Medical-Surgical Nurse Exam for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Latest Update

The Medical-Surgical Nurse certification is a highly regarded credential that signifies a nurse's expertise in the specialized field of medical-surgical nursing. This certification, offered by two prominent nursing organizations—the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN)—offers nurses a pathway to validate their skills, knowledge, and professional practice in medical-surgical settings. With the evolving landscape of healthcare and nursing practices, the certification process has been regularly updated to reflect current trends and challenges in the field. Below is an in-depth description of the latest updates to both the ANCC and AMSN medical-surgical nursing exams.

ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC™)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is one of the leading organizations providing certification for registered nurses in a variety of specialties. The ANCC’s Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification, officially known as the MEDSURG-BC™ credential, is recognized for its rigor and its focus on validating the knowledge and skills that nurses need to succeed in the fast-paced, complex world of medical-surgical nursing.

Recent Updates

The ANCC recently announced an update to the Test Content Outline and Reference List for the MEDSURG-BC™ exam, which is effective starting September 10, 2024. These updates are part of an ongoing effort to keep the exam in alignment with the best practices and emerging trends in medical-surgical nursing. The revised content will cover new medical treatments, technologies, and patient care strategies, ensuring that certified nurses are prepared to meet the ever-changing needs of the healthcare system.

Key Changes:

1. Expanded Content Areas: The test content now reflects more comprehensive knowledge of patient safety, quality care initiatives, and healthcare systems. New topics, such as the integration of technology into patient care and leadership in medical-surgical nursing, have been added.
2. Revised Reference Materials: A revised list of reference materials ensures that the exam stays aligned with the most up-to-date research, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based practices.
3. Testing Period Suspension: To implement these updates, there will be an eight-business-day test suspension period from August 29, 2024, to September 9, 2024. Nurses planning to take the exam during this period should reschedule for dates before or after the suspension.

Certification Process and Renewal

To earn the MEDSURG-BC™ credential, nurses must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• A valid, active registered nurse (RN) license.
• At least two years of RN experience.
• A minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in a medical-surgical setting within the last three years.

Once certified, nurses must renew their credential every five years. To renew, nurses are required to meet professional development and continuing education requirements, which may include taking courses, attending workshops, or contributing to the medical-surgical nursing field through research and publications.

AMSN Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), through its Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), offers the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential. This certification is specific to nurses who work in the medical-surgical specialty and is considered one of the most respected and widely recognized certifications within the field of medical-surgical nursing.

Recent Updates

The CMSRN exam underwent a significant revision in 2023, with the new blueprint officially taking effect on May 15, 2023. This revision updated the exam content and incorporated the latest research, clinical practices, and industry standards. AMSN’s CMSRN exam is designed to evaluate nurses on their ability to provide safe, high-quality care to patients undergoing medical-surgical treatment. The update reflects the growing emphasis on patient-centered care and leadership in healthcare.

Key Changes:

1. New Exam Blueprint: The 2023 CMSRN exam blueprint incorporates newer clinical practices and technologies in the medical-surgical field. The blueprint has been adjusted to reflect a greater emphasis on patient safety, quality improvement initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care.
2. Revised Content Areas: The updated exam now focuses more on current issues in patient care, including pain management, infection control, and evidence-based practice. A significant shift has been made toward understanding patient outcomes and the role of nurses in improving those outcomes.
3. Score Reporting Delay: Nurses who took the CMSRN exam between May 15, 2023, and July 24, 2023, faced a delay in receiving their results. However, scores were officially reported on August 17, 2023. This delay was due to the changes made in the exam content.

Certification Process and Renewal

Similar to the MEDSURG-BC™ exam, the CMSRN exam has eligibility requirements that include:

• A current RN license.
• At least two years of RN experience.
• A minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in a medical-surgical setting in the past three years.

The CMSRN credential is valid for five years. To maintain this certification, nurses must participate in continuing education, professional development, or activities that promote advancement in medical-surgical nursing.

Key Differences Between the MEDSURG-BC™ and CMSRN Certifications

Although both certifications validate expertise in medical-surgical nursing, there are key differences between the MEDSURG-BC™ and the CMSRN certification. Understanding these differences can help nurses decide which certification best suits their career path and aspirations.

1. Credentialing Bodies:

   • The MEDSURG-BC™ is offered by the ANCC, which is the leading organization in the United States for nursing certifications.
   • The CMSRN is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), a division of the AMSN, specifically focused on advancing medical-surgical nursing as a specialty.

2. Scope of Practice:

   • The MEDSURG-BC™ certification includes broader content areas and is designed for nurses who want to demonstrate leadership capabilities and competencies in healthcare systems, patient safety, and quality improvement.
   • The CMSRN focuses primarily on direct patient care in the medical-surgical setting, and it emphasizes the knowledge needed to care for patients undergoing medical-surgical treatments.

3. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Both exams require at least two years of RN experience, with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in a medical-surgical setting in the last three years. However, there may be slight differences in the specific requirements between the two certifications.

4. Renewal Requirements:

   • The renewal process for both certifications involves continuing education and professional development activities. However, the specifics of these requirements, such as the number of continuing education hours or the types of activities allowed, may differ between the two organizations.

International Nurses and Certification

Both the ANCC and AMSN certifications primarily serve registered nurses in the United States. However, nurses practicing outside the U.S. may still be eligible for certification. International nurses should reach out to the respective organizations for guidance on the specific eligibility criteria, as these may vary based on their country of licensure and nursing practice.

Conclusion

Medical-surgical nursing is a vital area of healthcare, and certification in this specialty is a mark of excellence and dedication. Both the ANCC’s MEDSURG-BC™ and the AMSN’s CMSRN certifications offer valuable credentials for nurses looking to advance their careers and validate their expertise. With recent updates to both exams, nurses can be assured that the certification process remains relevant and reflects the evolving needs of the healthcare system. By obtaining certification, nurses demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of medical-surgical nursing as a respected specialty.