INACF Publications

Professional Development:

Information on Order of Credentials

1️⃣ Highest academic degree(s)

• List the highest degree first (e.g., PhD, DNP, MSN, BSN).

• Only list the highest degree in each discipline (you don’t need both BSN and MSN).

2️⃣ Licensure

• This shows you are legally permitted to practice.

• Examples: RN, LPN, APRN.

3️⃣ State designations or requirements

• If applicable for practice in certain states (e.g., NP-C, LCSW).

4️⃣ National certifications

• Specialty certifications awarded by nationally recognized boards.

• Examples: CCRN, CEN, CNOR, OCN.

5️⃣ Awards, honors, or fellowships

• Examples: FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing), FNP.

Examples

• Maria Lopez, PhD, RN, FAAN

• James Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

• Laveena Moses, MSN, RN, CCRN

👉 Rule of thumb: commas between each category, no periods in credentials (except some academic degrees like Ph.D. where both styles are acceptable).