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Your bachelor’s degree is only the first step to success in this field. You must also earn entry-level nursing certifications to improve your career and skills.

The American Board of Nursing Specialties reports that over 1 million registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S. and Canada have a nursing certification. Certification is especially important in healthcare because it affects patients, hospitals, and nurses.


The best nursing certifications for undergraduates include:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification
  • CPR Certification (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
  • Phlebotomy Technician Certification
  • Certified EKG Technician (CET)
  • First Aid Certification
  • Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certification
  • Medication Aide Certification

Entry-level nursing certifications show your commitment to continuing education. Not only will they increase your earning potential, but they will also enhance your ability to provide better care.

Related:

Why Nursing Certifications Matter for Undergraduates

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses says that certification is important for everyone in healthcare—patients, employers, and nurses. This is especially true today, as we work in a complex system that values quality and results.

In many organizations, certification can also lead to financial rewards. Certified nurses earn 23% more money than registered nurses without any specialty. In many cases, they also receive extra pay for their certification status.

Certifications for student nurses also increase job prospects. Many healthcare organizations prefer certified nurses for their skills and dedication to staying updated. Moreover, earning certifications can lead to specialized roles and more responsibilities, including leadership positions.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

BLS certifications teach you to recognize life-threatening emergencies and provide basic life support. It is meant for all healthcare professionals. To earn BLS nursing credentials for undergraduate students, you must:

  • Have little knowledge of basic first aid.
  • Complete a certified BLS training course.
  • Pass both written exam and skills test.

To earn a BLS certification, you need to enroll in a BLS course in an accredited organization or college. The American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross offer the most in-demand BLS courses. Many universities and community colleges also provide these courses.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification

One of the top certifications for new nurses is the CNA certification. It covers:

  • Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
  • Relevant nursing care
  • Bedside manner
  • Multi-tasking
  • Legal implications of patient care

Eligibility for the CNA certification varies from state to state. For more information, check out CNA Certification Eligibility by state.

Its training requirements, however, are almost the same. You must complete a two-part exam:

  • Written or Oral Exam:
    • Administered in a group format.
    • Multiple-choice questions cover topics like medical terminology, CNA roles, and anatomy.
  • Clinical Skills Exam:
    • Conducted one-on-one with a nurse or practitioner.
    • Candidates demonstrate skills like hand-washing and measuring a pulse, chosen from a list of over 20 skills.

CPR Certification (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is vital for anyone in healthcare—even for people outside the field. The CPR certification is, in fact, one of the top nursing certifications for entry-level positions you must prioritize. It’s often a prerequisite for clinical placements as it gives you key skills like

CPR training will help you act quickly during emergencies, improving patient survival and reducing complications. This certification enhances your skills and knowledge in:

  • CPR for adults, children, and infants
  • Chest compressions
  • Rescue breathing
  • Usage of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

Here’s how to get CPR certified:

  1. Decide between adult, pediatric, or both CPR courses based on your needs.
  2. Look for in-person or online classes at hospitals, community centers, or colleges.
  3. Choose accredited classes recognized by organizations like the National Safety Council or the American Heart Association.
  4. Enroll in the class, participate actively, and practice CPR techniques.
  5. Take the test at the end of the class, which may include practical and written components.

Phlebotomy Technician Certification

This is yet another one of the top certifications to enhance nursing careers. A phlebotomist collects and transports laboratory specimens, often serving as the patient’s sole contact with the medical laboratory.

There are several types of Phlebotomy Technician Certifications. Nevertheless, entry-level certifications will focus on improving your fine motor skills and patient interaction. Training and exams usually include:

  • Didactic Instruction:
    • Covers the anatomy and physiology related to blood collection.
    • Teaches techniques for venipuncture and capillary sampling.
    • Includes infection control, safety protocols, and proper specimen handling.
    • Focuses on communication skills and patient interaction.
  • Clinical Experience:
    • Provides hands-on training in a clinical or laboratory setting.
    • Students perform supervised blood draws on actual patients.
    • Develops practical skills and confidence in performing phlebotomy procedures.

Certified EKG Technician (CET)

The CET credential is essential for performing EKGs, Holter monitoring, and stress testing. These skills are all critical in assessing cardiovascular health. With the growing aging population and increasing heart-related issues, the demand for qualified EKG technicians is rising.

As a nursing student, it’s important to understand cardiac rhythms. This skill helps you spot serious health issues early, enabling you to take quick action. To earn this credential, you must:

Undergraduate nursing certification programs in EKG typically range from a few weeks to several months. You’ll study courses in:

  • Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
  • EKG interpretation and rhythm recognition
  • Hands-on training with monitoring equipment
  • Patient care and communication skills

Many healthcare employers prefer or require EKG certification. This certification is your competitive edge when seeking out jobs. It also allows you to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and cardiology offices.

First Aid Certification

First Aid should also be on the top of your list of best entry-level certifications for nursing students. First aid knowledge provides vital life-saving skills. You learn how to stay composed and keep patients and victims calm while they await specialized treatment.

This training isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential!

Several organizations are offering First Aid certification. Yet, the most popular one is offered by the American Red Cross. To start getting certified, visit the official American Red Cross website. You’ll see several courses like Basic First Aid, CPR/AED, or a combination course.

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certification

If you want to work with patients but don’t want to be a doctor or nurse, consider becoming a patient care technician. Major roles of PCTs include:

  • Basic clinical skills
  • Patient hygiene
  • Vital signs
  • Blood collection
  • EKG’s

To apply for a PCT certification, you need to be a graduate or about to graduate from an accredited medical assistant program or nursing assistant program. Plus, you’ll need to show that you’ve had some extra training in patient care skills or that you’ve got experience working as a PCT.

You should also consider pairing the PCT certification with the CNA to increase your competitiveness further. Having both certifications means you’ll have a broader range of skills.

Medication Aide Certification

CMAs safely administer medications in long-term care settings. They monitor patients, document care, and educate them on medication use. To become a CMA, you must:

  • Compete minimum work hours as a CNA/STNA
  • Go through a medication aide training program
  • Pass a state board exam

Certification requirements vary by state. Certain prerequisites, like a high school diploma, are necessary for some. Additionally, background checks are often required to ensure patient safety.

How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Nursing Career Goals

Starting certifications for nursing students can often become complicated. This is especially true if you don’t know where to start. Here are some guidelines when selecting entry-level nursing certifications:

Clinical interests

First, think about your clinical interests. Are you drawn to emergency care or passionate about patient care? Knowing what excites you enables you to narrow down your options.

Career aspirations and Specialization areas

Next, reflect on your long-term career goals. Then, look into entry-level certifications that closely align with your plans.

Certification program duration and costs

Entry-level nursing certifications will have different demands. Some training can often be completed in just a few hours or a single day, while others may take weeks. Typically, these courses cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the provider and location.

Consider how much time and money you can spend outside your undergraduate studies. It is very important to set realistic goals to avoid overwhelming time and financial commitments.

Conclusion

Even if AI takes over many tasks, the human touch in nursing will always be irreplaceable. Patients need empathy, understanding, and a compassionate presence—qualities that machines simply can’t replicate.

If you want to become a competitive candidate for a nursing position, consider entry-level nursing certifications. They’ll prepare you for entry-level jobs and also help you advance to higher-level certifications for better-paying roles.

The benefits of entry-level nursing certifications are two-fold. Professionally, you’ll gain more knowledge and keep growing in your field. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.

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