If you're a registered nurse (RN) interested in specializing in workplace health and safety, becoming a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) could be the ideal next step for your career. Occupational health nurses are vital in ensuring that workplaces are safe, promoting wellness, and managing occupational injuries and illnesses. COHN certification not only enhances your skills but also broadens your professional opportunities in this growing field.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining COHN certification, from eligibility requirements to exam preparation.
What is COHN certification?
COHN certification is offered by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) and validates your expertise in occupational health nursing. COHNs specialize in preventing workplace injuries, ensuring employee wellness, and promoting safe working environments.
The COHN certification demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in occupational health settings, making you a more competitive candidate for specialized roles.
Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements
Before you can apply for COHN certification, there are specific prerequisites you must meet:
- Registered Nurse Licensure: You must hold an active RN license in the U.S. or its territories.
- Nursing Experience: A minimum of 3,000 hours of occupational health nursing experience in the past five years is required. This experience helps ensure that candidates have the hands-on expertise necessary for certification.
- Alternative Option: If you don’t meet the 3,000-hour requirement, a post-baccalaureate degree in occupational health or a related field may be accepted as an alternative qualification.
Occupational health nursing experience can be gained through various settings, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, corporate offices, and public health agencies.
Step 2: Prepare for the COHN exam
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to prepare for the COHN certification exam. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of occupational health and nursing principles. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Study the Exam Content Outline: The ABOHN provides an Exam Content Outline, which breaks down the specific topics covered in the COHN exam. Focus on areas such as clinical care, workplace safety, case management, and health promotion.
- Recommended Study Resources:
- ABOHN Study Guide: ABOHN offers study guides tailored to the COHN exam. These resources provide sample questions and in-depth coverage of exam topics.
- Online Courses and Workshops: Many organizations offer review courses and workshops to help you prepare for the exam. These courses are often available in both in-person and online formats.
- Occupational Health Textbooks: Some occupational health textbooks, such as “Fundamentals of Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing,” are excellent resources for in-depth learning.
- Form a Study Plan: Create a structured study schedule that allows you to cover all the topics over several weeks or months. Break down your study sessions to focus on one subject at a time, ensuring you grasp the material thoroughly.
Step 3: Apply for the COHN exam
Once you're ready to take the exam, you need to apply through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). Here’s how to proceed:
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application on the ABOHN website. Be prepared to submit proof of your RN license, work experience, or educational background.
- Pay the Application Fee: There is a fee to apply for the exam, which typically ranges from $400 to $500, depending on whether you are a member of a professional organization like the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).**
- Schedule Your Exam: Once your application is approved, you'll receive instructions on how to schedule your exam at a nearby testing center. The COHN exam is computer-based and is administered throughout the year at various locations.
Step 4: Take the COHN exam
The COHN certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and typically lasts around three hours. The test assesses your knowledge in key areas of occupational health nursing:
- Clinical Care: Topics may include injury assessment, basic first aid, and follow-up care for workplace injuries.
- Health and Safety Promotion: Expect questions on workplace hazard identification, employee education, and preventive health strategies.
- Case Management: This section covers return-to-work programs, injury management, and collaborating with healthcare providers.
- Regulatory Compliance: Questions in this area focus on your understanding of occupational health regulations, including OSHA and workers’ compensation laws.
Make sure to manage your time effectively during the exam, and read each question carefully before selecting your answer.
Step 5: Maintain your COHN certification
After passing the exam, you’ll officially become a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN). However, certification isn’t a one-time event; it must be maintained through continuous education and professional development.
- Recertification: COHN certification is valid for five years, after which you’ll need to recertify. To do so, you must complete a certain number of continuing education hours related to occupational health nursing.
- Continuing Education: Participate in workshops, conferences, and online courses that provide updates on occupational health best practices, new regulations, and advances in healthcare technology. Many professional organizations offer continuing education credits that count toward recertification.
Why obtain COHN certification?
Becoming a Certified Occupational Health Nurse opens up numerous career opportunities. Here are a few benefits:
- Career Advancement: COHN certification can lead to promotions, specialized roles, and leadership positions in occupational health.
- Increased Salary: Certified occupational health nurses often command higher salaries than their non-certified peers.
- Professional Recognition: COHN certification is a mark of distinction that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field of occupational health nursing.
- Enhanced Knowledge: Preparing for the COHN exam deepens your understanding of workplace safety, injury prevention, and employee health promotion, making you a more effective healthcare professional.
Is COHN certification right for you?
Obtaining COHN certification is a rewarding step for registered nurses looking to specialize in occupational health. With the right preparation and commitment, you can pass the COHN exam and begin making a difference in workplace health and safety. Whether you're interested in clinical care, case management, or regulatory compliance, a career as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse can be both fulfilling and impactful.
