This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Credentials Awarded

The standard credential awarded for passing this examination is APHN-BC . (Advanced Public Health Nurse - Board Certified)

For Eligibility option A only, applicants have the option of requesting t he PHCNS-BC credential. (Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist - Board Certified.)

Description of Practice
The Advanced Public Health Nurse (APHN) is a registered nurse prepared in a graduate level public/community health nursing program or an accepted equivalent. This nurse has advanced knowledge and proficiency in utilizing public health sciences and skills in the assessment of communities and populations, policy development, program planning, effective communication, and the impact of cultural influences on health. By combining public/community health with nursing theory and research, this nurse's practice considers all influences on the population and community in decision making and outcome evaluation. The APHN is actively engaged in education (e.g. community, staff, students, and colleagues), case management, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, and administration.

Eligibility Criteria
Must meet all requirements for either Option A, B, or C prior to application for the examination.

Option A: Nurses who have completed any graduate degree in public or community health nursing.
		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
		Hold a graduate degree in public and/or community health nursing
		from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
	Note for Option A only: If your graduate program is a clinical nurse specialist program that meets the Masters Essentials criteria, you may request the PHCNS-BC credential be awarded instead of the APHN-BC. To meet the Masters Essentials criteria, your program must include separate courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in the Public and/or Community Health CNS role and specialty must also be included in the educational program.
Option B: Nurses who have completed a masters degree in public health (MPH).
		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
		Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing
		Hold a masters in public health (MPH) degree
Option C: Nurses who have completed a graduate degree other than public/community health nursing (this option is valid until December 31, 2015)
		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
		Hold a graduate degree in nursing or a related field. If the graduate
		is not in nursing, then the baccalaureate degree must be in nursing.
		Complete a minimum of 2,000 practice hours of advanced public/community health
		nursing within the last 3 years. (This includes clinical teaching/supervision in an undergraduate or graduate level public/community health nursing program)