NP CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE PROCEDURES

NATIONAL NP CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

You must apply to take a national certification examination, required for CRNP licensure (certification) in PA. The organizations that offer certification for Family and Adult Gerontology Primary Care NPs are the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP certification is offered by ANCC and The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).   

The following is general information related to each certification organization. Review the organization’s website for details of the application process.

AACN (American Association of Critical Care Nurses - https://www.aacn.org/certification?tab=First-Time%20Certification). A part of the application form needs to be sent to the Graduate Staff Assistant at University Park so that the appropriate signatures can be secured. Membership in the AACN qualifies students for a reduced exam fee.

AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners - https://www.aanp.org/education/aanp-certification-program). This application form does not need an official Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing signature. Membership in AANP qualifies a student for a reduced exam fee.

ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center - https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/). A part of the application form needs to be sent to the Graduate Staff Assistant at University Park so the appropriate signatures can be secured. Membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA) qualifies students for a reduced exam fee on the ANCC exam.

TRANSCRIPTS

Students may request official transcripts from the registrar’s office. If applying for certification prior to graduation, you may request an official transcript with completed coursework to date. Following graduation/commencement, please allow at least two weeks to request an official transcript showing the degree conferred/graduation date. 

PENNSYLVANIA CERTIFICATION AND PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

The Application for Certification as a Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) is available to be completed by program graduates online effective Dec 31, 2013. CRNP graduates can apply for their CRNP state Certification at:
http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/CRNP.aspx.  Apply for PA State Certification as soon as you pass your Certification Exam.  The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing office will complete Verification of Advanced Pharmacology, Verification of Opioid Education, and Verification of Nurse Practitioner Program, sealed with the official school mark, and mailed directly to the PA State Board of Nursing on behalf of the student. This normally occurs within 2 to 3-weeks post-graduation. Students who took Advanced Pharmacology at a different University will need to have that University’s College of NursingRoss and Carol Nese College of Nursing complete the Verification of Advanced Pharmacology and Opioid Education and send directly to the PA State Board of Nursing.

Graduates seeking licensure outside of PA should review the criteria for licensure/certification at the individual State Board of Nursing website.