AACN Certification Corp. Launches ACNPC-AG Certification Exam Aligned With Consensus Model For APRN Regulation

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --  AACN Certification Corporation has launched the new ACNPC-AG certification exam, which aligns with the requirements of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation.

ACNPC-AG is an entry-level certification for advanced practice nurses educated at the graduate level as acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare services and meet the specialized needs of adult-gerontology patients (young adults, older adults and the frail elderly) with complex acute and/or chronic health conditions.

The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation was introduced in 2008 to establish national standards for uniform regulation of advanced practice registered nurses in all states. It was developed by 48 APRN nursing organizations nationwide that have pledged support for these standards.

"AACN Certification Corporation played an active role in the development of the consensus model, so the release of a new ACNPC-AG exam that aligns with the model is exciting," said Carol Hartigan, certification programs strategist, AACN Certification Corporation. "As the organization representing the interests of, and setting standards for, acute and critical care nurses, we know the indispensable role that nurse practitioners play in meeting the healthcare needs of America's most medically fragile patient population and, therefore, believe that protecting the role is imperative."

Potential candidates for the exam should apply online on the AACN Certification Corporation website, where they can also find information on the ACNPC-AG certification, test plan, practice exam questions and exam eligibility requirements, the APRN Consensus Model and other APRN resources.

In conjunction with the new exam, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ( AACN) has introduced its ACNPC-AG Certification Review Course, an interactive e-learning course designed to assist aspiring adult-gerontology ACNPs to prepare for the new ACNPC-AG certification exam.

The comprehensive review course is based on and fully aligns with AACN Certification Corporation's new ACNPC-AG test plan and features nationally known subject matter experts such as Linda Briggs, Helen Brown, Joseph Haymore, Kiersten Henry and Nancy Munro, each of whom is an ACNP.

"AACN's ACNPC-AG Certification Review Course offers nurse practitioner candidates a 'two for one': It simulates the actual test-taking experience answering realistic practice questions and simultaneously reinforces clinical knowledge," said Linda Bell, AACN clinical practice specialist. "It incorporates the same modular structure as the new test plan in an easy-to-use question-and-answer format."

Now available streaming from the AACN website, the course offers 9.5 continuing nursing education (CNE) credits, including 1.4 Pharm CNE. A CD-ROM version is also planned.

As a special value to prospective certificants, the on-demand version of the course is being offered at no cost to individuals who purchase the ACNPC-AG exam. Purchased separately, the course costs $159 for AACN members and $199 for nonmembers.

About AACN Certification Corporation: AACN Certification Corporation, a separately incorporated company, develops and administers the CCRN, PCCN, CCRN-E, CCNS, ACNPC and ACNPC-AG specialty exams, and the CMC and CSC subspecialty exams. In collaboration with the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Credentialing Center AACN Certification Corporation also offers the CNML exam. AACN Certification Corporation promotes and enhances consumer health and safety by establishing and maintaining high standards of professional practice excellence through certification and certification renewal for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 235 chapters worldwide. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109; Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; www.aacn.org ; facebook.com/aacnface ; twitter.com/aacnme

Editorial Contact: Kristie AylettAACN Communications(228) 229-9472 [e-mail]

SOURCE AACN Certification Corp.

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