costly. I would have to get my BSN (which I'd like to anyway) and then the certification program (which is NOT cheap). My district has no certified nurses because they would have to pay significantly more (certified staff is on the same pay scale as teachers). In some cases, the difference in pay is $15,000-20,000 from non certified staff to certified. I commute about 40 minutes to where I work because my district pays $12,000 more than the district my kids attend. I went in for an interview at my kids' school last summer and didn't even stay after they told me the pay. They were openly embarrassed and apologetic by what they were offering and said they understood when I declined to stay for the interview and said "I'd love to work for this district, but I can't take that kind of pay cut"