Top 10 Nurse Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for nurse managers in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a high level of knowledge and skill in their profession. Certification also shows that an individual is committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date with best practices, which is an invaluable asset to any organization. Certifications can provide a competitive edge over other candidates and help distinguish them as experienced professionals who have gone above and beyond to achieve higher levels of proficiency. This can be especially valuable when looking for leadership roles such as nurse manager positions.

This article reviews the top certifications for Nurse Managers and explains how they can contribute to professional development and career advancement.

What are Nurse Manager Certifications?

Nurse manager certification is a designation that demonstrates a nurse's commitment to professional excellence and advanced knowledge in the field of nursing management. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and requires specialized education, experience, and successful completion of an exam.

The certification is intended to recognize nurses who demonstrate expertise in the management of healthcare organizations. It can help nurses gain credibility with their peers and employers, as well as provide them with additional career opportunities. With this credential, nurses can be better prepared to take on leadership roles within healthcare settings, such as managing staff or developing policies.

Nurse managers who are certified may also be eligible for higher salaries compared to non-certified counterparts. Additionally, having this certification can help nurses stay up-to-date on current best practices in healthcare administration, giving them an advantage when applying for new positions or promotions within their organization.

Overall, nurse manager certification provides evidence that a nurse has achieved advanced knowledge and skills in the field of nursing management and demonstrates dedication to providing quality care for patients.

Pro Tip: Obtaining your nurse manager certification can provide you with a competitive edge for job opportunities and help you develop the skills needed to be an effective leader. Be sure to research the available certifications, such as the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) certified nurse manager (CNM) program or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Manager Certification Program, and determine which one is best suited for your career goals.

Related: What does a Nurse Manager do?

Top 10 Nurse Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

The Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) is a certification program offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). It is designed to recognize nurse leaders who demonstrate excellence in their practice and commitment to professional development. The CNML certification is intended to promote quality patient care and leadership within the healthcare industry.

The CNML certification is a two-year program that requires applicants to pass an exam, complete a portfolio review, and meet continuing education requirements. The exam consists of four parts: Leadership & Management, Patient Care Quality & Safety, Professional Development & Practice, and Clinical Knowledge & Skills. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge of nursing leadership principles and practices.

The cost for the CNML certification program varies depending on the applicant's geographic location. In general, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 for the entire program including the exam fee. In addition to this fee, applicants may need to pay additional fees for travel expenses or other related costs associated with completing the program.

To become certified as a CNML, applicants must meet all of the requirements outlined by AONE including passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%, submitting a portfolio that meets AONE standards, and meeting continuing education requirements. Once these requirements are met, applicants will receive their official certificate from AONE and can use their credentials to demonstrate their expertise in nursing leadership.

2. Certified Clinical Nurse Manager (CCNM)

Certified Clinical Nurse Manager (CCNM) is a professional certification given to nurses who have achieved a certain level of expertise and experience in the field of clinical nursing management. The CCNM certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is the largest and most prestigious credentialing organization for nurses in the United States.

The CCNM certification requires nurses to have at least three years of experience as a nurse manager or supervisor, as well as an active registered nurse license. In addition, applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as leadership and management, financial management, quality improvement, patient safety, and legal and ethical issues. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to obtain the CCNM certification, nurses must first submit an application to ANCC. Once their application has been approved, they will be required to pay a fee of $395 for the exam registration fee. After passing the exam, nurses will receive their official CCNM certification from ANCC.

The CCNM certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.

3. Certified Nursing Administration (CNA)

Certified Nursing Administration (CNA) is a certification program designed to prepare individuals for administrative roles in the nursing field. It is an advanced-level credential that requires specialized knowledge and skills, as well as a commitment to professional development. CNAs are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, including staffing, budgeting, and patient care coordination.

The CNA certification program typically takes about three months to complete. It includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Courses cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, communication skills, patient care techniques, legal and ethical issues in nursing administration, and management principles. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive their CNA certification.

To become certified as a CNA, applicants must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent; completing an accredited CNA training program; passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); and obtaining licensure from the state board of nursing where they plan to practice.

The cost of becoming certified as a CNA varies depending on the training program chosen and other factors such as location. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $500-$2,000 for most programs. Other costs may include books, supplies, licensing fees, background checks, drug tests and more.

4. American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Certification

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Certification is a certification program designed to recognize nurse executives who have demonstrated the highest level of competency in their profession. It is a voluntary, non-governmental credential that recognizes nurses who have achieved excellence in nursing leadership and management.

To obtain AONE certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having an active Registered Nurse (RN) license and at least five years of professional nursing experience in a leadership role. Applicants must also complete an approved AONE certification program, which typically takes three to five years to complete. The program includes courses on topics such as healthcare policy and finance, strategic planning and analysis, legal issues in healthcare, organizational development, and quality improvement.

To get AONE Certification, applicants must submit an application form along with required documents such as transcripts from their educational programs and proof of licensure. Once the application is accepted, applicants will be asked to take an exam that tests their knowledge of nursing leadership principles. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their AONE Certification.

The cost for obtaining AONE Certification varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 or more.

5. Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in healthcare quality management. The CPHQ certification is offered and administered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

To be eligible for the CPHQ, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in healthcare quality management or related field, and must pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as performance improvement, patient safety, risk management, data analysis, and healthcare regulations.

It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the CPHQ exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and other resources on healthcare quality management topics, taking practice exams, attending webinars or seminars on healthcare quality topics, and participating in study groups with other CPHQ candidates.

The cost of the CPHQ exam varies by country; however, it is typically around $400 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there may also be additional fees associated with preparation materials or courses.

Once an individual passes the CPHQ exam they will receive their official certification from NAHQ which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

6. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Administration Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Administration Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the expertise of nurses in nursing administration. It is designed to promote excellence in the practice of nursing administration and to recognize those who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in this area.

This certification is open to registered nurses who hold an active RN license and have a minimum of two years of full-time experience in nursing administration within the last five years. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as leadership and management, quality improvement, financial management, human resources management, legal and ethical issues, and organizational dynamics.

The time it takes to get the ANCC Nursing Administration Certification depends on how much preparation you put into it. Those who are already knowledgeable about the subject matter may be able to complete the process quickly; however, most people will need to spend several weeks or months studying for the exam.

To get certified by ANCC, you must first submit an application online through their website. Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay for it. The cost of taking the exam is $350 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. After completing the exam successfully, you will receive your official ANCC Nursing Administration Certification within 4-6 weeks.

7. National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Certification

The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of long-term care administration. The certification is awarded by NAB, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in long-term care administration.

The NAB Certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of long-term care administration through a comprehensive examination. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a long-term care administrator or equivalent experience in related fields such as nursing home administration or gerontology.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. To get started, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of experience. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost for the NAB Certification exam is $250 plus applicable taxes and fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or test prep courses.

8. American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) Certified Nursing Home Administrator

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNH) is a professional certification for nursing home administrators. This certification is designed to recognize and reward the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who manage long-term care facilities.

To become certified, an individual must have at least two years of experience as a nursing home administrator and successfully complete the CNH exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as regulations, finance, operations, human resources management, marketing, and quality assurance.

It typically takes six months or more to prepare for the CNH exam. Preparation includes studying the material covered on the exam and taking practice tests. There are also study guides available to help individuals prepare for the exam.

The cost to take the CNH exam is $350 USD. This fee covers the cost of registration and administration of the test.

9. American Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC)

The American Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) is a certification program designed to recognize the advanced knowledge and skills of nurses in specialty areas. It is the only national accrediting body for specialty nursing certifications and offers credentials to nurses who have met rigorous standards of practice, education, and experience. ABSNC offers certification in over twenty specialties, including adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and clinical nurse specialist.

To become certified through ABSNC, nurses must meet specific eligibility requirements such as holding an active RN license and having a designated amount of clinical practice hours in their chosen specialty area. Nurses must also pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and skills related to their specialty area. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete, but may vary depending on the specialty area.

Once a nurse has passed the exam, they will receive their certification from ABSNC. The certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

The cost for taking an ABSNC certification exam varies depending on the specialty area but usually ranges from $250-$600 USD.

10. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Nurse Executive, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Nurse Executive, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (NE-APRN) certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes advanced practice registered nurses who have demonstrated the knowledge and expertise to provide leadership in the nursing profession. The NE-APRN certification is designed for nurse leaders who have completed an accredited graduate program in nursing and possess advanced practice experience.

To obtain the NE-APRN certification, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have a current RN license in good standing
• Possess an unencumbered APRN license
• Hold a master’s degree from an accredited nursing program
• Have at least two years of full-time experience as an APRN
• Successfully complete the NCSBN NE-APRN examination
• Meet continuing education requirements every three years to maintain certification.

The cost of the NE-APRN exam varies by state and can range from $200-$400. It typically takes 1-2 months to receive your results after taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Manager Certificate?

Whether you need a nurse manager certificate depends on your individual career goals. If you are currently working as a registered nurse and would like to move into management, then obtaining a certificate in nurse management could be beneficial. The certificate program can provide you with the additional skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage staff, budget, and operations within a healthcare setting.

The coursework included in the program can also give you an edge when applying for higher-level positions such as assistant director of nursing or director of nursing. It can also provide you with a better understanding of how to lead teams, create budgets, and develop strategies that will help improve patient care. Additionally, if you are looking to expand your professional network and become involved in the local healthcare community, then earning this certification could open doors for networking opportunities.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a nurse manager certificate is a worthwhile investment. If it aligns with your career goals and interests, then it may be worth the time and effort to pursue this certification.

Related: Nurse Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Nurse Manager?

A: The specific requirements vary by state, but generally include a valid nursing license, at least two years of full-time clinical experience in nursing and completion of an approved nurse manager certification program.

2. What is the best way to prepare for the Nurse Manager Certification Exam?

A: It is best to start by reviewing the exam content outline provided by the certifying body. Then, create a study plan that focuses on the topics covered on the exam and practice taking sample questions. Additionally, it may be beneficial to attend a review course or seek out a mentor who has already been certified as a Nurse Manager.

3. How long is my Nurse Manager Certification valid?

A: Most certifications are valid for three years from the date of initial certification or renewal and must be renewed every three years to remain active.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Nurse Manager Certification?

A: Yes, many certifying bodies require 30 continuing education credits (CEUs) every three years in order to keep your certification current and valid.

5. Is there financial aid available for Nurse Manager Certification programs?

A: Yes, some organizations offer scholarships and grants specifically for nurses pursuing their certification as a Nurse Manager. Additionally, you may qualify for federal financial aid if you are enrolled in an accredited program leading to certification as a Nurse Manager.