Nurse Credentialing and Licensing

Across many industries, there are certain standards of training, experience, and education that determine what types of services you’re qualified to provide in a professional capacity. Nurse credentialing — the string of letters after your name — is a way to let other people know the specific expertise you have earned, which is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Think of nurse credentialing as an investment in your career. We’ll break down the types of credentials commonly used in healthcare, be they from your schooling or continuing education pursuits. Granted, all those letters can be confusing, even for a professional. Not sure which licenses, degrees, and certifications come first? We’ll show you the correct nationally recognized way to display your nursing credentials and certifications.

For many nursing professionals, their license is a state-issued credential that allows them to legally practice in their respective field. But what happens if you are licensed in one state and then move to another? We’ll teach you the steps to transfer your license.

Some states (known as compact states) recognize a multistate license that makes it simpler for you to move around and maintain your ability for employment. Learn if you qualify for this compact license and how to go about applying for one.

When you’re not sure about a matter related to your nursing credentials and certifications, often the best bet is to check with the ANCC, your state nursing board, or a nursing association. We have resources available that can help you determine how to address your concerns so that you can spend less time getting your credentials in order and more time doing the job for which you were trained.

For more information on nurse credentialing and how it can open up new doors throughout your career, check out the articles in this section.