Board certification in occupational and environmental health nursing is a credential that represents a mark of prestige and a higher level of competence sought by employers. A certified OHN brings value to an organization by providing expertise in occupational injuries and illness, disease management, risk management and can make a positive impact on an organization’s financial bottom line. Besides being a significant personal and professional accomplishment, certification advances your career and attracts higher salaries. The American Board of Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) is an independent nursing specialty certifying board and the sole provider of certification in the specialty of occupational and environmental health nursing in the US. More information about their certifications can be found below.
American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN)
7250 West College Drive, #2SW
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone: (630) 789-5799
Email: info@abohn.org
Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) available for the RN who practices occupational and environmental health nursing such as delivering direct clinical care, serving as advisor, coordinator, or case manager. Eligibility includes RN licensure and 3,000 hours of occupational health nursing experience over five years. Recertification is required every five years with requirements for continuing education.
Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S) is offered to RNs with a bachelor's degree or higher. The focus of the COHN-S certification examination is on the roles of management, education, consultation, and case management, in addition to direct care. Eligibility includes RN licensure, Bachelor's Degree or higher and 3,000 hours of occupational health nursing experience over five years. Recertification is required every five years with requirements for continuing education.
Certified Occupational Health Nurse Case Manager (COHN/CM or COHN-S/CM) is offered to COHNs who practice case management and meet the criteria for case manager certification. Eligibility includes RN licensure, COHN or COHN-S, and continuing education in case management within the past five years. Recertification is required every five years with requirements for continuing education.
Because of the range of occupational health nursing careers, other certifications may be beneficial to an occupational health nurse’s career, e.g., case management, safety and health promotion. Certificate verification of accomplished training and experience may be needed in order to perform certain technical functions, such as audiometry, spirometry, drug testing or DOT medical examinations. A list of some of the most relevant certifying bodies and the types of certifications awarded can be found here.