Orthopaedic Nurse Certified – ONC (ONCB)

By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019

Certification Description

The Orthopaedic Nurse Certified (ONC) certification certifies that an individual has the experience and knowledge to work with patients that suffer from orthopedic conditions. The certification shows that the nurse has completed advanced professional development and has clinical knowledge that is beneficial to both employers and patients.

Skills Focus

The certification focuses on the following areas:

• Understanding of the musculoskeletal system
• Familiarity with proper nutrition and hydration and how to promote nutritional strategies to patients
• Knowledge of how to properly teach self-care practices to patients
• Understanding of different pain management techniques
• Competency working with positioning parameters
• Knowledge of how to reduce complications

Exam Objectives

View the exam objectives/content outline

Exam Details

• Issuing Organization: Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB)
• Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current RN; applicant has worked as an RN full time for 2+ years; applicant must have completed 1,000+ hours of experience in orthopedic nursing in the last 3 years
• Questions: 150 (135 scored)
• Time: 180 minutes
• Cost: $290 for NAON members if applying online, $315 for NAON members if applying with paper application, $405 for non-members if applying online and $430 for non-members if applying with paper application
• Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
• Download the ONCB Handbook

Other relevant details: Exams are given at PSI testing centers

Orthopaedic Nurse Careers

Jobs you can get with an ONC certification (additional requirements may apply):

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Orthopedic 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

Learn more

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exam Preparation

• Study from the key topics on the Exam Objectives/Content Outline
• Review study guides and available study resources
• Use flashcards as a study aid
• Complete sample questions
• Take practice tests

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.