DNS-CT - Director of Nursing Services–Certified

The Director of Nursing Services-Certified (DNS-CT) credential demonstrates that the holder can manage the challenges associated with being a DNS. It also shows that the recipient is a leader who can improve the quality, communication and care of clients at healthcare facilities. The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing organization awards the certification and associated continuing education credits.

Eligibility

Candidates must meet these requirements to be eligible for DNS-CT certification:

• Current, unrestricted RN license 

• Two years experience in full-time, post-acute nursing with at least one year as a DNS or other relevant leadership position

• Pass the 10 DNS-CT certification exams with a score of 80% or higher on each

Completion Time: 

• Online courses are self-paced

• Duration of live workshops vary by topic

• Exams aren't timed and applicant don’t have to complete them in one sitting

• Courses and exams expire after one year

Cost:

The DNS-CT program consists of 10 courses offered in multiple formats with pricing based on the cost per course and varies by format. AAPACN members receive substantial discounts.

• Online 10 course bundle: 

  • $770 for AAPACN members

  • $1,520 for non-members

• Workshop

  • $770 for AAPACN members

  • $970 for non-members

Certification Format

Each course includes a certification exam that applicants may complete online through the Learner Dashboard at the AAPACN website. Certification exams are objective multiple-choice questions. Participants must pass each of the 10 DNS-CT certification exams with a score of 80% or higher.

DNS-CT content areas contain:

• Principles of leadership (16%)

• Management and supervision skills (13%)

• Organizational oversight and management (10%)

• Business skills for the DNS (16%)

• Quality Improvement Nursing (20%)

• Regulatory compliance (19%)

• Professional development (6%)

DNS-CT courses include:

• Leadership & Management for the Nurse Leader (CE: 4.92 hours)

• Risk Management for the Nurse Leader (CE: 6.81 hours)

• Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement for the Nurse Leader (CE: 2.42 hours)

• Human Resource Management for the Nurse Leader (CE: 3.72 hours) 

• Survey Readiness 24/7/365 for the Nurse Leader (CE: 4.18 hours)

• Survey Management and Enforcement for the Nurse Leader (CE: 3.22 hours)

• Compliance and Ethics Essentials for the Nurse Leader (CE: 5.57 hours)

• Essential Business Skills for the Nurse Leader (CE: 5.38 hours)

• MDS and Medicare Process Essentials for the Nurse Leader (CE: 4.18 hours)

• Care Management and Surveillance Systems for the Nurse Leader (CE: 3.55 hours)

Candidates who complete the 10 online courses are eligible for 40.5 hours of continuing education credit. Participants who attend live workshops receive 22.5 hours of continuing education credit.

Test Dates

Exams are self-scheduled at the participant's convenience once they finish each course.

Examinations

• AAPACN assigns participants a username and password to verify their identity and monitor the Learner Dashboard section of its website

• Exams are open-book and given on an honor-system basis

• Tests don’t have to be completed in one sitting

Certification Steps

• Take and complete each course

• Complete individual exams as you complete each course

  • Upon completion of the exam, the computer screen displays the percentage of correctly answered questions and indicates “pass” or “fail”

Once participants pass the 10 certification exams, they may use the initials DNS-CT to designate their status as a Certified Director of Nursing Services.

DNS-CT certification is valid for three years. Applicants must meet the following requirements for renewal:

• Have an active DNS-CT credential

• Have a current, unrestricted RN license

• Submit a renewal application

• Pay renewal fee

• Complete at least 50 hours of continuing education (CE) in the two years preceding renewal with at least 25 hours related to DNS-CT domains or complete an approved equivalent professional development activity

Renewal requirements vary based on policy changes, so periodically check for updates.

Renewal Fees:

• AAPACN Members: $116

• Non-members: $274

The following is a list of eligible activities applicants may use to meet the continuing education requirements for DNS-CT renewal:

• Inservice education

• Academic credits

• Presentations

• Articles, book chapters or eLearning equivalent

• Research

• Grant writing

• Preceptor

Contact hours approved by any healthcare-approved continuing education organizations that meet licensure requirements are acceptable.

Related certifications include:

• Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)

• Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)

• Certified Director of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (CDONA/LTC)