Nationally Certified School Nurse – NCSN (NBCSN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) certification certifies that an individual has the experience and knowledge to provide nursing services in an education-based setting. Nurses with this certification have demonstrated a high level of education, clinical practice experience and knowledge in school-based settings.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Understanding of general physical and psychosocial health
- Familiarity with anatomy and body systems
- Knowledge of risk reduction and infection control
- Understanding of community health needs
- Competency working with communicable diseases
- Knowledge of ethics and laws
- Familiarity with authorizations for treatments and minor consent practices
Exam Objectives
Download the exam objectives/handbook for the NCSN (NBCSN) certification.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current RN; as of January 2020, applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher; applicant must have 1,000+ hours of clinical experience within the last 3 years
- Questions: 200
- Time: 240 minutes
- Cost: $360
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- Download the NBCSN Certification Handbook
Other relevant details: N/A
NCSN (NBCSN) Careers
Nationally Certified School Nurse Careers
Jobs you can get with a NCSN certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Certified School 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
NCSN (NBCSN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook/Outline
- Review the NBCSN bibliography to identify study materials
- Take practice tests
- Consider an online study group
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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