The increasing acuity of hospitalized patients means caring for more patients with life-threatening pulmonary conditions, including those associated with COVID-19. Safely assessing these patients and administering treatment therapies — such as mechanical ventilation — is a complex balancing act requiring expert knowledge and skill. Earning AACN’s COVID-19 Pulmonary and Ventilator Care Micro-Credential validates your specialty knowledge in caring for patients with severe respiratory illness.

Who Is It For?

This micro-credential supports the clinical practice of healthcare professionals providing acute/critical care to patients with pulmonary conditions, including COVID-19, who require mechanical ventilation. Patients on ventilators are located throughout hospitals or acute care facilities, so nurses pursuing this micro-credential are not limited to any particular unit or setting. The only eligibility requirement is that applicants must hold a current, unencumbered U.S. healthcare professional license.

Earning Your COVID-19 Micro-Credential

Applicants earn their COVID-19 Pulmonary and Ventilator Care Micro-Credential by successfully completing an exam that validates their knowledge in this specialty area. The exam:

  • Includes items developed based on the content provided in “COVID-19 Pulmonary, ARDS and Ventilator Resources,” a free course
  • Consists of 38 items randomly selected from a bank of questions
  • Requires 28 correct items for a passing score
  • Has a 90-minute time limit
  • Offers 2 CERPs (Category A) upon passing the exam

We encourage you to refer to the COVID-19 Pulmonary and Ventilator Care Micro-Credential Exam Test Plan for a comprehensive content overview.

Taking the Exam

The process of applying for and taking the COVID-19 Pulmonary and Ventilator Care Micro-Credential exam is streamlined to make it as easy as possible for nurses pursuing this professional achievement.

  • 1No application is necessary; purchase the exam from this webpage.

  • 2Detailed instructions are sent via email after completing your transaction.

  • 3Take the exam online at your convenience, anytime and anywhere.

  • 4Results are shared immediately upon completion of the exam.

  • 5Print your certificate of achievement from your AACN customer dashboard.

  • 6Send a verification letter to your employer through our online verification system.

AACN Members

$30

Nonmembers

$45

Exam Preparation Resources

To help you prepare for your COVID-19 Pulmonary and Ventilator Care Micro-credential exam, AACN offers several useful resources.

COVID-19 Exam Test Plan

This comprehensive exam content outline details the specific content areas covered in the exam.

Pulmonary, ARDS and Ventilator Course

This free online course provides the latest information nurses need to care for patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Clinical Resources

This collection of AACN resources offers easy access to COVID-19 and pulmonary-related educational content.

Customer Support

Have questions or need help? Contact AACN Customer Care.