Why Certify?

. . . Because the rules are changing.

In these days of health care reform and cost containment, cross-training, consumer education and self-determination, and managed care, it isn't enough just to be a good nurse. To be competitive, you've got to keep up - and keeping up with modern nursing means getting certified.

Download the ABCGN certification brochure and see why it pays to be certified.

Certification can help you:

  • Expand your role in providing patient services
  • Earn more money
  • Advance in your career
  • Improve patient care and
  • Find greater satisfaction with your job.

All indications are that health care reform and cost containment will mandate more direct patient care by nurse specialists. In the near future, nurse specialists may qualify to perform diagnostic procedures, practice independently, provide care reimbursed by third party payers and manage and follow up on patients. Hospitals and clinics will seek out nurse specialists in order to attract provider contracts. How will nurse specialists be identified? They will be certified nurses.

Why? Because:

  • Certification validates your qualifications and your advanced competence.
  • Certification demonstrates your professional aspirations and your desire to improve the quality of patient care and delivery of services.
  • Certification rewards your continuing efforts to improve your knowledge and skills in your profession.
  • Certification reflects your commitment in time, effort and expense to gastroenterology nursing.
  • Certification assures professional recognition from your peers and colleagues.

Certification is a voluntary process of validating knowledge, skills and abilities beyond the scope of RN licensure.  Nursing certification has benefits for patients and families, employers, and nurses. The body of research relating to certified practice is also growing, quantifying the outcomes of certified nursing practice.

Evidence Supporting Certification

"Promoting Excellence in Nursing Certification" by the American Board of Nursing Specialties
"The Value of Certification" by Nancy Eisemon, MPH, RN, APN, CGRN & Allison Cline, MA


Certification will help you gain recognition for both your competence and your professionalism. Don't get left behind. Get certified.



Important Dates
2011 Fall Examination
Computer Based Testing (CBT) Window: October 1 - October 31, 2011
Application Deadline:
August 31, 2011
Recertificattion Deadline:
December 31, 2011
2012 Spring Examination
Computer Based Testing (CBT) Window:
May 1 - May 31, 2012