Cardiac Medicine Adult – CMC Adult (AACN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Cardiac Medicine Adult (CMC Adult) certification certifies that an RN has the skill level and expertise to provide direct patient care to acutely and critically ill adult cardiac patients. Nurses with this certification may work in a variety of healthcare settings including cardiac care units, ICUs, clinics, cardiac labs and electrophysiology units.
Nurses with this credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Ability to recognize heart failure
- Knowledge of acute arterial occlusions and acute venous thrombosis
- Understanding of ARDS, COPD and ischemic events
- Competency working with electrolyte imbalances
- Ability to identify non-cardiac chest pain
- Knowledge of cardiac enzymes, electrolytes, BMP and creatinine
- Familiarity with normal versus abnormal assessment findings
- Understanding of stress testing
- Willingness to comply with legislative, legal and ethical issues
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN);
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN or APRN license; applicants must complete 1 of the following practice hours requirements: Applicant has 1750+ hours working with acutely/critically ill adults patients in the last 2 years with 875+ hours being with cardiac patients post-operatively and/or applicant must have been an RN/APRN for 5+ years, with 2,000 hours in direct care of critically/acutely ill patients. Furthermore, applicant must have 1,000+ hours working with cardiac patients post-operatively
- Questions: 90
- Time: 120 minutes
- Cost: Cost: $130 for AACN members and $215 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
- Exam Outline and Certification Handbook
Other relevant details: Exam is given at PSI/AMP testing centers
CMC Adult (AACN) Careers
Critical Care Registered Nurse (RN) Careers
Jobs you can get with a CMC Adult (AACN) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Certified Critical Care Nurse
- Cardiac 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
CMC Adult (AACN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook
- Complete practice questions
- Consider flash cards
- Review study resources and materials
- Take an online review course
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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