Such examination shall be completed no later than fourteen days before the degree is to be granted. The candidate for the degree must have satisfactorily completed the M.S.N. curriculum, have passed all prescribed examinations, and be free of indebtedness to the University. Certification Students interested in becoming certified in a specialty should consult their specialty directors for details. Certification is offered through several professional nursing organizations, including the American Nurses' Association. Graduates of each specialty are eligible to sit for the certification exams specific to their specialty.
Some exams require documented clinical work hours.
Certification examinations from American Nursing Credentialing Center include acute care nurse practitioner, the adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, clinical specialist in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing, clinical specialist in child and adolescent mental health nursing, pediatric nurse practitioner, and advanced nursing administration examinations. The Nursing Credentialing Center offers the women's health nurse practitioner and neonatal nurse practitioner exams. Practitioners and Nurses offers the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner exam for which Vanderbilt graduates are eligible.