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Certification for Advanced Practice Nursing

In order to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse (NP and CNS) in Virginia, you must successfully complete a certification exam and apply for a license (NP) or registration (CNS) from the Virginia Board of Nursing. The certification and licensure/registration process occurs following graduation from VCU School of Nursing. The accrediting body for the School, including all Master's programs, is the NLNAC.

Certification for Adult Acute and Primary NP, Adult CNS, IPMH NP/CNS and NAL.

Certification for Family, Women's and Pediatric NP.

Virginia Board of Nursing

The legal authority to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse (NP or CNS) in Virginia is delegated to you through the Virginia Board of Nursing. The titles “Nurse Practitioner” and “Clinical Nurse Specialist” are legally protected titles for types of advanced practice nurses. In order to designate yourself and practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse in the State of Virginia, you are REQUIRED to obtain a license or register to practice as an NP or CNS from the Virginia Board of Nursing. This requires completing the application process and paying a fee. You must also maintain your RN licensure. If you are eligible to obtain prescriptive authority, you must apply for this privilege independently.

Graduation from the School of Nursing and/or certification by one of the certification exam bodies does NOT provide you with the legal authority to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse.

If you plan to live in another state, you should obtain information from that state's Board of Nursing about requirements to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse in that state.

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