Gerontological Nursing Certification – RN-BC (ANCC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC) certifies that a registered nurse has the basic clinical knowledge and skills to care for the older adult and elderly patient population. This is an entry-level certification for nurses in this field.
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 pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies
- Understanding of the developmental stages, including the stages described by Maslow and Erickson
- Knowledge of physiological changes across the life cycle
- Ability to develop and follow an Individualized Plan of Care
- Ability to promote health screening, injury prevention and patient education
- Comprehension of evidence-based interventions
- Ability to acknowledge population-specific risk factors and behaviors
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must have 2+ years of full time RN experience; applicant must have 2,000+ hours of clinical practice in gerontology within the last 3 years;
- Questions: 175 (150 scored); effective January 15, 2020 the exam will have 150 questions (125 scored)
- Time: 210 minutes; effective January 15, 2020 the time will be 180 minutes
- Cost: $270 for American Nurses Association members and $395 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- Exam Outline and Certification Handbook
Other relevant details: Exams are given at Prometric test centers
Gerontological Nursing RN-BC (ANCC) Careers
Gerontological Nursing Careers
Jobs you can get with a Gerontological Nursing RN-BC (ANCC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
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
Gerontological Nursing RN-BC (ANCC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Test Content Outline
- Take the ANCC practice test
- Take the ANCC interactive online review course
- Complete practice questions
- Study from exam review books
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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