Development of human resources with advanced specialization

Continuing education

Japanese nursing qualifications are not subject to renewal, and do not mandate continuing education once the qualifications are obtained.

However, it is essential for nursing professionals to update their knowledge and skills to keep up with the daily progress in medicine and address ever-changing social situations. They typically continue education through subscribing to professional periodicals or participating in trainings / seminars organized by their workplaces, Japanese Nursing Association (JNA) and prefecture nursing associations.

Qualification / certification systems

Japan has only generalist nursing qualifications, namely Public Health Nurse, Midwife, Registered Nurse and Assistant Nurse, with no national qualifications developed for nurses with specialization. Various organizations and academic societies of fer their own cer tification systems. Among those, JNA's certification system has obtained a significant social recognition and high reputation. All JNA certifications are renewable every five years.

Certified Nurse Specialist

JNA extends certification as Certified Nurse Specialist to nurses who have in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific area of specialization for efficiently providing a high level of nursing care to individuals, families and groups that face complex and difficult nursing issues.

Conditions for certification are to pass the JNA examination of Certified Nurse Specialist, to play a demonstrated role in excellent practice, consultation, coordination, ethical coordination, education, and research activities, and to both do a master's degree course and have  (at least 5years of) clinical practice  (Including at least 3 years of practice, more than 6 months of which has to be after completing master's course implemented.) in defined areas. Performance reports are needed for the certification renewal.

Certified Nurse

Certification as Certified Nurse is extended to nurses who can use matured nursing skills and knowledge to provide a high level of nursing practice, leadership, and consultation in a specific nursing area.

Nurses must have at least 5years of practice clinical above the defined standard in the specific area of nursing, and have either completed a regulated curriculum for at least 600 hours within six months, and passed a JNA examination of Certified Nurse. Certification renewal requires both nursing practice of at least 2,000 hours within five years, and a score of 50 points or over earned by writing papers in the designated journals and/or participating in/making presentation at the designated academic conferences, demonstrating one's achievement.

[ Transition in the number of registered Certified Nurses ]

Certified Nurse Administrator

Certification as Certified Nurse Administrator is extended to nurses who have achieved defined criteria, including the combination of JNA's Certified Nurse Administrator training, nursing management experience above a defined level, and a master's degree majoring in nursing management. Requirements for the certification renewal include both having at least 2,000 hours of nursing management practice within five years, a score of 50 points or over earned by writing papers in the designated journals and/or participating in/making presentation at the designated academic conferences, demonstrating one's achievement, and active participation in the social activities.