Top 11 Clinical Nurse Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a clinical nurse manager’s job market success. They can demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage a clinical environment. Certifications provide evidence of competency, which is essential in a competitive job market. They also show potential employers that the candidate is dedicated to professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications may make an individual more attractive to certain employers, as they often require or prefer candidates with specific qualifications and certifications.

This article reviews the top certifications for Clinical Nurse Managers and explains how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Clinical Nurse Manager Certifications?

Clinical Nurse Manager Certification is a credential that recognizes the professional competencies of individuals who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in the management of clinical practice. The certification is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The Clinical Nurse Manager Certification provides a framework for demonstrating leadership in managing clinical operations, developing systems to ensure quality care, and improving patient outcomes. It also serves to promote professional growth and development for those who have achieved this level of expertise. The certification helps to validate nurses’ education, skills, and experience in providing quality care.

The Clinical Nurse Manager Certification requires successful completion of an accredited program or equivalent experience, as well as passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as safety and risk management, financial management, personnel management, regulatory compliance, communication and collaboration skills, leadership and decision-making skills, organizational change strategies, and quality improvement initiatives.

By obtaining the Clinical Nurse Manager Certification, nurses can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in patient care while advancing their career opportunities within health care organizations. It also serves to set them apart from other nurses in their field by providing evidence of their abilities in managing complex clinical operations. This credential can help nurses secure higher positions within healthcare organizations—as well as increased salaries—and can open up new job opportunities outside of nursing.

Pro Tip: Clinical Nurse Manager Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of clinical practice. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest changes in healthcare regulations, attend relevant conferences and workshops, and continually expand your knowledge base to increase your chances of passing the certification exam.

Related: What does a Clinical Nurse Manager do?

Top 11 Clinical Nurse Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Nurse Managers today.

1. Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) is an advanced certification for nurses who have experience in management and leadership roles. It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a level of excellence in these areas and to provide them with the recognition they deserve. The CNML certification is offered through the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

To become certified, a nurse must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of experience as a nurse manager or leader, completing an approved course in nursing leadership, and passing an examination. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as healthcare policy, finance, organizational behavior, quality improvement, human resources management, and communication.

It typically takes about two years to complete all the requirements for CNML certification. Nurses can prepare for the exam by taking courses or studying on their own. They can also take practice tests online to help them prepare.

The cost of obtaining the CNML certification varies depending on how long it takes to complete all the requirements. In general, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 for all the necessary materials and fees associated with becoming certified. This includes registration fees for both the coursework and exam as well as any additional materials needed for studying.

2. American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Certification

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Certification is a professional certification program for nurse executives. It provides recognition to those who demonstrate excellence in the field of nursing administration and management. The certification is available to registered nurses with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing, at least three years of progressive experience in healthcare administration, and completion of an approved AONE certification program.

To become certified, applicants must pass an examination which covers topics such as leadership and management, financial management, strategic planning, legal and ethical issues, quality improvement, and human resources management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the AONE Certification Exam. Preparation involves completing an approved educational program or taking courses that cover the topics on the exam. Additionally, applicants should review study materials provided by AONE or other organizations that offer test preparation services.

The cost for the AONE Certification Exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AONE. For non-members, the fee is $395; for members it is $295. In addition to the exam fee there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials.

3. Certified Nursing Administration (CNA-BC)

Certified Nursing Administration (CNA-BC) is a credential that recognizes registered nurses who have achieved advanced competencies in nursing administration. This certification is offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having a valid RN license, two years of full-time clinical experience as an RN, and completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education in nursing administration within the last three years.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as leadership and management, organizational systems, financial management, quality improvement, legal and ethical issues, and human resources management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CNA-BC exam is $395 for ANCC members and $495 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for the exam or renewing your certification every five years.

4. Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)

Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) is a certification program that recognizes the expertise of nurse executives who have achieved a high level of professional excellence. The CENP credential is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery in the areas of leadership, management, and practice. The CENP certification is offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

It typically takes about three years to complete the requirements for CENP certification. To be eligible for the CENP credential, nurses must have at least five years of executive-level nursing experience, hold a current and unrestricted RN license, and have completed an approved graduate degree program in nursing or related field. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by AONE.

The cost to apply for the CENP credential varies depending on whether you are an AONE member or non-member. For members, it costs $395; for non-members it costs $595. This fee covers the application fee and exam fee.

5. Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL)

Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL) is a certification that recognizes nurses who have the knowledge and skills to provide leadership in clinical practice settings. The CCNL certification is offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced levels of clinical expertise and leadership.

It typically takes about one year to complete the requirements for the CCNL certification. To become certified, nurses must first meet certain educational and professional requirements, including a current RN license, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program, and at least two years of full-time experience as an RN. Nurses must also complete an AACN-approved course on Clinical Nurse Leadership or pass the AACN Certification Examination for Clinical Nurse Leaders.

The cost for the CCNL certification varies depending on how many exams and courses are required to obtain it. The cost for taking the exam alone is $395, while taking both the exam and course can cost up to $1,000 or more. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining continuing education credits or renewing your certification every five years.

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certification

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certification is a certification that recognizes nurses who have achieved an advanced level of education and clinical practice. It is a voluntary certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification demonstrates that the nurse has met the highest standards for advanced practice nursing and is qualified to provide care in their specialty area.

In order to receive APRN Certification, nurses must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having an active RN license, completing an accredited graduate-level program in a specialty area such as family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and passing a national board exam. Depending on the specialty area chosen, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete all of these requirements.

Once eligible, nurses can apply for APRN Certification through the ANCC website. The cost of certification varies depending on the specialty area chosen but typically ranges from $350-$500 USD. Once certified, nurses must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years and renewing their certification every five years.

7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare quality. The CPHQ certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CPHQ certification. To become certified, you must have at least three years of experience in healthcare quality management or related fields, as well as passing an exam.

The cost of the CPHQ certification varies depending on your membership status with NAHQ. For non-members, it costs $495 to register for the exam; for members, it costs $395. Additionally, there are fees associated with recertification every five years.

8. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) is a professional certification program developed by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in managing healthcare risks and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The CPHRM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience as a healthcare risk manager, or equivalent part-time experience. Applicants must also complete an approved course in healthcare risk management and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as legal and regulatory issues, patient safety, quality improvement, claims management, and risk financing.

To get the CPHRM certification, you must first submit an application to ASHRM. Once your application is approved, you will be required to pay the registration fee and then register for the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your CPHRM certificate from ASHRM.

The cost of obtaining the CPHRM certification varies depending on how quickly you want to obtain it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD depending on which courses and materials you choose to purchase.

9. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Executive Advanced Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Nursing Executive Advanced Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes nurses who have achieved advanced practice in nursing leadership and management. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurses who have taken on leadership roles in nursing, such as nurse executives, directors of nursing services, and nurse managers. The certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in a nursing leadership role and successful completion of the ANCC's Nursing Executive Advanced Certification Exam.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. To qualify for the certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including: having an active RN license; having at least three years of full-time experience in a nursing leadership role; completing an approved course or program related to healthcare administration; and passing the ANCC Nursing Executive Advanced Certification Exam.

To apply for the certification, applicants must submit an application form with all required documentation including transcripts from any completed courses or programs related to healthcare administration, letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors in the field of nursing executive practice, and proof of current RN licensure. Once the application is received by ANCC it will be reviewed for eligibility and if accepted into the program applicants will be notified via email with instructions on how to register for the examination.

The cost for this certification varies depending on whether you are an ANCC member or non-member and if you are taking advantage of any discounts offered by your employer or school. For non-members, the fee is $395 USD while members pay $295 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with applying for this certification such as late fees or re-examination fees if applicable.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and operations by reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes about four to six weeks to complete. The program consists of two parts: classroom training and project work. During the classroom training portion, participants learn the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma and how to apply it within their organization. The project work portion requires participants to apply what they have learned in the classroom by completing a real-world project that applies the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

In order to obtain a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must first complete an accredited course or program from an approved provider. After completing the coursework, individuals must also pass an exam administered by either ASQ or IASSC in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000-$3,000 USD for online programs and $2,500-$5,000 USD for in-person courses.

11. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized professional certification for project management professionals. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and directing projects.

The PMP certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass a 200-question exam, and agree to adhere to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

To get started on the path towards obtaining a PMP certification, individuals must first create an account with PMI. They should then review the eligibility criteria for the certification and make sure they meet all of the requirements before submitting their application. Once approved, applicants can begin studying for the exam using resources such as textbooks, online courses, or study groups. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from PMI.

The cost of obtaining a PMP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 for the application fee plus $405 for the exam fee - totaling $960 USD. For existing members of PMI, it costs $405 for the application fee plus $375 for the exam fee - totaling $780 USD.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Nurse Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a clinical nurse manager certificate in order to be a successful nurse manager. However, having a clinical nurse manager certificate can help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge in the job market. It can also demonstrate your commitment to patient care and show potential employers that you are serious about your career.

A clinical nurse manager certificate is usually obtained through a course or program offered by nursing schools or professional organizations. These courses typically include topics such as leadership and management skills, communication strategies, budgeting and financial management, and quality improvement initiatives. They may also provide instruction on legal issues related to healthcare administration. Additionally, some programs include hands-on training with real-life scenarios in order to help nurses develop their practical skills.

Having a clinical nurse manager certificate can provide nurses with additional knowledge and skills that may be beneficial when applying for jobs in the field of nursing management. This certification can demonstrate that you have taken the time to further your education and stay up-to-date on best practices related to healthcare administration. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to providing high quality care to patients.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a clinical nurse manager certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. It is important to consider if the extra time and effort required for obtaining the certification will be beneficial for your future career path as a nurse manager.

Related: Clinical Nurse Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Nurse Manager Certifications

1. What is a Clinical Nurse Manager Certification?

Answer: A Clinical Nurse Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in clinical nursing management. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to lead and manage the delivery of healthcare services within a clinical setting.

2. Who is eligible for the Clinical Nurse Manager Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for the certification, individuals must have current licensure as a registered nurse (RN), hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or related field, and have at least two years of full-time experience as a nurse manager or equivalent role in an acute care setting.

3. How do I become certified as a Clinical Nurse Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Clinical Nurse Manager, you will need to complete an application through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or another certifying organization approved by AACN, meet eligibility requirements, and pass the certification examination.

4. Is there any continuing education required to maintain my certification?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required to maintain your certification. You must complete 40 hours of continuing education every four years in order to renew your certification with AACN or other certifying organizations approved by AACN.

5. How much does it cost to obtain my Clinical Nurse Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost for obtaining your Clinical Nurse Manager Certification varies depending on which certifying organization you choose, but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD for registration fees and exam fees combined.