Free Online Nursing Courses and Certifications 2024

What Are the Best Nursing Certifications?

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: This certification is a must-have for any nurse, as it shows that you can perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case of a cardiac arrest. BLS certification is required for most nursing jobs and is a prerequisite for other advanced certifications. You can obtain BLS certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification: This certification is for nurses who work in acute care settings, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, or cardiac units. ACLS certification shows that you can recognize and manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies, such as arrhythmias, stroke, or myocardial infarction. You can obtain ACLS certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification: This certification is for nurses who work in medical-surgical units, where they care for patients with various medical conditions or who are recovering from surgery. CMSRN certification shows that you have advanced knowledge and skills in medical-surgical nursing practice, such as assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation, and patient education. You can obtain CMSRN certification from the Medical-Surgical Nursing certification Board.

Acute/Critical Care Nursing (Adult, Pediatric, Neonatal) certification: This certification is for nurses who work in critical care settings, such as intensive care units, emergency rooms, or trauma centers. Acute/Critical Care Nursing certification shows that you have specialized knowledge and skills in caring for critically ill or injured patients of different age groups. You can obtain Acute/Critical Care Nursing certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) certification: This certification is for nurses who want to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary care to patients of all ages across the lifespan. FNP-BC certification shows that you have the education and clinical experience to diagnose and treat common health problems, prescribe medications, order tests, and provide health promotion and disease prevention services. You can obtain FNP-BC certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.