Ask A Navigator: Care Coordination Training and Certification

Guest blog post from WWC Clinical Scholar: Darlyn Miller, Teller County Public Health

Recent changes in the health care environment, particularly implementation of the Affordable Care Act, have caused an increased demand for qualified patient navigators and case managers. This need is driven by the goal of reducing health care costs while improving quality of healthcare and patient satisfaction. This demand has placed many of us in the position of “inheriting” these additional job responsibilities. Our original training, such as nursing or social work, may have provided basic concepts and knowledge in care coordination, but often these new roles require skills that are more specific to the actual job we are doing. The broad spectrum of empowering an individual across the continuum of care, while fostering optimum health and wellness, can be a daunting task to say the least.

This brief excerpt is not meant to discourage. In fact, it is to acknowledge the crucial but somewhat challenging work of care coordination. The more I delve into this specific aspect of health care the more I realize the need for additional knowledge and tools to help my organization and myself become more effective. The emerging trend that health care providers and systems are requiring trained and experienced care coordination staff is apparent. Credentials and education are preferred and may result in a higher level of reimbursement. We must keep in mind that care coordination is not one individual, but a team driven by the specific client receiving care. We all play a role in that client’s overall health, but must realize that we may need assistance in developing our new role and its associated responsibilities to provide quality care.

Below are a variety of training opportunities and potential certifications for patient navigators and case managers. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Investment by your organization to keep you up to date and equipped in your new or expanding role is strongly encouraged by WWC.

• Colorado’s comprehensive patient navigation training from the Patient Navigation Training Collaborative is the premier training for patient navigators in Colorado. This organization offers free in-person training and on-line courses through the School of Public Health. 
• Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute- Two day intensive training program. 
• Commission for Case Management Certification (CCMC)-Provides conferences, on-line training and testing to be a Certified Case Manager (CCM).
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)-provides RNBC in Case Management.
• Case Management Society of America (CMSA)- This is not a certifying body but a membership organization that provides resources, including a comprehensive list of nationally available certifying and training options for all members of a care coordination team. View the credentialing entities and eligibility requirements.
• Otero Junior College Health Navigator Program in La Junta, Colorado offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificate.

There are many different organizations to help you meet your professional goals. One of our biggest resources is learning from each other and problem solving together. No one person is ever going to “know it all” especially as rapid as the health care system continues to change. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, support, or help in this search.

Darlyn Miller, RN, BSN, CCM | millerd@co.teller.co.us | 719-687-6416 | WWC Clinical Scholar