aacn certification 2024-2025
aacn certification 2024-2025
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is a professional organization that offers certification programs for nurses who work in critical care settings. AACN certification validates a nurse’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in specific areas of critical care nursing, and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development.
AACN offers several certification programs for nurses, including the following:
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): The CCRN certification is designed for nurses who work in adult, pediatric, or neonatal critical care units. This certification demonstrates expertise in the care of critically ill patients, including the ability to assess and manage complex medical conditions.
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): The ACNP certification is designed for nurse practitioners who work in acute care settings, such as hospitals and clinics. This certification demonstrates expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions.
- Pediatric CCRN (PCCN): The PCCN certification is designed for nurses who work in pediatric critical care units. This certification demonstrates expertise in the care of critically ill children, including the ability to assess and manage complex medical conditions.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): The AGACNP certification is designed for nurse practitioners who work with adult and older adult patients in acute care settings. This certification demonstrates expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions in this population.
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN): The PCCN certification is designed for nurses who work in progressive care units, which provide care to patients who are moderately stable but require a higher level of monitoring than general medical-surgical units. This certification demonstrates expertise in the care of patients with complex medical conditions.
AACN certification exams are computer-based and are administered at testing centers throughout the United States. Nurses must meet eligibility requirements to take the exams, which include a certain amount of work experience in the relevant area of nursing practice.
AACN certification is valid for three years, after which nurses must recertify by meeting certain continuing education and clinical practice requirements. AACN certification is widely recognized as a symbol of excellence in critical care nursing, and many employers require or prefer that nurses hold AACN certification in relevant areas of practice.
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