ONCB Corner
Scholarships and Awards
The January 1 deadline is fast approaching! If you are planning to test or recertify in 2023, you should apply for ONCB's Exam and Recertification Scholarships. Complete information is available on the ONCB website.
ONCB Dottie Roberts Excellence in Certification Scholarship
Apply today for this prestige scholarship. In 2020, Dottie Roberts retired as Executive Director of ONCB. Dottie’s vast knowledge and dedicated service exemplify excellence in all facets of certification. Dottie held the orthopaedic certification credential since 1995, so the recipient of the scholarship is a nurse who is recertifying the credential for at least the second time. The recipient will receive a free recertification. Applications are due by January 1! Complete information is available on the ONCB website.
Confused about the exam discounts that ONCB offers?
If you are unsure which discount or scholarship would be best for you, check out our FAQ page that outlines everything we offer.
ONC-A Advanced Certification (by portfolio)
ONCB is now accepting applications for the ONC-A advanced certification by portfolio. General information about eligibility is included below; please access the candidate handbook for additional information about the application and review processes.
Candidates for ONCB’s advanced orthopaedic certification (ONC-A™) by portfolio assessment must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have three full years of experience practicing as a registered nurse (RN)
- Hold a Master’s degree or higher in nursing (e.g., MSN [CNS, CNL], MN, MNEd) OR related discipline with direct involvement in musculoskeletal health (e.g., MPH, MBA, MNA, MHA
- While entry-level education may have been completed in a foreign nursing program, candidates are not eligible to apply for ONCB’s advanced orthopaedic certification through portfolio assessment if they earned their graduate degrees abroad.
- Have a minimum of 2,500 hours of nursing work experience in musculoskeletal health since completing the graduate degree, or within the last 3 years if degree completion was more than 3 years ago. This experience may be in direct care or in a support role (e.g., educator, nurse manager).
- Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as an RN in the United States or its possessions
The candidate handbook provides important information on eligibility requirements and the application process for ONCB’s advanced certification by portfolio. Candidates must meet established eligibility criteria, submit a complete portfolio, and pay applicable fees. Only complete applications of candidates who have met eligibility requirements will be evaluated and scored by trained reviewers. Reviewers identify evidence that the portfolio meets all criteria identified in this handbook. Successful candidates will be awarded the ONC-A credential (orthopaedic nurse-certified-advanced) for a 5-year term.
Apply to be an ONCB Director Today!
Are you or is someone you know interested in a rewarding Board of Director’s position for ONCB? Do you have questions but are afraid to or don’t know whom to ask? Here is everything you need to know about serving on the ONCB Board of Directors.
Don’t miss out! Nominations are due Saturday, December 31.
Who is qualified?
Eligibility and Term of Service
- Must hold current credential of the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONC®, OCNS-C®, ONP-C®, ONC-A™) and maintain credential during term of service.
- Candidates may be self-nominated; application will be available through the ONCB Web site when vacancies are posted.
- 3-year term begins and ends at the conclusion of the Annual NAON Congress.
- Application for additional 3-year term will be considered by the Board.
- Prior experience with ONCB is considered a strength, but is not required.
What happens on the Board?
As an ONCB volunteer at the national level, you are able to contribute uniquely to the development of the ONC® and ONP-C® programs that recognize and promote excellence in orthopaedic nursing practice. Very importantly, you are encouraging the best possible care for orthopaedic patients and their families.
In addition, you are able to:
- Give back to the orthopaedic nursing specialty and the nursing profession.
- Hear the voice of orthopaedic patients and their families through the ONCB Public Member.
- Ensure the highest standards of orthopaedic nursing knowledge among credential holders.
- Influence national standards and practice.
- Advocate for excellence in orthopaedic nursing practice beyond your immediate work setting.
- Grow professionally in new areas.
- Network nationally with nursing colleagues beyond your own work setting.
- Be recognized as a national leader within your profession.
What is the time commitment?
Three director positions will be filled in 2023 for a three-year term beginning May 2023. The term of office for ONCB Directors is three years. If a Director wishes to apply for a second three-year term, he or she will be evaluated by other Board members. The Director’s self-evaluation also will be considered in the Board’s decision to offer a second term.
Responsibilities
- Maintain email for regular communication with Board members (1-3 hours weekly). Expected email response is three business days except when on vacation. Directors should engage in careful dialogue about any issues presented electronically, and clearly indicate their positions.
- Attend three meetings annually (all related expenses paid by the ONCB, including Congress registration [NAON member rate]). A two-day meeting is held in September or October, depending on available venues and dates. A one-day board meeting is held in February. A one-day meeting is held during the Annual NAON Congress. Committee chairs and Directors with liaison positions will be responsible for submission of a one-page report for inclusion in each Board book; deadline for report submission will be established by the ONCB President. All Directors are responsible for careful review of the Board book before the meeting to ensure informed involvement in Board discussions.
- Participate in conference calls as scheduled by the ONCB President.
- Work assigned shifts at the ONCB booth in the Exhibit Hall at the Annual NAON Congress.
- Work at the ONCB Recognition Event (when scheduled) during the Annual NAON Congress.
- Attend other meetings as mutually determined to represent the Board (e.g., American Board of Nursing Specialties [ABNS]; Magnet® Conference; Institute for Credentialing Excellence [ICE]; AAOS).
Can I self-nominate?
Yes! Please do.
Do I have to ask the person I nominate if they are willing to run?
Absolutely! Everyone needs to agree to be nominated.
Is there someone I can contact if I have questions?
- Click here for more information on the Director position and responsibilities.
- Please contact ONCB Headquarters with any additional questions at oncb@oncb.org
Apply online today
Add Your Digital Badge to your LinkedIn or Email Today!
We know you work hard to enhance your professional capabilities as a registered nurse. Your orthopaedic certification through ONCB is an important part of that continued development. With this in mind, we want to make sure you are recognized for your accomplishments in a way that allows you to fully showcase your ongoing professional commitment. In today’s digital world, that means providing a way for you to share your verified credentials and experiences in a secure electronic format. Digital badges are provided free of charge to all nurses upon initial certification and recertification of their credential.
Digital badges are portable digital icons that verify your orthopaedic certification credential. They are unique in that they are embedded with qualifying information, or metadata, that helps you maintain a digital record of your certification for use with employers or on professional sites such as LinkedIn. Digital badges are stored in a universal cloud-based portfolio so they can be easily accessed and shared with employers and peers, on digital resumes, email signatures, or social networking sites. The digital badge also provides the important functionality for certificants to access their certificate. Certificates can be printed whenever a copy is needed for employers, potential employers, or other professional contacts.
If you are a LinkedIn user, you can add your credential to your LinkedIn profile now! You may be prompted to sign in to LinkedIn. You will be automatically asked to submit the following details to add your badge:
| Certification Name |
@badgename@ |
| Certification Authority |
@org_name@ |
| Issuance Date |
@issue_date@ |
| Certification URL |
@badge_url@ |
To add your digital badge to your email, just follow these simple steps:
- Open your email account and go to the to the ‘Signature’ section
- Click on the ‘Insert Image’ button in the signature toolbar. Please note: You will need to have a downloaded .jpeg or .png of the badge icon (right-click the image and save it) and the badge URL handy.
- Upload the Badge Image that you copied earlier.
- Once the badge image has appeared, highlight the image.
- Click the add hyperlink icon and add the badge URL.
- Once you are happy with the appearance of your overall signature line, click ‘Save’.
To create a BadgeCert account or receive a temporary password to update your personal details and share your badge on other social networks, please:
- Go to the login page
- Select Log In from the top menu
- Reset your password using the “Forgot Password” link and your @org_name@ certification email address.
“Like” ONCB On Facebook
Stay in touch with ONCB through Facebook…find us as “ONCB - Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board.” Regular postings including testing and recertification tips, as well as general news items from ONCB.