Top 10 Nurse Liaison Certifications

Certifications are very important for nurse liaisons in the job market. Certified nurse liaisons have demonstrated their level of knowledge and expertise in the field, which is highly valued by employers. Additionally, certifications can open up career advancement opportunities and increase earning potential. They also give nurse liaisons a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions. Certifications can also help to demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development, as well as provide recognition for specialized skills and knowledge. Finally, certifications can help to build credibility with patients and other healthcare professionals, making it easier for nurse liaisons to build relationships with them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Nurse Liaisons and explain how they can help boost a nurse liaison's career.

What are Nurse Liaison Certifications?

Nurse liaison certification is a professional credential that helps to demonstrate a nurse’s expertise in the specialty area of nurse liaison work. Nurse liaisons are nurses who serve as intermediaries between healthcare providers, facilities, and patients. They provide information and support to both healthcare providers and patients while helping to facilitate communication between them.

Nurse liaison certification can help nurses stand out from the crowd by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in the field. It can also give them access to higher-level jobs or promotions within their current organization, allowing them to take on more responsibility and influence within their organization. In addition, it can provide nurses with an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, which could lead to better job prospects in the future. Finally, becoming certified may give nurses access to continuing education opportunities that will help them stay up-to-date on best practices and new developments in the field.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a nurse liaison, make sure to check with your state's licensing board to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. Additionally, consider taking a course or earning a certification to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Related: What does a Nurse Liaison do?

Top 10 Nurse Liaison Certifications

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

1. Certified Nurse Liaison (CNL)

A Certified Nurse Liaison (CNL) is a specialized nursing role that focuses on connecting patients and their families to healthcare providers and other resources. The CNL is responsible for developing relationships with healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, and other organizations to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become a CNL. This includes completing an accredited nursing program, gaining clinical experience in a hospital or clinic setting, and passing the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become a CNL, you must first complete an accredited nursing program. You can find accredited programs at local universities or online. After completing your degree program, you must gain clinical experience in a hospital or clinic setting. The amount of experience required varies by state but is usually between 500 and 1,000 hours. Once you have gained the required experience, you can take the ANCC certification exam which covers topics such as patient assessment, communication skills, health promotion and disease prevention, professional practice management and more.

The cost of becoming a CNL varies depending on the type of program you choose to attend and the number of certifications you pursue. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,500-$4,000 for tuition plus additional fees for books and materials.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a certification program offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in healthcare quality and performance improvement. The CPHQ credential demonstrates an individual's commitment to the field of healthcare quality, as well as their knowledge and skills in the areas of patient safety, quality management, data analysis, risk management, and other related topics.

To become certified as a CPHQ, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by NAHQ. Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of full-time professional experience in healthcare quality or performance improvement within the past five years; holding a current license or certification from an appropriate regulatory body; and completing at least 45 hours of continuing education related to healthcare quality or performance improvement within the past three years.

The CPHQ exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover various topics related to healthcare quality and performance improvement. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CPHQ exam varies depending on whether you are an NAHQ member or non-member. For NAHQ members, the fee is $300 USD; for non-members, the fee is $400 USD. In addition to this fee, applicants must also pay an application processing fee of $50 USD.

3. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of case managers in providing services to individuals, families, and groups. The CCM credential is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards of excellence for case managers.

In order to become certified as a CCM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in case management within the last five years; or two years of full-time experience in case management plus 30 hours of continuing education credits related to case management within the last five years. Applicants also need to have either a bachelor's degree or an associate degree with at least one year of additional full-time experience in case management within the last five years.

The CCM exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost to take the exam is $395 USD for members of CCMC and $495 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, candidates must renew their certification every five years by completing 45 continuing education credits related to case management.

4. Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) is a credential awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in medical auditing. The CPMA credential is aimed at professionals who are responsible for reviewing medical records and claims for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The CPMA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and have at least two years of professional experience in medical auditing or coding.

The cost of the exam is $399 for AAPC members and $499 for non-members. The cost includes a one-year membership to the AAPC if you are not already a member.

To obtain the CPMA credential, applicants must pass the CPMA exam with a score of at least 70%. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certification within 8-10 weeks.

5. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) is a professional who has met the standards for certification as set by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The CCRC designation is the highest level of certification available to clinical research coordinators and signifies that the individual has demonstrated knowledge, experience, and commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of clinical research.

The CCRC credential requires a minimum of two years of full-time clinical research experience, with at least one year in a clinical research coordinator role. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by ACRP.

To obtain the CCRC credential, candidates must submit an application to ACRP along with proof of their work experience and educational credentials. The application fee is $495 USD. After submitting the application, candidates can register to take the exam online or at a test center near them. The exam fee is $395 USD.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as Good Clinical Practices (GCP), regulatory affairs, ethics, project management, data management and analysis, safety monitoring and reporting, budgeting and contracting, and clinical trial operations. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CCRC credential from ACRP.

6. Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)

Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of individuals in the field of clinical documentation improvement. CDIPs are healthcare professionals who specialize in improving the accuracy, completeness, and quality of patient medical records. They work with providers to ensure that all documentation accurately reflects the care provided to patients and meets regulatory requirements.

The CDIP certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in coding or clinical documentation improvement, and must pass an exam administered by AHIMA. The exam covers topics such as clinical terminology, medical record content, coding accuracy, data integrity, legal and regulatory requirements, and reimbursement systems.

It typically takes four to six weeks to prepare for the exam depending on one's background knowledge. During this time it is recommended that applicants review materials from AHIMA’s website as well as other resources such as textbooks or online courses.

The cost for the exam varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or non-member. For members it costs $295 while for non-members it costs $395. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center which can range from $50-$100 depending on location.

7. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program offered by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF). The CPPS credential is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals who have demonstrated expertise in patient safety. It is a voluntary certification that can be obtained through successful completion of an online examination.

The CPPS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient safety principles and practices, risk management, quality improvement, healthcare systems engineering, and culture of safety. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and costs $400 for members of the NPSF or $500 for non-members. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience working in patient safety or a related field.

In order to receive the CPPS credential from NPSF, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CPPS certificate from NPSF along with an official digital badge that can be displayed on their resume or website.

8. Certified Home Health Care Administrator (CHHCA)

Certified Home Health Care Administrator (CHHCA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage home health care organizations. The certification is offered by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).

The CHHCA certification program requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in home health care management, as well as completion of an approved educational program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NAHC. The exam covers topics such as human resources management, financial management, legal and regulatory compliance, marketing and public relations, and quality assurance.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CHHCA certification. During this time, applicants should review study materials, attend seminars or workshops related to home health care management, and take practice exams.

To become certified as a CHHCA, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $350 USD. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will be given access to the online exam portal where they can register for the exam. Once they have completed the exam successfully, they will receive their CHHCA certificate from NAHC.

The cost of becoming certified as a CHHCA includes application fees ($350 USD), study materials (varies), seminar/workshop fees (varies), and any additional costs associated with taking the exam (e.g., travel expenses).

9. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Administration Certification (ANCC-NAC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Administration Certification (ANCC-NAC) is a certification program for nurses who specialize in nursing administration. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of nurse administrators who are responsible for leading and managing healthcare organizations. The ANCC-NAC is a voluntary certification that requires applicants to pass an exam in order to become certified.

The ANCC-NAC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as leadership, management, communication, financial management, legal/ethical issues, quality improvement, and patient safety. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing site.

In order to be eligible for the ANCC-NAC exam, applicants must have a valid RN license in the United States or its territories, hold a master's degree in nursing or related field from an accredited college or university, have two years of full-time experience as a nurse administrator within the past five years, and complete 45 contact hours of continuing education in nursing administration within the past three years.

The cost of taking the ANCC-NAC exam varies depending on whether you are an American Nurses Association member or not. For nonmembers, the fee is $395; for members it is $295. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 for members and $75 for nonmembers.

10. American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Critical Care Nursing Certification (AACN-CMCN).

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Critical Care Nursing Certification (AACN-CMCN) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nurses who provide direct care to critically ill patients. This certification is available to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists who have at least two years of experience in critical care nursing.

To obtain the AACN-CMCN certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and management of critically ill patients. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge through a portfolio assessment process which includes submitting evidence of their practice in critical care nursing.

The cost for the AACN-CMCN certification exam is $395 for members of the AACN and $495 for non-members. The cost for the portfolio assessment process is an additional $150. Once certified, nurses must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Liaison Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of nurse liaison role that you are interested in pursuing. Nurse liaisons provide a link between health care providers and patients, helping to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. In some cases, having a nurse liaison certificate may be beneficial.

For example, if you are looking to work as a nurse liaison for a hospital or other medical facility, having a certificate may demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job. It can also help you stand out from other applicants who do not have certification. The certificate can also show potential employers that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development by completing extra courses related to patient advocacy and communication.

In other cases, however, having a nurse liaison certificate may not be necessary. For instance, if you are already an experienced nurse with years of experience working directly with patients and families, then your experience likely speaks for itself. Employers will recognize your experience and know that you have the right qualifications for the job without needing additional certification.

Ultimately, whether or not it is necessary for you to get a nurse liaison certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you think that having certification would be beneficial in helping you land the job or advance your career, then it might be worth considering getting certified. However, if it is not necessary or would not make much of an impact on your career path, then it might not be worth pursuing certification at this time.

Related: Nurse Liaison Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Liaison Certifications

1. What is a Nurse Liaison Certification?

Answer: A Nurse Liaison Certification is a credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of patient advocacy and healthcare liaison services. This certification provides nurses with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in this specialized area of practice.

2. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Nurse Liaison?

Answer: To obtain certification as a Nurse Liaison, you must have an active Registered Nursing license, at least two years of experience providing direct patient care and successful completion of an approved training program or course.

3. How long does it take to complete the Nurse Liaison Certification?

Answer: The time needed to complete the certification varies depending on the individual’s current qualifications, but typically can be completed in one to two years.

4. What are some benefits of becoming certified as a Nurse Liaison?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified as a Nurse Liaison include increased job opportunities, higher salaries and recognition within the healthcare industry for your specialty skillset.

5. Is continuing education required for Nurse Liaisons?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required for all Certified Nurse Liaisons in order to maintain their certification status. Continuing education courses generally focus on topics related to patient advocacy, communication strategies and healthcare regulations.