Becoming a CNOR-certified nurse opens doors to a rewarding career in perioperative care. But did you know that you can leverage your CNOR credential even further by illustrating your specialized skills? Through CCI’s CNOR Specialty Designations, you can demonstrate your expertise in specific surgical settings and set yourself apart as a valuable asset in the operating room. While our CNOR designations are a new offering, they are a beneficial addition to the sole, accredited certification program for perioperative registered nurses.

Our Specialty Designations are Made for the Multi-Disciplinary Perioperative Nurse

CCI offers a variety of specialties that you can add to your CNOR credential:

Don’t see your specialty? No worries! CCI will keep you in the loop regarding any updates to our designation offerings. Follow us on social media to ensure you are receiving our announcements. 

See multiple specialties that apply to you? CNOR certificants can hold up to TWO designations. Customize your credential by mixing and matching your specialties to represent your perioperative expertise!

Getting Specialized Has Never Been Easier

CCI recognizes your hard work obtaining your CNOR credential and understands your commitment to improving patient care in your specialty. With that in mind, we’ve ensured the process to earn your specialty designation is simple!

To qualify for our CNOR specialty designations, you must...

• Hold a current and valid CNOR credential
• Possess an associate's degree in nursing or a higher nursing degree
• Meet the specific experience requirements in the surgical specialty you are applying for. The experience requirements involve working a certain number of hours in the specialty over the past five years. Additional contact hours or professional activity points related to your specialty may also be required.

Obtaining a specialty designation does not require you to take an exam; the process is entirely application-based. Once you fill out your application, confirm your eligibility, and pay the fee for your form submission, you will considered. You will be informed of your new CNOR Specialty Designation status if you meet all requirements!

After you earn your specialty designation, it will be good to go until your next recertification period. When your recert year rolls around, if you would like to maintain your designation, there will be a $100 renewal fee, per each designation held, added to your recertification payment.

The Possibilities are Endless! 

CNOR Specialty Designations provide an exceptional pathway for CNOR-certified nurses to elevate not only their perioperative certification but also their careers. Adding a designation (or two) lets you share your expertise in your chosen surgical specialty!

To learn even more about our specialty designations, check out our article with OR Manager, “CNOR specialty designations distinguish uncommon skillsets,” written by CCI’s very own CEO Melissa R. Nosik, PhD, BCBA-D, ICE-CCP, SHRM-SCP and Director of Education & Professional Development, Dawn Whiteside, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, RNFA. 

Visit our CNOR Specialty Designations page on our website to start applying for the designations of your choice. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our dedicated credentialing associates.