Education Requirements for a Certified School Nurse

The National Board for Certification of School Nurses allows school nurses to earn certification in their specialty by passing an exam. The nurse may then use the initials NCSN. Certification allows employers, the public, and other healthcare professionals to evaluate a school nurse's performance.

Features

• You must have a valid RN license in order to sit for the exam. You can obtain a license by completing an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree program in nursing, in addition to passing a national exam known as the NCLEX.

Types

• You need a minimum of a bachelor's of science degree in nursing or another health-related field to take the test. NBCSN makes exceptions for nurses who have already earned their NCSN certification.

Considerations

• While formal educational programs help the nurse achieve a solid knowledge base, on-the-job training and experience is important as well. You need a current job in school health to take the exam, and NBCSN recommends three years of school nurse experience for test candidates.

Tips

• To remain NCSN certified, you'll need to complete 75 contact hours of education in subjects related to school health every five years.

Warnings

• Not all educational programs will meet the standards for recertification. Make sure to choose school health-related courses endorsed by a national, regional, or state accrediting body.