What It Means to Be a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)

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Founded in 1989, the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) was established to advocate the highest quality of plastic surgical nursing care via the development and implementation of stringent certification and recertification processes. In collaboration with the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET), PSNCB offers two certification examinations for nurses meeting particular criteria: the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) exam and the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) exam.

In order to be eligible to take the CANS exam, an individual must:

• Be currently licensed in the United States as a Registered Nurse
• Work with or in the practice of a doctor who is board-certified in Plastic Surgery (or specialties including Facial Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, and Ophthalmology)
• Have at least two years of experience as a Registered Nurse in one of the aforementioned specialties
• Have spent a minimum of 1,000 practice hours within one of the aforementioned specialties during the past two years
• Have an endorsement from one’s supervising physician

Once the test is successfully passed, CANS certification is valid for three years. To become recertified, aesthetic nurse specialists are required complete 45 hours of continuing education during the course of their three-year certification. Of these 45 hours, at least two have to be devoted to patient safety, and a minimum of 30 must be earned in plastic surgical nursing.

CANS certification is supported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and it provides professional recognition for aesthetic nurses who hold the value of education, clinical practice, and professional growth in the highest regard. Ultimately, CANS certification can assure you that your aesthetic nurse has gone above and beyond to ensure you receive an optimal level of care for your cosmetic needs.

– Kelly Self, RN, CANS

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