After completing an accredited nursing program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN). Depending on their specialty and state requirements, nurses may also need additional certifications. For example, a critical care nurse might obtain the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, while a nurse anesthetist would need certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
