CSN Qualifications

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) defines school nursing as a specialized nursing practice that advances the well being, academic success, lifelong achievement, and overall health of students. The role of the school nurse has evolved, as their responsibilities often go beyond just ensuring that basic health services are available to students during the school day.

The state of Illinois requires school nurse’s to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and complete a certification program.  The certification program includes education courses as well as a school nurse internship.  After completion of the program, prospective school nurses must pass two exams.  The first exam is the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). The TAP is also taken by all Illinois teachers.  The second exam is the School Nurse Certification exam which measures the specialized care of school-age patients with an emphasis on nursing care and interventions of those specific problems that affect this population. School Nurses are employed by school districts to provide nursing care and medication administration within the elementary and secondary schools.