[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you passionate about managing patient care and outcomes, collecting data, and implementing educational programs? Then, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-case-management/”]a nurse case manager[/hen-ui-link] career may be a great fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers play an important role in healthcare delivery. They manage care for patients who need extra support by planning and identifying realistic goals. They also coordinate care by working closely with healthcare teams. Explore how to become a nurse case manager, including the required education, experience, and skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text]4-6 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification (Optional)[/hen-ui-text]Nursing Case Management Certification[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What is a Nurse Case Manager?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When a patient is assigned a nurse case manager, the nurse case manager is responsible for coordinating care and creating care plans that support the patient’s recovery. They collaborate with healthcare teams, payers, and families to ensure optimal patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers must also discharge patients safely to a designated location, such as a patient’s home, a long-term care facility, or a senior living or group home.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers advocate, negotiate, and streamline care for patients. Their cases typically involve patients with serious injuries, disabilities, or those who need help with navigating complex and or chronic conditions. For example, a nurse case manager’s duties may include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Helping a patient access financial resources[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Developing a discharge plan to ensure patients have access to follow-up care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Setting up home care services[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Developing educational programs for patients and families[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data collection and analysis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers work with a broad spectrum of patients, including infants, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. They work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospice clinics, or insurance companies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse Case Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse case manager, you must take several steps as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN[/hen-ui-link]). Nurse case managers are experienced RNs skilled in managing care and solving problems. Communicating with patients, families, and other healthcare team members is an essential skill.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New RNs can work with more experienced case managers to gain the experience necessary to apply for nurse case manager jobs and become board-certified.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] and a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] prepare nurses to take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for Nurses (NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-link], which is the national licensure examination for RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN programs typically require two years to complete, while BSN programs are typically a four-year degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers require or prefer nurses with a BSN. Some [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]states even require RN to hold a BSN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2023, the NCLEX-RN exam was replaced with the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-nclex-changes/”]Next Generation NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link], which focuses more on critical-thinking skills for new nurses. All nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for a license to practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Clinical Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses transition into case management roles after working at the bedside for 1-2 years. Others start in entry-level positions under the direction of a senior nurse case manager.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming a Certified Nurse Case Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers need a valid and unrestricted RN license to apply for board certification. Each certifying body requires a certain amount of clinical hours and experience to sit for the nursing case management certification exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Case Manager Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers need a valid and unrestricted RN license. Although a two-year ADN degree is the shortest pathway to licensure, many employers require or prefer nurse case managers with four-year BSN degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN degree offers a faster path for someone who wishes to become a nurse and begin working in the field within two years. However, while the degree meets the minimum eligibility for the NCLEX-RN and state licensure, some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree for entry-level nurse case manager positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Requirements vary by program but generally include a high school diploma with coursework in science and math, a minimum 2.0 high school GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: An ADN curriculum introduces students to the nursing profession, including performing health assessments, microbiology and immunology, and introducing nursing for specific populations (e.g., pediatric, medical-surgical).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: ADN programs help prepare students for entry-level nursing practice and patient care. Specific skills include performing health assessments, distributing medications, nursing ethics, communication and collaboration, and providing patient education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A four-year BSN degree prepares nurses for the NCLEX-RN and state licensure. Nursing employers may require or prefer a BSN degree. A BSN also positions nurses to pursue advanced degrees, higher-level practice, and greater earning potential. BSN programs include upper-level coursework to improve critical thinking and patient care skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Program requirements vary, but most include a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and SAT/ACT scores.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: The BSN curriculum covers nursing practice, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing informatics, and research and statistics. Students also learn psychology, pathophysiology, leadership and management, ethics, and caring for specific populations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: BSN programs prepare nurses to provide high-quality, cost-effective patient care. In addition to developing bedside nursing skills, nurses are equipped with leadership, communication, and risk management skills to promote health and support good patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you pass the NCLEX, you are licensed with your state’s board of nursing and can practice as an RN in that state. State nursing boards determine the criteria for issuing and renewing RN licenses. Requirements to maintain a license vary by state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a certified nurse case manager demonstrates credibility and holds nurses to the highest standards of ethics and care. To be eligible for certification, nurses need certain qualifications. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified/certification/ccmr-eligibility-glance” target=”_blank”]Commission for Case Manager (CCM) certification[/hen-ui-link] requires:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN or master’s degree in a health or human services field.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must be:

Employed full-time for 12 months in a case-management role supervised by a certified case manager.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]OR employed full-time for 24 months as a case manager. In this case, the supervisor does not have to be a certified case manager.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]OR employed full-time for 12 months as a case manager supervisor.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although there is no legal requirement that a nurse case manager be certified, some employers prefer or require it.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Nurse Case Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers are in demand around the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to robust professional growth, nurse case managers can command an average yearly salary of $98,869, according to data from ZipRecruiter. (Salaries vary by geographic region, workplace, responsibilities, and other factors.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers often begin their careers as bedside nurses but can start as case managers if a certified case manager supervises them. After gaining experience, nurse case managers coordinate care for their caseloads.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse case managers can work in various settings, including healthcare facilities, insurance companies, long-term care facilities, home health, and hospice clinics. They are closely involved in family education and support, discharge planning, and connecting patients with resources.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Case managers working for insurance companies or other payers will likely focus on developing care plans and coordinating care for complex cases.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse Case Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the role of the nursing case manager?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The role of the nursing case manager is to advocate, negotiate, and streamline care for patients with serious injuries and disabilities, those who need help navigating complex or chronic conditions, and those seeking help with social challenges.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is being a nurse case manager stressful?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Being a nurse case manager can be stressful. It is important to manage your time and caseload appropriately. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/time-managment-tips-for-nursing-students/”]Time management [/hen-ui-link]and organizational skills are key to decreasing stress and crucial to your success as a nurse case manager. It is also important to continue to enhance your communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do nurse case managers make in the U.S.?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While individual salaries vary based on many factors, the average annual salary for nurse case managers in the United States is $98,869, according to ZipRecruiter.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a CCM certification in nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The commission for case manager certification (also known as a CCM certification) demonstrates professional credibility and holds nurses to the highest ethical standards of care. Becoming certified can also lead to higher salaries and more professional opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]