Why should you earn the ONP-C® credential?
- 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.
- Certified nurses have increased confidence as excellent practitioners.
- Employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff.
- Certification will continue to become more important among hospitals seeking MagnetTM designation.
- Orthopaedic surgeons and other physicians can inform their patients of your specialty expertise.
- 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®) designation for nurses in this advanced practice role. ONCB’s NP credential is value-added. It is 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 Designation
Use of the designation Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner Certified (ONP-C) is restricted to advanced practice nurses holding current certification through the ONCB. Any nurse practitioner whose certification has expired may no longer use the letters ONP-C, and instead may apply for inactive or retired credentials in accordance with current ONCB policies.
Continuing Use of the OCNS-C Designation
Although ONCB no longer offers an examination for clinical nurse specialists, the designation Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist Certified (OCNS-C) still may be used by advanced practice nurses who previously passed the examination and have maintained the credential through continuing education. Any clinical nurse specialist whose certification has expired may no longer use the letters OCNS-C, and instead may apply for inactive or retired credentials in accordance with current ONCB policies.