How to Become a Certified School Nurse in NJ

Looking to dive into a nursing specialty and have a passion for making a difference in children’s lives? Certified School Nursing may be the perfect fit for you! There are multiple schools and universities that offer School Nursing Certification programs. In the state of New Jersey, there are two categories of school nurses: Certified School Nurses and Substitute School Nurses.

New Jersey School Nurse History

In 1903 New Jersey adopted legislation mandating school boards to hire doctors and nurses to battle contagious diseases. In February of 1938, the New Jersey State School Nurses Association (NJSSNA) was officially established. By 1947, the state of New Jersey required certification to practice school nursing. In 1972, NJ required baccalaureate preparation in addition to the certification. The mission of the NJSSNA is to “improve health and educational outcomes for children and youth by building the capacity of school nurses to promote school and community wellness and deliver high-quality healthcare in the school setting”. There are only fourteen states in the United States that require additional educational course work to receive and maintain a state certification as a school nurse.

What is a Certified School Nurse?

A Certified School Nurse (CSN) is a Registered Nurse that continued their education in the specialty of School Nursing. CSNs have more knowledge in important areas such as dealing with students with special needs, school law and policies, community health, and more. There are two school nursing certification programs to choose from, the instructional program and the non-instructional program. The two programs have slight differences in course layout, hours, and eligibilities.

Certified School Nurse Programs: Understanding the Requirements

Below are the following requirements a candidate must meet in order to hold a School Nurse Certificate according to the NJDOE.

School Nurse Standard Certificate (Instructional)

• Degree requirement: Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Licensure Requirement: Hold a current NJ RN license issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing
• Certificate Requirement: Current and valid CPR & AED certifications
• Coursework Requirement: Complete 21 semester-hour credits in the following areas:
  • Minimum of 6 semester-hour credits in school nursing, including school health services, physical assessments, organization and administration of the school health program and clinical experience in a school nurse office;
  • Health assessment;
  • Special education and/or learning disabilities;
  • Methods of teaching health in preschool through grade 12 curriculum development;
  • Public health;
  • Guidance or counseling;
  • School law including legal aspects of school nursing; and
  • Substance abuse

School Nurse Non-Instructional Standard Certificate

• Degree requirement: Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Licensure requirement: Hold a current NJ RN license issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing
• Certificate requirement: Current and valid CPR & AED certifications
• Coursework Requirement: Complete 15 semester-hour credits to include the following areas:
  • A minimum of 6 semester-hour credits in school nursing, including school health services, physical assessments, organization and administration of the school health program and clinical experience in a school nurse office;
  • Health assessment;
  • Special education and/or learning disabilities;
  • Public health;
  • Guidance or counseling;
  • School law including legal aspects of school nursing; and
  • Substance abuse

Certified School Nurse vs Substitute School Nurse: What’s the Difference?

NJ Certified School Nurses:

• Specially trained and certified to cater to the educational and health needs of students from preschool to 12^th
• Requires additional education beyond holding a license, encompassing a blend of pediatrics, public health, and emergency nursing.
• Can serve as a health office nurse, district nurse, or one to one nurse.
• Instructional CSN holders are qualified to perform nursing services and to teach in areas related to health in public schools in grades preschool – 12^th.
• Non-instructional CSN holders are qualified to perform nursing services and to teach in public school settings in grades preschool – 12^th.
  • This certification does not allow holders to teach in areas related to health.

NJ Substitute School Nurse:

• Requires obtaining a substitute certification that can be easily obtained online.
• Does not require additional education.
• Can serve as a one-to-one school nurse or a secondary health office nurse.

How to Become a Certified School Nurse (CSN)

In order to become a Certified School Nurse, you must first complete your bachelor’s degree and receive your RN license in New Jersey. In addition to receiving a BSN, New Jersey Certified School Nurses (CSN) must complete a school nurse certification program. There are multiple colleges and universities that offer school nurse certification programs in New Jersey. Below are the steps you need to take in order to become a Certified School Nurse in New Jersey.

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license

There are dozens of colleges and universities that offer BSN programs in New Jersey. In order to be a CSN, it is required to have your BSN degree and your Registered Nurse license. Once you complete your BSN, you are eligible to take the NCLEX to receive your RN license.

2. Obtain a current CPR and AED certification

The next step is to make sure you have both the CPR and AED certifications as they are both required to take a CSN program. You can get issued a certification by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, or other entities determined by the Department of Health to comply with the American Heart Association’s CPR guidelines.

3. Complete a School Nurse Certification program

Lastly, apply and complete either the instructional or non-instructional CSN program. CSNs are required to take specific courses in dealing with students with special needs, substance abuse, school law and policy, and community health. You must also complete field experience working with a certified school nurse.