Nursing is more than a job—it’s a calling. The heartbeat of healthcare, nurses provide the kind of care and comfort that can transform lives. But while passion for helping others is a solid foundation, taking your career to the next level requires something extra: specialization.
Earning nursing certifications is one of the best ways to stand out, refine your skills, and position yourself as a leader in your field. Whether you’re working toward an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or already have your degree in nursing, the world of specialty nursing certifications is wide open, offering opportunities to grow, boost your salary, and make an even more significant impact.
Let’s talk about why certifications matter, their benefits, and how to find the right one for your career goals.
What are specialty nursing certifications?
Think of nursing certifications as a way to specialize and level up in your field. They’re like adding a badge of expertise to your uniform—a credential that says, “I’ve gone the extra mile.”
A nursing certification validates your knowledge, skills, and experience in a specific area of healthcare. It shows that you’re not just doing the bare minimum but are committed to professional growth and delivering top-notch care.
For example, specialty nursing certifications cover areas like pediatrics, critical care, education, and outpatient care. They’re not only about personal achievement—although that certainly feels good—they also improve patient outcomes. Certified nurses are linked to lower infection rates, better survival outcomes, and overall higher standards of care.
Benefits of a nursing certification
When it comes to advancing your career, nursing certifications are one of the smartest moves you can make. Here’s why:
- Career Growth: Certifications open doors to leadership positions or roles in specialized areas. Whether you want to work in a pediatric unit, teach future nurses, or manage critical care patients, certifications can get you there.
- Higher Earning Potential: Hospitals and healthcare facilities value certified nurses—and they’re willing to pay for that expertise. Many employers offer bonuses or higher salaries for specialty certifications.
- Professional Confidence: With certification under your belt, you’ll feel more prepared to handle challenging situations and complex cases in your specialty.
- Better Patient Outcomes: Certified nurses are proven to provide higher-quality care. Your extra training can make a real difference in patients’ lives.
Still deciding where to start? If you’re pursuing an ADN, you’re already setting yourself up for success.
The University of Bridgeport School of Nursing (UBSN) offers an exciting opportunity for all those beginning or continuing their nursing education!
Nursing certification options
The best thing about specialty nursing certifications? There’s something for everyone! Let’s explore four popular options that can take your career to the next level:
1. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
Love working with kids? The Certified Pediatric Nurse certification might be your perfect match.
What You Need:
- An active RN license
- At least 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical experience within the last two years
Why It’s Worth It:
- Pediatric nursing is a rewarding field where you can make an extraordinary impact on young lives.
- With a CPN, you’ll gain specialized skills to handle everything from routine care to complex pediatric cases.
- Opportunities abound in children’s hospitals, pediatric clinics, and even school health programs.
2. Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
If you thrive in high-pressure situations, the Critical Care Registered Nurse certification is for you.
What You Need:
- An active RN or APRN license
- At least 1,750 hours of critical care experience within the past two years
Why It’s Worth It:
- This certification equips you to care for critically ill patients in ICUs, trauma centers, and emergency departments.
- You’ll become proficient in using advanced medical technologies.
- It’s also a gateway to leadership roles in critical care.
3. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
Have you ever thought about teaching? The Certified Nurse Educator certification allows you to inspire the next generation of nurses.
What You Need:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing
- Experience in teaching, whether in a classroom or clinical setting
Why It’s Worth It:
- Nurse educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.
- With a CNE, you’ll learn how to create effective teaching strategies and mentor aspiring nurses.
- Academic institutions and hospitals highly value certified educators.
4. Ambulatory Care Nursing (AMB-BC)
If outpatient care is more your speed, consider the Ambulatory Care Nursing certification.
What You Need:
- An active RN license
- 2,000 hours of clinical practice in ambulatory care nursing within the past three years
Why It’s Worth It:
- This certification focuses on outpatient care, from chronic disease management to preventive services.
- It’s a growing field, with opportunities in clinics, community health centers, and telehealth.
- You’ll help patients manage their health in non-hospital settings, which is becoming increasingly important.
5. Master’s in Leadership and Education (MSN)
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing level-up to your career but aren’t sure which areas you’re particularly interested in, UB offers a nursing master’s program entirely online to sharpen your leadership and education skills in the field.
What You Need:
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while in the program
- Complete the required 120 hours of practicum experience
- Maintain an active, unrestricted nursing license throughout your clinical/practicum courses
- Complete the degree requirements within 5 years of enrollment into the program
Why It’s Worth It:
- The MSN in Leadership and Education is a one-track, dual-focused online degree program.
- The dual focus of leadership and education provides graduates with career opportunities to work in clinical leadership and/or academic nursing environments in separate or joint positions.
Choosing the right certification with a degree in nursing
With so many nursing certification options available, how do you pick the right one? Here are some tips:
- Think About Your Interests: What excites you about nursing? Do you love working with kids? Do you enjoy the adrenaline of critical care? Reflecting on your passions can help narrow your choices.
- Consider Your Career Goals: Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? A certification like CCRN could be a great fit if you want to move into leadership. If you dream of teaching, CNE might be the way to go.
- Check the Requirements: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the certification you’re interested in. For example, some require specific clinical experience or advanced degrees.
- Get Advice: Talk to mentors, professors, or colleagues who’ve earned certifications. Their insights can help guide your decision.
- Prepare Strategically: Once you’ve chosen a certification, make a plan to prepare. Use study guides, practice exams, and prep courses to set yourself up for success.
If you’re just starting out, an Associate Degree in Nursing program provides a strong foundation for exploring specialty nursing certifications later.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing degree or looking to advance your career, University of Bridgeport is here to help.
With the right certification, you’re not just advancing your career—you’re changing lives, improving care, and making a lasting impact.
Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this dynamic field.