Why should you earn the OCNS-C® or ONP-C® credential?

1. Certification shows that you are committed to lifelong learning and that you have a high level of knowledge that contributes to effective patient care and safety.
2. Certified nurses have increased confidence as excellence practitioners.
3. Employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff.
4. Certification will continue to become more important among hospitals seeking MagnetTM designation.
5. The need for certified nurses specifically trained in orthopaedics is growing as the general population ages and requires more health care services.

Stay a step ahead in your career by earning an APN orthopaedic credential.

Certification Term

Your certification is valid for five (5) years. You can recertify by retaking and passing the certification examination or by meeting continuing education and practice requirements.

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.