As professionals in the nursing field, we understand that credentials are more than just letters after a name—they are a representation of expertise, qualifications, and commitment to patient care. Properly writing and displaying nursing credentials is essential for maintaining professional credibility, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and conveying one’s qualifications effectively to colleagues, employers, and patients. However, despite the importance of credentialing, confusion often arises about the correct sequence, which credentials to include, and how to adapt credentials for different contexts.

Nursing credentials reflect a professional’s academic background, licensure, certifications, and any additional recognitions they have earned. They serve as a shorthand for a nurse’s qualifications and can have significant implications in clinical practice, academia, research, and leadership. Understanding how to write them properly is fundamental to maintaining professional integrity and ensuring clarity in communication.

In this guide, we will take a deep dive into how nursing credentials should be formatted according to professional standards. This is not a beginner’s guide—this article is written by and for experienced nursing professionals who want to ensure their credentials are displayed with accuracy, professionalism, and clarity. We will explore each element of credentialing in-depth and provide practical examples for different nursing roles.

Properly structuring nursing credentials is critical for ensuring professionalism and clarity in healthcare settings. Whether on a business card, a resume, a research paper, or clinical documentation, credentials should be presented in a standardized order to convey qualifications efficiently. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has established clear guidelines for writing nursing credentials, and following these standards not only demonstrates professionalism but also eliminates confusion for colleagues, employers, and patients.

The ANCC credentialing standard ensures that nurses present their qualifications in a consistent manner that allows for quick recognition of their educational achievements, licensure, certifications, and honors. The correct order for listing nursing credentials is as follows:

• Educational Degrees (Highest level first)
• Licensure
• State Designations and Advanced Practice Certifications
• National Certifications
• Awards, Honors, and Recognitions (optional)

The rationale for this hierarchy is rooted in permanence and professional significance. Educational degrees are always listed first because they are lifelong credentials that do not expire. Licensure follows, as it represents a legal authority to practice. State designations and national certifications reflect specialized training and competencies, demonstrating expertise in a specific field of practice. Lastly, honors, fellowships, and awards are optional but can highlight distinguished contributions to the profession.

This structured approach ensures consistency and readability in professional documents, making it easier for employers, patients, and other healthcare professionals to quickly assess a nurse’s qualifications. Misordering credentials can create confusion or misrepresentation, leading to misunderstandings about a nurse’s level of expertise.

The following examples illustrate the correct application of the ANCC credentialing order in different professional contexts:

• Example 1: A nurse with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Registered Nurse (RN) license, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) designation, and a Critical Care Certification (CCRN) should format their credentials as:
  Jane Doe, DNP, RN, CRNA, CCRN
• Example 2: A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and is board-certified through ANCC would format their credentials as:
  John Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
• Example 3: A nurse with an additional degree outside of nursing, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Health (MPH), should incorporate those credentials in a way that maintains clarity:
  Mark Williams, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC

These formatting examples reinforce the importance of clarity and professionalism, allowing nursing professionals to present their qualifications in a manner that is concise yet comprehensive.

Nursing is a profession that emphasizes continuous education and professional development. As nurses progress through their careers, they may earn multiple degrees that enhance their expertise and open doors to advanced practice, leadership roles, and specialized fields. These degrees should always be listed in order of the highest level first, followed by lesser degrees, to maintain a professional and logical credentialing format. Below are some of the most common nursing degrees and their significance in the profession:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – The ADN is often the entry-level degree for registered nurses (RNs). Typically obtained through a two-year program, an ADN prepares graduates for foundational nursing practice and licensure as an RN. While many RNs start with an ADN, further education is often pursued to advance in their careers.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A BSN is a four-year degree that provides a more comprehensive education in nursing, including leadership, research, and public health components. Many healthcare employers prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses due to their extensive training, and BSN programs often serve as a stepping stone to advanced practice roles. Some hospitals and healthcare organizations seek Magnet designation, which prioritizes hiring BSN-prepared nurses.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – The MSN is a graduate-level degree that allows nurses to specialize in areas such as nurse practitioner (NP) roles, nurse education, administration, and informatics. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) typically require an MSN to meet their educational requirements for certification and licensure. Additionally, MSN programs offer concentrations in areas like nursing leadership, family practice, acute care, psychiatric-mental health, and more.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – The DNP is a terminal degree in clinical nursing practice. It focuses on evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and improving patient outcomes. Many nurse executives, advanced practice clinicians, and policy influencers pursue a DNP to enhance their expertise and authority in the healthcare field. The DNP differs from a PhD in that it emphasizes clinical application rather than research and academia.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) – The PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree that prepares nurses for academic, research, and policy-oriented roles. Those who obtain a PhD in nursing often engage in scientific inquiry, developing best practices, influencing healthcare policies, and teaching at universities. Unlike the DNP, which focuses on implementing research into practice, the PhD is designed for individuals who want to generate original research.
• Doctor of Education in Nursing (EdD) – The EdD is designed for nursing professionals who want to focus on education, curriculum development, and leadership within nursing academia. Those with an EdD often work as faculty members, nursing deans, or educational policymakers, contributing to the advancement of nursing education.

Beyond these core nursing degrees, nurses may also pursue additional degrees relevant to their professional responsibilities.

It is important to note that non-nursing degrees should only be included if they add professional relevance to the individual’s role. For example:

• A Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) may be included if a nurse is involved in hospital administration, healthcare management, or business operations.
• A Master of Public Health (MPH) is appropriate for a nurse working in public health, epidemiology, or community health initiatives.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) is relevant for a nurse practicing in healthcare law, compliance, or regulatory affairs.

If a nurse holds multiple degrees across different fields, they should prioritize listing the highest-level nursing degree first, followed by any additional degrees that directly support their professional expertise.

For nurses who hold multiple degrees, careful consideration should be given to how they are listed. The general rule is to include the highest nursing degree first, followed by any other degrees that add value to the nurse’s current role. Listing too many degrees can clutter professional communication, so relevance and brevity are key.

If a nurse executive holds an MSN and an MBA, both degrees should be included to highlight clinical expertise and administrative leadership:

Mary Jones, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC

If a nurse educator has both a PhD in Nursing and a Master’s in Public Health, listing both degrees would make sense in an academic and public health setting:

John Smith, PhD, MPH, RN, CNE

However, if two degrees are at the same level (e.g., MSN and MHA), the one most relevant to the nurse’s primary role should be listed first. If an MSN-prepared nurse primarily works in hospital administration, they may choose to format their credentials as:

Lisa Brown, MHA, MSN, RN, CENP

Ultimately, nurses should avoid listing degrees that do not contribute meaningfully to their professional standing. Listing an ADN after an MSN, for example, would be redundant.

Licensure is the foundation of nursing practice and is required for all nurses before they can legally practice. Unlike degrees, which are educational achievements, licensure signifies legal authority to practice nursing in a given state or jurisdiction.

The most common licensure designations include:

• Registered Nurse (RN) – The RN license is the most widely recognized credential and is a prerequisite for advanced nursing roles. It signifies that a nurse has passed the NCLEX-RN exam and met state-specific licensing requirements.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – This entry-level license allows individuals to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician. The term LPN is used in most states, while LVN is used in California and Texas.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) – APRNs are nurses who have obtained additional training and certification in a specialized area of practice. This category includes Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Nurse Midwives (CNMs).

Each of these licensure credentials should be listed immediately after the highest educational degree when writing nursing credentials.

Since licensure is a legal requirement, it must always appear in a nurse’s credential list, immediately following their degrees. It should not be omitted, even if the nurse holds multiple certifications.

Example of Proper Credential Formatting

A DNP-prepared Nurse Practitioner with APRN licensure and board certification would format their credentials as follows:

James Carter, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Even if the nurse holds other specialty certifications, the licensure designation remains a non-negotiable inclusion.

Multi-State Licensure and Compact Nursing Laws

With the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses can practice in multiple states with a single RN license, provided their state participates in the compact agreement. However, APRN licensure is not yet part of the NLC, meaning that APRNs must still obtain state-specific licensure where required.

For APRNs practicing in multiple states, it may be necessary to adjust credential formatting depending on local regulations. Some states require state-specific terminology, such as CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner) vs. NP (Nurse Practitioner). Nurses should verify their state board’s requirements to ensure compliance.

Proper credentialing is essential for maintaining professionalism, meeting regulatory standards, and effectively communicating expertise within the healthcare community. By understanding how to list degrees, licensure, and certifications correctly, nurses can enhance their credibility and advance their careers.

In an era where digital documentation is rapidly replacing traditional paper records, the nursing profession is also evolving in how credentials are recorded, shared, and verified. Digital credentialing platforms now enable nurses to maintain and showcase their qualifications in a secure and easily accessible format.

E-portfolios, which compile a nurse’s academic credentials, licensure, certifications, and continuing education in one digital location, are becoming more prevalent. These platforms offer real-time verification, reducing the risk of credential fraud and ensuring compliance with employer and regulatory standards. Organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) are advocating for digital credentialing systems to enhance transparency in the field.

Certification bodies occasionally update the titles and abbreviations of their credentials to align with evolving healthcare standards. For example, some certifying organizations have transitioned from traditional titles like FNP-C to FNP-BC, causing confusion among professionals. Understanding these changes and ensuring that credentials remain current is essential for maintaining professional credibility.

Additionally, new board certifications are emerging in response to evolving healthcare needs. Specialty areas such as telehealth nursing, informatics, genetic counseling, and integrative medicine are now offering credentialing pathways for nurses who wish to demonstrate expertise in these growing fields. Nurses should stay informed about new certification opportunities that align with their career goals and the changing healthcare landscape.

As healthcare becomes more globalized, the need for standardized international nursing credentials is growing. While the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom all have their own certification and licensure systems, there is increasing discussion about reciprocal credentialing agreements that allow nurses to practice across borders with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.

Organizations such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN) are working to harmonize nursing standards worldwide, and some countries have established expedited credential recognition programs for highly qualified nurses. However, international credentialing still presents challenges, including variations in educational standards, scope of practice differences, and licensing exams like the NCLEX-RN (U.S.) and OSCE (UK).

Nurses considering international practice should research the credentialing requirements of their destination country well in advance, as the process can be complex and time-consuming.

Properly writing and displaying nursing credentials is not just a formality—it is a vital part of professional representation. The ANCC’s standardized order ensures clarity and uniformity in credentialing, helping healthcare employers, academic institutions, and patients understand a nurse’s qualifications at a glance.

As nursing continues to evolve, keeping credentials up to date and aligned with industry standards is more important than ever. The rise of digital credentialing, the expansion of specialty certifications, and the globalization of nursing practice all highlight the dynamic nature of professional credentialing in the healthcare sector.

To maintain credibility, nurses should regularly review their credentialing status, ensure they follow best practices for displaying their qualifications, and stay informed about changes in certification and licensure standards. By doing so, they not only protect their professional reputation but also contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole.

At Collaborating Docs, we understand the critical role that properly credentialed NPs and physician assistants (PAs) play in the healthcare system. As this article has highlighted, writing and maintaining accurate nursing credentials is fundamental to professional representation and career advancement. However, beyond credentials, a key challenge many NPs and PAs face is securing the necessary collaborating physician relationships to gain real-world experience and meet state regulatory requirements.

Founded by Dr. Annie DePasquale, a seasoned Family Medicine physician, Collaborating Docs was created to bridge this gap. We connect NPs and PAs with qualified collaborating physicians, helping them navigate regulatory requirements and build practical experience. Our streamlined process ensures that professionals can secure a collaborating physician within 14 days, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than administrative hurdles.

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If you are an NP or PA looking to advance your career, proper credentialing is just the beginning. Finding a trusted collaborating physician is the next critical step. Join over 5,000 professionals who have partnered with us to remove barriers to practice and expand healthcare access.

Get started today—visit Collaborating Docs to find your collaborating physician and take the next step in your professional journey.