NSPM Initial Certification
Consistent with the NBCRNA's mission, the NSPM subspecialty certification ​promotes patient safety by enhancing provider quality and encourages provider lifelong learning. Through the process of obtaining the NSPM credential, the NSPM practitioner is able to demonstrate his or her advanced knowledge and skills in the subspecialty area.
Licensure
Unrestricted licensure as a RN and/or APRN, as applicable.
Certification Status
Current full recertification as a nurse anesthetist.
Clinical Experience
Two years of nurse anesthesia clinical experience by the time of NSPM application.
Attestations
Attest to being actively engaged in nurse anesthesia clinical practice.
Clinical Competence
Three letters of support from professional colleagues who have observed the practitioner's NSPM technique and/or outcomes describing:
- Evidence of competence in patient evaluation and findings
- NSPM techniques
- Safe needle placement
- Post-care assessment
Education
For those applying prior to December 31, 2026, evidence of completion of education activity in each of the following areas within the immediate four years prior to the date of application:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of pain
- Safety and equipment
- Assessment, diagnosis and plan of care
- Pharmacology
- Interventional pain strategies
- Professional aspects
Skills Assessment
For those applying prior to December 31, 2026, successful completion of an assessed NSPM cadaver or an assessed NSPM simulation course.
Fellowship Requirement Effective January 1, 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, CRNAs who are seeking to obtain the initial NSPM subspecialty certification will need to complete a post-masters Pain Management Fellowship at Texas Christian University (TCU) or University of South Florida (USF) as part of the education requirements for the NSPM Program.
Examination
Successful completion of the NSPM subspecialty certification examination.
View the Content Outline, here.