New Dialysis Certification Exams Available from The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission

PITMAN, NJ — Two new certification exams for advanced dialysis technicians and licensed practice nurses/licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) are now available for those who want to reach a higher level of practice.

The exams are offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) and are available online at www.nncc-exam.org).

The title for the technician credential is Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A). It is designed for professionals who have been working in this area for five or more years, according to NNCC Executive Director Nancy Gallagher, RN.

The second new exam credential for LPNs/LVNs will earn those individuals the title of Certified Dialysis LPN (CD-LPN) or Certified Dialysis LVN (CD-LVN). This exam is also for more experienced providers who have been practicing for two or more years and have at least 2,000 hours as an LPN/LVN working with dialysis patients.

The exams are the result of practice analysis/role delineation survey NNCC conducted in 2011. The analysis of the data resulting from the surveys clearly indicated a need to develop two additional exams.

"Certification promotes safe, high-quality patient care and better outcomes," Gallagher said. "The NNCC test committees work diligently to ensure the content of the exams reflect current nephrology nursing practice. This helps ensure that quality and safety."

Providers with these credentials "are valuable members of the nephrology care team and are frequently recognized by their employers for their achievements," she added.

In addition to the two new exams, NNCC offers the following: Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN), Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP), Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN), and Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT).

For more information about all NNCC certifications and a current exam schedule, visit the NNCC Web site, www.nncc-exam.org, call 888-884-NNCC (6622), or e-mail nncc@nncc-exam.org.

About NNCC
Formerly known as the Nephrology Nursing Certification Board, NNCC was established in 1987 to promote the highest standards of nephrology nursing. NNCC is a national, independent organization that collaborates with the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) in developing, administering and evaluating certification tests.

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