Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification – RN-BC (ANCC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (RN-BC) certifies that a registered nurse demonstrates entry-level clinical knowledge and skills in the ambulatory care setting, where medical care is provided on an outpatient basis. These nurses have proven that they are knowledgeable of the latest standards of practice and care and have the training and skills necessary to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.
Nurses with this credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other nurses may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Knowledge of protocols, algorithms and pathways
- Understanding of how to establish appropriate therapeutic relationships
- Ability to follow ethical guidelines, regulations and best practice guidelines
- Ability to promote health screenings, injury prevention and patient education
- Comprehension of cultural differences and communication barriers
- Ability to operate necessary medical equipment and machinery
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must hold an active RN license; applicant must have 2+ years of full time RN experience; applicant must have 2,000+ hours of clinical practice in ambulatory care and/or telehealth nursing within the last 3 years; applicant must have 30 hours of continuing education in ambulatory care and/or telehealth nursing within the last 3 years
- Questions: 175 (150 scored)
- Time: 210 minutes
- Cost: $270 for American Nurses Association members and $395 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- View Certification Guidelines
Other relevant details: Exams are given at Prometric test centers
Ambulatory Care Nursing RN-BC (ANCC) Careers
Ambulatory Care Nursing Careers
Jobs you can get with a Ambulatory Care Nursing RN-BC (ANCC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Ambulatory Care Nurse
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $71,730
National average per hour: $34.48
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ambulatory Care Nursing RN-BC (ANCC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Test Content Outline
- Complete the ANCC Practice Questions
- Read and review the resources from the ANCC Ambulatory Care Nursing Reference List
- Study from exam review books
- Study from flash cards
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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