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Drug addiction is a serious public health issue in the U.S. According to national survey data from American Addiction Centers, more than 40 million Americans are affected by substance use disorders.
Addiction and substance use disorder nurses play essential roles in helping these vulnerable populations. These healthcare professionals, also known as substance abuse nurses, provide compassionate care, support, and treatment to vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction and recovery.
Are you looking to become a substance use or addiction nurse? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about working in this nursing specialty.
As an RN interested in addictions nursing, getting certified as a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN) is the best way to demonstrate your expertise and advance your career.
But what’s the process to earn this credential? And why should you become a CARN?
In this complete guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a certified addiction RN.
By the end you’ll understand
- The benefits of CARN certification
- Eligibility requirements
- Details on the CARN exam
- How to prepare and pass the test
- Recertification requirements
- And more!
Let’s get started.
Why Get Certified as a CARN?
Earning your CARN credential from the Addictions Nursing Certification Board (ANCB) provides many benefits:
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Proves your expertise – It validates specialized knowledge to employers and patients.
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Career advancement – Many addiction treatment facilities require or prefer certified nurses.
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Higher salary – CARNs typically earn more than non-certified RNs.
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Personal fulfillment – Demonstrates your commitment to excellence in addictions nursing.
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Professional development – Preparing for the exam bolsters your knowledge.
Overall, CARN certification allows you to take your career as an addiction nurse to the next level.
CARN Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the CARN exam, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN license
- Have practiced at least 2,000 hours as an RN in the past 3 years
- Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in addictions nursing in the past 3 years
Additionally, you must have a minimum of 2 years of supervised experience in addictions nursing within the last 5 years.
International candidates have slightly modified requirements, so check the ANCB website for details.
Meeting these eligibility prerequisites is essential to qualify for the exam and begin your path to certification.
Overview of the CARN Exam
The CARN examination is a 3-hour, 175 multiple choice question test administered via computer at approved Pearson VUE testing centers.
It covers 5 major content areas:
- Assessment
- Physiological Effects of Addiction
- Pharmacological Therapies
- Psychological Therapies
- Professional Issues
You can view the full CARN exam content outline here.
Questions are weighted across these topics to reflect their importance for addictions nursing practice. Approximately 50% focus on assessment and physiologic effects.
You must pass the CARN exam to earn certification, which is valid for 5 years before recertification is required.
How to Prepare and Pass the CARN Exam
Proper preparation is key to pass the CARN exam on your first try. Here are some tips:
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Review the content outline – Know which topics are emphasized.
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Study ANCB resources – Use the Candidate Handbook and other materials.
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Take practice questions – Get familiar with the exam format and content.
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Read recent books/journals – Refresh your knowledge on key addictions nursing topics.
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Enroll in a review course – Structured courses can boost your studying.
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Make study notes – Condense and organize essential facts and concepts.
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Join a study group – Discussing material with peers reinforces learning.
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Get plenty of rest – Don’t cram the night before. Arrive rested and focused.
Preparation is a process – give yourself several weeks to review material and build confidence. With smart studying, you’ll be ready to excel on test day!
What’s Involved in CARN Recertification?
To maintain your CARN credential, you must recertify every 5 years through one of two pathways:
Continuing Education (CE)
- Complete 60 contact hours of eligible CE in addictions nursing
- Minimum of 30 hours must be specific to addictions nursing
- Report CE when submitting your application
Re-examination
- Take and pass the CARN certification exam again
- No other documentation required if you pass the test
Additionally, you must maintain your RN license and have practiced for at least 1,000 hours in addictions nursing during the previous 5 year period.
Recertification shows your commitment to staying current in the field. Make sure to keep accurate records of all your CE activities and licensure.
CARN Certification FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about becoming a certified addiction RN:
How much does the CARN exam cost?
The exam fee is $395 for ANCB members and $445 for non-members when applying with the standard deadline.
When is the CARN exam offered?
The CARN exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers. You can schedule an appointment on your own convenient date and location after having your CARN application approved.
How long are CARN certifications valid?
The CARN credential is valid for 5 years from the date when you pass the certification exam. You must recertify every 5 years to maintain it.
Is there an application deadline to take the exam?
Yes – your completed CARN application must be received by the appropriate deadline, which are:
- March 1st for April – June testing
- June 1st for July – September testing
- September 1st for October – December testing
- December 1st for January – March testing
What score do I need to pass the CARN exam?
A scaled score of 350 out of 500 total points is needed to pass the CARN certification test. This equates to 70% correct answers.
Pursuing CARN Certification
Becoming a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse demonstrates your expertise in caring for patients with substance abuse disorders. It’s a highly valued credential that can propel your career as an addiction nurse forward.
With determination and proper preparation, you have what it takes to succeed. Good luck!
Steps to Becoming an Addiction or Substance Abuse Nurse
Becoming an addiction or substance use disorder nurse requires completing several basic steps. Specific requirements for the role may vary by state and employer, but the general education and work experience are the same no matter where you wish to work.
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Earn an ADN or BSN Degree.
The first step to becoming an addiction or substance abuse nurse is earning a nursing degree. Both the associate degree in nursing (ADN) and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree prepare nurses for this role, though BSNs are often preferred. Nurses with an ADN can enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program to obtain their BSN faster. - 2
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to Receive RN Licensure
Passing the NCLEX for RNs is required for an RN license. The exam requires nursing school graduates to apply their knowledge to different cases, ensuring they possess the necessary competency and judgment to practice nursing safely. - 3
Gain Experience in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Nursing
RNs can gain mental healthcare experience in many different work settings, including hospitals, treatment centers, mental health clinics, and psychiatric hospitals. Although some employers prefer candidates with prior nursing experience, entry-level addiction and substance use disorder nursing positions are open to those with a valid license and relevant training or coursework. New RNs can also gain experience in substance abuse and addiction treatment by volunteering with nonprofit organizations, which often need trained nurses to help provide care, education, and support. - 4
Consider Becoming a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse
Although board certification is optional, many employers prefer or require nurses to obtain certification in their field. In the case of addiction nursing, one key credential is Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN). Nurses who wish to take the CARN certification exam, which is issued by the Addictions Nursing Certifications Board (ANCB), must first log at least 2,000 hours of addiction nursing experience and 30 hours of continuing education for nurses.
Working as a Substance Use Disorder or Addiction Nurse
Addiction and substance use disorders nurses can typically find a wide array of entry-level positions, from public hospitals to private treatment centers. The job responsibilities and salary for addiction nurses will vary depending on experience, position and role, employer, and geographic location, among others.
According to data from ZipRecruiter, as of May 2024 addiction nurses earn an average annual salary of about $85,000. Nurses with bachelor’s degrees and relevant certifications, particularly the CARN designations, have the potential for higher salaries.
