10 Nursing Certifications for MSN Graduates
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Sep 18, 2024
10 Nursing Certifications for MSN Graduates
Due to an aging population and a renewed focus on delivering higher quality care, the health care industry is facing a shortage of both nurses and primary care providers.
The health care system is in serious need of highly trained new nurses and nurse practitioners who can provide primary care. Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can help lead the charge in the evolving care landscape. In addition to possessing an advanced education, MSN-educated nurses can further elevate their clinical standing by earning nursing certifications.
In this article, we’ll examine what nursing certifications are, including their value and benefits. We’ll explore several credentials that are best suited for MSN graduates. We’ll also compare nursing certifications with nurse certificates, highlighting the key differences.
What Are Nursing Certifications?
Nursing certifications are credentials that demonstrate a nurse’s advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific area. Professional organizations and regulatory bodies that oversee nursing practice offer these certifications. Earning a nursing certification typically entails meeting educational and experiential requirements, passing a rigorous exam, and completing continuing education courses.
Nursing Certification vs. Nursing Licensure: What’s the Difference?
Nursing licensure and nursing certification serve different purposes, though both are essential for advanced professional practice. Nursing licensure is a mandatory legal requirement that allows a nurse to practice within a specific state or jurisdiction. State boards of nursing offer licensure after a nurse fulfills the educational requirements and passes the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Licensure ensures that nurses meet the minimum standards of competency to provide safe and effective patient care.
Nursing certification, on the other hand, is typically voluntary and denotes a higher level of expertise in a specialized area. While licensure is required to practice as a nurse, certification demonstrates a certain focus area, as proven by passing a formal examination process.
Why Should Nurses Pursue Certifications?
Pursuing certification means expanding the scope of one’s clinical career. Although established health care workers may feel perfectly content in their current roles, the investment of time and effort is worthwhile for many reasons.
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Career Advancement: Nursing certifications demonstrate advanced clinical skills and knowledge, which can open doors to leadership roles, specialized positions, and higher salaries.
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Validation of Expertise: Certification validates a nurse’s expertise in a specific area, enhancing their credibility and standing among peers and employers.
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Improved Patient Care: Specialized knowledge gained through nursing certification promotes better patient outcomes and higher standards of care.
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Professional Development: Pursuing certification encourages continuous learning and keeps nurses up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
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Job Security: Certified nurses may have greater job security due to their specialized skills and knowledge.
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Professional Recognition: Certifications provide formal recognition of a nurse’s specialized skills and dedication to their profession.
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Networking Opportunities: Certified nurses often have access to professional networks and resources through certifying organizations.
How Are Nursing Certifications Issued?
Organizations that specialize in specific areas of nursing practice issue professional nursing certifications, ensuring that nurses meet the highest standards of expertise and competency in their fields. The organizations award these certifications to nurses who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as a combination of education, clinical experience, and successful completion of a formal examination process that verifies clinical skill and competency.
Professional nursing organizations that issue certifications include the following:
In addition to overseeing certification processes, professional nursing organizations engage in numerous advocacy efforts to advance the profession, including developing health care policies, providing educational resources, and identifying ways to elevate the standard of care.
What Are the Best Nursing Certifications for MSN Graduates?
MSN degrees are offered in a wide range of specialty areas, enabling nurses to focus on aspects of health care that align with their interests and goals. Unlike general nursing degrees, MSN programs provide in-depth knowledge and skills tailored to specific areas of nursing, such as anatomy, patients in certain age groups, and distinct groups of chronic illnesses. Furthermore, MSN programs are offered in nonclinical tracks, including education, administration, and research.
Common MSN specialties include the following:
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Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
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Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
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Nurse educator
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Nurse administrator
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Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
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Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)
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Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
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Nurse anesthetist
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Informatics nurse specialist (INS)
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Public health nurse (PHN)
With respect to pursuing advanced credentials, MSN graduates should focus on nursing certifications that best align with their areas of practice.
10 Nursing Certifications for MSN Graduates to Consider
MSN graduates can improve their career profiles while validating their advanced nursing skills and knowledge by earning certifications. The examples below highlight some of the most popular credentials in the nursing field.
Certified Emergency Nurse Certification
Issued by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification is designed for nurses who work in emergency care settings. It validates a nurse’s ability to provide exceptional care in high-pressure environments, addressing urgent and critical patient needs.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license
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Two years of emergency nursing experience (recommended, but not required)
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$380 initial exam fee (membership and military discounts available)
Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification
The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is intended for nurses who care for critically or acutely ill patients in intensive care units, cardiac care units, trauma centers, and other critical care settings. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses offers this credential in adult, pediatric, and neonatal specialties.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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Two-year (1,750 hours) or five-year (2,000 hours) clinical practice requirement, focusing on direct care of acutely or critically ill patients
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$370 exam fee (membership discount available)
Certified Nurse Midwife
The Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) designation is administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). It certifies that nurses have the necessary competencies for safe midwifery practice and assessment. This includes physical examinations, pharmacology, physiology, clinical decision-making, and lab values. The certification prepares nurses for entry-level midwifery practice as beginning practitioners. The exam includes sections on antepartum care, intrapartum care, postpartum care, newborn care, gynecology, and primary care knowledge.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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Graduate degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
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$500 examination fee
Informatics Nursing Certification
The Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC) is for nurses specializing in health informatics, which involves using patient data to improve care delivery and outcomes. This certification is ideal for nurses interested in the intersection of health care and technology, offering opportunities in health care information technology, systems management, and data analysis. MSN graduates can pursue this nursing certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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BSN degree or higher
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Two or more years of full-time nursing experience
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30 hours of continuing education in informatics
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At least 200 hours of informatics nursing practice
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$395 initial certification fee (membership discounts available)
Certified Nurse Educator
The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential is offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). It established nursing education as an area of specialization and certifies that nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills to educate other nurses in academic settings. There is a high demand for nursing education faculty, so the CNE certification may offer career significant growth and advancement opportunities.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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A master’s degree in nursing education, a doctoral degree in nursing education, or nine or more credit hours of graduate nursing coursework
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Candidates without an advanced degree in nursing education must have a graduate degree in another subject and two years of employment at an academic institution’s nursing program within the last five years
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$425 certification fee for NLN members, $525 for nonmembers
Pediatric Nursing Certification
The Pediatric Nursing (PED-BC) nursing certification demonstrates that the credential clinician possesses the necessary clinical skills and knowledge to work as an RN in pediatrics, ensuring the well-being of children ranging from newborns to young adults. The American Nurses Credentialing Center issues this credential.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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Two years of RN experience
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2,000 clinical hours of pediatric nursing accrued within the last three years
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30 hours of pediatric nursing continuing education coursework within the last three years
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$395 initial certification fee (membership discounts available)
Nursing Professional Development Certification
The Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) is for MSN graduates who wish to focus on education and professional development within health care organizations. Issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this certification helps nurses qualify for roles such as nurse educator, staff development specialist, and clinical educator, contributing to the growth and development of the next generation of nursing professionals.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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BSN degree or higher
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Two years of RN experience
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2,000 clinical hours of nursing professional development accrued within the last three years
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30 hours of nursing professional development continuing education coursework within the last three years
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$395 initial certification fee (membership discounts available)
Nurse Executive Certification
The Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) is ideal for nurses in leadership and management roles who oversee nursing staff and patient care operations. With the right combination of education and experience, the NE-BC nursing certification can help open doors to executive positions such as chief nursing officer and director of nursing, positions in which strategic decision-making and leadership are key. Candidates can pursue NE-BC certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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BSN degree or higher
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2,000 hours of administrative, management, or leadership experience accrued within the last three years
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30 hours of continuing education coursework in administration, management, or leadership within the last three years
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$395 initial certification fee (membership discounts available)
Clinical Research Nurse Certification
Clinical Research Nurse – Board Certified (CRN-BC) certification is ideal for nurses involved in medical research, including conducting clinical trials, analyzing data, and ensuring the safety and ethical treatment of participants. Issued by the Clinical Research Nurse Certification Council, this credential can help facilitate job opportunities with academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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Two years of RN experience
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At least 4,000 hours in a clinical research nursing role within the last three years
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At least 100 points’ worth of continuing professional development modules
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$495 application submission fee (membership discounts available)
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist – Board Certified (AGCNS-BC) certification is for nurses specializing in the care of adult and older adult populations, focusing on advanced clinical practice, research, and leadership. Issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this nursing certification helps health care professionals qualify for advanced practice roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and implementing evidence-based practices.
Key eligibility requirements include the following:
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Current, unrestricted RN license
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MSN adult-gerontology degree, postgraduate certificate, or DNP degree from an accredited institution
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Completion of APRN core coursework in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
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$395 initial certification fee (membership discounts available)
Nursing Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?
Considering how much influence professional credentials can have on a nursing career, MSN graduates need to know the difference between nursing certifications and nursing certificate programs. Although certifications and certificates can both expand a nurse’s scope of practice and enhance the quality of care delivered, the terms shouldn’t be used interchangeably.
Nursing certifications validate a nurse’s expertise in a specific area of practice. They are required to pass a standardized exam and meet eligibility criteria related to education and experience. By comparison, nurse certificate programs are typically short classes that provide specialized training in a specific area of nursing. The certificates they offer are proof of completion of the educational program; however, they don’t certify a candidate’s skill level or knowledge.
Another factor that sets nursing certifications and nursing certificate programs apart is scope. Whereas certifications are nationally recognized credentials that can qualify a nurse for advanced practice roles, certificate programs are generally used to gain additional skills and knowledge to enhance performance within a current position.
Finally, nursing certifications typically require a significant investment of time and money to study for the exam and pay certification fees. Plus, they must be renewed every few years through continuing education coursework. By comparison, nursing certificate programs are over once the candidate completes the course, and there’s no renewal process.
Clinicians who are interested in expanding their skills, improving their job prospects, and increasing their earning potential should consider earning a certificate for APRNs . For example, an online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) certificate can help further develop a clinician’s skills and competencies within the specialty, helping promote positive patient outcomes.
Use Education to Advance Your Nursing Career
Nursing certifications are a critical component of career advancement for MSN graduates, offering validation of specialized expertise and enhancing access to advanced practice roles. Moreover, because certifications enhance a nurse’s career profile, they can be used to negotiate for higher compensation.
Whether pursuing a certification in informatics, leadership, or one of the many other nurse specialties , these credentials demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continuous professional development. Furthermore, earning certifications aligns with the goal to elevate the standard of care set forth by professional health care organizations guiding the direction of nurse education and development.
RNs who aspire to enhance their skills while broadening their career opportunities should consider degree paths that support their journey, such as the online MSN program offered at The University of Tulsa. Developed for career-oriented BSN-educated nurses, the MSN program develops key skills and competencies required for high-level roles in leadership in health care management.
Another advantage of the MSN program is that it allows students to customize their learning path by choosing one of the following areas of focus:
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Public health global vision
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Education and elevation
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Leadership and innovation
Learn more about the curriculum to find out how an advanced education combined with a relevant nursing certification can support your professional aspirations.
Recommended Readings
Director of Nursing Education Career Overview
MSN vs. RN: Why Earn an Advanced Degree?
Nursing Peer Review: Definition and Example
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Fact Sheet: The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, CCRN (Adult) — Direct Care Eligibility Pathway
American Midwifery Certification Board, Candidate Handbook
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC)
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC)
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Pediatric Nursing Certification (PED-BC)
American Organization for Nursing Leadership, Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Certification
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, Certified Emergency Nurse
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, The Value of Certification
Clinical Research Nurse Certification Council, Clinical Research Nurse Certification
Forbes, “10 Nursing Certifications to Consider”
Incredible Health, An Overview of Nursing Certifications for 2024
Indeed, “APRN vs NP: What’s the Difference?”
Indeed, 7 Nursing Certificate Programs and Their Requirements
Indeed, “15 Professional Nursing Organizations (With Certifications)”
Indeed, Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing
National League for Nursing, Certified Nurse Educator
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
