How to become a nurse case manager
Are you interested in expanding your career beyond bedside nursing? Nurse case managers play a pivotal role in healthcare, coordinating patient care and navigating complex healthcare systems. Whether you're drawn to advocacy, care coordination, or creating a better patient experience, this career path can be incredibly fulfilling.
Learn what nurse case managers do, how their role differs from social work case managers, and the steps you can take to become one.
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What does a nurse case manager do?
Nurse case managers improve patient outcomes, streamline services, and reduce costs. Many of their patients have chronic illnesses, serious injuries, or complex health needs.
In their day-to-day, nurse case managers may assess patient needs, educate families, and develop and coordinate comprehensive care plans for patients.
These professionals work in various settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Outpatient clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home healthcare settings
Nurse case manager vs. social work case manager
Nurse case managers and social work case managers differ in their education requirements, licensure, work settings, and core duties. Find out how each role leverages its different training and areas of expertise to guide clients through complex care systems.
| Aspect | Nurse case manager | Social work case manager |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's in nursing (BSN) | Bachelor's (BSW) or master's in social work (MSW) |
| Licensure | Registered nurse (RN) | Licensed master social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) |
| Experience | About two years or more of clinical nursing experience | About two years of field placements/internships |
| Work Setting | Hospitals, insurance companies, home health, rehabilitation | Community agencies, schools, hospitals, non‑profits |
| Core Duties | Assess nursing/medical needs, develop care plans, coordinate treatments, and patient education | Assess psychosocial needs, connect to resources, counseling, and advocacy |
Steps to become a nurse case manager
The following steps can help you transition from clinical nursing into a rewarding nurse case manager role.
Step 1: Earn a nursing degree
Earn a nursing degree by completing either a two‑year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four‑year BSN from an accredited program. Accreditation ensures the program provides a quality curriculum that meets national standards.
If your first degree is an ADN, consider an RN-to-BSN program to earn a BSN, which is usually required for nurse case manager roles. BSN coursework typically covers:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Ethics
- Informatics
- Family-centered care
- Nutrition
- Up to 800 hours of supervised clinical experience
Graduates must pass the NCLEX‑RN exam to obtain licensure and begin clinical practice. If you want to become a nurse case manager, it's best to have a BSN to broaden your career opportunities.
Step 1: Earn a nursing degree
Earn a nursing degree by completing either a two‑year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four‑year BSN from an accredited program. Accreditation ensures the program provides a quality curriculum that meets national standards.
If your first degree is an ADN, consider an RN-to-BSN program to earn a BSN, which is usually required for nurse case manager roles. BSN coursework typically covers:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Ethics
- Informatics
- Family-centered care
- Nutrition
- Up to 800 hours of supervised clinical experience
Graduates must pass the NCLEX‑RN exam to obtain licensure and begin clinical practice. If you want to become a nurse case manager, it's best to have a BSN to broaden your career opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Published June 4, 2025