Nursing certificates provide basic knowledge and advanced skills to help students kickstart career paths in the healthcare field. Nurses are very important professionals in hospitals, and recently, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported a nursing shortage. This means that the likelihood of getting a job with a degree or nursing certificate program has just increased.
People in the profession now have the potential to grow and earn above-average wages. This guide will explain nursing certificates, who can get them, whether getting a nursing college certificate is better than going to the university, and the best nursing careers out there for certificate holders.
What Is a Nursing Certificate College Program?
A nursing certificate is a diploma that’s not associated with any of the degree levels and is often earned at vocational schools, community colleges, and universities. There are typically classroom-based and online learning options for prospective students. However, clinical practice hours must be done at an approved location in person.
What’s the Difference Between a College Nursing Certificate and Professional Certification in Nursing?
A college nursing certificate is a way to show to potential employers and future patients that you have the required knowledge to work as a nurse. It’s also a way to earn credits you can apply toward certain nursing degrees. You may need additional certification for certain careers in health care. Professional certification in nursing involves an assessment of your knowledge and readiness to work in a nursing field.
For example, the Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (AHCNS) certification is a professional certification, while the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at the George Washington University will result in a certificate.
Nursing College Certificate vs Nursing Certification: Key Differences
| Nursing Certificate | Nursing Certification |
|---|---|
| Requires a few hours at a vocational school or college | Can be earned after passing a qualifying exam |
| Is given after the completion of a nursing course or program | Is given after showing qualifying experience and knowledge in nursing |
| Can be given by a school or qualified academy | Is given by an organization or body recognized by the government or nursing field |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Nursing Certificate at College?
It usually takes three years or more for undergraduates to earn a certificate through a college or school of midwifery, while graduate certificates can be obtained in two years. The school or college usually determines how long the nursing certificate program is going to take.
Best Nursing Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City Community College | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $110/credit (in state); $280/credit (out of state) |
| Central Oregon Community College | Nursing Assistant Certificate | $113/credit (in district); $159/credit (out of district); $331/credit (out of state) |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $122/credit (in county); $241/credit (out of county); $372/credit (out of state) |
| GateWay Community College | Certificate in Fast Track Practical Nursing | $85/credit (in county); $441/credit (out of county); $241/credit (out of state) |
| Howard Community College | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $142/credit (in county); $257/credit (out of county); $322/credit (out of state) |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $149.55/credit (in state); $292.57/credit (out of state) |
| Mesa Community College | Certificate in Nurse Assisting | $85/credit (in county); $441/credit (out of county); $326/credit (out of state) |
| Muskegon Community College | Healthcare Support Assistant Certificate | $5,407/year (in county); $8,572/year (out of county); $11,302/year (out of state) |
| Pueblo Community College | Certificate in Practical Nursing | $324.70/credit (in state); $643.65/credit (out of state) |
| Thomas Nelson Community College | Certificate in Pre-Nursing | $156/credit (in state); $332.60/credit (out of state) |
Best Undergraduate Nursing Certificate Programs: Explained
Undergraduate nursing certificate programs are commonly offered by community colleges and provide basic skills. They are recognized in nursing fields and can be used as a way to verify knowledge in a particular subject area or to get into a nursing degree program.
Nursing College Certificate Program vs Nursing Associate Degree
There are two types of nursing college certificates: licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificates and certified nurse assistant (CNA) certificates. They’re both certificates that don’t lead to a full degree and can be earned through technical institutions, community colleges, and even hospitals.
On the other hand, when it comes to becoming a registered nurse, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree required. Completing this degree is necessary for most nursing positions, including those that involve delivering critical patient care and aiding physicians. Some of the major differences between the two include the following.
- Time Period. Certificate programs can go on for anything between twelve weeks to twelve months, while associate degrees have a fixed duration of two years.
- Cost. Certificate programs are always cheaper than associate degree programs because there are fewer credit units required.
- Job Opportunities. There are more job opportunities and professional tracks for associate degree holders. They can become registered nurses, while certificate program graduates can only work as a licensed practical nurse or a nursing assistant.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Nursing Certificate Worth It?
Yes, undergraduate nursing certificates are worth it. They qualify you for professional licensure exams. Holding a certificate and passing a licensure exam allows entry into the nursing profession and helps you work toward higher degrees.
Best Nursing Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University | Certificate in Nursing Leadership | $440/credit |
| Duquesne University | Post-Master’s Certificate in Executive Nurse Leadership and Healthcare Management | $1,568/credit |
| Loyola University Chicago | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate | $1,130/credit |
| Maryville University | Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate | $813/credit |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Nurse Educator Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate | $578.66/credit |
| Purdue University | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate | $347.85/credit (in state); $600.45/credit (out of state) |
| University of Phoenix | Post Master’s Certificate in Health Administration | $810/credit |
| University of St. Francis | Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing | $425/credit |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health | $773.55/credit (in state); $1,606.48/credit (out of state) |
| West Coast University | Online Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate | $785/credit (non military); $667/credit (military) |
Best Graduate Nursing Certificate Programs Explained
Graduate nursing certificate programs help practicing nurses or those with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing specialize or learn more about the profession. They also serve as a medium to show future employees that you are knowledgeable in the aspect of nursing you are applying for.
Nursing Graduate Certificate Program vs Nursing Master’s Degree
A graduate certificate is a document that indicates the holder has completed specialized training in a relevant field. Graduate certificates are often referred to as “professional certificates” because they offer instruction that is suitable for perfecting knowledge or skills within a structured framework of study.
On the other hand, a master’s degree focuses on developing strategic skills in a particular profession rather than focusing solely on a single area of expertise. Your education can be tailored to your specific interests and career aspirations with a master’s degree. Some key differences between the two are listed below.
- Time. A graduate certificate can be completed within a year. A master’s degree is an advanced degree that can run on for two to three years.
- Credit hours. Most master’s degree programs usually require more credit hours than graduate certificates.
- Cost. Since there are less credit hours, a graduate certificate usually costs less than a master’s degree.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Nursing Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate nursing certificate program is worth it. These programs are not expensive and between three to seven courses are required, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of the profession. You will also be able to learn new skills that will help you find a job in nursing in the future.
Nursing Certificate Program Coursework
While different schools have different names for their nursing certificate program coursework, the topics they cover are very similar. Some of the courses taught in a nursing certificate program include nursing theory, pathology, and health assessment.
Nursing Theory
This course is designed to assist nurses in understanding the rationale behind the use of care procedures, the results that those procedures might produce, and how to optimize practices for the future of care. They also learn how to put theory into actionable practice through research and practical learning.
Pathology
Students gain knowledge of a field of medicine that involves the examination of tissue, surgically removed organs, and bodily fluids to research and diagnose a person. The course also teaches students how to take the make-up of a specimen, the appearance of cells, and chemical signatures of cells into account during diagnosis.
Pharmacology
This subject covers a wide variety of medical disorders as well as relevant treatments and medications. Some of the topics covered in this course includes diuretics, hypertension, GI, sexually transmitted diseases, critical care, oncology, asthma, non-opioid analgesics, weight loss, diabetes, and various mental health conditions.
Health Assessment in Nursing
This course improves the overall physical assessment skills of students who plan to work in various medical settings. Students learn how to use interviewing strategies to gather and record a full health history as well as apply clinical skills with a planned and methodical approach to health assessment.
Microbiology
Microbiology focuses on the study of microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria. This course addresses disease-causing microbes as well as microorganisms found in and on humans. It’s common for this course to incorporate both in-class and out-of-class laboratory work.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Nursing Certificate from College?
With a nursing certificate at the undergraduate level, you can gain entry into in-demand nursing roles. With a graduate certificate, you can specialize in areas such as family health. In addition, undergraduate certificates can help you fulfill the eligibility requirements and qualify for professional licensure exams.
Best Nursing Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistants | $121,530 |
| Nursing Instructors | $77,440 |
| Psychiatric Aides | $36,230 |
| Nursing Assistants | $30,290 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
Best Nursing Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
After obtaining a nursing certificate, students can apply for jobs as practical nurses, and nursing assistants if it’s an undergraduate certificate. If it’s a graduate certificate, students can apply for specialized jobs as psychiatric nurses, family practice nurses, and nursing instructors.
Should I Also Get a Nursing Certification?
Yes, you should get a nursing certification. Certifications in nursing allow you to progress in your career, demonstrate your commitment, and further your knowledge within your field all at the same time. Below, we provide information about different types of nursing certifications.
Best Nursing Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. This is a basic requirement for nurses. You’ll need to recertify every two years. It demonstrates your ability to do CPR and your proficiency in utilizing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) properly.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification. This is a credential for nursing students and recent grads. In addition to the BLS certification, ACLS demonstrates proficiency in recognizing and responding to cardiac arrest as well as other cardiovascular emergencies.
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are highly sought after, so many Nurse Practitioners pursue this credential. This certification can only be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner and other nationally recognized agencies for certification.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Nursing Worth It?
Yes, a certificate for nursing is worth it. You can jumpstart your nursing career in less time and for less money than a traditional nursing degree. Credits earned during a college certificate program can also usually be applied to undergraduate or graduate degrees if you want to continue your education.
Nursing Certificates FAQ
Yes, it’s worth it to become an LPN before becoming a registered nurse. LPNs can begin working in the field and gaining professional experience in less than a year.
Registered nurses are trained to dispense drugs and execute operations such as basic life support and advanced cardiac life support in the event of an emergency. Additionally, RNs can supervise LPNs and non-licensed medical staff workers.
Yes, a nursing degree is hard. However, with the right program and the right set of instructors, it can become a little less difficult to understand. You may be able to find convenient options like online courses that can help you study on your own time.
A licensed practical nurse is a great role for those who are eager to get started in the field. It’s possible to complete a practical nursing program in as little as a year and be well on your way to becoming an LPN.
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