Nurse Case Manager Role Overview: What They Do, Where They Work, How to Become One, 2026 Salary & More
Nurse Case Manager Career Overview
- What you will do: Serve as a patient advocate to support, guide, and coordinate care for patients, families, and caregivers as they navigate their health and wellness journeys.
- Where you will work: Home office, clinical settings, business offices, and others.
- How much you will earn: $90.000–100.000 (mean annual salary for board-certified nurse case managers).
- The degree you need: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
- How to get certified: Earn a CCM, CMGT-BC, or ACMC credential.
In today's complex healthcare landscape, delivery is becoming increasingly fragmented and costly. As a result, the role of Nurse Case Managers has never been more crucial.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the profession. We will explore the education and certification requirements, work settings, job duties, and benefits of this rewarding career. Whether you're a nursing student, a seasoned nurse looking to transition into a new role, or simply curious about the field, this will be your ultimate guide into the exciting world of nursing case management.
What Exactly Is a Nurse Case Manager?
Nurse Case Managers (NCMs) are Registered Nurses who play an instrumental role in bridging the gaps between patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system as a whole.
They specialize in coordinating and managing healthcare services across settings, working with diverse patient populations, including those with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions who require ongoing care. They ensure seamless care coordination, advocate for patients' needs, develop personalized care plans, and collaborate with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.
Their role goes beyond bedside care; nurse case managers are advocates, navigators, and facilitators, ensuring, above all, that people in their care have access to high-quality health services.
The Case Management Society of America[1] offers the following definition:
"Case managers are healthcare professionals who serve as patient advocates to support, guide, and coordinate care for patients, families, and caregivers as they navigate their health and wellness journeys."
As prerequisite preparation goes, the majority of case managers (86% in 2024[2]) have a nursing background, to which they add specific preparation and certification to practice.
What Does a Nurse Case Manager Do? Scope of Practice
The nurse case manager job description encompasses key duties that facilitate coordinated, effective healthcare management for patients. Some of their primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting comprehensive patient assessments, including physical, psychological, and social factors, to gather relevant information for care planning.
- Developing personalized care plans that address the specific needs and goals of individual patients, considering their medical history, current conditions, and treatment options.
- Scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals to specialists, and ensuring the timely delivery of diagnostic tests and treatments.
- Monitoring and evaluating patients' progress through regular assessments, tracking outcomes, and adjusting care plans to optimize health outcomes.
- Providing education on disease management, treatment options, medication administration, and self-care techniques to promote patient empowerment and adherence to care plans.
- Advocating for patients' rights, preferences, and needs within the healthcare system, collaborating with healthcare providers to address barriers and ensure patient-centered care.
- Collaborating and communicating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
- Facilitating smooth care transitions between healthcare settings, such as hospital-to-home, by coordinating discharge plans, arranging home healthcare services, and ensuring proper follow-up.
- Monitoring and optimizing the utilization of healthcare resources, ensuring that patients receive appropriate, efficient care while minimizing unnecessary costs.
- Documenting accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, care plans, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Read our guide to the core duties and responsibilities of nurses based on specialty, work setting, and more.
Nursing Case Management Specialties
There are many different paths you could take within case management. Here are some examples:
- Chronic Disease Management: In this role, you'll work with patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or hypertension. Essential aspects of the job include assessing the patient's needs to develop an individualized care plan and providing education on self-management strategies. Coordinating healthcare appointments and monitoring the patient's progress will also be part of your day-to-day.
- Transitional Care Management: As a Nurse Case Manager, you will assist patients as they transition from the hospital to home or other healthcare settings. Your role will ensure a smooth transition by coordinating discharge plans, arranging necessary home health services, and educating patients and caregivers on post-discharge care.
- Palliative and End-of-Life Care: You specialize in providing support to patients with life-limiting illnesses. The role involves assessing the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs; coordinating pain management and symptom control; facilitating communication between the healthcare team and family; and offering guidance on advance care planning.
- Rehabilitation Case Management: A rehabilitation case manager assists patients undergoing rehabilitation after an
injury, surgery, or stroke. You'll coordinate therapy sessions, monitor progress,
assess the need for assistive devices, and provide education on self-care and coping
strategies. Essentially, you'll support your patient's transition back to everyday
life.
How to Become a Case Nurse Manager?
Let's delve into the step-by-step process for becoming a case nurse manager, discussing each of the five essential stages in detail to guide you toward a rewarding career in this field.
Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming a Nurse Case Manager is to obtain a nursing degree. After getting your high school diploma, look into the different nursing programs available. Choose and enroll in an accredited nursing program that aligns with your career goals.
Entry-Level Educational Options for Case Management
If you want to start practicing as a nurse case manager using a graduate degree, you have two options: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), with the former program being typically preferred for nursing case management positions.
- Although ADN/ASN programs are shorter, typically taking two to three years and providing the core knowledge and clinical skills needed to become an RN, they usually cover fewer topics than BSN programs.
- BSN programs are generally three to four-year degrees that offer a broader, more in-depth education, combining clinical experience with training in leadership, research, and healthcare systems, preparing nurses more effectively for complex roles like case management. In today’s healthcare environment, many employers (including hospitals, clinics, and academic institutions) prefer or even require a BSN, and earning one can boost your competitiveness, expand advancement potential, and open the door to a wider range of career opportunities.
Read more about the difference between the degrees in our comprehensive ADN vs. BSN comparison.
Nightingale College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is an excellent choice for aspiring nurse case managers. With a focus on quality education, valuable clinical experiences, flexible learning options, and a supportive learning environment, Nightingale College equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in this field. In just 32 months, you can continue to make a positive impact through your new profession.
Alternatively, if you already hold an ADN/ASN degree and an RN license, you can advance your education by enrolling in a one-year 100% online RN-to-BSN Fast Track and access better career opportunities.
Learn how to get a BSN degree based on your current level of education.
Step 2: Obtain Nursing Licensure
After completing your nursing degree, you must obtain a nursing license to practice as a Registered Nurse. For that, you have one more hurdle to overcome: the NCLEX-RN exam.
This standardized exam assesses the knowledge and competency you've gained through all your hard work in nursing school. Passing it is no easy feat, but a good nursing program will prepare you to succeed.
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, apply for nursing licensure with your state's appropriate nursing regulatory body. Requirements and application processes may vary, so ensure you meet all criteria and submit the necessary documentation.
Learn more about studying to finish nursing school strong and studying for the NCLEX-RN.
Enrollees in the BSN Program at Nightingale College can also access a series of Services and Resources that include dedicated NCLEX coaching.
Learn more about the Learner Experience at Nightingale College.
Step 3: Gain Nursing Experience
Once you are awarded your RN license, you can start seeking employment in various healthcare settings and familiarizing yourself with diverse healthcare practices and protocols. For accumulating experience that is valuable for your future as a nurse case manager, look for nursing positions that involve care coordination, discharge planning, or utilization review.
If you need a helping hand in navigating this step in your nursing journey, read our guides to fine-tuning your resume and responding to common nursing interview questions.
Step 4: Pursue Nurse Case Management Certification
Pursuing RN certification in case management is a recommended practice if you are considering advancing your career and demonstrating your expertise in this specialized area.
Why Earn a Nurse Case Manager Certification?
According to the 2024 Case Management Salary and Trends Survey[3], 27.1% of respondents said their employer requires certification, and 37.2% said employers encourage it.
However, nurse case manager certification also improves your professional outlook, with 39.2% of the respondents reporting that certification helped increase their salary, while 34.4% sait it helped them advance their career.
Nurse Case Manager Certification Options
If you are interested in receiving nurse case management certification, you have three principal options.
- You can become a Certified Case Manager (CCM), a credential offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC).
- The American Nursing Credentialing Center offers another option: Nursing Case Management Certification (CMGT-BC).
- The American Case Management Association offers a third option: the Accredited Case Management Credential.
Each of these credentials demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field of case management. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements closely before applying, as they may differ slightly from one credential to another.
Find out more about becoming a certified nurse to navigate this process more easily.
Step 5: Consider Advancing Your Education
Continuing and advancing your education are going to be central elements not only to keeping up with industry standards in your field, but also for navigating the career ladder and accessing career advancement opportunities with ease.
Advancing your education depends on your current level of accreditation and your career objectives:
- If you hold an Associate Degree in Nursing and want to expand your career opportunities, you can reach the BSN level of accreditation through an RN-to-BSN fast-track, such as Nightingale College's career-friendly, 100% online RN-to-BSN Track, which takes just one year to complete.
- If you have reached BSN-level education, you can pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and further your careers and provide specialized knowledge in case management or related fields. If a leadership role sounds intriguing, consider pursuing an advanced degree, such as an MSN or a DNP.
Level of Education of Nurse Case Managers
While the majority of nurse case managers hold a Bachelor’s degree (51%), recent trends[3] show that more and more professionals in this specialty join the workforce with a Master’s degree or eventually earn one (30% in 2022-2024, compared to 22% in 2018-2020).
Comparatively, Associate degrees (ADN, ASN, AASN) declined markedly from 26% in 2018 to 15% in 2024, while Doctoral degrees remain low but stable at 1-2%. While very marginal (1-4% depending on year), some nurse case managers participate in the workforce while holding a Practical Nursing Diploma.
The shift from Associate to Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in the field of case management is part of a general trend toward prioritizing and promoting higher degrees of education, particularly in leadership and management roles.
Where Do Nurse Case Managers Work? Work Settings
Nurse case managers have the opportunity to work in various settings, each playing a vital role in healthcare coordination.
Below, you can find a breakdown of the work environments for nurse case managers[3]:
- Home office: Approximately 48.72% of nurse case managers work from home, a slight decrease from previous years (49.3% in 2022), but overall an increasingly common environment (3.62% increase since 2020) and the most frequent one for the current state of the industry.
- Clinical setting: 26.1% of CNMs work in clinical settings (including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term acute care facilities), a lower percentage than in previous years (29.4% in 2020 and 28.6% in 2022).
- Combined setting: More and more nurse case managers work hybridly, in a combination of home and clinical settings (14.27% in 2024, a 2.37% increase from previous years).
- Business office: Although in past years, they represented one of the largest shares of the workforce, CNMs working in business offices decreased rapidly from 25.5% in 2020 to 4.57% in 2024.
- Other settings: Around 1.26% of CNMs work in other environments and settings.
Recent trends show a growing preference for remote or hybrid work for nurse case managers, and the decreasing reliance on traditional clinical as well as office settings.
Discover more about remote nursing jobs.
Nurse Case Manager Salary: How Much Do They Make in 2026?
While salary can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education, and certification, RN Case Managers generally enjoy competitive earning potential.
According to ZipRecruiter, the nationwide average salary for nurse case managers in 2026 is $98,869. Payscale provides a lower estimate of the national median salary ($83,067 per year), similar to Indeed's ($85,883 per year).
According to recent surveys[3], the median annual salary for certified registered nurse case managers ranges from $80,000 to $89,999, with 36.1% of CNMs earning $100,000 or more per year and only 7.2% earning below $70,000 per year. Below, you can find a breakdown of the reported earning potential and the corresponding percentages of nurse case managers:
|
Annual Salary Range |
Percentage of Nurse Case Managers |
|
$170,000 or over |
3% |
|
$160,000-$169,999 |
1% |
|
$150,000-$159,999 |
1.3% |
|
$140,000-$149,999 |
1.8% |
|
$130,000-$139,999 |
3.1% |
|
$120,000-$129,999 |
4.9% |
|
$110,000-$119,999 |
8.2% |
|
$100,000-$109,999 |
12.8% |
|
$90,000-$99,999 |
16.2% |
|
$80,000-$89,999 |
26.4% |
|
$70,000-$79,999 |
14% |
|
$60,000-$69,999 |
1.4% |
|
$50,000-$50,999 |
2.9% |
|
Below $50,000 |
2.9% |
State and location also represent variables that have a considerable impact on your future earning potential as a nurse case manager.
The 5 highest-paying states for nurse case managers are Washington ($111,978 per year, on average), New York ($108,166), Massachusetts ($107,977), Alaska ($106,476), and Vermont ($105,122), all exceeding $105,000.
The bottom three are Florida ($73,884), West Virginia ($76,541), and Arkansas ($81,755), each below $82,000 annually and under $40/hour, creating a sizable gap relative to the national leaders.
Below is a table with the current nurse case manager salary for each US state[4], as net values and adjusted to the cost of living index (COLI)[5]:
|
State |
Annual Salary |
Annual Salary (2026 COLI Adjusted) |
Hourly Wage |
|
Alabama |
$89,613 |
$101,143 |
$43.08 |
|
Alaska |
$106,476 |
$85,249 |
$51.19 |
|
Arizona |
$92,135 |
$83,229 |
$44.30 |
|
Arkansas |
$81,755 |
$91,244 |
$39.31 |
|
California |
$97,574 |
$68,569 |
$46.91 |
|
Colorado |
$103,962 |
$101,229 |
$49.98 |
|
Connecticut |
$94,052 |
$83,453 |
$45.22 |
|
Delaware |
$98,954 |
$97,109 |
$47.57 |
|
Florida |
$73,884 |
$72,294 |
$35.52 |
|
Georgia |
$83,483 |
$90,252 |
$40.14 |
|
Hawaii |
$102,721 |
$55,525 |
$49.39 |
|
Idaho |
$93,025 |
$93,118 |
$44.72 |
|
Illinois |
$95,806 |
$101,168 |
$46.06 |
|
Indiana |
$94,080 |
$103,385 |
$45.23 |
|
Iowa |
$92,864 |
$103,527 |
$44.65 |
|
Kansas |
$88,176 |
$99,297 |
$42.39 |
|
Kentucky |
$85,870 |
$92,832 |
$41.28 |
|
Louisiana |
$84,545 |
$91,598 |
$40.65 |
|
Maine |
$95,725 |
$84,712 |
$46.02 |
|
Maryland |
$95,956 |
$83,151 |
$46.13 |
|
Massachusetts |
$107,977 |
$76,471 |
$51.91 |
|
Michigan |
$86,173 |
$95,642 |
$41.43 |
|
Minnesota |
$96,833 |
$102,360 |
$46.55 |
|
Mississippi |
$93,635 |
$107,257 |
$45.02 |
|
Missouri |
$92,739 |
$104,201 |
$44.59 |
|
Montana |
$90,746 |
$95,022 |
$43.63 |
|
Nebraska |
$94,266 |
$101,799 |
$45.32 |
|
Nevada |
$100,679 |
$100,478 |
$48.40 |
|
New Hampshire |
$96,151 |
$86,311 |
$46.23 |
|
New Jersey |
$100,375 |
$87,207 |
$48.26 |
|
New Mexico |
$95,811 |
$102,253 |
$46.06 |
|
New York |
$108,166 |
$86,464 |
$52.00 |
|
North Carolina |
$89,852 |
$91,873 |
$43.20 |
|
North Dakota |
$104,611 |
$114,454 |
$50.29 |
|
Ohio |
$93,994 |
$99,676 |
$45.19 |
|
Oklahoma |
$91,289 |
$106,150 |
$43.89 |
|
Oregon |
$104,532 |
$93,499 |
$50.26 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$99,106 |
$101,961 |
$47.65 |
|
Rhode Island |
$96,823 |
$87,543 |
$46.55 |
|
South Carolina |
$91,746 |
$96,881 |
$44.11 |
|
South Dakota |
$98,869 |
$107,583 |
$47.53 |
|
Tennessee |
$89,735 |
$99,374 |
$43.14 |
|
Texas |
$92,111 |
$100,012 |
$44.28 |
|
Utah |
$90,007 |
$88,069 |
$43.27 |
|
Vermont |
$105,122 |
$92,537 |
$50.54 |
|
Virginia |
$98,021 |
$97,243 |
$47.13 |
|
Washington |
$111,978 |
$98,140 |
$53.84 |
|
West Virginia |
$76,541 |
$86,683 |
$36.80 |
|
Wisconsin |
$99,793 |
$102,142 |
$47.98 |
|
Wyoming |
$95,035 |
$101,425 |
$45.69 |
Read more about the salaries of nurse case managers.
Are You Ready to Become a Nurse Case Manager?
In this guide, we explored the role of a Nurse Case Manager and their vital responsibilities in coordinating and managing healthcare services for patients. It's not the easiest job, but it's tremendously essential.
If you want to embrace this exciting path, enroll in Nightingale College’s BSN Program today. The nursing academic program provides the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in your career in an approachable, career-friendly hybrid form that blends online instruction with on-ground supervised field experiences in one of the SOFE Areas close to you. This accredited learning option allows you to graduate in just 32 months, enabling you to pursue RN licensure and a specialization in case management. Our team is dedicated to empowering you to become a highly qualified RN who'll make a difference in the field.
Enroll in the BSN Program at Nightingale College today!
References
- Case Management Society of America. (n.d.). What is a case manager? http://cmsa.org/who-we-are/what-is-a-case-manager/
- Madden, C. (2025, April 30). The state of case management hiring and recruitment in 2025: Market overview. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/state-case-management-hiring-recruitment-2025-market-overview-madden-xtsbc/
- Case Management Society of America, & Case Management Institute. (2024). Case management salary and trends survey report—2024 [Report]. https://cmsalaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-CM-ST-FINAL.pdf
- ZipRecruiter. (2026). What is the average RN CCM salary by state in 2026? https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-RN-CCM-Salary-by-State
- World Population Review. (2026). Cost of living index by state 2026. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-index-by-state
- ZipRecruiter. (2026, February). Nurse case manager salary, USA. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Nurse-Case-Manager-Salary
- PayScale. (2025, December 14). Nurse case manager salary in 2026. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job%3DNurse_Case_Manager/Salary