Top 11 Nurse Case Manager Certifications

Certifications for nurse case managers demonstrate a commitment to the profession and an understanding of the specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise required to be successful. Having certifications can give you an edge in the job market because it shows employers that you have a strong foundation of professional knowledge and have met specific standards within the field. Certifications also make you more competitive when applying for positions, as they are evidence of your dedication to continuing education and staying up-to-date with advances in patient care practices. Additionally, certifications can help you stand out from other applicants and may even open up new career opportunities that weren’t available before.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Nurse Case Managers and explains how they can help advance a nurse case manager's career.

What are Nurse Case Manager Certifications?

Nurse case manager certification is an advanced level of nursing which focuses on the coordination of care for patients with complex medical needs. A nurse case manager is a registered nurse (RN) who works in collaboration with other health care professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible outcomes from their health care services. Nurse case managers are responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating patient care to ensure that it meets the standards of quality and safety. They often serve as advocates for their patients, helping them navigate through the health care system and access resources they need to improve their health outcomes.

Nurse case manager certification can help nurses advance in their careers by demonstrating their expertise in this specialized field. It also provides recognition of their skills and knowledge in managing complex cases, which can increase job opportunities within hospitals and other healthcare settings. In addition, certification can open up access to additional training courses and continuing education programs to further enhance a nurse's professional development. Finally, certification may lead to increased salary potential due to the advanced level of knowledge needed for the role.

Pro Tip: When considering nurse case manager certification, make sure to research the various certifying bodies and their requirements. Different organizations may have different standards for certification and you want to ensure that the program you choose is a good fit for your needs. Additionally, look into continuing education credits offered by the certifying body in order to maintain your certification over time.

Related: What does a Nurse Case Manager do?

Top 11 Nurse Case Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification for case managers that demonstrates expertise in the field. It is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) and is recognized as the gold standard in case management credentials.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in case management and completing a CCMC-approved training program. Once these requirements are met, an individual can take the CCM exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on when you register, but typically costs around $300-$400 USD. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or becoming a member of CCMC.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their Certified Case Manager credential from CCMC and will need to maintain it through continuing education credits every five years.

2. Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)

A Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) is a nursing professional who specializes in providing care to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other physical or cognitive impairments. The CRRN credential is awarded by the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB), which is an independent organization that sets standards for rehabilitation nurses. To be eligible to become certified as a CRRN, an individual must have a valid RN license and at least two years of full-time practice experience in the specialty area of rehabilitation nursing within the last five years.

To obtain the CRRN credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of rehabilitation nursing. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether or not you are an RNCB member, but typically ranges from $225-$400. Once you have passed the exam, your certification will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who specializes in the management of disability claims and the provision of disability-related services. CDMSs are trained to help employers and insurers manage their disability programs, including return-to-work strategies and other cost containment measures. They also provide support to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the social security system, access benefits, and secure employment.

To become a CDMS, an individual must first complete a minimum of 120 hours of coursework related to disability management. This includes topics such as workers' compensation laws, medical case management, vocational rehabilitation, job analysis, ergonomics, and more. After completing the coursework requirement, an individual must pass an exam administered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering all aspects of disability management.

The cost to become a CDMS varies depending on where you take your courses and how you choose to study for the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500-$3,000 USD for both the coursework and exam fees combined.

In addition to passing the CCMC exam, individuals must also meet certain experience requirements before they can be certified as a CDMS. These requirements vary depending on whether or not an individual holds another certification in case management or another related field; however generally speaking most individuals will need at least two years of experience in disability management before they can be certified as a CDMS.

4. American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN)

The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) is a professional organization that provides certification and credentialing services to occupational health nurses. This certification is designed to recognize the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities of these nurses. The ABOHN provides a comprehensive program for occupational health nurses to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

In order to become certified by the ABOHN, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have an active nursing license in their state of residence and must have at least two years of full-time practice as an occupational health nurse. In addition, applicants must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education related to occupational health nursing within the past five years.

Once all requirements are met, applicants can submit an application for certification with the ABOHN. The application fee is $200 USD and includes a background check and verification process. After submitting the application, it typically takes 6-8 weeks for processing before results are available. Once approved, applicants will receive their certificate from the ABOHN which is valid for five years.

At the end of five years, recertification is required in order to maintain certification status with the ABOHN. To do this, applicants must provide proof of continued education credits related to occupational health nursing as well as evidence of current licensure status and practice experience in the field. The recertification fee is $150 USD and once approved, recertification is valid for another five years.

5. Certified Utilization Review Nurse (CURN)

A Certified Utilization Review Nurse (CURN) is a health care professional who is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the appropriateness of medical services and treatments provided to patients. They are also responsible for ensuring that these services and treatments are being provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

It typically takes about two years to become a CURN, depending on the program chosen. A bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field is usually required to qualify for most programs. After completing an accredited program, individuals must pass the certification exam administered by the American Association of Nurse Reviewers (AANR).

In order to get certified as a CURN, individuals must first complete an accredited training program in utilization review. This can be done through universities, colleges, or specialized schools that offer courses in utilization review. After completing the coursework, individuals must then pass the certification exam administered by the AANR.

The cost of becoming a CURN varies depending on where you take your classes and what type of program you choose. Generally speaking, it will cost around $2,000-$3,000 for tuition and fees associated with taking classes and preparing for the certification exam.

6. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

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

The CPHQ certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, health care data analysis, and risk management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPHQ exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in healthcare quality or related field. They must also have completed at least 45 hours of continuing education in healthcare quality within the last five years.

The cost of taking the CPHQ exam is $395 for NAHQ members and $495 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CPHQ certificate and can use the designation on your resume and business cards. You will also receive access to exclusive networking opportunities with other certified professionals in healthcare quality.

7. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is a non-profit organization that provides certification and credentialing services to nurses in the United States. ANCC offers credentials in various nursing specialties, such as adult health, gerontology, oncology, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health. The ANCC also offers specialty certifications in areas such as case management, informatics, nurse executive, and public health.

Getting an ANCC certification usually takes about three months from the time of application to the time of approval. To get an ANCC certification, you must have a current RN license and meet other eligibility requirements specific to the specialty for which you are applying. You will need to complete an application form and provide documentation of your experience and education. After submitting your application materials, you will be required to take an exam that tests your knowledge of the specialty area for which you are applying.

The cost of getting an ANCC certification varies depending on the type of credential you are seeking. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD depending on the specialty area.

8. Advanced Practice Case Management Certification (APCM-C)

Advanced Practice Case Management Certification (APCM-C) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise of experienced case managers in delivering quality care to their clients. The program is offered by the American Board of Case Management (ABCM).

The APCM-C certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination and review process. The examination covers topics such as case management principles, legal and ethical issues, communication skills, and assessment techniques. It also includes an online component that tests knowledge in areas such as healthcare regulations, reimbursement systems, and quality improvement strategies.

In order to be eligible for the APCM-C certification, applicants must have at least four years of experience in case management or a related field. Applicants must also complete an approved course in case management prior to taking the exam.

The APCM-C certification process typically takes two to three months from start to finish. After submitting an application and passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining the APCM-C certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$800 for all associated fees including registration, study materials, and testing fees.

9. National Association of Case Management (NACM)

The National Association of Case Management (NACM) is a professional organization that provides support and resources to case managers in the United States. The NACM was founded in 1989 and is dedicated to advocating for case managers, providing educational opportunities, and promoting professional development.

Membership in the NACM is open to any individual or organization involved in case management. It typically takes two weeks to receive membership after submitting an application. To become a member of the NACM, you must fill out an online application form and pay the annual membership fee. The cost of membership varies depending on whether you are joining as an individual or an organization. For individuals, the cost is $75 per year; for organizations, it is $150 per year.

The NACM also offers certifications for professionals who have completed additional training and experience in case management. These certifications include Certified Case Manager (CCM), Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA), and Certified Professional Utilization Reviewer (CPRU). To obtain these certifications, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a certain number of years of experience in the field, completing approved continuing education courses, passing an exam, and paying a certification fee.

10. American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Program (AACN-CP)

The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Program (AACN-CP) is a certification program designed to recognize the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurses who provide care in ambulatory settings. This certification program is offered by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AACN), which is an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of ambulatory care nursing.

To become certified as an AACN-CP, nurses must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive written examination. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of two years of full-time experience in ambulatory care nursing within the past five years and holding a current RN license in the United States or Canada.

The AACN-CP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, health promotion, disease prevention, pharmacology, clinical decision making, and professional practice issues. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost to take the AACN-CP exam is $395 for AACN members and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, nurses will receive their AACN-CP certification from AACN and must renew it every three years by completing continuing education activities related to ambulatory care nursing.

11. American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians Certification Program (ABQAURP-CP).

The American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians Certification Program (ABQAURP-CP) is a certification program that recognizes physicians who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of quality assurance and utilization review. The program is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality of patient care.

The ABQAURP-CP requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as managed care, utilization review, quality improvement, performance measurement, patient safety, health information technology, and legal/regulatory issues. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the ABQAURP-CP certification program, applicants must have a valid medical license in their state or country of practice. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in either quality assurance or utilization review within the past five years.

The cost of the ABQAURP-CP certification program varies depending on the applicant’s country of practice. In the United States, it costs $1,200 for members of ABQAURP ($1,500 for nonmembers). In Canada, it costs $1,600 for members ($2,000 for nonmembers).

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, they will receive their official ABQAURP-CP certificate within 8 weeks after passing the exam.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Case Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of nurse case manager you want to be. If you plan to work in a hospital setting, then it is likely that you will need a nurse case manager certificate. A certificate program can provide the skills and knowledge necessary for successful case management in a healthcare setting. It can also help you develop the interpersonal and organizational skills needed to effectively manage patient care.

However, if you are interested in working as an independent consultant or contractor, then a nurse case manager certificate may not be necessary. In many cases, employers are more concerned with your experience and qualifications than they are with any formal certification or training program. That said, some employers may require certification or prefer applicants who have completed such programs.

Ultimately, it is important to consider both your goals and the requirements of potential employers when deciding whether or not to pursue a nurse case manager certificate. If you feel that certification will give you an advantage over other candidates in the job market then it could be worth investing in this type of program. However if your current qualifications are sufficient for the position, then it might not be necessary for you to pursue a certificate at this time.

Related: Nurse Case Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Case Manager Certifications

1. What is a Nurse Case Manager Certification?

Answer: A Nurse Case Manager certification is an advanced credential that enables nurses to provide specialized care in the field of case management. This certification allows nurses to assess, plan, implement, coordinate, monitor and evaluate services for individual patients or families.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Nurse Case Manager Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for the Nurse Case Manager certification, applicants must hold a current registered nurse license and have at least two years of experience in providing direct patient care or case management services. In addition, they must complete continuing education credits related to case management and pass the applicable certification examination.

3. How long does it take to earn a Nurse Case Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Nurse Case Manager certification varies depending on experience level, educational background and individual study habits. Generally speaking, it can take up to six months or longer to earn this credential.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Nurse Case Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Nurse Case Manager certification demonstrates your commitment to providing quality patient care and ensures that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage complex cases involving multiple providers and health systems. It can also lead to increased job opportunities and higher earning potentials in the field of nursing case management.

5. Where can I find information about taking an exam for my Nurse Case Management Certification?

Answer: You can find information about taking an exam for your Nurse Case Management Certification by visiting the website of one of the organizations that offer this type of credentialing, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Additionally, you may contact your local board of nursing for more specific details regarding exam preparation materials and testing locations near you.