Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a registered nurse to become a member of ARN?

Membership in ARN is open to RNs and other interested individuals engaged in or concerned with the active practice of rehabilitation nursing. Voting membership is limited to RNs, but licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are encouraged to join the association, take advantage of programs and services, and enjoy all the other benefits of membership.

Do you have to have a bachelor's degree to be a member of ARN?

Membership in ARN is open to all RNs. A bachelor's degree is not, and never has been, a requirement for membership in ARN.

Do I have to be certified to be a member of ARN?

No, not at all. In fact, it's best to join ARN prior to seeking certification to take advantage of the sizeable member discount on the certification examination application fee. ARN also offers educational resources to help nurses prepare for the CRRN® examination that is available to ARN members at a discounted rate.

Is ARN only for nurses working in acute rehabilitation units or rehabilitation facilities?

Rehabilitation nurses base their practice on rehabilitation and restorative principles in practice settings across the continuum of care, including hospitals, comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation units, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, community and governmental agencies, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, schools and universities, and private practice. Any nurse with an interest in rehabilitation is welcome to join ARN. To find out more information on specific roles within rehabilitation nursing, just click on Role Descriptions.

Is ARN only for advanced-level nurses?

ARN addresses the needs of professional rehabilitation nurses in all roles and settings. While there are advanced practice nurses in ARN, there are also large numbers of staff nurses, case managers, and nurses at all levels of experience. Special interest groups and a variety of publications provide access to information and networking in a wide range of subspecialties.

What kinds of benefits do I receive as an ARN member?

• a subscription to Rehabilitation Nursing, ARN's award-winning journal
• the ARN Network, a newsletter that informs members of the latest professional and organizational news
• the opportunity to join up to two special interest groups to communicate with nurses who share your interests and challenges
• an online membership directory which serves as an outstanding networking resource
• substantial member discounts on educational programs, continuing education credit and resources

What's the difference between a voting, nonvoting and corporate membership?

A voting membership is available to registered nurses concerned with or involved in the practice of rehabilitation nursing. Voting members can vote and hold office. Voting members pay annual dues of $115.

A nonvoting membership is available to licensed practical and vocational nurses and members of healthcare disciplines other than rehabilitation nursing and to other interested individuals. Nonvoting members cannot vote or hold office. Nonvoting members pay annual dues of $115.

Corporate and facility memberships are special nonvoting memberships open to companies and facilities that support the goals and mission of ARN. These members receive preferential exhibit booth placement and special recognition at the ARN conference. They are also listed in ARN's membership directory, Rehabilitation Nursing, ARN Network, and on the ARN Web site, and they receive a member plaque. Membership is extended to a single organizational designee who receives one full registration for the ARN conference, subscriptions to Rehabilitation Nursing and ARN Network, and reduced fees on ARN mailing labels, programs, and products. Corporate and facility members pay annual dues of $2500.

How do I join a chapter of ARN?

Joining your local chapter is very simple. Just click here to find the chapter nearest you. Then, complete the print membership application indicating which chapter you are joining and the appropriate dues amount, or join online. Please note that you must be a member of the national organization to be eligible for chapter membership.

Does ARN offer a certification program?

Through the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board, ARN offers the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) credential. Today, there are more than 10,000 CRRNs.

What kinds of educational programs does ARN offer?

ARN provides a wide range of educational opportunities. The annual educational conference is the perfect combination of learning and networking. The Professional Rehabilitation Nursing Course provides an ideal overview of rehabilitation concepts and an excellent review for the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) examination. The Advanced Practice Course covers advanced rehabilitation topics. ARN also has resources available for independent study.

What can I find in the Members Only section?

The Members Only section features access to

• the online membership directory, allowing you to locate other ARN members by name, state, ZIP code, clinical practice interest, or job title. You can also make changes to your own listing.
• current and past issues of the ARN Network and health policy digest, a great way to catch up on association news and health policy, legislative, and regulatory developments
• a career center, to help you achieve your career goals

I am a member of ARN. How can I access the Members Only area?

If you have never logged in to the Members Only section, you will need to create a login ID and password by clicking here. Once you complete the three steps, and have established an ID and password, you will be able to login to gain access to the Members Only section.

Your ID and password is your unique identification. The login is a security measure to prevent nonmembers from gaining access to this restricted area of the Web site. Each time you visit the ARN website, you will be required to login to access the Members Only section. The login data is verified against the ARN database to ensure that you are a member.

How can I change my login password?

If you have already created a new ID and password, you will need to contact ARN Member Services at (800)229-7530 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make any changes.