Exploring the value proposition: Why get certified?

Authored by Vivian Campagna, MSN, RN-BC, CCM, chief industry relations officer (CIRO) for The Commission for Case Manager Certification for CCMC

My work as chief industry relations officer at the Commission for Case Manager Certification doesn’t involve day-to-day case management or even supervision of case managers. But it’s funny how being a certified case manager becomes part of your being. As an experienced case manager, I have the ability to help people understand their needs and preferences, navigate through the complicated maze of our health care system and access the resources they need for optimal health. And as a certified case manager, I embody the knowledge, capability and skill required for the role. Friends and colleagues trust me to help them along their path to self-management, self-advocacy and recovery. I am bound by high professional standards and a code of conduct. Those three letters behind my name validate my qualifications to employers, providers and peers.

As the Commission approached its 25th anniversary as a certification body for case managers, we sought out seasoned case managers and asked them why, even beyond their retirement years, they maintain the continuing education and renew the credential. What we hear strengthens my personal and professional understanding of the value of the credential to make us a “better case manager, a better YOU.”

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“The CCM credential sets the standard of practice for case management. That’s the premise on which the CCM credential was created in the first place—to demonstrate proficiency and so the consumer would understand that what they’re getting is quality service.”-Linda, certified since 1993 (inaugural class)

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“You can explore different ways to use your skills and knowledge—self-employment, private case management, anything—even if you don’t stay in your current position. The skills will always be needed. Even if you do case management as a volunteer, it’s important to maintain your CCM to demonstrate to employers and others that you’ve still got the knowledge you’ve accumulated over all the years.”-Richard, certified for 15 years

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“I often come in contact with those new to this work, and I encourage them to continue to work towards the CCM. Maintaining my CCM validates that suggestion. It keeps me relevant and informed—connected to information and a body of work and a practice that I will probably forever feel committed to. It’s a designation that I am very proud of.”-Nina, certified since 2009.

Today, it’s my desire and my dedication to see a growing, diverse cadre of case managers achieve certification and earn the peer, employer and client respect it engenders. The Commission’s research and commitment to ensure the exam remains practice-based and relevant also supports a health care industry motivated to employ knowledgeable, qualified case managers. That ongoing commitment positively impacts the hopes, dreams and careers of more than 45,000 board-certified case managers.

The numbers support the relevance of the CCM. Our recent survey of CCMs found

• Salaries are on the rise for those who are board certified, with the median salary between $80,000 - $85,000 annually.
• 88% say certification has had a positive impact on their career.
• 94% have recommended the CCM to other case managers.
• Employers recognize the importance of the CCM by paying for the exam or renewal and often requiring the credential.
• Supervisors who are CCMs highly prefer hiring those who are certified.

Are you ready to join the more than 45,000 certified case managers who have a lifelong, fulfilling career they are proud to renew for decades? If the answer is yes, review the eligibility requirements to become a better case manager, a better you!