Top 11 Patient Navigator Certifications

Certifications are important for patient navigators in the job market because they demonstrate competency and expertise in the field. Patient navigators must have a thorough understanding of the healthcare system, including insurance policies and regulations, as well as medical terminology and an ability to communicate effectively with patients. Certification helps potential employers assess a candidate’s level of knowledge and experience in these areas. Additionally, certifications provide recognition from respected organizations within the industry, which can help boost a patient navigator’s credibility and desirability as a job candidate.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Patient Navigators and explain how they can help further a patient navigator's career.

What are Patient Navigator Certifications?

Patient navigator certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to support patients and their families as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Patient navigators are often employed by hospitals, health systems, or other healthcare organizations to help ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner. They provide assistance with navigating insurance coverage and understanding medical terminology, locating resources, coordinating care among multiple providers, managing chronic conditions, and more. Patient navigator certification can help ensure that patient navigators have the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively manage their responsibilities. It also serves as a signal of an individual’s commitment to providing quality patient navigation services. Additionally, certification can help employers identify qualified candidates for patient navigator roles. Finally, it may help patient navigators be eligible for higher salaries or additional job opportunities.

Pro tip: Make sure to research different patient navigator certification programs and choose one that best fits your career goals. Look for programs that offer comprehensive training in the healthcare field, such as medical terminology, health sciences, and communication skills. Additionally, consider if the program provides continuing education opportunities, certifications from recognized organizations, or other resources that can help further your career.

Related: What does a Patient Navigator do?

Top 11 Patient Navigator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Patient Navigators today.

1. Certified Patient Navigator (CPN)

A Certified Patient Navigator (CPN) is a healthcare professional who provides assistance and support to patients as they navigate the complex healthcare system. The role of a CPN is to help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and access resources such as financial assistance programs. They also provide emotional support and advocacy for their patients.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to become certified as a CPN. The certification process includes completing an accredited training program, passing an examination, and meeting continuing education requirements.

To become a CPN, you must first complete an accredited training program. These programs can be found at universities or colleges that offer healthcare degrees or certifications. Once you have completed the training program, you must pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC). After passing the exam, you must meet continuing education requirements in order to maintain your certification status.

The cost of becoming a CPN varies depending on which type of program you choose and whether it is online or in person. Generally speaking, online programs are less expensive than in-person programs but may require more self-study time. Additionally, some states may require additional fees or licensing fees in order to practice as a CPN within that state.

2. Certified Oncology Patient Navigator (COPN)

A Certified Oncology Patient Navigator (COPN) is a professional who provides personalized guidance and support to cancer patients and their families throughout the entire cancer care continuum. This includes helping them to understand their diagnosis, treatment options, navigating insurance issues, providing emotional support, connecting them with resources and services, and advocating for their rights.

The COPN certification is offered by the National Association of Oncology Patient Navigators (NAOPN). The certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in oncology patient navigation or a related field. Applicants must also complete an online course that covers topics such as communication strategies, patient advocacy, psychosocial aspects of cancer care, and ethical considerations.

To get the COPN certification, applicants must submit an application along with proof of experience and completion of the online course. Once approved by NAOPN, applicants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost for the COPN certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NAOPN. For members it costs $225 to apply for the certification and $175 for the exam fee. For non-members it costs $325 to apply for the certification and $275 for the exam fee.

3. Certified Diabetes Patient Navigator (CDPN)

A Certified Diabetes Patient Navigator (CDPN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping patients with diabetes manage their condition. The CDPN helps patients by providing education, support, and resources to help them better understand their diabetes and how to best manage it. They also provide emotional support and assistance in navigating the healthcare system.

The certification process for becoming a CDPN typically takes about 6-8 months and includes completing an approved training program, passing a written exam, and obtaining a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

To become certified as a CDPN, individuals must first complete an approved training program that meets the standards set by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). Training programs are offered through universities, hospitals, or other organizations. After completing the training program, individuals must pass the NCBDE’s written exam before they can be certified as a CDPN.

The cost of becoming certified as a CDPN varies depending on the training program chosen and whether or not continuing education credits are required. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 to become certified as a CDPN.

4. Certified Cardiovascular Patient Navigator (CCPN)

A Certified Cardiovascular Patient Navigator (CCPN) is a healthcare professional who provides personalized assistance to patients with cardiovascular diseases. They provide support and guidance to patients throughout their journey from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. CCPNs help patients understand their condition, navigate the healthcare system, coordinate care, and access resources.

To become a CCPN, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete an approved program of study. The program typically consists of online instruction in topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, disease management, patient advocacy, communication skills, and more. Most programs require at least 200 hours of coursework and can take up to one year to complete.

The cost of becoming a CCPN varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$3,000 for tuition plus additional fees for books or other materials.

Once all requirements have been met and the coursework has been completed successfully, candidates must pass a certification exam administered by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Upon successful completion of this exam they will be awarded their CCPN certification.

5. Certified Mental Health Patient Navigator (CMHPN)

Certified Mental Health Patient Navigator (CMHPN) is a certification program that provides mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge to help individuals navigate the mental health system. It is designed to empower mental health professionals to provide guidance, support, and advocacy for those seeking mental health services. The program focuses on understanding the complexities of the mental health system, developing effective communication strategies, and providing resources to help individuals access appropriate care.

The CMHPN certification program consists of an online course and an in-person assessment. The online course includes modules on topics such as system navigation, patient advocacy, cultural competency, and crisis intervention. The in-person assessment is a two-day event that includes mock scenarios and interactive activities.

To obtain the CMHPN certification, applicants must complete both the online course and in-person assessment within one year of starting the program. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience working in a professional capacity with individuals who have a diagnosis of a mental illness or disorder.

The cost for obtaining the CMHPN certification varies depending on where you take it; however, typically it costs around $1,500-$2,000 USD including registration fees and materials.

6. Certified Geriatric Care Manager and Patient Navigator (CGPCM-PN)

Certified Geriatric Care Manager and Patient Navigator (CGPCM-PN) is a certification program designed to provide specialized training and expertise in the field of geriatric care management. This certification is offered through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM). The CGPCM-PN certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive, coordinated, patient-centered care for older adults.

The CGPCM-PN certification program consists of five courses that cover topics such as gerontology, health promotion, chronic disease management, communication strategies, and ethical decision making. Each course is self-paced and can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a certificate from NAPGCM that demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in geriatric care management.

The cost for the entire CGPCM-PN certification program is $1,500. This fee includes all course materials and access to online resources. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at the end of the program.

It typically takes 6 months or less to complete the entire CGPCM-PN certification program depending on how quickly you are able to complete each course. To get started on this certification program you must first register with NAPGCM by completing an application form and paying the registration fee. Once accepted into the program you can begin taking courses right away.

7. Certified Pediatric Patient Navigator (CPPN)

A Certified Pediatric Patient Navigator (CPPN) is a professional who helps families and children navigate the complex healthcare system. They are trained to provide support and guidance to families and children as they seek medical care, from finding the right doctor or specialist to understanding insurance coverage and navigating the billing process. CPPNs also help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, medications, and any other resources that may be available.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to become certified as a CPPN. The certification process includes completing an approved training program, passing an exam, and meeting continuing education requirements.

To get certified as a CPPN, you must first complete an approved training program. Training programs vary in length but generally include courses in patient navigation, healthcare systems navigation, communication skills, cultural competency, ethics and legal issues related to patient navigation. You must also pass an exam administered by the National Association of Pediatric Patient Navigators (NAPPN).

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition and associated fees.

8. Certified Primary Care Patient Navigator (CPCPN)

A Certified Primary Care Patient Navigator (CPCPN) is a professional who helps patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. The navigator acts as an advocate for the patient, helping to ensure that they receive the best possible care and services. They help patients find resources, access services, understand their rights and responsibilities, and more.

The CPCPN certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). It is a two-part program consisting of an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as patient navigation principles, health literacy and cultural competency, communication skills, patient advocacy, and more. The in-person exam consists of multiple choice questions covering these same topics.

To get certified as a CPCPN, you must first complete the online course. This typically takes between 6-8 weeks depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week. After completing the course successfully, you can then register for the in-person exam which is held twice a year at various locations across the US.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPCPN varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NAHAM. If you are not currently a member, it will cost $450 for both parts of the program ($225 for each part). If you are already a member of NAHAM then it will cost $400 for both parts ($200 for each part).

9. National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants’ Professional Healthcare Advocate Certification

The National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC) Professional Healthcare Advocate Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare advocacy. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to healthcare advocacy, including understanding of healthcare systems, patient rights and responsibilities, and advocacy strategies.

Getting certified as a Professional Healthcare Advocate through NAHAC typically takes 6-12 months. This timeline includes completing an application, submitting verification documents, participating in a mentor program, attending an online or in-person training course, and passing the final exam.

To get certified as a Professional Healthcare Advocate through NAHAC, applicants must first submit an application with verification documents such as proof of education or professional experience in the healthcare field. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a mentor program with an experienced advocate or participate in an online or in-person training course. After completing either option, applicants must pass the final exam to become certified.

The cost for certification through NAHAC varies depending on whether you choose to participate in the mentor program or attend an online or in-person training course. The cost for the mentor program is $1,000 plus applicable taxes; while the cost for the online/in-person training course is $500 plus applicable taxes.

10. National Association of Social Workers’ Clinical Social Work Certification

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Clinical Social Work Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes social workers who have met the highest standards for clinical practice. It is designed to demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and provide recognition for those who have achieved advanced levels of knowledge and skill in the field of clinical social work.

To qualify for this certification, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and demonstrate their competence in clinical practice. Specifically, they must hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited college or university, have at least two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience, and pass the NASW Clinical Exam.

The process of obtaining the NASW Clinical Social Work Certification typically takes between six months to one year. The first step is to submit an application and pay the associated fee (currently $350). This fee covers the cost of processing your application as well as providing you with access to study materials for the exam. After your application is approved, you will be given instructions on how to register for the exam. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will then receive your certificate from NASW.

Overall, obtaining the NASW Clinical Social Work Certification requires significant time and effort but can be extremely beneficial for those looking to advance their career in social work.

11. American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing’s Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification

The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification is a specialized certification program for nurses who provide care in ambulatory settings. This certification recognizes nurses who have the knowledge and expertise to provide quality care to patients in an outpatient setting.

The certification process takes approximately six to nine months to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and pass the AAACN Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification exam. Applicants must have a current Registered Nurse license, at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in an ambulatory care setting, and must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited nursing program.

To get started, applicants should review the eligibility requirements on the AAACN website and then register for the exam. The cost of the exam is $400 for members and $500 for non-members. After registering, applicants will receive their application materials via email which they should complete and submit along with all required documents before their scheduled test date. Once their application has been approved, applicants can schedule their test date online through Prometric Testing Centers or by phone.

On the day of the exam, applicants will be required to present valid identification such as a driver’s license or passport before they are allowed to take the test. The test consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, health promotion, disease prevention, pharmacology and medication management, health education/counseling/therapeutic communication skills, legal/ethical issues related to ambulatory care nursing practice, safety/quality improvement initiatives related to ambulatory care nursing practice and more.

After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within four weeks via email from AAACN. If successful in passing the exam, applicants will be awarded with an AAACN Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification credential that is valid for five years from date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Patient Navigator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Patient Navigator Certificate depends on the type of job you are applying for. If you are applying to be a patient navigator at a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting, it is likely that having this certificate will improve your chances of being hired.

The Patient Navigator Certificate is offered through various organizations and institutions. It provides specialized training in how to effectively help patients and families navigate the complex healthcare system. This includes knowing how to use electronic health records (EHRs), understanding insurance policies, coordinating care between multiple providers, and communicating with patients about their care options.

Having this certificate shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job. It also demonstrates your commitment to helping patients access quality healthcare services. With all of these benefits in mind, it makes sense why having a Patient Navigator Certificate can make you stand out from other applicants when applying for a patient navigator role.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Patient Navigator Certificate depends on the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. However, if you are interested in becoming a patient navigator, obtaining this certification could be beneficial to your career prospects and provide valuable insight into providing quality healthcare services to patients.

Related: Patient Navigator Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Navigator Certifications

1. What is a Patient Navigator Certification?

A Patient Navigator Certification is a specialized certification program designed to prepare individuals to provide patient-centered guidance and support throughout the entire healthcare continuum. The certification focuses on developing skills in areas such as health education, care coordination, clinical navigation, and communication.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Patient Navigator Certification?

In order to obtain a Patient Navigator Certification, applicants must have an active license in their field of practice or be actively enrolled in an accredited healthcare program. In addition, applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics related to patient navigation.

3. How long does it take to receive my Patient Navigator Certification?

The time frame for receiving your certification can vary depending on the individual's experience and the type of certification they are applying for. Generally speaking, most certifications are completed within two months after submitting all required materials and passing the comprehensive exam.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Patient Navigator Certification?

Yes, individuals who hold a Patient Navigator Certification must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

5. What types of jobs can I pursue with my Patient Navigator Certification?

Individuals who hold a Patient Navigator Certification may pursue positions in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, hospices, home health agencies, or other healthcare settings where patient navigation services are needed. These professionals may also work independently as freelance navigators or consulting specialists for various healthcare organizations or companies.