Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board

The Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board's (ONCB®) certification exams recognize a commitment to lifelong learning and a high level of knowledge that contributes to effective patient care and safety. Having a specialty nursing certification is almost a requirement in the 21st century.  Many employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff. The ONC examination is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS).  Click here to learn more about the ABNS standards for accreditation.

Stay a step ahead in your career by earning the ONC® and ONP-C® or OCNS-C®, credentials for advanced practice nurses.

ONCB seeks dynamic Director candidates

ONCB is accepting applications for Director for a 3-year term to begin at the conclusion of the NAON Congress in May 2010. Only current certificants (ONC®, OCNS-C®, and ONP-C®) are eligible to serve.  Previous experience with ONCB as a committee member or Ambassador is preferred but not required. The new Director will be an important contributor to the 11-member board that oversees the orthopaedic nursing certification process. 

The Director application and Realities of Position statement are available through this link. Two letters of recommendation are required based on the provided template.  Additional documents also are required, as described on the application.  The complete application package should be received by ONCB no later than February 1, 2010; incomplete applications will not be considered.  Interested certificants are encouraged to call the ONCB (888-561-6622) with any questions.

Apply for Spring 2010 Exams

The application window for spring 2010 computerized testing at multiple sites will be open from January 1 through March 31, 2010. Detailed information on the application and exam schedule and procedures is available here. Candidates will be able to schedule exams during the months of May and June 2010.  

In addition, paper-and-pencil exams will be offered on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (New Orleans, LA), as well as Sunday, May 16, 2010, at the Annual NAON Congress (Seattle, WA).  Applications for the AAOS examination will be accepted December 1, 2009, through February 5, 2010.  Applications for the NAON Congress examination will be accepted March 1 through April 16, 2010. Please see pages 15-17 of the Candidate Handbook (link) for the application, which should be completed and mailed to AMP with the appropriate fee.

PLEASE NOTE: Online applications are not available for paper-and-pencil testing opportunities. Only paper applications from the Candidate Handbook are accepted for these two examinations.  

All deadlines are RECEIPT deadlines, not postmark deadlines; please allow appropriate mailing time for delivery of paper applications no later than the deadlines identified above. There is no late application option.
    

Why should I be certified?

• Certification shows that you are committed to lifelong learning and that you have a high level of knowledge that contributes to effective patient care and safety.

• Certified nurses have increased confidence as excellence practitioners.

• Employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff.

• The needs for certification nurses specifically trained in orthopaedics is growing as the general population ages and requires more health care services.

• The ONC and APN credentials are recognized by your colleagues and employers as a mark of excellence. They show you are educated, engaged, and committed to providing the highest quality care to your patients.  

• Exam FAQs
• Exam Promotion Poster (.pdf file requires Adobe to open)
• Candidate Handbook
• Online Practice Module Application
• Recertification Application
• Reactivation Application
• Certification Verification Form
• ONC Recertification Requirements
• APN Recertification Requirements