ACNS-BC Certification: Overview and FAQ
An ACNS-BC is an advanced-practice nurse with a broadened scope of practice, allowing them to serve patients in a variety of settings. These clinicians are certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). While this credential is no longer available for new applicants, it can still be renewed. Learn more about what this nursing certification is and how to maintain it.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who may specialize in a few different ways. They may work with one patient population, perform specific types of care, or work in a specified clinical setting. Like nurse practitioners, they either hold a master’s or doctoral degree, and they help expand care access, especially in areas where there aren’t enough physicians to meet patients’ needs.
Other CNS professional certifications include:
- Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist — Neonatal (ACCNS-N)
- Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist — Pediatric (ACCNS-P)
What Does ACNS-BC Stand For in Nursing?
This acronym stands for Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist – Board Certified. These clinicians serve as educators, consultants, researchers, and clinical experts for adult patients. They can prescribe medications, diagnose within their specialty, and practice independently depending on their state.
Adult health CNS professionals can work in a range of clinical settings, including the following:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home health agencies
- Academic and research institutions
- Public health agencies
- Palliative and hospice care
- Occupational health clinics
Can You Get This Credential?
In 2017, the ANCC retired ACNS-BC, meaning that this credential is no longer available to new applicants. This choice was made in light of the APRN Consensus Model, which sought to standardize systems for APRN certification and practice. The model outlines national regulations for advanced practice nurses, creating standards so that APRNs must meet the same requirements between states and regions.
Instead of pursuing this certification, CNS nurses focused on caring for adults may acquire these similar certifications:
- Acute Clinical Care Nurse Specialist — Adult-Gerontology (ACCNS-AG)
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)
How to Renew Your Board Certification as an Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist: 4 Steps
Credential renewals are designed to help you remain current in your specialty. Remember that if this certification lapses for more than two years, you cannot apply for a new one, so it’s best to complete renewal requirements as early as possible. Track your renewal period on your calendar to be sure you don’t miss it.
If you’re nearing renewal for this credential, follow the steps below to maintain your certification.
Step 1: Meet ACNS-BC Requirements for Renewal
To qualify for ANCC credential renewal, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Complete 75 continuing education hours related to your credential, with at least 60 of them formally approved.
- Complete at least 1 of these professional development categories:
- Continuing education: Complete75 additional continuing education hours.
- Academic credits: Obtain 5 semester credits or 6 quarter credits.=
- Presentations: Deliver 1 or more presentations in your specialty totalling 5 clock hours.
- Evidence-based practice (EBP) or quality improvement (QI): Complete a project demonstrating problem-solving.
- Publication: Publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal or book chapter, or 5 different articles in a non-peer-reviewed journal.
- Research: Complete an Institutional Review Board (IRB) project or thesis, or a specialty-related doctoral project.
- Preceptor hours: Provide at least 120 precepting hours for students in an academic program related to your specialty.
- Professional service: Fulfill 2 or more consecutive years of volunteer service with an international, national, state, or local healthcare organization.
- Practice hours: Complete at least 1,000 specialty practice hours within the renewal period.
To track renewal requirements, log in to your ANCC account and keep your profile updated. Some of the professional development activities require additional forms or proof of completion.
Step 2: Apply for Renewal with ANCC
Once you meet renewal requirements and have them updated in your account, you can apply for renewal. You’ll need to submit a fee along with your renewal application. The fees are as follows:
- American Nurses Association members: $275
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists members: $295
- Nonmembers: $375
Step 3: Receive and Track Your Renewed Credential
Once your credential is renewed you’ll see an update on your ANCC account, and you’ll have five years before your next renewal is due.
Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist FAQs
What’s the difference between clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners?
Both are APRNs, but they have distinct roles and focuses, as outlined below:
Clinical Nurse Specialists:
- Focus: Specialize in a specific area of nursing, such as a patient population or type of care.
- Role: Serve as leaders and educators, focusing on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems through evidence-based practice and problem-solving.
- Scope: Primarily influence healthcare delivery at a systemic level, working with staff to implement best practices.
Nurse Practitioners:
- Focus: Provide direct patient care, often serving as primary or specialty care providers.
- Role: Assess, diagnose, and treat patients, including prescribing medications and managing health conditions.
- Scope: Focus on individualized patient care, managing overall health and wellness.
In essence, a CNS enhances healthcare systems and nursing practice, while an NP provides direct patient care and manages individual health needs. Both are crucial to advancing healthcare and improving the lives of patients.
Do I need a different credential if I have a retired ANCC certification?
No, this certification is still valid for practice, and the ANCC has no current plans to void it. Just be sure you renew on time so your credential remains active.
Related Certifications
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP-C)
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