The Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) is the certification board for AMSN. MSNCB was established in 2003 as an autonomous, separately incorporated 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. By having sole decision-making authority in regard to the certification program, MSNCB demonstrates compliance with American Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) accreditation standards. MSNCB envisions that certification is universally valued as essential to positive patient outcomes. Certification validates excellence in medical-surgical nursing.
MSNCB administers the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN®) certification programs Certification is the recognized path for registered nurses to build and demonstrate commitment, confidence, and credibility. MSNCB certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
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MSNCB's Story
MSNCB™ was created because AMSN members requested a specialty certification created by med-surg nurses for med-surg nurses. As the AMSN Board and members continued to promote medical-surgical nursing as a specialty, they identified a need for an optional exam that would certify medical-surgical nurses in their specialty. In early 2002, AMSN formed a task force of medical-surgical nurses to investigate the need, develop a blueprint, and develop the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN®) exam. The pilot exam was given in October 2002 to collect data, and the first official test was given in May 2003 where 272 candidates sat for the exam.
MSNCB's mission is to validate excellence in medical-surgical nursing.