By Dawn Whiteside, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, RNFA
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to earn a “certificate?”? Terms like “certification,” “credential,” “certificate,” and “micro-credential” are often used interchangeably, but they represent different levels of achievement. In this discussion, we’ll clarify the meaning of a “certificate” and its significance in professional development.
Types of Certificates
Educational content that results in a certificate comes in various forms, each with its own criteria and significance. These certificates include training certificates, nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) certificates, college certificate courses, and certificates of mastery (COM). The requirements for each type vary in terms of knowledge depth and time commitment, so it’s crucial not to use the term “certificate” loosely.
It’s important to note that the criteria for certificates are standardized, ensuring that every recipient has received consistent knowledge and training. This differs from “certification” programs, where the content delivery may vary, but proficiency must be demonstrated regardless of the learning method.
Key Certificate Types
- Training Certificate: Validates completion of training in a specific area, typically measured in hours or days. Examples include basic life support and laser safety.
- Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) Certificate: Supports nursing licensure or national certification, focusing on clinical skills and patient care. Examples include substance abuse, dementia care and pharmacology.
- College Certificate Course: Provides education in a specific field, often as an extension of current academic subjects. These programs can range from several months to a year, such as the perioperative leadership graduate certificate course developed by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) in collaboration with Edgewood College.
- Certificate of Mastery (COM): Demonstrates expertise in a specialized field, building on prior knowledge and requiring a more extended period of study. COMs are designed to show mastery in a particular area through evidence-based education.
The Importance of Certificates of Mastery (COM)
A COM program is a focused course that provides advanced education and skill development in a specific area. At CCI, we identified gaps in training for educators, preceptors, and leaders, leading to the creation of specialized COM courses.
For example, the Professional Educator Practicum (PEP COM) course was developed based on the role delineation study and test content outline by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It covers critical competency domains such as research, instructional design, staff development and leadership.
Similarly, the Perioperative Services Preceptor (PSP COM) course was created using data from a national study based on the Ulrich Precepting Model. This COM encompasses the seven preceptor roles identified by Ulrich, ensuring comprehensive preceptor training.
Looking ahead, we’re developing the Foundational Leadership Practicum COM (FLP COM) to address gaps in basic leadership training. This course will cover essential topics like communication, human resources, finance, and strategic management, tailored for new or aspiring leaders in various roles.
Accreditation and Impact
To be accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), a COM course must include both educational content and outcomes-based assessment. At CCI, our COM programs are intensive 6-month courses with assignments designed to demonstrate mastery and provide practical takeaways for the learner’s current role. We are actively pursuing accreditation for these programs.
Choosing the Right Certificate for Your Growth
With so many certificate options available, selecting the one that aligns with your professional goals is a personal decision. While these certificates may not confer credentials or post-nominal letters, the knowledge and dedication required to earn them are significant accomplishments to be proud of.
NOTE: Gen AI software was used to improve readability and grammatical accuracy of the content.
References
Harper, Mary G. PhD, RN, NPD-BC; Ulrich, Beth EdD, RN, FACHE, FAONL, FAAN; Whiteside, Dawn MSN-Ed, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, RNFA; Warren, Joan Insalaco PhD, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN; MacDonald, Ryan PhD. Preceptor Practice: Initial Results of a National Association for Nursing Professional Development Study. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development 37(3):p 154-162, 5/6 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000748
– Dawn Whiteside, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, RNFA is the Director of Education and Professional Development of the Competency & Credentialing Institute. Dr. Whiteside has over 35 years of experience as a perioperative nurse in many roles including circulator, scrub, first assistant, team leader, charge nurse, manager, and educator. She serves on the ABSNC Board of Directors as well as the editorial board for OR Today. As an educator, Dr. Whiteside is passionate about developing educational materials for all members of the perioperative team.
