Top 11 Medical Case Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for medical case managers in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that a potential employee is knowledgeable about the processes and procedures associated with medical case management. Additionally, certifications can help medical case managers stand out from other applicants, as they show a commitment to continuing education and professional development. Finally, certifications can serve as evidence of an individual’s qualifications when applying for a position or promotion.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the top certifications for Medical Case Managers and to explain how these certifications can help advance a medical case manager's career.

What are Medical Case Manager Certifications?

Medical case manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a healthcare professional’s expertise in the management of medical cases. It can be obtained through an accredited program which typically requires the completion of a combination of coursework, clinical experience, and examinations. This certification can help individuals advance their careers by demonstrating their knowledge and experience in the field. Having this credential may also lead to greater job opportunities and higher wages.

Medical case managers are responsible for providing patients with quality care while helping them manage their medical costs. They provide patient-centered care plans that ensure appropriate treatment for each individual's needs. The certification demonstrates a professional level of knowledge and experience in this area, thus making it easier for employers to trust the individual with these important responsibilities. Additionally, the certification shows employers that the individual has met certain standards set forth by an accrediting body, further demonstrating their commitment to excellence in patient care.

In short, obtaining medical case manager certification provides individuals with numerous benefits such as potential career advancement, increased job opportunities and higher wages. It also shows employers that they have achieved a certain level of proficiency in managing medical cases and are committed to providing quality care for their patients.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various certifications available for medical case managers and understand the requirements for each. Some certifications require continuing education and/or professional experience, so it is important to make sure you have met all requirements before applying for a certification.

Related: What does a Medical Case Manager do?

Top 11 Medical Case Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Case Managers today.

1. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of case managers in providing quality services to clients. It is administered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). The CCM credential is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in case management, which includes planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating services for individuals and families.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the process of becoming certified as a CCM. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a current license or certification in their field, having at least two years of full-time experience in case management within the last five years, and passing the CCM exam.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $395 - $495 USD. There are also additional fees associated with maintaining your certification such as annual renewal fees and continuing education requirements.

2. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional certification offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). It is designed to recognize qualified rehabilitation counselors who have met specific educational, experience, and examination requirements.

To become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, individuals must first meet the educational and experience requirements set forth by the CRCC. These include earning a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field from an accredited university, completing at least two years of supervised clinical practice in the field of rehabilitation counseling, and passing an exam administered by the CRCC.

The exam for certification as a CRC consists of two parts: the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) and the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRCE). The NCE is designed to assess general knowledge of counseling theory, techniques, ethics, and other areas related to professional practice. The CRCE is specifically designed to assess knowledge related to rehabilitation counseling.

Once all requirements are met, individuals can apply for certification through the CRCC website. The cost of applying for certification varies depending on whether or not an individual has already taken either part of the exam. It typically costs between $200-300 USD to apply for certification. Once approved by the CRCC board, individuals will receive their official CRC certificate within 4-6 weeks.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of healthcare quality. The CPHQ credential is awarded by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), and is recognized as a mark of excellence among healthcare professionals.

The CPHQ certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a professional portfolio review. The online exam covers topics such as patient safety, risk management, quality improvement, data analysis, and performance measurement. The professional portfolio review requires applicants to submit evidence of their professional accomplishments in the field of healthcare quality.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the CPHQ certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with NAHQ and pay the application fee ($395 for members; $495 for non-members). After registering, applicants will receive access to study materials and practice exams to help them prepare for the online exam. Once they pass the exam, they can then submit their portfolio for review by NAHQ's Certification Committee. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, applicants will be awarded their CPHQ credential.

The total cost of obtaining a CPHQ credential ranges from $395-$495 depending on whether or not you are an NAHQ member.

4. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities manage their medical and vocational needs. CDMSs are trained to assess, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate disability management programs. They also provide direct services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their independence and quality of life.

To become certified as a CDMS, one must complete the Certification Board for Disability Management Specialists (CBDMS) examination. This exam consists of two parts: an online knowledge-based assessment and a practical skills assessment. The knowledge-based assessment covers topics such as disability management principles, laws and regulations related to disability management, case management strategies, and ethical considerations. The practical skills assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-life scenarios.

The cost of taking the CBDMS certification exam varies depending on the applicant’s location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $300-$400 USD for the entire process including both parts of the exam. The exam can be taken at any approved testing center throughout the United States or Canada.

In addition to passing the CBDMS certification exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements in order to become certified as a CDMS. These requirements vary from state to state but typically include completion of an accredited degree program in health or human services related field such as social work or psychology; completion of at least three years of full-time experience working with individuals with disabilities; and completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education related to disability management within the past five years prior to application submission.

Once all requirements have been met and the applicant has passed both parts of the CBDMS certification exam, they will receive their official CDMS certification from CBDMS which is valid for five years before needing renewal.

5. American Board of Case Management (ABCM)

The American Board of Case Management (ABCM) is a professional organization that provides certification for case managers. The ABCM was established in 1994 and its mission is to promote excellence in the practice of case management through the certification of qualified professionals.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having a bachelor's degree or higher in nursing, social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or a related field; at least two years of full-time experience as a case manager; and current licensure or registration as applicable.

The ABCM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as case management principles, health care systems and services, legal and ethical issues, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, service delivery models, and outcomes measurement. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the ABCM certification exam is $395 for members of the ABCM and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

6. American Association of Nurse Case Managers (AANCM)

The American Association of Nurse Case Managers (AANCM) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of case management practice. The AANCM provides its members with educational opportunities, networking and career advancement resources, and advocacy for the profession.

To become a member of AANCM, you must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of experience in case management or related fields. You must also have completed a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in the past two years. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for membership online or by mail.

Membership in AANCM costs $125 per year and includes access to exclusive resources such as webinars, podcasts, conferences, and discounts on products and services. It also offers members the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and stay up-to-date on current trends in case management practice.

Overall, becoming a member of AANCM is an excellent way to advance your career as a nurse case manager while staying connected with like-minded professionals in the field.

7. Certified Utilization Review Nurse (CURN)

A Certified Utilization Review Nurse (CURN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in reviewing and evaluating the utilization of medical services to ensure that they are cost-effective, medically necessary, and appropriate for the patient's condition. CURNs are responsible for ensuring that health care providers are using the most appropriate treatments and services for their patients. They also help to reduce unnecessary costs associated with overutilization of services.

It typically takes about one year to become a Certified Utilization Review Nurse (CURN). To become certified, individuals must have an active nursing license in their state and complete an accredited CURN program. After completing the program, individuals must pass the certification exam administered by either the American Academy of Professional Coders or the National Association of Healthcare Quality.

The cost of becoming a Certified Utilization Review Nurse (CURN) varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, programs range from $500-$1500 depending on length and type of coursework. In addition to tuition costs, individuals may also need to pay for textbooks and other materials related to their studies.

Once certified, CURNs can expect to earn a median salary of $70,000 per year according to PayScale.com.

8. Certified Care Manager (CCM-RN or CCM-LPN/LVN)

Certified Care Manager (CCM-RN or CCM-LPN/LVN) is a professional certification that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses in the field of care management. The certification is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the quality of health care through case management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a valid nursing license and at least two years of full-time experience in case management or a related field. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as care coordination, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and advocacy.

The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are taking it for the first time or renewing your certification. For first time test takers, the fee is $395 USD; for renewal candidates it is $295 USD. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

9. Certified Social Worker Case Manager (C-SWCM)

Certified Social Worker Case Manager (C-SWCM) is a credential that recognizes social workers who have achieved a higher level of expertise in the field of case management. It is awarded by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and requires applicants to meet specific criteria and pass an examination.

To become certified, applicants must first complete a master’s degree in social work from an accredited university or college and have at least two years of post-master’s supervised experience in case management. After meeting these requirements, applicants can then apply for the C-SWCM credential by submitting an application to NASW.

The application process typically takes about six weeks to complete. Applicants must submit their official transcripts, proof of supervised experience, and other documentation as required by NASW. Once all materials are received, NASW will review the application and determine if the applicant meets the criteria for certification. If approved, the applicant will be notified via email and can then register for the C-SWCM exam.

The cost to take the C-SWCM exam is $250 for non-members of NASW and $200 for members. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and lasts four hours. Applicants must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam and receive their certification.

10. Accredited Case Manager (ACM)

Accredited Case Manager (ACM) is a professional certification offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is a voluntary credential that recognizes case managers who have met the highest standards in their field.

The ACM credential requires individuals to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, two years of full-time case management experience, and successful completion of the CCMC’s exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as case management principles and practices, health care delivery systems, ethics, legal issues, and communication skills.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the ACM exam. To get started, you must first register with the CCMC and pay an application fee of $50. Once your registration is approved, you will receive access to study materials and resources to help you prepare for the exam. You can also take advantage of online practice exams and other study aids offered by the CCMC.

When you are ready to take the exam, you must pay an additional fee of $395 to sit for it. After successfully passing the exam, you will be awarded your ACM credential and can begin using it in your professional life.

The cost for obtaining an Accredited Case Manager (ACM) certification is $445 ($50 application fee + $395 examination fee).

11. Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA).

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize medical auditors who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in medical auditing. The CPMA credential is an important asset for any medical auditor, as it demonstrates their commitment to excellence and expertise in the field.

The CPMA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as coding compliance, documentation requirements, audit principles, and reimbursement policies. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a medical auditor or equivalent experience in healthcare compliance or auditing.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the CPMA program and pass the exam. During this time, candidates must complete an online course with AAPC and attend a one-day review session prior to taking the exam. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend a live review session; however, it typically costs between $1,000-$1,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Medical Case Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and their current level of training. For those who are already employed in a medical case management position, they may not need to obtain a certificate in order to continue working in their current role. However, if they are looking to advance their careers or transition into a new role, then obtaining a Medical Case Manager Certificate can be beneficial.

A Medical Case Manager Certificate will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage cases in the health care industry. This certificate will demonstrate that you have a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology, HIPAA regulations, patient privacy laws, and other relevant topics. Additionally, it will show that you have the ability to analyze patient records and develop effective plans for managing medical cases.

In addition to gaining specialized knowledge and skills related to medical case management, obtaining a Medical Case Manager Certificate can also help boost your resume when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers often look for candidates with specialized education or certifications that demonstrate their commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends.

In summary, whether or not you decide to pursue a Medical Case Manager Certificate depends on your career goals and current level of training. With this certification, you can gain specialized knowledge and skills related to medical case management as well as an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions.

Related: Medical Case Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Case Manager Certifications

1. What certifications are available for medical case managers?

Answer: The most common certification for medical case managers is the Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Other certifications include the American Board of Case Management (ABCM) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

2. How do I become a certified medical case manager?

Answer: To become a certified medical case manager, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by either CCMC, ABCM, or NASW. Requirements vary depending on which certification you pursue, but typically involve having several years of experience in the field and completing continuing education credits.

3. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on which agency you choose to certify with and whether or not you are eligible for discounts or scholarships. Generally speaking, CCMC's fees range from $300-$400 for new applicants and $200-$300 for renewals; ABCM's fees range from $150-200; and NASW's fees range from $50-$100.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Most certifications must be renewed every three years in order to remain valid. Renewal typically requires completion of continuing education credits and payment of applicable fees.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified medical case manager?

Answer: Yes, all certifying agencies have specific eligibility requirements that must be met before taking the certification exam. These typically include having a certain number of hours of work experience as well as completion of continuing education credits in order to qualify to sit for the exam.