KEY TERMS
The NCLEX-RN Exam is the national licensing exam required to become a registered nurse in the US. In order to sit for the NCLEX-RN Exam, the candidate must at least have an Associate’s Degree of Nursing from an accredited institution or international equivalent. The NCLEX-RN Exam is organized into four major categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment; Health Promotion and Maintenance; Psychosocial Integrity; and Physiological Integrity.
The TEAS Exam is a standardized test used for admission into US nursing schools. The TEAS Exam is administered by ATI Testing and covers four subject areas: Reading; Mathematics; Science; and English & Language Usage.
The Hesi A2 Exam is an entrance exam used by US nursing schools to assess academic readiness in subjects like math, English, and science.
The Authorization to Test is the approval required to schedule for the NCLEX-RN exam in the US.
The WES is a service that evaluates foreign education credentials for use in the US
The TOEFL is a standardized English test measuring academic English skills, often required for US college or university admissions.
The IELTS is an international English test for education, work, or immigration, measuring listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The Duolingo is an online, affordable English proficiency test accepted by many universities and is taken from home with a webcam.
The OET is an English test for healthcare professionals, assessing communication in medical settings.
The F-1 Visa is a US student visa for foreign nationals who want to study full-time at an accredited US school, college, or university. The F-1 Visa allows the individual to stay in the US for the duration of the academic program, plus 60 days after completion. The individual must be enrolled in a full-time course of study and student status must be maintained to keep the visa valid.
The CPT is work authorization for international to work in the US as part of their studies. CPT eligibility is decided based on the curriculum of the program.
The OPT is work authorization for international students to work in the US after graduation. The OPT period is typically 12 months maximum per higher education level.
The EB-3 is a US green card category for skilled workers, including registered nurses.
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in speciality occupations. The employment position must require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Jobs typically include fields like IT, engineering, nursing, finance, and education. The visa is valid for up to 3 years, and is extendable to 6 years. The visa is sponsored by an employer and is often used as a pathway to a green card for skilled workers.
The EB-2 is a US immigrant visa category for individuals seeking permanent residence (a Green Card) based on their advanced education, exceptional ability, or exceptional skills in certain fields. There are two main types under the EB-2: Advanced Degree (For individuals with a master’s degree or higher, or a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of progressive work experience in the field) and Exceptional Ability (For individuals with expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in their field, such as sciences, arts, or business).
The NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a provision under the EB-2 immigrant visa category that allows foreign nationals to bypass the usual requirement of a job offer and labor certification if their work is deemed to be in the interest of the United States. The NIW waives the need for employer sponsorship or labor certification, making the process more flexible. The Candidate must have an advanced degree (master’s or higher) or exceptional ability in their field. They must also prove that their work benefits the United States on a national level, such as improving public health, advancing technology, or contributing to scientific research.
The Residency Program is a specialized training program where candidates work under supervision to gain hands-on experience. In order to get into a Residency Program, the candidate would first need to complete their studies, pass the USMLE, and apply through the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). After applying, the candidate would be invited to interview with various residency programs. Residency positions are assigned through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Once matched, the candidate would begin their residency training, which typically lasts 3 to 4 years. After completing the Residency, the candidate can sit for the board examination to become board-certified.
Medical-Surgical Nursing is a nursing speciality focused on caring for adult patients who are recovering from surgeries or managing medical conditions in a hospital setting.
Trauma Centers are hospitals designated to provide specialized care for traumatic injuries. They are categorized by levels: Level I - Comprehensive care, including research and education; Level II - Similar to Level I, but without the research and education; Level III - Provides initial trauma care and stabilizes patients for transfer; and Level IV - Provides basic trauma care and stabilization.
Acute Care is care provided to patients with severe or urgent medical conditions that require immediate treatment, often in a hospital setting.
The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is the exam that medical students must pass to become licensed to practice medicine in the United States. In consists of three steps: Step 1 - Focuses on basic medical sciences, including subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology; Step 2 - Divided into two parts, Clinical Knowledge (Tests your ability to apply medical knowledge in clinical settings, focusing on patient care and decision-making) and Clinical Skills (A hands-on exam where you interact with standardized patients to demonstrate your communication, examination, and diagnostic skills); Step 3 - Assesses whether you can manage patients independently. It focuses on patient care in an unsupervised setting and covers areas like management, therapy, and prevention.
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a licensed advanced practice nurse who can diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide patient care across various specialities.
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in improving patient care outcomes in specific areas (e.g., pediatrics, oncology) through expert advice, research, and leadership.
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a nurse with advanced training in obstetrics, providing care for pregnant women, delivering babies, and offering prenatal and postnatal care.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an APRN who specializes in anesthesia care. They will administer anesthesia for surgeries, procedures, and pain management; monitor patients before, during, and after anesthesia; and work in hospitals, surgical centers, dental offices, and pain clinics.
A Specialization in Nursing Education focuses on teaching and preparing future nurses. It includes developing curricula, teaching nursing students, and proving ongoing professional development for practicing nurses.
A Specialization in Nursing Administration/Leadership involves managing and leading nursing teams, healthcare facilities, and operations. It includes strategic planning, budgeting, and improving patient care through leadership.
A Specialization in Nursing Informatics combines nursing, information technology, and healthcare management to improve patient care and health outcomes through data collection, analysis, and electronic health records (EHRs).
EHRs (Electronic Health Records) are secure, digital versions of a patient’s medical chart. They store and organize health information such as: medical history, diagnoses & treatments, lab test results, medications, immunization records, and imaging reports. EHRs allow healthcare providers to share and access patient information in real time, improving coordination, reducing errors, and supporting better decision-making in patient care.
A Specialization in Public Health Nursing focuses on community health, disease prevention, and health promotion. Public health nurses work to improve the health of populations by addressing social determinants of health and preventing the spread of diseases.
APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) is a designation for highly trained nurses who have completed advanced education (typically a master’s or doctoral degree) and clinical training beyond the standard registered nurse level. APRNs provide specialized care and often have the authority to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine. There are four main types of APRNs: Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA).
Become a Registered Nurse. Earn a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing. Choose your APRN role, based on the program of study. Pass the National Certification Exam, each APRN has its own certifying body. Apply for state APRN licensure.
The BLS (Basic Life Support) is a certification that focuses on a set of life-saving medical procedures performed to assist patients in respiratory or cardiac arrest. This course usually take a few hours.
The ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is a certification that focuses on advanced medical procedures for treating life-threatening heart conditions, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. This course typically takes 1 to 2 days, depending on the provider.
The PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is a certification that focuses on advanced care protocols for managing pediatric emergencies like severe asthma or heart failure. Usually takes 1 to 2 days for initial certification.
The TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course) is a course for nurses that teaches essential trauma care skills. This is typically a 2-day course.
The CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) is a certification for nurses specializing in emergency care. Preparation for this exam can take several weeks, depending on the individual’s study schedule.
THE CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) is a certification for nurses who care for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Preparing for and passing this exam may take several months, but the course itself is self-paced.
The ECCO (Emergency Care Coordination and Outcomes) is a program that focuses on improving emergency care systems and patient outcomes. The length of the program may vary, but it’s typically a few weeks for full completion.
The CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) is a certification for nurses specializing in preoperative care in the operating room. Preparation and exam can take several months, depending on prior experience.
The CSSM (Certified Safety and Security Manager) is a certification for professionals managing safety in healthcare settings. Usually takes several months of preparation before sitting for the exam.
The PMHS (Pediatric Mental Health Specialist) is a certification for nurses specializing in pediatric mental health care. Preparation for this certification care take several months, depending on the individual’s prior experience in pediatric mental health care.
The NCE (National Certification Examination) is the licensing exam that every graduate of a US nurse anesthesia program must pass to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The NCE is administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). The NCE covers four core domains: Basic Sciences; Equipment, Instrumentation, and Technology; Basic Principles, and Advanced Principles of Anesthesia.
The AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) is the Institution that offers certification for Nurse Practitioners (NPs). There is no course needed, the individual would take an exam after completing NP degree program.
EHRs (Electronic Health Records) are secure, digital versions of a patient’s medical chart. They store and organize health information such as: medical history, diagnoses & treatments, lab test results, medications, immunization records, and imaging reports. EHRs allow healthcare providers to share and access patient information in real time, improving coordination, reducing errors, and supporting better decision-making in patient care.
A Specialization in Public Health Nursing focuses on community health, disease prevention, and health promotion. Public health nurses work to improve the health of populations by addressing social determinants of health and preventing the spread of diseases.
APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) is a designation for highly trained nurses who have completed advanced education (typically a master’s or doctoral degree) and clinical training beyond the standard registered nurse level. APRNs provide specialized care and often have the authority to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine. There are four main types of APRNs: Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA).
The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) is the Institution that offers certification for various nursing specialties, including NPs and CNSs. There is no course needed, the individual would take the exam after completing the advanced degree program.
The PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board) is the Board that certifies pediatric nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners. There is no course needed, the individual would take the exam after completing your pediatric-focused degree/training.
The NCC (National Certification Corporation) is the Institution that certifies nurses in areas like women’s health, neonatal care, and obstetrics. There is no course needed, the individual would take the exam after completing your speciality program (varies by field).
The AMCB is the Board that certifies Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). There is no course needed, the individual would take the exam after completing a CNM program.
The NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists) is the US organization that certifies and recertifies Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). They oversee the National Certification Examination (NCE), which all CRNA candidates must pass after completing an accredited nurse anesthesia program. The NBCRNA also manages the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program to maintain CRNA credentials.
The NE-BC (Nurse Executive - Board Certified) is a certification for RNs in nursing leadership/management roles. It is certified by the ANCC. There is no separate course; in order to be qualified, a BSN or higher is required, in addition to leadership exam. Certification is achieved after passing an exam.
The NEA-BC (Nurse Executive Advanced - Board Certified) is a certification for RNs in high-level executive roles. It is certified by the ANCC. There is no separate course; in order to be qualified, a master’s or higher is required, in addition to executive experience. Certification is achieved after passing an exam.
The CNML (Certified Nurse Manager and Leader) is a certification for nurse managers and leaders. It is certified by the AONL (American Organization for Nursing Leadership). There is no separate course; candidates are qualified through experience and education. Certification is achieved after passing an exam.
The CENP (Certified in Executive Nursing Practice) is a certification for senior nurse executives. It is certified by the AONL. There is no separate course; candidates are qualified through experience and education. Certification is achieved after passing an exam.
The CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) is a certification for nurses specializing in emergency care. It is certified by the BCEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing). There is no set course; candidates prepare and take the exam after experience in the Emergency Room. Certification is achieved after passing an exam.