Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN)

About the CBN Credential

The Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) credential and designation signifies a nurse’s expertise in delivering high-quality care to metabolic and bariatric surgery patients. Awarded by the CBN Accreditation Council, this certification demonstrates advanced skills and specialized knowledge in bariatric nursing.

To earn the CBN credential, candidates must:

  • Be currently licensed as a Professional Nurse
  • Have two years of experience caring for bariatric patients
  • Pass the CBN examination
  • Complete eligibility information available in the 2024-2025 CBN Handbook 

The credential is valid for four years, with the option to recertify to maintain it.

Certification not only enhances individual nursing skills but also contributes to improved patient outcomes, as supported by a 2014 study linking RN specialty certification to better surgical results. Clinics and employers benefit from nurses with CBN credentials through enhanced patient care and reduced complications.

The CBN Program, developed by ASMBS, is dedicated to advancing the field of bariatric nursing and ensuring high standards in patient care.

Vision

Our vision is to provide the premier credential to professional nurses caring for patients affected by severe obesity, and the metabolic and bariatric surgical patient.

Mission

The mission of the CBN Accreditation Council and CBN Certification Committee of the ASMBS is to enhance and promote patient health and safety by validating competence and ensuring life-long learning in metabolic and bariatric surgery through credentialing. This certification program is based on a distinct and well-defined field of nursing practice. Metabolic and bariatric surgery nursing is a specialty and is national in scope.

CBN Quick Links

Verification Of Credentials

Verification of Credentials
Individuals or institutions may request written verification of a nurse’s CBN status and certification number. To make a request, please download and complete the verification form, then email the completed form to cbn@asmbs.org.

CBN Credential Verification Request Form

Show Off Your CBN Certification with a Pin

Proudly display your CBN credential with an official CBN pin. Wearing the pin is a great way to highlight your professional achievement, raise awareness of the CBN certification, and inspire others in your workplace to pursue excellence in metabolic and bariatric nursing. To request your CBN pin, click here to submit your request.

The Value of the CBN Credential

The Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) credential is a mark of excellence in metabolic and bariatric surgery, benefiting both nurses and employers. It demonstrates specialized knowledge, clinical competence, and a commitment to quality patient care.

For Nurses:

  • Recognition of expertise in bariatric care
  • Career advancement and professional growth
  • Proof of dedication to the field

For Employers:

  • Enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction
  • Support for facility accreditation (e.g., ANCC Magnet Recognition)
  • Reduced insurance premiums and turnover
  • Increased trust and credibility with patients
  • A competitive edge in the healthcare market

Hiring Certified Bariatric Nurses showcases a commitment to exceptional care and ensures that patients are treated by experts in the field.

CBN Certification, Accreditation & Magnet Recognition – FAQs

As the CBN Program actively pursues accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), we are committed to transparency and stakeholder communication. The following downloadable resources provide essential information about the certification, its connection to Magnet recognition, and the broader value of accreditation.

These documents explain the significance of the CBN credential, how accreditation supports nurses and employers, and why it matters in today’s healthcare environment.

Distinguished CBN Award Winners

2025 – Ruth Davis, MBA BSN RN CBN
2024 – Tracy Martinez, BSN RN FASMBS-IH CBN
2023 – Linda Neumann Potash, RN MN CBN
2022 – Kellie Armstrong, MSN RN FASMBS-IH CBN
2021 – Karen Schulz, MSN CNS CBN
2019 – Anna Hazinakis, RN BSN CBN
2018 – Cheryl Holsworth, MSA RN CBN
2017 – Alice Jackson, RN CBN
2016 – Sally Strange, PhD RN CBN

Request a Printed Certificate

If you would like to receive a replacement copy of your certificate by mail, please click here to submit your request. All submissions are verified to confirm eligibility.

Practice Analysis for Certified Bariatric Nurses (CBN)

In 2006, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) conducted a nationwide role delineation study to define the responsibilities and tasks essential to competent performance as a Bariatric Nurse. This foundational work established the basis for the Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) credential.

The study was updated in 2016 and most recently in 2022 to ensure continued alignment with current clinical practices and professional standards. The 2022 practice analysis serves as the current source for determining the content outline, scope, and complexity of the CBN examination.

The Practice Analysis Writing Group believes that transparency and access to this information is an invaluable resource for the nursing community. The report linked below has been peer-reviewed by ASMBS leadership and is now available for public access.

We invite you to review this document to deepen your understanding of the bariatric nursing specialty.

Download: Metabolic and Bariatric Nursing Practice Analysis: An Update

Practice Analysis Writing Group
Melissa G. Rowan, BSN, RN, CBN
Carmela Pontillo, MSN, RN, CBN
Thomas Trautman, MS, ICE-CCP
Veronica Cook Gardner, MSN, RN, CBN
Sue Dugan, BSN, RN, CBN (Ret.)
Teresa Fraker, FACHE, RN, CPHQ, CBN, FASMBS-IH
Linda Neumann-Potash, MN, RN, CBN
William Gourash, PhD, CRNP, RN, CBN, FASMBS-IH

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