Specialize your nursing expertise with certificates
Explore the specialties and career path options available to you.
Benefits of getting a nursing certificate
Obtaining a nursing certificate demonstrates your commitment to excellence and expertise in a specific area of nursing practice. Some key benefits of getting a nursing certificate include:
- Validation of specialized knowledge and skills
- Increased job opportunities and career advancement
- Enhanced credibility and professional recognition
- Opportunities for higher salaries and additional benefits
- Personal and professional satisfaction from mastering a specialized area of nursing practice
Career outlook for nurses with specialized certificates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing careers generally have a faster-than-average job growth outlook than most careers, and registered nurses had a median salary of $86,070 as of 2023. By exploring additional certifications, you can open the door to career paths with more opportunities for progression and higher earning potential.
For example, at the BSN/RN level with certification, the median salary for a nurse case manager on ZipRecruiter is $99,840.
If you already have or are considering getting your master's degree and pursuing post-graduate certification, roles like certified nurse educator and certified nurse practitioner report average salaries of $114,150 and $126,260, respectively, according to Glassdoor and the BLS.
Additionally, the BLS projects employment rate growth for nurse educators to be 45% between 2022 and 2032. As always, salary depends on experience, location, and the facility where you are employed.
Considerations for choosing a nursing certificate
Before pursuing a nursing certification, it's essential to consider your career goals, interests, and financial resources carefully. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my long-term career aspirations?
- Am I willing to invest the time and resources required to obtain and maintain the certification?
- Which nursing specialty aligns with my interests and passions?
- Will obtaining this certification enhance my job prospects and earning potential in the current job market?
Post-master's certificates in nursing
In addition to these specialty certifications, if you have a master's degree in nursing (MSN), you can pursue post-master's certificates in specialized areas such as adult gerontology, acute care, or psychiatric mental health.
These certificates provide advanced training and expertise in specific patient populations and healthcare settings, further enhancing your career opportunities and scope of practice.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Certification requirements: Master's degree in nursing with a focus on adult gerontology acute care, completion of accredited AGACNP program, and passing a certification exam
- Career opportunities: Providing specialized acute care to adult and elderly patients in hospital settings, critical care units, and specialty clinics; plus, collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to manage complex medical conditions and improve patient outcomes
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Certification requirements: Master's degree in nursing with a focus on psychiatric mental health, completion of accredited PMHNP program, and passing certification exam
- Career opportunities: Providing mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals across the lifespan in various settings such as psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practices; collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop holistic treatment plans and promote mental wellness
- Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
- Certification requirements: Graduate degree in nursing, completion of nurse practitioner program, and passing certification exam
- Career opportunities: Providing primary and specialty healthcare services to patients of all ages in various healthcare settings
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- Certification requirements: Graduate degree in nursing, two years of full-time teaching experience, and passing a certification exam
- Career opportunities: Educating and training future generations of nurses in academic institutions and healthcare settings
Find the right online nursing program for you
We offer a personalized enrollment experience that matches you with online nursing programs that align with your needs. Here's how it works:
Answer a few quick questions about your background and career goals — this should only take about 5 minutes.
We'll match you with courses, certificates and/or degrees that can help you achieve your goals.
Our enrollment expertise
Our enrollment advisors are trained to guide you seamlessly through selecting the right advanced nursing program from one of our accredited academic partners. Their services are offered at no cost to you, and that's how it will stay.
- Get tailored program recommendations
- Explore no GRE/GMAT options
- Complete 100% online coursework
"As an enrollment advisor supporting nursing students, my approach is rooted in understanding your unique needs and guiding you every step of the way."
- Katie P., Enrollment Advisor