ONCB® offers the Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner – Certified (ONP-C®) and Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist – Certified (OCNS-C®) designations for nurses in these advanced practice roles.
ONCB’s APN credentials are value-added. They are not accepted for basic APN licensure in any state, but can be earned to demonstrate specialty expertise after a candidate has met the experience eligibility requirement.

Use of the ONP-C and OCNS-C Designation

Use of the designations Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner Certified (ONP-C) and Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist Certified (OCNS-C) is restricted to advanced practice nurses holding current certification through the ONCB. Any advanced practice nurse whose certification has expired may no longer use the letters ONP-C or OCNS-C and may instead apply for inactive or retired credentials in accordance with current ONCB policies.