Nursing Credentials 101: From LPN & LVN to BSN & DNP (2024)

FAQs

What order do nursing credentials go in? ›

For example, an NP certified through the ANCC and AANP respectively would sign his/her name Kyle Andrews, DNP, AGNP-BC, FNP-C. If both certifications are of the same specialty, the name would appear as Kyle Andrews, DNP, AGNP-BC, NP-C. Here are a few more examples: Michelle Adams, DNP, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC.

List the highest education degree first, for example, Michael Anderson, PhD, MSN. In most cases, one degree is enough, but if your second degree is in another relevant field, you may choose to list it. For example, a nurse executive might choose Nancy Gordon, MBA, MSN, RN.

There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each level has different requirements, educational qualifications, and salary rates.

When used after a name, an academic abbreviation is set off by commas (e.g., Mary Doe, Ph. D., spoke.). The word “degree” should not follow an abbreviation (e.g., She has a B.A. in English literature, not She has a B.A. degree in English literature.).

So, the short answer is yes – in general, a DNP nurse may be referred to as "doctor," however, some states have regulations surrounding this. For example, California and Georgia forbid nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals from using the "doctor" title.

DNPs are doctors, but are usually not called that in clinical settings to prevent confusion with MDs (medical doctors). It may be more common for DNPs, or nurse PhDs, who teach in academia to be referred to as doctors, in the same way that non-medical professors can be called doctors of their field.

A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a nurse practitioner (NP) is the title bestowed on a nurse who has at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and has completed the nurse practitioner clinical and didactic requirements.

How to write a name with LPN? ›

Either way is correct when writing out your name and credentials -- Jane Doe, RN, BSN, or Jane Doe, BSN, RN. In the world of academia, the college degree is used first and then licensure and other credentials. But for the rest of us, both ways work.

Nurse Anesthetist Certification: With Nurse Anesthetists being the highest-paid nurses, it's no wonder that this is such a sought-after credential. Because the nurse anesthesia practice environment is complex and rapidly changing, this MSN certification is essential for Nurse Anesthetists' practice.

Of all the nursing certifications, LPN or LVN programs are the quickest and most convenient options. Because training can be completed at a hospital, vocational technical school, community college and even online, LPN/LVN programs are ideal for students who work or have other obligations.

While each state has its own requirements, New York, Connecticut, and Montana stand out as the easiest states to apply for NCLEX to obtain a nursing compact license. We highly recommend considering these options if you want to make your journey easier. Good luck!

The DNP is the highest degree for nursing practice. In addition to APRN concentrations, DNP programs may prepare graduates for careers in organizational and executive leadership, health policy, or nursing informatics.

Any registered nurse with or without a BSN has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and obtained nursing licensure. The distinguishing difference between a BSN nurse and an RN is that BSNs hold a bachelor's degree in nursing while RNs have an associate degree.

Perhaps most importantly, the certification exams have different scopes. The FNP-C is meant for FNPs who plan to go into clinical practice. The FNP-BC is aimed at nurse practitioners who want to make an impact on the profession as a teacher or policymaker (although they are still licensed to practice).

The Master of Science in Nursing for Nurse Educators (MSN Ed) Program is designed for learners who already hold a bachelor degree in nursing and prepares graduates to be nurse educators in diverse settings: hospitals, community agencies, schools, industry and businesses, and academic nursing programs.