Certifications can be a great way for LPNs wishing to expand their knowledge in specific areas become more marketable to employers by verifying their skills on a particular subject. Both national LPN associations (NFLPN and NAPNES)  offer two certification options for practical nurses nationwide (even for non-members). To receive certification, an LPN must pass an exam.

NFLPN offers gerontology and IV therapy exams. NAPNES offers  pharmacology and long-term care certifications.

Here is more info:

NAPNES Certifications

NAPNES offers certification in pharmacology and long-term care (LTC). The LTC exam covers geriatric issues as well as the care of chronically ill patients who might live in a skilled nursing facility.

The NAPNES pharmacology certificate [NCP(TM)] is available to anyone holding a current LP/VN license.

Preparation for the NAPNES Pharmacology Certification exam is incorporated in the curricula of many PN nursing schools across the country or is taught as a separate course.

Optional study materials are available from NAPNES. Candidates may take the exam upon completion of their coursework or may challenge the exam based on work experience.

The long-term care certificate [CLTC(TM)] is available to anyone who holds a current LP/VN license, documents 2,000 hours of long-term care practice within the previous 3 years and receives a passing grade on the certification exam.

Nurses must go for NCP or CLTC recertification every 3 years to remain certified. Recertification requires documentation of continuing education and employment in the area of certification.

 For more information, go to http://napnes.org/.

NFLPN Certifications

Follow these steps for  a gerontology or IV therapy certification from NFLPN:

• Obtain registration form (see http://nflpn.org/) and send to NFLPN. Include with it a copy of licensure, $175 fee payment, and a letter of endorsement that vouches for the nurse's clinical training and experience signed by a nursing supervisor. (A copy of school transcripts that indicate successful passing of an IV therapy course is also acceptable). A specific course in gerontology is not required.
• If the application is approved,  test preparation materials are sent to the LP/VN while the exam is sent to the nurse's sponsoring institution and referred to the supervisor that will proctor the exam.
• Nurses prepare for the exam(s) by reviewing outline video(s) and suggested readings (text list for gerontology only).  There are no study time limitations.The sponsoring facility will administer the test in a secure environment and return all test materials to Educational Resources Inc. (ERI), which  then scores tests and generates diagnostic scores and a certificate (upon passing).  Scoring and returning of results will be provided within 7 days.
  The LP/VN who passes the certification exam will be placed in the NFLPN's certification roster and will earn the appellation GC or IVC.
• Certified LP/VNs must recertify every 2 years. The fee for recertification is $105, and the nurse must provide proof of 20 continuing education credits related to IV therapy/gerontology, or retake the certification exam.
• Upon passing, a new certificate will be issued.
• Certified LP/VNs must recertify every 2 years. The fee for recertification is $105, and the nurse must provide proof of 20 continuing education credits related to IV therapy/gerontology, or retake the certification exam.

• Upon passing, a new certificate will be issued.

The 2-year certification also includes:

• 1-year membership with  NFLPN
• Test content outline video
• Paper/pencil exam and answer sheet
• Scoring and diagnostic reports
• Certificate (upon passing)
• National registry
• Shipping and handling costs
• Earned titles IVC/GC
• Enamel lapel pin to signify certification status

For more information, contact Bonnie Aureli at Educational Resources at bareli@eriworld.com or 800-292-2273, ext. 118.

Other Certifications

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011972
• Basic Life Support (BLS): http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011975
• Case Management (CCM): http://ccmcertification.org/ or 847-818-0292
• Certified Clincial Research Associates (CRA): http://acrpnet.org/certification
• Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC): http://acrpnet.org/certification/fda/index.html
• Certified Correctional Health Professional: http://www.ncchc.org/CCHP
• Certified Hemodialysis Nurse: http://bonent.org/examinations/chn.html
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN): http://nbchpn.org/
• Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse: http://bonent.org/examinations/cpdn.html
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC): (NY residents only) www.ccny.cuny.edu/ace/casac.html
• Developmental Diabilities (DDC): http://ddna.org/ or 800-888-6733
• Healthcare Quality (CPHQ): http://cphq.org/ or 800-346-4722
• IV Certification: Critical Concepts (http://www.criticalconceptsusa.com/)
• IV Certification: The Medtexx Medical Corp. (http://www.medtexx.com/);
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3012001
• Pet Therapy Certification: www.tdi-dog.org/events.html or http://therapydogs.com/
• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS): http://www.cci-online.org/
• Reiki: http://www.healingtouch.net/ 
• Transplant Coordinator (CCTC, CPTC): http://www.abtc.net/ or 913-895-4603
• Urology (CUA): http://www.suna.org/ or 856-256-2351
• Wound Care Certification (WCC): www.nawccb.org/certification.html or 877-922-6292