Nursing certification

While not required by law for Registered nurses (RNs), board certification is beneficial for career-minded nurses. Nursing certification provides employers with a fair and accurate assessment of a nurse's skills in in a given speciality. Certification is attractive to employers, and certified nurses may merit a higher pay-level than those who are not certified. Magnet hospitals (those qualifying under the ANA Magnet Recognition Program) particularly seek board-certified nurses. In addition, some institutions may require supervisors or head nurses to be board-certified.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) of American Nurses Association (ANA) is the largest nurse credentialing organization in the United States, and provides board certification in over 42 specialties, ranging from Medical-Surgical Nursing to Nurse Executive. Certification is also granted by a number of other organizations.