How to Become a Certified Case Manager
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Case management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s and family’s comprehensive health needs. The goal is to promote patient safety, quality of care, and cost-effective outcomes.

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A Case Manager, according to the Case Management Society of America CMSA, is a ‘generic term’ to represent an employee whose major purpose and function is to facilitate the case management process. Individuals working in case management jobs in academics, healthcare, education, research, insurance, welfare, social and human service settings, and private practice are examples of this.

The phrase ‘Case Manager’ dates back to the 1980s when the term replaced the previously used ‘Caseworker’ as people took on more responsibility for managing resources, finding support, and organizing services.

In this article, we will explore how to become a certified case manager, and the different certifications available based on your field of work.

What Is a Certified Case Manager?

A certified case manager facilitates the case management process and has earned an additional certification to achieve the necessary skills, education, and experience required for the role.

Case management is a method that entails a series of collaborative phases that help clients gain access to the resources they need to achieve their goals. According to the Commission for Case Manager Certification, this is a nine-step process, covering:

  1. Screening
  2. Assessment
  3. Risk Stratification
  4. Planning
  5. Execution & Care Coordination
  6. Progress Follow-Up
  7. Transitional Care
  8. Post-transition Communication
  9. Evaluation

Case managers consider the individual’s cultural beliefs, interests, wishes, requirements, and values throughout the case management process.

Case managers assist clients and their support systems in evaluating and understanding care alternatives, determine what is best for their requirements, and take action to accomplish their goals and objectives.

The core principle of case management is that when a person achieves their optimal level of wellness and functional capability, everyone benefits: the people being treated, their support systems, healthcare delivery systems, and various reimbursement sources.

According to the  Case Management Body of Knowledge , the case management process also helps healthcare organizations and professionals achieve their objectives, such as providing safe, quality, cost-effective, and efficient treatment, as well as showing compliance with regulatory and accrediting criteria.

Also Read: The Role of Case Managers In Successful Rapid Rehousing Programs

Also Read: The Imminent Need for Case Managers in the Post-COVID World

What is a Case Manager Certificate?

A professional case management certificate verifies that a case manager has the necessary education, abilities, and experience to provide suitable services based on sound practice standards. 

What Are the Certifications for Case Managers?

There are many different certifications for case managers, and the requirements may vary depending on your state. Always check with your state and local requirements before beginning any certificate program.

Two of the most popular programs for general case management certifications are:

What Are the Qualifications for the CCM Exam?

To take the CCM exam, you must meet one of the following qualifications:

  • Have a license as an RN (Registered Nurse), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), or similar categories.
  • Have achieved at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a health or human services field from an accredited institution.
  • Have a qualifying certification, such as CRC or CDM

Additionally, there is a work experience requirement to take the CCM exam. You must have one of three to qualify: 12 months of full-time experience in case management (supervised by a certified case manager), 24 months of full-time case management experience, or 12 months of full-time supervisory experience of individuals who provide case management.

Before applying to take the CCM Exam, be sure to read through their examination guide to be sure that you fulfill the requirements and are prepared to take the exam.

4 Steps to Becoming a Certified Case Manager

Case management is a rewarding career path that can change the lives of the people in your case. Just like any other professional work, it takes time and commitment to become a certified case manager. In the whole process from start to finish, there are approximately four steps.

1. Acquire a Bachelor’s Degree

At the very minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required to start your case management career. Popular fields of study that lead to case management include nursing, social work, sociology, and psychology. Make sure that the college you select is accredited by the appropriate institutions.

2. Obtain a Master’s Degree and/or Relevant Licensing

Many employers want their case managers to have a higher degree. The type of degree you seek depends on the type of case management work you opt to do once you graduate. For example, someone who provides case management services in a substance addiction rehab facility, for example, could have a background in substance abuse counseling. Or, if you study nursing, it’s required to obtain a nursing license within your state to practice. 

3. Gain Work Experience

While in a master’s degree or related licensing program, work as an intern to gain the experience required for a certification. You may also find work in your field as a case manager once you graduate. Typically, at least a year of work experience is required before an additional certification can be acquired.

4. Pursue Relevant Certifications

Again, each state may be different for the relevant certifications and licensure to work as a specific type of social worker. Do due diligence to acquire what’s needed in your areas.

Most states and employers will require case management certification in addition to the underlying education and professional licensure. For example, the Commission for Case Manager Certification or the American Case Management Association may require you to obtain a CCM (Certified Case Manager) or an ACM (Accredited Case Manager) certification.

If you’re a social worker, the National Association of Social Workers offers certification as a Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) or a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) . It’s worth noting that the Commission for Case Manager Certification and the National Association of Social Workers have collaborated to allow social workers to take the CCMC certification exam for free.

You’ll want to be sure you understand the education, experience, licensure, and certification requirements for the position you’re applying for, as they will vary by state and job.

The average nurse case manager in the United States earns $72,655 per year, according to PayScale. However, the average pay for non-nursing case managers is lower, with the overall average compensation for a medical case manager estimated to be around $50,550 by late 2020.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Case Manager?

The amount of time to become a certified case manager varies for each person, but it takes approximately 6-7 years. This timeframe considers a four-year Bachelor’s program, one to two years of work experience, and the two months required to study and complete the CCM exam. If a graduate degree is required, that will extend the length of time.

What Is the Commission for Case Manager Certification?

The Commission for Case Manager Certification is the largest nationally accredited organization for case manager certification. It’s a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the CCM credential and the CDMS (Certified Disability Management Specialist) certifications. 

The case manager certification program that you’ll need to achieve changes depending upon your field of study. A few of the most popular case manager certification programs are:

What to Expect in a Certified Case Manager Course

Most certified case manager exams are not a traditional educational course of study. You are expected to have gleaned information from your work experience, plus previous collegiate study, to understand how to pass the tests. Each certification may have study materials online that you can use to refresh your knowledge before taking the test.

For example, the CCM offers an eight-week prep circuit to study for the exam so you’re prepared to pass. 

9 Types of Case Managers

The nature of a case manager’s job responsibilities is determined by the location and type of employment. The day-to-day responsibilities of a nursing case manager, for example, are very different from those of a penitentiary case manager.

Case managers work in a wide range of situations, including but not limited to the following.

1. Social Work Case Manager

A social work case manager’s major responsibility is to analyze their client’s strengths, both individually and in the context of the care system in which they live. A veteran’s hospital, an outpatient mental health clinic, or a hospice care center are all examples of care systems.
Case managers in this sector additionally look at the obstacles that are preventing their clients from reaching his or her full potential.

2. Nurse Case Manager

In a hospital or institutional context, nurse case managers are in charge of managing and coordinating long-term care for their patients. Their major responsibility is to deliver services that keep their patients in the greatest possible physical condition. Nurse case managers may specialize in working with a certain group, such as the elderly, diabetics, or people suffering from a serious medical condition like cancer.

What is the Nursing Case Management Certification?

The American Nurses Associationoffers the CMGT-BC, which assesses entry-level clinical knowledge and the skills required for nurses in case management. This specialty certification lasts for five years after successful completion.

Where to Get the RN Case Management Certification Online

While the CMGT-BC is not available online, other certification courses are. The National RN Case Manager Certificate Program prepares RNs for case manager, care manager, and advance coordination roles. The certification program can be completed fully online or in a blended learning scenario with scheduled faculty discussions.

3. Medical Case Manager

Medical case managers carry out many of the same responsibilities as nurse case managers. Medical case managers work with patients who have long-term medical conditions like HIV/AIDS, heart disease, or diabetes. They will coordinate services for the patient, such as physical or occupational therapy visits, and will monitor their progress to ensure that their treatment plan is being followed.

4. Mental Health Case Manager

Case managers in mental health give hands-on services to improve their clients’ functioning. One of the most important responsibilities of mental health case managers is to organize mental health services that are tailored to their client’s requirements. This includes collaborating with clients to set short- and long-term goals, as well as determining the client’s strengths and weaknesses so that a suitable treatment plan may be established.

5. Clinical Case Manager

Clinical case management entails a variety of tasks such as assessment, planning, resource coordination, and advocacy on behalf of people who are dealing with serious life issues.
Clinical case managers, unlike certain other disciplines under case management, assist people in overcoming a wide range of life concerns, such as poverty, mental health issues, or developmental disabilities.

6. Substance Abuse Case Manager

Case managers who work only with clients who have substance addiction problems are primarily concerned with assisting their clients in gaining access to necessary services so that they can remain sober. The duties of drug abuse case management are similar in all fields of case management. Clients are assessed and relevant interventions that will aid in their rehabilitation are identified.

Case managers who work in the legal profession nearly always do administrative duties. Their principal responsibilities are to ensure that the law office functions smoothly and efficiently, whether it is a private firm or a government institution such as the prosecuting attorney’s office.
Legal case management differs from other types of case management in this sense since there is limited interaction with the client.

8. Juvenile Case Manager

Children under the age of 18 who have been convicted of a crime are supervised by juvenile case managers. Juvenile case managers frequently assist with navigating the juvenile justice system. This usually entails meeting with juvenile clients to address the offense of which they have been accused, as well as assessing their social, emotional, and psychological well-being.

9. Geriatric Case Manager

Case managers who specialize in this field only work with older clients and their families. Individuals engaged in this sector of employment, like those in other case management professions, focus on managing the care of older folks to guarantee the highest possible quality of life.

Acting as a link between the elderly client and medical, mental health, and residential care facility workers is the most important aspect of this position. Geriatric case management is extensively involved in administrative and advocacy activities.

Increase Your Nonprofit Case Management Knowledge With PlanStreet

Many in the nonprofit sector benefit from a greater understanding of the case management process. It can streamline goals, increase productivity, and better connect your clients to the services they need. If you’re looking to improve your case management skills at your non-profit, consider implementing PlanStreet.

Our case management software offers streamlined workflows to boost productivity in your processes. Our intake automation and case management software creates intuitive workflows and reduces time spent on bulky paperwork. To learn more about how PlanStreet can boost your nonprofit’s case management processes, request a live demo with our team today.

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