NP certification.

Specialties NP

Published

Hello everyone,

I heard from an ANP today that there is a "critical care certification" that can be taken after you complete your masters. She said that it is just an exam and no additional classes necessary. Can anyone shed some light on this, or have an idea of where i can find out more information on it.

Thank you very much!!

Do you mean Acute Care NP? I don't think there is a certification like an RN can get certified as an CCRN. I could be wrong, but I think you need the ACNP master degree to sit for the acute care boards to be certified in critical care. I hope someone else responds as I am not 100%.

I didn't think there was a certification either. Thanks for your input.

There is CCRN certidification that is administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). You can read more about CCRN certifications at http://www.aacn.org/DM/MainPages/CertificationHome.aspx?menu=Certification

Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Having taken CCRN myself and agreeing that it is a pretty comprehensive exam for critical care, however, it can not be used as a proxy for critical care certification at the advanced practice level. The test is open to all RN's regardless of educational preparation as long as they work in critical care. The same group that administers the CCRN exam also administers the CCNS exam which is only open to Clinical Nurse Specialists in critical care. There is no NP certification in critical care at the present.

thank you very much for your help.

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