Specialty Certification for Registered Nurses
There are many options within the field of registered nursing. Licensed RNs can choose from over 50 different specialties. Specialty certification signifies personal growth and professional achievement, and it may contribute to career advancement.
 RNs gain their specialty knowledge through extensive clinical experience, formal coursework, self-study, and continuing education. Certification by examination provides formal recognition of the nurse's expertise.
Certification is awarded through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or individual specialty organizations (see below)
For certification awarded from the ANCC, there are two major levels of credentialing: Certified (RN, C), and Board Certified (RN, BC).
In addition, the advanced practice credential has been approved for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists,  APRN, BC. The advanced practice nurse can use this credential or attach the BC (Board Certified) component to the designation required by the state in which she/he practices. For more information visit the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Certifications offered through specialty organizations:
SURGICAL
Medical-Surgical Nurse (CMSRN)
Opthalmic Nursing (CRNO)
Orthopaedic Nursing (ONC)
Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurse (CORLN)
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nursing (CPSN)Transplant Nurse (CCTN, CPTC, CCTC)
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (CWCN, COCN, CCCN, CWOCN, CWON, CFCN)

PEDIATRIC
General Pediatric Nursing (CPN)
Pediatric Critical-Care Nursing (CCRN)

MATERNAL/ CHILD
Childbirth Educators (LCCE)
Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (RNC)
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Low-Risk Neonatal Nurse (RNC)
Maternal Newborn Nurse (RNC)
Neonatal Critical-Care Nursing (CCRN)
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (RNC)
Pediatric Oncology (CPON)

ADVANCED PRACTICE
Nurse Midwife
Nurse Anesthetist
Acute and Critical Care; Adult, Neonatal or Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS)
Orthopaedic Clinical Nurse Specialist (OSNS-C)
Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS)
Urologic Clinical Nurse Specialist (CUCNS)
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner (ONP-C)
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (RNC)
Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC)
Urologic Nurse Practitioner (CUNP)
Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (RNC)