Top 10 Occupational Health Nurse Certifications
Updated 16 min read
Certifications for an occupational health nurse are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certified nurses can provide specialized care to their patients and have a better understanding of safety protocols, which are essential in this field. Certification also shows that a nurse has taken the initiative to further their education and training, which is an attractive quality to potential employers. Having certifications can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries than those without certifications.
The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the different certifications available for Occupational Health Nurses and how they can help to advance their career.
What are Occupational Health Nurse Certifications?
Occupational health nurse certification is a credential that demonstrates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of occupational health nursing. This certification is awarded by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN). It provides recognition of an individual’s commitment to the profession, as well as evidence of their ability to provide quality care for employees in the workplace.
Occupational health nurses are responsible for providing comprehensive health services to employers and employees in a variety of settings, including factories, offices, schools, and other work environments. They assess and monitor employee health, identify potential hazards in the workplace, assist with injury prevention programs, provide emergency care when needed, and educate workers on safety practices. With their specialized training and experience in occupational health nursing, these nurses are uniquely qualified to help employers maintain safe working conditions while protecting workers’ rights.
Having an occupational health nurse certification can be beneficial for both nurses and employers alike. For nurses, it offers professional recognition that can help them advance their career prospects. For employers, having certified occupational health nurses on staff can help ensure that their workers receive the best possible care while also reducing their liability exposure from workplace injuries or illnesses.
Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for occupational health nurse certification in your state or country before beginning the process. Each jurisdiction may have different qualifications, so it is important to know what is needed in order to be eligible for certification.
Related: What does an Occupational Health Nurse do?
Top 10 Occupational Health Nurse Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Occupational Health Nurses today.
1. Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)
A Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) is a registered nurse who specializes in the field of occupational health. They provide healthcare services to employees and employers, including health promotion and disease prevention, injury management, workers' compensation management, disability management, and other related services.
The certification process for becoming a COHN requires an RN license plus additional education and experience in the field of occupational health nursing. The required education includes a minimum of two years of full-time practice as an RN in occupational health nursing or completion of an accredited academic program with at least 30 semester hours of coursework in occupational health nursing.
In order to become certified as a COHN, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (NBCOHN) exam. The NBCOHN exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as safety and risk management, legal issues, employee health promotion, and more. To prepare for the exam, you can take courses offered by professional organizations such as the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).
The cost to take the NBCOHN exam is $350 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to use the credentials “COHN” after your name. You will also receive an official certificate from NBCOHN that verifies your certification status.
2. Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S)
Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S) is a designation for nurses who specialize in the field of occupational health. This certification is offered through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). The COHN-S certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in the areas of occupational health, safety, and wellness.
In order to become certified as a COHN-S, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Specifically, applicants must possess a current RN license and have at least three years of full-time experience in occupational health nursing within the past five years. In addition, applicants must complete two courses related to occupational health from an accredited college or university.
The cost of becoming certified as a COHN-S varies depending on the number of courses taken and other associated fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to become certified.
Once all requirements are met, individuals can take the certification exam which consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as workplace health promotion, injury prevention, hazardous materials management, workers’ compensation administration, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $375. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will be awarded their COHN-S certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.
3. Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner (COHNP)
A Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner (COHNP) is a specialized type of nurse practitioner who provides preventative care and treatment to employees in the workplace. They are responsible for providing health screenings, counseling, and other services that promote the health and safety of employees.
It typically takes two to three years to become a COHNP. To become certified, you must have a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program, be licensed as an advanced practice nurse in your state, complete at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in occupational health nursing, and pass the certification exam offered by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN).
The cost of becoming a COHNP varies depending on your educational background and experience level. The cost of tuition for a master’s degree program can range from $15,000 to $30,000. In addition to tuition costs, you may need to pay for books and materials related to the coursework. Additionally, there is an application fee and exam fee associated with taking the certification exam offered by ABOHN.
4. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)
A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities manage their disability and return to work. The CDMS credential is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC).
To become a CDMS, an individual must have a minimum of three years of experience in disability management, pass the CCMC's certification exam, and agree to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. It typically takes between one and two years to complete all the requirements for certification.
The cost of becoming certified as a CDMS varies depending on the applicant's experience level and whether or not they are applying for recertification. For first-time applicants, the cost ranges from $450 to $550; for recertification, it ranges from $325 to $425. Additional fees may apply for late applications or rescheduling exams.
The process of becoming certified as a CDMS involves completing an application form, submitting proof of experience in disability management, passing the certification exam, and agreeing to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. Once these steps are completed, applicants will receive their official CDMS certificate from CCMC.
5. Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional development of individuals who work with employees in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, stress management, and other related issues. CEAP is administered by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission (EACC), which is an independent body that sets standards for the field of employee assistance.
To become certified as a CEAP, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination administered by EACC. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral component. Applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience working in employee assistance programs or related fields such as counseling, social work, psychology, or psychiatry. They must also have a master’s degree in one of these disciplines or its equivalent.
The cost to take the CEAP exam varies depending on where you are taking it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. It takes approximately four to six weeks after registration to receive your test results from EACC. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible for certification as a CEAP and will receive your certificate within four to six weeks after passing the exam.
The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are applying for initial certification or recertification. Initial certification costs $125 USD while recertification costs $75 USD every three years thereafter.
6. Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS)
A Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in ergonomic assessment and evaluation. An ergonomic assessment is the process of evaluating how a person interacts with their environment and how it affects their comfort, health, safety, and productivity. A CEAS has the knowledge and experience to assess workstations, furniture, tools, equipment, and other factors to determine if they are ergonomically sound.
It typically takes between one to two years of study to become certified as a CEAS. The requirements for certification vary by organization but generally include coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, industrial hygiene, ergonomic principles and practices, risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), job analysis techniques and methods for reducing MSD risks.
In order to obtain CEAS certification you must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge on topics related to ergonomics assessment.
The cost of becoming certified as a CEAS varies depending on the certifying body you choose but can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. This cost includes the application fee and any required coursework or training materials needed for certification.
7. Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional who has demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of industrial hygiene. Industrial hygienists are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that may cause injury or illness to workers. They use specialized equipment and techniques to measure hazardous materials in the air, water, soil, and other environmental media.
It typically takes between two to four years of full-time study to become a CIH. To get certified, you must first meet the educational requirements set by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). This includes completing an accredited bachelor’s degree program in occupational safety and health or related field with at least 30 semester hours of coursework in industrial hygiene topics. You must also pass the ABIH certification exam.
The cost for becoming a CIH varies depending on your educational background and experience level. The ABIH requires a fee for taking the certification exam, which can range from $750-$1,200 depending on your membership status with the organization. Additionally, you may need to pay for tuition fees if you need additional coursework or training to meet the educational requirements.
8. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in safety, health, and environmental practice. The CSP credential is a mark of distinction that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the safety profession and their ability to effectively manage safety programs.
It typically takes 2-3 years to become a CSP. To qualify for the CSP certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in safety or related field, plus four years of professional safety experience; or a master’s degree in safety or related field, plus three years of professional safety experience; or seven years of professional safety experience.
To apply for the CSP certification, individuals must submit an application with all required documents. Once approved, applicants will be asked to take the CSP Examination which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk management, hazard recognition and control, legal compliance, emergency preparedness and response, occupational health and industrial hygiene.
The cost to apply for the CSP certification is $595 USD ($495 USD for BCSP members). The examination fee is $395 USD ($295 USD for BCSP members).
9. American Board for Occupational Health Nurses Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (ABOHN-COHN)
The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (ABOHN-COHN) is a national certification program for nurses who specialize in the field of occupational health nursing. It is designed to recognize excellence and promote professional development in the field of occupational health nursing.
To become certified, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements including having a current Registered Nurse license, completing an approved educational program, and having at least two years of experience as an occupational health nurse. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as safety and health management, legal issues, and clinical practice.
The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost of the certification varies depending on the state you live in but generally ranges from $400-$600.
10. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Certification in Industrial Hygiene (NIOSH-CIH).
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Certification in Industrial Hygiene (CIH) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes industrial hygienists who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and competence in the practice of industrial hygiene. The CIH credential is awarded by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).
To become certified as a CIH, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least a bachelor’s degree in an approved field of study and at least four years of full-time professional experience in the practice of industrial hygiene. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by ABIH.
The process to become certified as a CIH typically takes several months to complete. After submitting an application to ABIH, applicants must register for and take the exam within one year. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CIH credential.
The cost to become certified as a CIH varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In general, it costs approximately $600 USD to apply for the certification exam and another $400 USD for the exam itself.
Do You Really Need a Occupational Health Nurse Certificate?
No, you do not need an occupational health nurse certificate to work in the field of occupational health nursing. However, having a certificate can be beneficial and may give you an edge when applying for jobs.
Having a certificate shows that you have taken the time to gain additional knowledge and skills in the field of occupational health nursing. It demonstrates your commitment to your profession and may make employers more likely to hire you. Additionally, having a certificate can provide evidence that you have received training in certain areas such as safety protocols or hazardous materials handling.
The specific requirements for obtaining an occupational health nurse certification vary by state, but typically include completing a certain number of continuing education credits related to occupational health nursing topics and passing a written exam. In some cases, there may also be additional requirements such as clinical experience or specialized training.
In conclusion, while it is not necessary to obtain an occupational health nurse certification in order to work in this field, having one can be beneficial both professionally and personally.
Related: Occupational Health Nurse Resume Examples
FAQs About Occupational Health Nurse Certifications
1. What qualifications are required to become an occupational health nurse?
Answer: To become an occupational health nurse, one typically needs to be a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
2. How long does it take to complete an occupational health nurse certification program?
Answer: The length of time to complete a certification program varies by institution, but most programs can typically be completed within 6 - 12 months.
3. What topics are included in an occupational health nurse certification program?
Answer: Topics covered in an occupational health nurse certification program may include safety compliance, medical ethics, emergency care, legal issues, employee relations, and more.
4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining an occupational health nurse certification?
Answer: Yes – most organizations require certified occupational health nurses to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis in order to maintain their certifications.
5. Where can I find accredited occupational health nurse certification programs?
Answer: Accredited programs can be found through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) or other organizations that offer professional certifications for nurses.