As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you may be wondering how to increase your earning potential in the healthcare industry.
One way to make more money as an LPN is by investing in additional nursing certifications.
LPNs who hold certifications in specialized areas such as IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology are often in higher demand and can command higher salaries or bonuses.
Investing in additional certifications can lead to financial benefits and provide opportunities for career advancement.
We don’t advise you to just go out and get as many nursing certifications as you can though.
Be strategic. Get the nursing certifications relevant to the nursing career path you plan on taking.
In this article, we’ll explore the various certifications available to LPNs and how they can help boost your income in the healthcare industry.
What certifications can LPNs get?
Types of training and certifications available to LPNs:
- Utilization Review
- Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN)
- CBC
- ACLS
- PALS
- WCC
- DWC
- CPI
- Telemetry
- AHA Instructor
- Vent/Trach
- Gerontology
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia
*Please note that certifications should be on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) inclusion list of accepted national certifications.
Utilization Review
A Utilization Review Certification (UR) is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to become a Utilization Review Nurse (URN).
URNs are responsible for evaluating the medical necessity and appropriateness of healthcare services, procedures, and treatments.
They review patient medical records, insurance policies, and healthcare provider recommendations to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and avoid unnecessary costs.
To obtain a UR certification, LPNs need to complete specialized training and pass an exam.
Utilization Review (UR) jobs are different from bedside nursing jobs in several ways.
While bedside nursing involves hands-on patient care, UR jobs are primarily focused on evaluating the medical necessity and appropriateness of healthcare services, procedures, and treatments.
UR nurses review patient medical records, insurance policies, and healthcare provider recommendations to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and avoid unnecessary costs.
Unlike bedside nursing, UR jobs often require nurses to work closely with insurance companies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to ensure that patients receive the most effective and efficient care possible.
UR nurses may also work from an office or remotely, rather than at the patient’s bedside.
While UR jobs may involve less direct patient interaction than bedside nursing jobs, they offer opportunities for LPNs to develop skills in healthcare administration, management, and decision-making.
Companies that hire URNs include hospitals, insurance companies, managed care organizations, and government agencies.
United Health Group often has remote LPN positions available.
With a UR certification, LPNs can increase their earning potential, expand their skillset, and take on more challenging and rewarding roles in the healthcare industry.
Where do you get it?
The certification for Utilization Review (UR) nurses is provided by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians.
The certification is called Health Care and Quality Management (HCQM).
Another certification in utilization management that may benefit UR nurses is called Care Guidelines Specialist in Utilization Management. This certification is offered by MCG Care Guidelines.
A Health Care Risk Management Certificate (HRM) is offered by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM).
Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN)
CMCN is a professional certification designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who wish to specialize in managed care nursing.
The CMCN certification demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in managed care and the ability to effectively navigate the complex healthcare system.
To obtain this certification, LPNs must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as holding an active nursing license and having a minimum of two years of experience in managed care nursing.
They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as managed care models, healthcare finance, and quality improvement.
Obtaining the CMCN certification can help LPNs advance their career in managed care nursing and demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality patient care.
Where do you get it?
The American Association of Managed Care Nurses.
CBC
A CBC certification, or Certified Breastfeeding Counselor certification, is a credential that demonstrates a healthcare worker’s proficiency in providing support and guidance to breastfeeding mothers.
As an LPN, you may encounter new mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding and require assistance.
A CBC certification validates your knowledge of breastfeeding techniques, common problems, and solutions to help support and counsel these mothers.
This certification can increase your credibility and confidence in providing breastfeeding education and support to new mothers, which can ultimately result in better outcomes for both the mother and the infant.
The certification typically requires the completion of coursework and clinical experience and may be offered by various organizations specializing in lactation and breastfeeding support.
The CBC certification is ideal for nurses wanting to take the OB or PEDS path.
Where do you get it?
Prepared Childbirth Educators Inc.
ACLS
An Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to work in critical care or emergency settings.
ACLS certification trains healthcare providers to recognize and respond to life-threatening cardiac emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome.
LPNs can obtain ACLS certification by completing a course that covers topics such as pharmacology, airway management, and electrical therapy for cardiac arrest.
The American Heart Association offers ACLS certification courses that are widely recognized and accepted by healthcare employers.
ACLS certification is typically required for LPNs who work in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or other critical care settings.
With an ACLS certification, LPNs can expand their career options, increase their earning potential, and provide life-saving care to patients in need.
Where do you get it?
The American Heart Association.
PALS
A Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to provide advanced care for pediatric patients who are experiencing a medical emergency.
The PALS certification involves learning specialized algorithms, pharmacology, and resuscitation techniques that are specific to the pediatric population.
To obtain a PALS certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require PALS certification include pediatric clinics, pediatric wards, neonatal intensive care units, and emergency departments.
With a PALS certification, LPNs can take on more specialized and higher-paying roles in these areas and provide lifesaving care to pediatric patients in critical situations.
Where can you get it?
The American Heart Association.
WCC
A Wound Care Certification (WCC) is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to become wound care nurses.
Wound care nurses are responsible for assessing, treating, and managing acute and chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and diabetic ulcers.
The WCC certification involves learning about wound healing, wound assessment, and wound care management techniques.
To obtain a WCC certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require WCC certification include wound care clinics, long-term care facilities, hospice care, and home healthcare.
With a WCC certification, LPNs can negotiate a higher salary, take on more specialized and rewarding roles, and help improve the quality of life for patients with wounds.
Where can you get it?
National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy.
DWC
A Diabetic Wound Care Certification (DWC) is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to provide advanced care for patients with diabetic wounds.
DWC nurses are responsible for assessing, treating, and managing diabetic wounds, which can be challenging to heal due to the complications associated with diabetes.
The DWC certification involves learning about the unique challenges of diabetic wound care, such as proper glucose control and risk assessment.
To obtain a DWC certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require DWC certification include wound care clinics, long-term care facilities, hospice care, and home healthcare.
With a DWC certification, LPNs can take on more specialized and higher-paying roles in these areas and provide advanced care to patients with diabetic wounds.
Where can you get it?
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO). You can click here to find more useful info on diabetic wound care certification.
CPI
A Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to handle crisis situations that may arise in healthcare settings.
CPI training teaches nonviolent crisis intervention techniques, such as de-escalation and restraint alternatives, to help prevent and manage aggressive or violent behavior from patients.
To obtain a CPI certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam. Areas of nursing that may require CPI certification include psychiatric units, emergency departments, and long-term care facilities.
With a CPI certification, LPNs can provide a safer and more secure environment for patients and healthcare workers and can take on more challenging and rewarding roles in these areas.
Where can you get it?
Dignity College of Healthcare.
Telemetry
A Telemetry Certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to become telemetry nurses.
Telemetry nurses are responsible for monitoring and interpreting data from electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other cardiac monitoring equipment.
They use this information to assess patients’ cardiac health, identify potential cardiac events, and provide appropriate interventions.
The Telemetry certification involves learning about cardiac anatomy, physiology, and arrhythmias, as well as how to interpret and respond to telemetry data.
To obtain a Telemetry certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require Telemetry certification include cardiac care units, step-down units, and telemetry units.
With a Telemetry certification, LPNs can take on more specialized and higher-paying roles in these areas and provide essential care to patients with cardiac conditions.
Where to get it?
National Telemetry Association
Vent/Trach
Vent/Trach Certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to become Ventilation Care Nurses.
Ventilation Care Nurses are responsible for providing care for patients who require mechanical ventilation.
The Vent certification involves learning about respiratory physiology, airway management, and mechanical ventilation support.
To obtain a Vent certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require Vent certification include respiratory care units, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
With a Vent certification, LPNs can take on more specialized and higher-paying roles in these areas and provide essential care to patients who require mechanical ventilation.
Where do you get it?
CHLPN Certification
Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to provide hospice care to patients.
CHPLN certification, also known as Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse, is a professional certification that demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in caring for patients who are terminally ill or have a life-limiting illness.
This certification is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to specialize in hospice and palliative care.
To obtain CHPLN certification, LPNs must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as holding an active nursing license and having a minimum of two years of experience in hospice and palliative care.
They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual care, ethical and legal considerations, and communication skills.
Obtaining the CHPLN certification can help LPNs advance their career in hospice and palliative care and demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest quality care to patients and their families during end-of-life care.
Where to get it?
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
Gerontology
Gerontology Certification also called Long Term Care Certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to become Gerontological Nurses.
Gerontological Nurses are responsible for providing care to elderly patients.
The Gerontology certification involves learning about age-related health issues, such as dementia, falls, and incontinence, as well as the importance of patient-centered care.
To obtain a Gerontology certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require Gerontology certification include long-term care facilities, hospice care, and home healthcare.
With a Gerontology certification, LPNs can take on more specialized and higher-paying roles in these areas and provide essential care to elderly patients.
Where to get it?
You can get your LTC certification from NAPNES.
CHN Certification
With a HemoDyalisis certification, you’ll be called a Certified Hemodialysis Nurse.
This is a professional certification that demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in caring for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
This certification is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to specialize in hemodialysis nursing.
To obtain HemoDyalisis certification, LPNs must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as holding an active nursing license and having a minimum of two years of experience in hemodialysis nursing.
They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as the principles of hemodialysis, patient assessment, and management of complications.
Obtaining the HemoDyalisis certification can help LPNs advance their career in hemodialysis nursing and demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest quality care to patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
Where do you get it?
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Certification is a specialized credential that LPNs can obtain to provide specialized care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s/Dementia certification involves learning about the unique challenges of caring for patients with memory loss, such as communication difficulties, behavioral changes, and safety issues.
To obtain an Alzheimer’s/Dementia certification, LPNs must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Areas of nursing that may require Alzheimer’s/Dementia certification include memory care units, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
With an Alzheimer’s/Dementia certification, LPNs can take on more specialized and higher-paying roles in these areas and provide essential care to patients with memory loss.
Where do you get it?
National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
This list is not an exhaustive list of certifications.
There are numerous certifications available to LPNs.
LPNs, or Licensed Practical Nurses, should keep in mind that obtaining extra certifications can lead to higher pay in the healthcare industry, especially if you have no plans to become an RN in the near future, if ever.
These certifications can also open the door to highly sought-after nursing positions. The less labor intensive, non-bedside, 9-5, no holidays or weekends type of positions.
Having additional certifications demonstrates a commitment to professional development and an ability to take on more specialized roles and responsibilities.
These certifications give you leverage to negotiate a higher salary
Employers may offer higher salaries or bonuses to LPNs who hold certifications in areas such as hospice, wound care, or gerontology.
Additionally, some healthcare facilities may require or prefer LPNs to have specific certifications for certain positions.
It’s important for LPNs to research and invest in certifications that align with their interests and career goals, as this will not only lead to higher pay but also provide opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
What other nursing certifications for LPNs have you heard of?
Share them with us in the comments!
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