All rights reserved. However, nursing studies have demonstrated that nurses experience positive benefits if they obtain certification. Thanks to the elimination of state-specific licensure exams, nurses can be more mobile and more easily pursue career opportunities in multiple states. In the United States, nursing licensure is a regulatory function of each state. This graduate degree prepares you for a specific career path in nursing, such as a nurse practitioner, anesthetist, clinical specialist, educator, or researcher. Licensure for Allied Health programs is NOT available in Washington State. Each has different educational requirements. Most RNs work in healthcare facilities, but they can also apply their professional skills in home care settings, doctor’s offices, schools, private businesses, or government services. However, licensure and certification are two different terms that carry different meanings both professionally and legally. A full-time credit load takes about two years to complete. Currently, each state’s or territory’s BON or a designated entity grants licensure to RNs within that jurisdiction. One example of this type of title protection can be found in Arizona’s Nurse Practice Act. In place of PhDs, some schools offer DNS or DNSc (doctor of nursing science) degrees, which have a similar research-focused program. Certification by the National Registry is a distinct process from licensure; and it serves the important independent purpose of identifying for the public, state licensure agencies and employers, those individuals who have successfully completed the Registry’s educational requirements and demonstrated their skills and … Licensure refers to the demonstration of ability or knowledge required by law before being allowed to perform a task or job. Summary: When it comes to the world of nursing, the letters that follow your name can represent your academic degree, type of license, type of certification, or a combination of all. Consensus Model for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education. Certification can be either a prerequisite for licensure or, in some cases, an alternative. Unlike your license, your NCARB Certificate is granted by us, and serves as an official credential that demonstrates you’ve met national standards to practice—offering additional benefits that will help you advance your career. Medical licensure and Board Certification mean very different things for physicians practicing in the United States and the patients for whom they care. Medical licensure indicates that a physician has met minimum requirements for the undifferentiated practice of medicine. Specialty certification provides positive benefits for patients, families, nurses, and employers. How States Credential Practitioners Clinical Experience. Being licensed or certified is not always a guarantee of being qualified. The two processes seem to be very similar, so it can be difficult to understand the differences. Generally speaking, the objective evaluation is accomplished through an examination (NCLEX-RN; NCLEX-PN) that must be passed before the individual can practice. Less common than the MSN in the academic and professional world, the MAN typically prepares you for a career in education or administrative leadership. All of these require a dissertation, and take about two or three years to complete. * An unrestricted (unencumbered) RN license, issued by a State Board of Nursing, means that a RN license must not have provisions or conditions that would limit the RN’s practice in any way., AND. First time RN licensing is referred to as license by examination; candidates take the board exam after they have completed their registered nursing educational requirements. The FNP certification is a little different than a post-graduate certificate. Although some jurisdictions use the term certification as signifying governmental authority to practice a profession, the difference between licensure and certification is essentially the difference between governmental regulation and self … This undergraduate degree can be obtained from a college or university with a nursing program. For example, the AACN has different certification requirements than the American Association of Operating Room Nurses (AAORN). In general, doctors, nurses or other healthcare career professions earn a license from a state or federal government. 3, Manuscript 1. Differences Between Licensure and Certification. To determine the exact requirements for certification, nurses should check with the specialty organization through which they wish to become certified. As technology advances and the number of nursing specialty areas continue to grow, nurses are pursuing certification to increase their knowledge and skill beyond what they learned in their basic nursing programs. RN: Registered Nurse. the NCLEX was replaced with computer testing in what year? View Nursing Assistant Programs. Certification, like accreditation, is a voluntary process. Get an awesome nursing career ahead! In some states, LPNs can administer prescription medications, start IVs, and care for ventilator-dependent patients. One of the most frequently asked questions we get from organizations, is what the differences are between these three entities: accrediting bodies, licensing authorities, and certification organizations. View DNP Programs, PhD: doctor of philosophy. The state of North Carolina was the first state to enact a nurse practice act, in 1903. The requirements for certification are diverse and depend upon the organization granting certification. Define and discuss the differences between licensure, certification, and accreditation as they relate to health care facilities. The NCSBN was instrumental in developing the national licensure exam for RNs, which changed in 1982 to the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Also called ASN (associate of science) or AAN (associate of arts), these are granted by community or junior colleges. Here’s the rundown: ADN: an associate degree with a nursing concentration. Simply passing the NCLEX-RN is no guarantee that an applicant will automatically be granted a nursing license. From the 1930s through the 1950s, nurse licensure laws were enacted to help define the practice of nursing and to prevent unlicensed individuals from practicing nursing. The terms nursing certificates and nursing certifications sound extremely similar, which causes a lot of confusion. Therefore, the requirements are extremely varied. It is also important to highlight the difference between national accreditation and approval by a state board of nursing. BAN: a bachelor of arts with a nursing concentration. States have been encouraged to adopt the ULRs to promote consistency across all U.S. jurisdictions. State board approval simply means that the state has approved the operation of the program, and in most cases, graduates of that program can sit for licensure or certification exams in that particular state. Historically, large numbers of professional and specialty groups have offered certification exams. NONE of the Allied Health programs grant or lead to licensure. For instance, the distinction between RN licensure examinations and RN certification examinations is clear. The various State EMS Offices or like agencies serve as the state licensing agencies. Many states’ nurse practice acts also contain language that provides protection for the title of “registered nurse” to persons who hold a valid license and prevents other persons from using the title or credentials. LPN/LVN: licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse. When you drive a motor vehicle, you need a state-issued license. Citation: Barnum, B., (August 13, 1997). Requirements for licensure can vary from state to state but usually include successful completion of an approved nursing education program and the NCLEX-RN. A full-time class load takes about four years. You can complete a master’s program in about two years with a full-time credit load. Certification is a form of credentialing that demonstrates attainment of increased knowledge but does not address a legal scope of practice like licensure does. Simply stated, RN is an acronym for Registered Nurse, a certification earned to work as a Registered Nurse in a healthcare setting. The work involves caring for patients in settings such as hospitals, nursing care facilities, doctor’s offices, home health care, or in a private-duty capacity—all under supervision of a doctor or nurse. This is a relatively new graduate degree available to nurses who want to be at the highest level of their specialty. View PhD Programs, EdD: Doctor of Education. MSN: a master of science with a nursing focus. First, licensure encompasses predetermination of the qualifications that are required to perform a defined scope of practice (e.g., LPN vs. RN) safely and an objective evaluation process to determine that the qualifications for the defined scope of practice are met. The ULR provides for additional public protection by requiring disclosure of substance use disorders and prior actions taken or initiated against a professional or occupational license, registration, or certification. The HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board must then approve the application. To prepare for your licensing exam you need to receive a diploma from a training program (usually one year in duration) from a vocational/technical school or community or junior college. The term certification is sometimes used synonymously with the term accreditation. This computer-based exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions covering ethical and legal issues, epidemiology and prevention, pathophysiology, and psychosocial issues. Copyright © NursingDegreeGuide.com 2011-2021. Therefore, APRNs continue to face many of the challenges and barriers to practicing in different states that RNs faced prior to adoption of the NLC. Nursing home means a home used for the reception and care of individuals who by reason of illness or physical or mental impairment require skilled nursing care and of individuals who require personal care services but not skilled nursing care. A certification, on the other hand, generally does not come from a public entity, but from a private one. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) defines certification as “a process by which a nongovernmental agency validates, based upon predetermined standards, an individual nurse’s qualifications for practice in a defined functional or clinical area of nursing”. • Certification is voluntary. Certification distinguishes mastery of skills and knowledge that go beyond the scope of nursing licensure. A magnet hospital is an organization or facility that exhibits nursing excellence through patient outcomes, communication, and delivery of care. Along with basic patient care duties, RNs have an expanded scope of practice that includes complex patient treatment and decision making, as well as patient and family education, advocacy, and emotional support. The Difference Between Certificate Education and Specialty Certification Understanding the difference between nursing certificate education and becoming certified in a nursing specialty is important as you determine the course of study and practice necessary to achieve your career and employment objectives. However, the certification process for organizations is very different from individual or personal certification. Organizational certification is referred to as accreditation. In most states you must ensure the vehicle is well-maintained by getting yearly emissions testing and an inspection. Before practicing as an RN, candidates must apply to a board of nursing and submit evidence that they have completed requirements. If an applicant successfully meets all these requirements, then a state nursing board or licensure body may grant the applicant a nursing license. (fed regulations allow direct reimbursement for some nursing services, yet state and local practices vary) Consensus model for APRN regulation, licensure, accreditation, certification, and education provides guidances for states to adopt uniformity in regulating APRN roles Conversely, licensure must be issued by a government agency or entity. The NCLEX examination measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level nurse. In the past, there was no national licensure examination. Nursing licensure is defined by the NCSBN as “the process by which BONs grant permission for an individual to engage in nursing practice after determining that the applicant has attained the competency necessary to perform a unique scope of practice”. What about Certification? An example of such a voluntary accrediting agency is the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF International). The difference between licensure and certification seems very distinct in many healthcare roles. After the approval, nurses can schedule an exam date through Iso-Quality Testing. The requirements for nursing licensure for applicants who wish to become licensed RNs include successful graduation from high school or completion of a GED, successful graduation from an approved nursing school, application to the appropriate state agency for licensure, payment of required fees, and criminal background check in some states. To become certified you need additional experience, training, and successful completion of a certification exam. Licensing can also be thought of as mandatory certification. 2, No. Running a healthcare facility is far more complex than driving a car, and the various licensing and accreditation requirements are just one aspect of that c… Numerous state BONs use professional certification as a requirement toward granting authority for APRNs. Requirements usually address the candidate’s RN licensure status, educational preparation, and number of clinical practice hours in the chosen specialty. Organizations such as hospitals or healthcare institutions can be certified by external/reviewing entities. There are three levels of occupational therapy careers in the United States: occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapy aide. To ensure public protection, each state or territory in the United States through its state BON or designated licensure body requires a candidate for nursing licensure to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or the NCLEX for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and meet other requirements before granting a nursing license. Licensure is technically a form of legal certification. We’re always looking and ready to help! With a focus in nursing, this degree prepares nurses to conduct research and become professors in universities. Organizations, like individuals, also can be certified. Over time, the practice of nursing has expanded, with regulatory focus on professional accountability. FIND SCHOOLSSponsored Content When a … Your license will give firms, clients, and the public confidence in your skills and ability to properly protect their health, safety, and welfare. However, certification is a concept that is frequently misunderstood by employers, the public, and even other nurses. Brilliant Nurse® is a career platform & bridge for all nurses and allied healthcare folks. CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant. Certification, on its face, appears to be very similar to licensure. In addition, applicants must not have a criminal history such as a felony conviction that prohibits them from taking the NCLEX-RN. The requirements for licensure define what is necessary for individuals to be able to practice the profession of nursing safely and ensure that each person meets those minimal requirements. Registered nurse … Individual certification is the most common type of certification and is awarded when a nurse demonstrates a level of competency above the licensure level for a specific area of nursing practice. Achieving certification usually involves at least 75 hours of training and successful completion of a competency exam. Some states have a single license and some have a tiered system, and the names of licenses, as well as requirements, vary from state to state. industry (Microsoft certification, Novell certification, as examples). The passing level for the exam is set to ensure that at a minimum, a sufficient skill set is demonstrated to protect the public. Licensure is a formal recognition by a regulation agency that someone is proficient in a skill to practice it in an area, often a state. Now take that a step further, and imagine you also need to license and insure any passenger who rides with you. Your email address will not be published. Certification is becoming the new standard measure for excellence in nursing care in this quickly changing healthcare system. Required fields are marked *. The licensure process addresses both qualification and disciplinary activities. View ADN Programs, BSN: a bachelor of science with a nursing concentration. Nursing licensure, on the other hand, implies a legal status because it establishes lawful authorization for a scope of nursing practice, Your email address will not be published. In addition, licensure provides title protection for the roles and functions that RNs perform, and it gives authority to take disciplinary action against a licensee if he or she violates the nurse practice act and governing laws, thus ensuring that the public health, safety, and welfare are protected. Commonly there is overlap, but sometimes there are distinct differences. You typically take the same nursing courses as BSN candidates, but your electives may be in subjects such as history and literature. Less commonly offered in colleges and universities, a BAN curriculum focuses more on liberal arts or humanities. Licensure The major difference between the two involves the administering authority. With regard to advancing your education or profession, there is essentially no difference between BSN and BAN. Academic degrees can prepare you for nursing licensure or help you advance your career. However, the use of APRN certification examinations as a basis for licensure has caused confuse among APRNs and APRN stakeholders regarding the difference between certification and licensure. View BSN Programs. Board certification means that certification is required for licensure, such as in the example of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). During the 1900s nurse practice acts consisted mainly of lists of the names of trained nurses. What does RN mean? In essence, hospital accreditation provides a “gold seal of approval” for hospitals achieving those standards. Unlike licensure, an individual does not need to be certified to engage in a given occupation. Program requirements and duration are typically similar to a PhD program. Before we explore those differences, there are a few points to highlight: LPNs will likely earn lower salaries than RNs. Although some very specific forms of certification carry a legal status, most certifications only imply a specialized skill or knowledge set associated with specific professional status. Learn how your comment data is processed. Certification is usually required with licensing as an NP, but new graduate NPs should check with their state's board of nursing for specific licensing requirements. However, sometimes the certification becomes so important to job attainment that it … Each state has the ability through enforcement powers to designate an entity with licensing authority to ensure that each individual who claims to be a nurse can function at a minimal level of competency. what are the 2 duties of … Licensure is the legal right and responsibility to engage in an activity or occupation. The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to have one license to practice in multiple states. What’s the difference between board certification and being certified in a specialty? Examining the current certification process for APRNs provides a unique opportunity for understanding nursing certification in general, because it mirrors the previous development of nursing licensure.