Nursing Student Certifications

Essential Certifications for Nursing Students

Introduction

Obtaining a certification in any industry is a process where a group assesses a person’s qualifications to practice in a specific area of or skill set within that industry. Typically, you need to renew your certification on a regular basis. The aim is to raise the educational and professional standard within that industry, and allow each applicant top demonstrate personal skills, knowledge, and abilities. Nursing is one of those areas where you can obtain multiple certifications. Certifications for nursing students are nationally recognized and as such the credential is often accepted from one healthcare facility to another. After you earn your initial degree in nursing, you can choose to earn any number of certifications related to your clinical specialty area. Note that state licensing is required while certifications for nursing students is voluntary. Did you know that there are over 200 nursing specialties? Given the complex nature of human anatomy and healthcare, it actually isn’t that surprising. Below is just a sample of the essential certifications for nursing students.  

AIDS Certified Registered Nurse

This certification specifies that you have completed the training and expertise to help patients with HIV/AIDS, and can address the physical and emotional stages of the disease.  

Certified Pediatric Nurse

Having this highly specialized certification means you can provide care to pediatric patients, including patient assessments, treatment interventions, as well as medication and treatment evaluations. You can also offer education to both the patient and their family.  

Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse

With this certification, you can offer and supervise care for cancer patients, prescribe medication, monitor their patients’ physical conditions, determine symptom management strategies, and more.  

Alternatives within the Medical Field

Nursing is a worthwhile, noble, and demanding profession that understandably requires a lot of time, education, and funds to complete. However, not everyone has the means to do so. Fortunately, there are other professions with the medical field that you can explore. Some programs can take less than a year to complete and have their own professional certifications you can obtain if you want. A few of these programs are listed below.  

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants complete the clinical and administrative duties required in health care practitioners’ offices. Typically, they would gather and record patient history and personal data, help with patient examinations, schedule appointments, prepare samples for laboratory tests and more. You would be eligible for the Registered Medical Assistant and Medical Administrative Assistant certifications.  

Medical Biller and Coder

A medical biller and coder are responsible for processing patient data to transform that data into codes to be used for payment requests from the patient’s insurance company. After completing your training, you may be eligible to obtain professional certifications, such as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist or Electronic Health Records Specialist.  

Medical Office Specialist

A medical office specialist is responsible for different administrative and patient care duties. Specifically, you would schedule appointments, manage patient records, complete insurance forms, handle office communication, and help lab technicians as needed. You could be eligible for an Electronic Health Records Specialist certification or become Microsoft Word Certified.  

Where Can I Learn More about these Programs?

If you want more information about non-nursing occupations within the healthcare industry, contact a college such as Southern Careers Institute. You can find the programs that meet your schedule and earn a certificate in less than a year. Jump in and get started today!