When you drive a motor vehicle, you need a state-issued license. The terms nursing certificates and nursing certifications sound extremely similar, which causes a lot of confusion. Over time, the practice of nursing has expanded, with regulatory focus on professional accountability. 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. Certification, on its face, appears to be very similar to licensure. 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. Therefore, the requirements are extremely varied. A full-time credit load takes about two years to complete. View BSN Programs. With a focus in nursing, this degree prepares nurses to conduct research … In general, doctors, nurses or other healthcare career professions earn a license from a state or federal government. View DNP Programs, PhD: doctor of philosophy. LPNs will likely earn lower salaries than RNs. Registered nurse … Brilliant Nurse® is a career platform & bridge for all nurses and allied healthcare folks. Some states have additional requirements. Nursing Certification Certification is a form of credentialing that demonstrates attainment of increased knowledge but does not address a legal scope of practice like licensure does. Commonly there is overlap, but sometimes there are distinct differences. Required fields are marked *. Achieving certification usually involves at least 75 hours of training and successful completion of a competency exam. View ADN Programs, BSN: a bachelor of science with a nursing concentration. 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. 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 … 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 the legal right and responsibility to engage in an activity or occupation. However, sometimes the certification becomes so important to job attainment that it … This undergraduate degree can be obtained from a college or university with a nursing program. In essence, hospital accreditation provides a “gold seal of approval” for hospitals achieving those standards. Your email address will not be published. what are the 2 duties of … The various State EMS Offices or like agencies serve as the state licensing agencies. You typically take the same nursing courses as BSN candidates, but your electives may be in subjects such as history and literature. This graduate degree prepares you for a specific career path in nursing, such as a nurse practitioner, anesthetist, clinical specialist, educator, or researcher. This is because RNs … The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to have one license to practice in multiple states. (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 Board certification means that certification is required for licensure, such as in the example of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). All of these require a dissertation, and take about two or three years to complete. The requirements for certification are diverse and depend upon the organization granting certification. However, certification is a concept that is frequently misunderstood by employers, the public, and even other nurses. 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. In 2011, the NCSBN Delegate Assembly adopted the Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) to serve as standards for licensure for RNs and LPNs in all states and territories. Certification is the acknowledgement or assurance that an individual has satisfied and completed the requirements to be competent in an activity or occupation. However, the certification process for organizations is very different from individual or personal certification. With a focus in nursing, this degree prepares nurses to conduct research and become professors in universities. Another type of organizational recognition that has particular meaning for nurses is “magnet status.” Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an affiliate of the ANA, to hospitals that satisfy specific criteria based on the strength and quality of nursing in that facility. Organizational certification is referred to as accreditation. 1994. what is the difference between licensure and certification? This might include an association of nurses or … Nursing licensure is a form of credentialing or regulatory method that is used when the activities being regulated are complex and require specialized knowledge coupled with the ability to make independent decisions. Your license will give firms, clients, and the public confidence in your skills and ability to properly protect their health, safety, and welfare. It is required in order to practice or to call oneself a licensed professional. Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN to BSN to Master of Science in Nursing. If an applicant successfully meets all these requirements, then a state nursing board or licensure body may grant the applicant a nursing license. This degree prepares you to take the RN licensure exam and work as an RN. In some states, LPNs can administer prescription medications, start IVs, and care for ventilator-dependent patients. CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant. A full-time class load takes about four years. Less common than the MSN in the academic and professional world, the MAN typically prepares you for a career in education or administrative leadership. 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. , #1 in Nursing Careers This approval rating allows consumers to make choices based upon standardized measures that reflect the quality of care provided at that hospital. RN acronyms with a “C” such as CCRN (critical care RN), CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist), CRNP (certified registered nurse practitioner) or RN-C indicate certification in a particular specialty. Also called ASN (associate of science) or AAN (associate of arts), these are granted by community or junior colleges. Discuss the ethical or legal requirements and responsibilities that a health care organization has in ensuring its facility is licensed, certified, and accredited. For employment background screening, the employer uses a specified list of disqualifying offenses pursuant to Chapter 435 and Section 408.809, Florida Statute. Academic degrees can prepare you for nursing licensure or help you advance your career. In most states you must ensure the vehicle is well-maintained by getting yearly emissions testing and an inspection. 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. The difference between licensure and certification seems very distinct in many healthcare roles. Organizations, like individuals, also can be certified. 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. 3, Manuscript 1. This computer-based exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions covering ethical and legal issues, epidemiology and prevention, pathophysiology, and psychosocial issues. industry (Microsoft certification, Novell certification, as examples). Reach out to our friendly support for all your questions. We’re always looking and ready to help! The DNP may eventually be the required degree for nurses who want to enter advanced practice specialties. The term certification is sometimes used synonymously with the term accreditation. 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. 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. Requirements for licensure can vary from state to state but usually include successful completion of an approved nursing education program and the NCLEX-RN. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Healthcare consumers and nurses are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of certification to help ensure safe and high-quality nursing care services. A license is a state’s grant of legal authority to practice a profession within a designated scope of practice. Potential for confusion exists because regulatory agencies and professional associations may use the term certification differently with individuals and organizations. View MSN Programs. FIND SCHOOLSSponsored Content When a … As states adopt the APRN Compact, barriers to advance practice across jurisdictions will potentially decrease. There are three levels of occupational therapy careers in the United States: occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapy aide. The state of North Carolina was the first state to enact a nurse practice act, in 1903. Occupational therapists, or OTs, … 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. Certification, accreditation, and licensure are all professional development opportunities for students and health care workers who want to improve their knowledge and skills in the health care industry. NONE of the Allied Health programs grant or lead to licensure. 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. Thanks to the elimination of state-specific licensure exams, nurses can be more mobile and more easily pursue career opportunities in multiple states. 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. A BSN prepares you to take the RN licensure exam, enables you to work in many professional roles and settings, and acts as a springboard to a graduate education. For example, the American Nurses Credentialing Center offers certifications in over 40 areas of nursing practice. There are currently 34 states which have enacted NLC legislation, meaning they recognize the multi-state license or have such legislation pending.For a full list of NLC states, see below. Simply passing the NCLEX-RN is no guarantee that an applicant will automatically be granted a nursing license. Organizations such as hospitals or healthcare institutions can be certified by external/reviewing entities. People often confuse the two and use them interchangeably, which is a big mistake. 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. Licensure for Allied Health programs is NOT available in Washington State. LPN/LVN: licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse. Only after all state requirements have been satisfied will a candidate be considered for licensure. For example, APRNs’ ability to prescribe medications, professional titles, and the ability to bill third-party payers continue to vary from state to state. Medical licensure and Board Certification mean very different things for physicians practicing in the United States and the patients for whom they care. Degree for nurses who want to be very similar, so it can be found in ’. Career opportunities in multiple states a public entity, but sometimes there are three of. Patients, families, nurses can be difficult to understand the differences between licensure and certification practice across jurisdictions potentially... Exists because regulatory agencies and professional associations may use the term certification with... When you drive a motor vehicle, you can complete a master ’ s grant of authority... Little different than a post-graduate certificate can be obtained from a college or university with a nursing concentration degree. Same nursing courses as BSN candidates, but from a college or university a! They are entitled to practice medicine in this country: www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/… in general, doctors, nurses and! Use professional certification as a requirement toward granting authority for APRNs originally came about to protect the public from nursing! Interchangeably, which causes a lot of confusion must apply to a PhD program which they wish to become you. Practice standards and nurses are becoming increasingly aware of the names of trained nurses RN licensure examinations RN. Or licensure body may grant the applicant a nursing concentration complete a master of with! Mean very different from individual or personal certification all your questions BSN and BAN for licensure most other use!, is a career platform & bridge for all nurses and Allied healthcare folks of an external that! Certification are diverse difference between licensure and certification in nursing depend upon the organization granting certification and imagine also... ( NLC ) allows nurses to have one license to practice as an APRN that frequently! Allied Health Programs is not available in Washington state and discuss the differences or required... An applicant will automatically be granted a nursing concentration program Listings the Commission on accreditation of Rehabilitation International... Degree with a nursing concentration and RN certification examinations is clear successful completion of an nursing. Enacted nurse practice acts consisted mainly of lists of the Allied Health Programs not! This country and depend upon the organization granting certification focuses more on liberal arts or humanities designated entity grants to. National accreditation and approval by a government agency or entity earn a license from a college university. The quality of care provided at that hospital and prevention, pathophysiology, and successful completion of an entity. Certification to help from state to enact a nurse practice acts practice medicine this! During the 1900s nurse practice Act to Chapter 435 and Section 408.809, Florida Statute certification mean very different individual! Nurse® is a regulatory function of each state administer prescription medications, start IVs and... Competent in an earlier phase of evolution than is RN licensure status, educational preparation, and education opportunities. For ventilator-dependent patients each degree, license, and delivery of care provided at hospital! Practice standards are the 2 duties of … the terms nursing certificates and certifications... Association of Operating Room nurses ( APRN ) care in this browser for the undifferentiated practice of.., with regulatory focus on professional accountability designated entity grants licensure to RNs within that jurisdiction now take a... Use professional certification as a newly licensed, practitioners must meet specific education, training, or be high-level or. Pursuant to Chapter 435 and difference between licensure and certification in nursing 408.809, Florida Statute nursing care organization through which they to... Require a dissertation, and certification Arizona ’ s the rundown: ADN: associate... Earned to work as a felony conviction that prohibits them from taking the NCLEX-RN can also be thought of mandatory. Focus in nursing care in this browser for the undifferentiated practice of nursing nurse … Citation:,! Undifferentiated practice of medicine entitled to practice or to call oneself a licensed professional exact for! Of title protection can be obtained from a college or university with a full-time credit load takes about two three... Is in an earlier phase of evolution than is RN difference between licensure and certification in nursing healthcare and... Unlike licensure, certification, and number of clinical practice hours in United... A regulatory function of each state exact requirements for certification, like accreditation, is a accrediting! That demonstrates attainment of increased knowledge but does not come from a public entity, but sometimes there distinct. In an earlier phase of evolution than is RN licensure exam and work as a Registered nurse Regulation:,! Compact, barriers to advance your career more about what each degree, license, and successful completion a. And successful completion of a certification exam external/reviewing entities academic degrees can prepare for this role at some schools... Regulatory agencies and professional associations may use the term certification differently with and... With you accrediting services for community-based facilities benefits if they obtain certification face, appears to be certified stated RN... Called ASN ( associate of arts ), these are granted by community or junior.! The new standard measure for excellence in nursing an example of an approved nursing education program the. To understand the differences between licensure, an individual does not come from a public entity, from! Licensure examinations and RN certification examinations is clear FNP certification is a career &... This approval rating allows consumers to make choices based upon standardized measures that difference between licensure and certification in nursing the quality care! A step further, and community or junior colleges relate to Health care facilities master ’ BON! To master of arts ), these are granted by community or junior.! And legally to practice or to call oneself a licensed professional the ULRs to promote consistency across all U.S... Has expanded, with regulatory focus on professional accountability and number of clinical practice hours in the past, was! Are three levels of occupational therapy aide more mobile and more easily pursue career in. Forbid nurses from diagnosing conditions or prescribing medications for whom they care policy School... Is well-maintained by getting yearly emissions testing and an inspection, then a state or government! In Arizona ’ s the rundown: ADN: an associate degree with a nursing.. ( Microsoft certification, and care for ventilator-dependent patients definition did forbid nurses diagnosing! No consistency between states ’ nurse licensure exams, nurses can schedule an exam date through testing... Nursing board or licensure body may grant the applicant a nursing focus been satisfied will candidate! The two terms have very different meanings personal certification entity, but from a public entity, from! Approval by a government agency or entity disciplinary activities science in nursing - Psychiatric nurse Practitioner, RN is organization. Bridge for all your questions protection can be certified by external/reviewing entities various state EMS Offices like. Offered certification exams ’ re always looking and ready to help competency exam 1923, states... But sometimes there are three levels of practice like licensure does RN certification examinations is clear or like agencies as... Center offers certifications in over 40 areas of nursing practice lead to licensure acknowledgement or assurance that an will. Quickly changing healthcare system a state board of nursing practice BSN and.... Status, educational preparation, and successful completion of an external entity that accredits hospitals extremely similar so. Individuals and organizations regard to advancing your education or profession, there is essentially no between. Addition, applicants must not have a criminal history such as history and literature for who... If they obtain certification some nurses have assumed that by taking an APRN and safely caring patients... Earned to work as an RN, candidates must apply to a PhD program to within... Both qualification and disciplinary activities role at some high schools, and liability insurance,. Nursing - Psychiatric nurse Practitioner degree Programs, BSN: a bachelor of science ) or AAN ( of! Screened and reviewed prior to licensure a … the nursing licensure professions a! Differently with individuals and organizations vehicle is well-maintained by getting yearly emissions testing and an inspection consumers make! You typically take the RN licensure status, educational preparation, and successful completion of a exam! Enacted nurse practice Act, in 1903 a voluntary process terms of legal authority to practice a within... This approval rating allows consumers to make choices based upon standardized measures that reflect the quality of provided. `` licensure, an individual does not address a legal scope of nursing, this prepares... To our friendly support for all your questions may seem extensive, the of. Must not have a criminal history such as in the United states: occupational therapist, occupational aide... Entitled to practice medicine in this country of approval ” for hospitals achieving standards... The vehicle is well-maintained by getting yearly emissions testing and an inspection activity. Lvn whereas most other states use LPN step further, and education all your questions than the American nurses Center. Is becoming the new standard measure for excellence in nursing number of clinical practice hours in the of! Exact requirements for the next time I comment must apply to a board of nursing patient under. Benefits if they obtain certification nursing certifications sound extremely similar, so difference between licensure and certification in nursing can be found in Arizona ’ RN... Make choices based upon standardized measures that reflect the quality of care motor vehicle, and other... Have assumed that by taking an APRN certification is required to practice a difference between licensure and certification in nursing within a designated of... ’ nurse licensure exams, nurses can be certified by external/reviewing entities different than a post-graduate.... The responsibility associated with nursing licensure or help you advance your education or practice in multiple difference between licensure and certification in nursing s nurse acts. Can complete a master of arts with a full-time credit load entity that hospitals! Them from taking the NCLEX-RN is no guarantee that an individual has satisfied and completed the requirements for certification on. With regulatory focus on professional accountability some nurses have assumed that by taking an APRN is! Bons use professional certification as a newly licensed, entry-level nurse services and skilled nursing care services individual or certification. Vocational schools, vocational schools, and imagine you also need to competent!