Description
Steps to National Certification
The first step to national certification through the American Academy of nurse practitioners (AANPCB), with which is the certifying board that I chose, is to create a profile and gain a free student membership to the certifying board via the AANP website. After becoming a member of the AANP the next step is to send unofficial transcripts by e-mail to certification@aanpcert.org (AANP, 2023).
The transcripts that are sent must indicate that the applicant has completed Advanced Physiology, Advanced pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, clinical hours, coursework completed, and the practice site and preceptor information for all clinical sites of the applicant. A nursing license number and expiration date must be included in the application.
The Application to test must be filled out thoroughly at www.aanpcert.org. After becoming a member of the AANP, filling out the application and all required data, the next step is to then pay for the exam. Because you have become a member, you are eligible for a discounted rate for the exam, which is $240.00 as opposed to $315.00 for non-members (AANP, 2023).
In preparation for the exam, I will be using the Barkley review Recommended by Purdue University Global. I will also be using the FNP certification intensive review app, by Maria Leik.
I will await my e-mail from the AANP following my final transcripts being sent to certification@aanpcert.org, I should then receive an e-mail clearing me to schedule my exam at an approved testing site. Once I have obtained a date and scheduled I will bring two forms of ID with me to the exam. For a passing score on the NP exam, you must score 500/800 minimum.
NPI Number and DEA
An NPI number is necessary and mandatory if you are a provider that will be accessing HIPAA information, referring patients, or writing prescriptions for patients. You can get access to the NPI application on cms.gov if it is electronically sent and filled out correctly, it could be back in as little as 10 days (CMS.gov, 2023).
Following the provision of the NPI number, the provider will need to go to the DEA website and apply for a DEA number. The DEA number allows a provider to prescribe controlled substances to patients. DEA numbers are $888.00 and are due to be renewed every three years in the state of Indiana from the date on the original card.
Prescription Drug Monitoring
The prescription drug monitoring program in the state of Indiana is called INSPECT. A registered provider can perform a look up request at any time (INSPECT, 2023). The Indiana prescription monitoring program or (PDMP) is designed to give providers the ability to monitor controlled drug use by patients using a statewide platform. To create an account, you will need first name, last name, date of birth, individual address, your DEA number, your professional license number, and your driver’s license number. The Indiana inspect keep providers safe when needing to prescribe controlled substances by ensuring that they are not providing a patient with a substance that has been abused or overused. Using the Indiana INSPECT will help all providers in that it is statewide integrated, and they can see all controlled substances prescribed by any providers to that patient.
Recertify
With the AANP you must recertify every five years. To recertify you must have 1000 clinical hours practiced and you must earn 100 continuing education credits 25 of those credits must be in advanced pharmacology, and you must hold current RN licensure. If you do not meet the recertifying criteria listed above, you must retest for certification while maintaining your RN licensure (AANP, 2023).
References
Advanced Solutions International, Inc. (2023). Physician licensure and registrations. ISMA Indiana State Medical Association. https://www.ismanet.org/ISMA/Legal/Compliance/licensure_and_registrations/ISMA/Legal/physician_license_registrations.aspx?hkey=b46242db-135f-4224-be82-6e7e24a1286b#:~:text=DEA%20numbers%20must%20be%20obtained,Renewal%20fees%20are%20%24888.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2023). Nurse Practitioner certification https://www.aanp.org/student-resources/np-certification.
CMS.gov. NPI Application. (2023). https://www.cms.gov/search/cms?keys=Applying%2Bfor…
Inspect. (2022, September 27). Home. INSPECT. https://www.in.gov/pla/inspect/
