New Public Health Nursing Credential Opens Doors for ADN and RN Diploma Nurses

In 2025, OADN answered the call to participate in the National Board of Public Health Examiners’ (NBPHE) Public Health Nursing Job Task Analysis (JTA), an initiative designed to define the competencies and responsibilities of today’s public health nursing workforce and establish a new national certification program.

Representing associate degree nursing education and practice, OADN served on the Job Task Analysis Task Force and worked throughout the process to ensure that the contributions of ADN and RN diploma nurses were recognized and represented. OADN was represented on the Task Force by CEO Rick García, PhD, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN, FAAN.

A key priority for OADN was advocating for eligibility criteria that would provide a pathway to certification for experienced public health nurses educated through associate degree nursing programs. The Task Force clearly communicated to the NBPHE Board that public health nursing expertise is developed through both education and practice experience, and that eligibility requirements should reflect the valuable contributions of ADN and RN diploma nurses serving communities across the country.

We are pleased to report that the Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) program includes eligibility pathways for nurses educated through associate degree nursing and RN diploma programs. NBPHE’s published eligibility requirements allow nurses with an active RN license and a diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program to pursue certification based on their public health nursing experience.

Under the approved eligibility requirements, registered nurses who graduated from an accredited associate degree nursing or RN diploma program may qualify for certification with:

• An active RN license; and
• At least two years of full-time public health nursing practice, or 4,160 hours of public health nursing practice experience.

Members interested in learning more can review the complete eligibility requirements at:
https://www.nbphe.org/public-health-nursing-certification/phn-eligibility-requirements/

This represents a significant achievement for associate degree nursing and RN diploma nursing education. Historically, specialty certification opportunities in public health nursing have often emphasized bachelor’s or graduate-level preparation, creating barriers for experienced ADN and diploma-prepared nurses seeking formal recognition of their expertise.

The new Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) credential, which will officially launch in 2026, recognizes that public health nursing competence is developed through both education and practice experience. By establishing an eligibility pathway for nurses educated through accredited associate degree nursing and RN diploma programs, NBPHE acknowledges the vital role these nurses play in improving community and population health.

“The inclusion of ADN and RN diploma nurses in the eligibility requirements for the CPHN credential is a significant milestone,” said Dr. García. “Public health nursing expertise is developed in communities, schools, local health departments, and other practice settings across the country. The final eligibility requirements recognize that experience matters and create a pathway for qualified nurses to earn national certification regardless of their initial educational pathway.”

OADN’s advocacy throughout the Job Task Analysis process helped ensure that experienced ADN and diploma-prepared nurses were included in the final eligibility requirements. As a result, thousands of eligible nurses educated through associate degree nursing and RN diploma programs will have access to a new national specialty credential when the CPHN examination launches in 2026.

As a result of OADN’s service on the Public Health Nursing Certification Job Task Analysis Committee, NBPHE invited OADN to serve on the newly established Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) Council. The Council is responsible for overseeing the policies, procedures, governance, and ongoing maintenance of the certification program, ensuring that the perspectives of associate degree nursing and RN diploma nursing education continue to be represented as the credential evolves.

Lynette Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE, OADN President, credited both OADN members and the leadership of Dr. García for helping achieve this outcome.

“I want to thank the OADN members who responded to last year’s Job Task Analysis Survey and shared their expertise,” said Apen. “Their participation ensured that the experiences of ADN and diploma-prepared nurses were reflected in the development of this new certification. I also want to recognize Dr. García and the Task Force for their leadership and advocacy throughout the process. This achievement demonstrates the value of OADN membership and the importance of having a strong national organization representing associate degree nursing. Because our members invest in OADN, we are able to influence decisions that create new opportunities for nurses and strengthen the profession.”

This invitation reflects the value of OADN’s leadership, advocacy, and member engagement. By responding to the Job Task Analysis Survey, championing inclusive eligibility standards, and now serving on the CPHN Council, OADN and its members helped create a new professional certification opportunity for experienced public health nurses educated through associate degree nursing and RN diploma pathways while securing a continuing voice in the program’s future development.

Thank you to the OADN members whose participation helped shape this outcome and advance recognition of ADN and RN diploma nurses within public health nursing.