Announced at the 2025 Critical Care Congress, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is launching an educational program and formal certification exam for nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates in critical care.
The education resources and certification exam were developed, evaluated, and approved by the full critical care team. It will serve as validation of knowledge and professional competency in the field of critical care medicine.
“We’re validating the distinct expertise advanced practice providers [(APPs)] bring to clinical practice. CHEST has always been a leader in medical education, and we are continuing that legacy with this new program,” says Danielle McCamey, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FCCP, Critical Care APP Steering Committee Member. “It is an opportunity for APPs to add to their knowledge and capabilities in the field of critical care—something that did not exist until now.”
The CHEST education and certification program:
- Exemplifies best practices and standards of excellence in the care of critically ill patients
- Validates clinical expertise
- Demonstrates professional acumen and value to the critical care team
“ICU APPs are a vital part of the care team. They have acquired an advanced set of knowledge and skills that foster collaboration with the physicians, not competition. This new certification is a great way to recognize those competencies,” says Jack Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, 2025 Immediate Past President of CHEST and Physician Member of the Steering Committee. “This education and certification will reinforce best clinical practices and standards to help improve patient care. It is another example of CHEST doing what it does best.”
Registration for the validated certification will open in June, and exams will be administered in the fall, including an in-person exam in October at the CHEST Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago.
