The benefits of transplant certification are limitless. Pursuing certification exemplifies dedication to the transplant specialty. Not only does certification demonstrate a high level of competence to patients and their loved ones, it also demonstrates a commitment to excellence to employers. In fact, many employers provide incentives for those who achieve certification, such as increased compensation, title promotions, and reimbursement for taking the certification examination.

Many certified professionals feel valued for their expert knowledge and dedication to patient care and, in turn, experience increased confidence and satisfaction in their work. Certification also promotes connection and networking amongst other certified professionals, which opens up a world of opportunities for further career growth and advancement.

Most of all, transplant certification provides an enormous sense of personal satisfaction. Personally, my CCTN certification is my professional accomplishment that I am most proud of… I encourage you to pursue transplant certification too!

Caitlynn Verzino, MSN, RN, CCTN

Transplantation encompasses all facets of nursing—from the clinical and physiological challenges of patient care to coaching and mentoring patients and families, and even interacting with the community as I promote transplantation. It ties into the entire scope of the nursing practice at the highest level of clinical knowledge, so it's a wonderful challenge all around.

Katherine Johnson, CCTN
Director, Heart & Lung Transplant Program, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (Houston, TX)
Linda Ohler

The best part of my job is seeing patients’ lives change from being very sick and often near death to a much healthier state with an improved quality of life. I use everything I learned in college and more! Transplantation is a growing profession—I feel like I’m on the cutting edge, and giving my very best is important to me.

Linda Ohler, RN, MSN, FAAN, CCTC, FAST
Associate Director of Quality Regulatory and Education, NYU Langone Transplant Institute (New York, NY)
Phil Hanson

Helping individuals and their families make their last wishes come to fruition is very meaningful to me. Specialized certification from ABTC is important for ensuring my colleagues and I bring standardized knowledge and expertise to the field of organ donation and transplantation.

Phil Hanson, CTP, CPTC
Organ Recovery Coordinator, Donor Network of Arizona (OPO)

I have always considered certification an honor and am proud to have achieved that. It is nice to be recognized as knowledgeable about transplant. This does aid in providing excellent care to our transplant patients.

Carolyn A. Boone, MSN, RN. CCTC
Renal Transplant Coordinator, Duke Transplant Center

After obtaining my certification for transplant nursing and coordination, my opportunities in my nursing profession flourished. I became an expert in the transplant field. The trust level with my patients and their families has increased. The institutions that I work/worked at value my credentialing, They have been supportive of the additional education requirements and encourage myself, as well as, others to obtain their certification(s). It takes commitment, hard work, and dedication to take care of the special needs of the transplant population.

Jeanine Elkin, RN, BSN, CCTN, CCTC

I am writing to share my heartfelt testimony on the indispensable significance of nurses earning their certification in organ transplantation. In my eight years as a transplant nurse, I have personally witnessed the transformative impact that organ transplantation can have on the lives of individuals in need. Through my experience in caring for patients both pre- and post-transplantation, I have come to understand the pivotal role that certified nurses play in ensuring the success of these life-saving procedures.

Preparation for the certification exam in organ transplantation equips nurses with the knowledge and skills essential for providing comprehensive care to transplant recipients and their support systems. This specialized training covers a range of critical aspects, including immunosuppressive medications, how to identify organ rejection, and post-transplant complications. Armed with in-depth understanding, certified nurses are better-prepared to address the unique challenges that organ transplant patients may face, fostering better outcomes and minimizing potential complications.

Earning a certification in transplantation instills a heightened sense of confidence and competence in nurses, enabling them to navigate the complex and dynamic nature of organ transplantation. The intricate coordination required within the multidisciplinary transplant team demands a level of expertise that is enhanced by the certified transplant nurse. This not only improves the overall efficiency of the transplantation process but also contributes significantly to the holistic care of the patient.
Certified nurses in organ transplantation act as advocates for patients, playing a crucial role in facilitating communication between the multidisciplinary team members, patients, and their families. Their specialized knowledge allows them to educate and support patients through the entire transplantation journey, from pre-transplant evaluations to post-operative care. This ensures that patients and their families are well-informed, empowered, and emotionally supported throughout the challenging process.
Certification in organ transplantation reflects a commitment to ongoing professional development and a dedication to upholding the highest standards of patient care. In an ever-evolving medical specialty like transplant, staying abreast of the latest advancements is paramount. By pursuing and maintaining certification, nurses demonstrate their dedication to remaining at the forefront of their field, ultimately benefiting the patients under their care. Pursuing nursing certification in transplantation is an investment in the well-being of patients and a testament to the highest standards of nursing excellence.

Kristen Potter, MM, MSN, RN, CCTN