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Remote Nursing Certifications: Which Ones Actually Help You Get Hired?

by | Mar 10, 2025

white desk with laptop to search for remote nursing certifications

One of the first thoughts many nurses have when they’re struggling to land a remote job is, Maybe I need a certification to stand out. I get it; I had that thought, too. But before you spend time and money on something that might not help, let’s talk about whether “remote nursing certifications” even exist and which ones actually matter.

Here’s the reality: Most entry-level remote nursing jobs don’t require a certification, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “remote nursing” certification available. If you’re not landing interviews, it’s usually not because you’re missing credentials; it’s likely because of your resume strategy, application approach, or job search process. Certifications can sometimes help, but they aren’t a magic fix.

It’s also important to remember that “remote nursing” isn’t a nursing specialty; it’s just a workplace setting. The certifications that matter depend on the specific nursing specialty you’re targeting (case management, utilization review, triage, CDI, etc.). So, before investing in a certification, it’s better to choose a target role first.

For in-depth information about the types of remote nursing role options, download the Free Remote Nursing Jobs Getting Started Guide.

That said, certifications can be valuable in certain situations, especially when you are planning on advancing your career in some of these nursing specialties.

Different Types of Remote Nursing Certifications

Certifications can help strengthen your qualifications for remote nursing roles, but the best option depends on your specialty and career goals. Explore the categories below to find relevant certifications and courses that will help you decide which ones are worth considering for your target goals. Click on each category to expand and see more details.

Biotech & Medical Device

Biotech and medical device careers are broad, and the right certifications or courses depend on the specific role. Nurses with specialized experience, for example, like an ONC certification for oncology-related biotech roles, bring valuable expertise to these industries. While not every certification below applies to every job, skills in sales, project management, and quality assurance are useful across many roles.

Here are some general options to consider.

  1. Certified Nurse Medical Affairs Professional (CNMAP™)
  2. Medical Devices (RAC-Devices)
  3. Lean Six Sigma Certification
  4. Project Management Coursera 
  5. Project Management Courses and Certifications at the Project Management Institute
  6. Coursera Course Query for “Medical Device Quality Assurance”
    • Various courses are available depending on what your focus is for learning more about quality assurance in the medical device industry.
  7. Specialized Training in Translating Clinical Research to Regulatory Science
  8. Nurses in the Medical Device Industry

Case Manager

Case managers provide education and care coordination for patients with new or chronic health needs.  Case Manager & Nurse Navigator roles can be similar but also vary in responsibilities based on the employer. CM roles can vary in duties when employed at insurance companies & hospitals.

Certification and course options include:

  1. Certified Case Manager (CCM) – RN only & requires prior CM work experience.
  2. Nurse Case Manager Certification (CMGT-BC) – RN only & requires prior CM work experience.
  3. American Case Management Certification (ACM) – RN only & requires prior CM work experience.
  4. Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN) -RN & LPN eligible with prior CM work experience or if you complete the Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN) Home Study Course at AAMCN.
  5. Case Management Institute (CMI):

CDI

A CDI nurse, a Clinical Documentation Integrity specialist, ensures accurate and complete medical records to support patient care and reimbursement processes. Overall, their goal is to find any gaps in clinical documentation so that those discrepancies can be corrected for accurate medical/coding billing reimbursement.

Certification and course options include:

  1. Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) – by the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS) – Requires prior work experience to take the certification exam.
  2. Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist-Outpatient (CCDS-O), by ACDIS – Requires prior work experience to take the certification exam.
  3. Association for Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS) offers two training programs to help boost your resume skills if you are interested in transitioning to this role without prior experience.
  4. Free Resources at ACDIS

Clinical Research

Clinical research nurses contribute to developing and implementing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring adherence to protocols and regulations.

Top certification and course options include:

  1. Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
  2. Clinical Research Nurse Certification Council’s (CRNCC)
  3. SOCRA – CCRP Certification Program for Clinical Research Professionals
  4. EBP Certification by The Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare
  5. The Good Clinical Practice (GCP) course – Free 12 modules are based on ICH GCP Principles and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for clinical research trials in the U.S.

Home Health

Home health nurses already have the hands-on experience that makes them a great fit for remote roles, but adding the right certifications can open even more doors. Whether you’re eyeing case management, coding, or quality review jobs, certain credentials can give you an edge without having to rely on employer-sponsored training.

Here are some certifcation options worth considering.

  1. Home Care Coding Specialist – ICD10 HCS-D certification
  2. Home Care Coding Specialist – Hospice (HCS-H)
  3. Home Care Clinical Specialist – OASIS (HCS-O)
  4. OASIS COS-C certification 

Informatics

Informatics nurses blend clinical expertise with technology to improve healthcare systems, workflows, and patient outcomes. They work in roles like education, software implementation, and data analysis, whether in hospitals, hybrid settings, or remotely with companies like EPIC, Cerner, and Allscripts.

The truth is, you don’t always need a Master’s in Nursing Informatics to land a role; taking the right courses to build specific skills can be just as valuable! And I say that as someone who went the master’s route first and realized it’s not the only way in.

Certification and course options:

  1. ANCC Nursing Informatics Certification
    • Requires prior work experience. Trust me when I tell you, this is not a quick study/easy pass certification exam!
  2. Lean Six Sigma Certification
  3. SQL – Coursera
  4. Project Management Coursera 
  5. Project Management Courses and Certifications at the Project Management Institute
  6. EPIC application certification – only offered to EPIC employees or by a client/hospital that uses EPIC software and sends their employees to be certified at EPIC headquarters)
  7. Free Microsoft Software Training Courses
  8. Microsoft Visio Training (Project Management Software)
  9. Data Analytics Resources (Complied by Vanderbilt University Professor)

 

Legal Nurse

Nurses in this role have expertise in reviewing/auditing medical records and preparing medical chronologies.

Most nurses think they aren’t qualified or need a certification to work as a legal nurse, but you don’t! Well, you do if the job description lists LNC certification as a requirement,t but there are other ways to gain experience!

To learn more about what a legal nurse consultant is, check out this post. There are additional resources in the Free Getting Started Guide to support your research on courses for this specialty.

Certification and course options:

  1. American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) offers certification for legal nurse consultants, which requires a minimum of five years of clinical experience and 2000 hours of LNC experience within the last five years.
  2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) – Provided by the American Hospital Association (AHA)
  3. Medicare Set-aside Certified Consultant™ (MSCC™)
  4. Certified Nurse Life Care Planner
  5. SEAK – The Expert Witness Training Company

Quality | Abstraction

Data abstraction nurses review patient records to extract clinical information that can identify trends, gaps in healthcare, and potential quality issues. There are various different specialties in this role so each one has the potential to have specific training and courses. Oftentimes, the training for these roles is only available when sponsored by or provided by an employer (aka on-the-job training).

Certification and course options:

  1. Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
  2. CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality)
    • You don’t need formal experience to take the CPHQ exam, but it’s designed for those with at least two years in healthcare quality. It’s known to be a tough exam, so check the content outline to see if you’re ready!
  3. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) programs
    • To take the CHDA exam, you’ll need an RHIT® or RHIA® credential or a bachelor’s degree. While not required, at least three years of healthcare data experience is recommended, especially in areas like data analysis, management, and reporting.
  4. NAHQ Micro-Credentials – These courses are new as of 2025. They are short courses that help you build expertise in specific areas of healthcare quality, whether you’re a CPHQ looking to expand your knowledge or just getting started and need a practical learning resource.
  5. Medical/Billing/Coding certifications (such as CPC by AAPC)
  6. Trauma Registry Course by the American Trauma Society
  7. NCQA – Introduction to HEDIS – ANCC accredited for 2.5 nursing contact hours
  8. Q-Centrix Institute (QCI) – offers in-house training for new hires to become Clinical Data Specialists, covering Oncology, Cath PCI, STS, GWTG Stroke, and Core Measures.
  9. TETAF Hospital Data Management Course – ANCC accredited for 14.4 nursing contact hours.

Telehealth | Triage | RPM

Triage nurses assess patient symptoms and determine the appropriate level of care or intervention required, usually following a set of protocol guidelines like Schmitt-Thompson. It’s a great role to transition to from bedside nursing and usually has more PRN or part-time opportunities that don’t require prior experience.

  1. AAACN – American Academy of Ambulatory Nursing Triage Course 
    • No prior experience needed; contact hours count towards the Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification
  2. ANCC – American Nurses Credentialing Center – Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification
    • RN license, 2+ years experience, 2,000 hours of clinical practice in ambulatory care nursing within the last 3 years, 30 hours of continuing education in ambulatory care nursing within the last 3 years
  3. HPCC – Hospice & Palliative Care Credentialing Center

Additional Resources:

  1. Telephone Triage Best Practices and Systems for Telehealth Nursing. 
    • 5 Contact Hour course, ANCC accredited
  2. ENA Event – Triage Workshop
    • Instructor-led class facilitated by ENA-approved emergency nurses with expertise in triage and experience in educating emergency nurses.
  3. Triage Logic YouTube Channel
    • Free Series – Telehealth Nurse Triage General Training

Utilization Management

Utilization Review/Management Nurses review medical documentation, evaluate treatment plans, and determine the medical necessity of procedures, treatments, and medications. This blog post breaks down the differences between UR & UM. The 2 golden standards for guidelines used in these roles are MCG and Interqual.

Traditionally, training is provided on the job and only available once you are an employee; hence, the catch-22 feeling most nurses feel when researching course options.

The founder of Case Management Institute CMI, a nurse, recognized this and sought to change it. They are the only company that has partnered with MCG to offer the opportunity for nurses to get the training they need without the need to get hired first.

After successfully passing the Utilization Management and MCG course at CMI, you’ll gain eligibility to take the MCG Certification Exam.

  1. Case Management Institute (CMI)
  2. Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA)
    • Prior Authorization Course & Certification

Common Misconceptions About Remote Nursing Certifications

There’s a lot of confusion about whether certifications are necessary for remote nursing jobs. Many nurses assume that if they’re not landing interviews, it must be because they don’t have the right certification. But that’s not always the case. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions. 

“I keep finding jobs that require certifications I can’t get without prior experience. How am I supposed to get hired?”

If every job you find requires a certification you don’t have, you’re likely looking at non-entry-level roles.

Some companies (or maybe just that specific job) aren’t willing to train nurses in roles like case management, utilization review, or CDI, they want applicants who already have experience or certifications. But that doesn’t mean all remote jobs require them.

The key is knowing how to search for jobs correctly. Many entry-level remote jobs don’t require certifications (but may prefer them), you just need to find the right ones and apply early. The remote nurse job board has an entry-level filter to help nurses without prior experience find the right job openings.

“If I get certified, will that be enough to land a job?”

 

Not necessarily. Certifications don’t guarantee a job offer, and they definitely don’t guarantee landing interviews. Simply adding the completed course or certification to your resume without having worked through the other resume and application strategies likely won’t make much of a difference.

Many nurses think that adding a certification will help them stand out in this competitive job market. But here’s the reality:

  • If a job doesn’t require a certification, having one won’t make up for a poorly targeted resume or weak application strategy.
  • If a certification is “preferred” but not required, experience will likely still matter more.
  • If a job does require a certification, it’s often not an entry-level job.

Instead of assuming you need more credentials, audit your job application strategy first. Are you tailoring your resume? Are you applying for the right types of jobs? Are you clearly showing your transferable skills? Check out this post to audit your own application strategies.

“Should I list all my bedside nursing certifications, such as BLS, ACLS, etc.?”

Short answer, No. Only list certifications relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if the job description states they are looking for a nurse with critical care experience and you have your CCRN, then you would include that one.

Many nurses clutter their resumes with every certification they’ve ever earned, but hiring managers don’t care about credentials that don’t apply to their specific job.

Rule of thumb: If the job posting doesn’t mention it and it’s not relevant, don’t waste space on your resume listing it.

Free & Low-Cost Training Alternatives

Not every nurse needs to invest in an expensive certification to transition into a remote role. Many remote nursing roles don’t require certifications, and in some cases, foundational knowledge from free or low-cost courses can be just as beneficial, especially when employers provide training on the job.

If you’re unsure about investing in certifications, these free and affordable learning options can help you explore a specialty before committing to an expensive program.

General Remote Nursing Skills & Software Training

  • Udemy & Coursera – Both platforms have a mix of courses relevant to healthcare professionals. Udemy tends to focus on short, skills-based courses covering medical coding, healthcare technology, and project management. Coursera offers more structured programs from universities that dive deeper into areas like health informatics, data analytics, and leadership in healthcare. It also has some introductory medical billing and coding courses
  • LinkedIn Learning – A solid choice for professional development, especially for nurses looking to move into healthcare administration, project management, or corporate roles. While it doesn’t offer clinical courses, it has training in business communication, Microsoft Office tools, and sales skills, which can be useful for roles in consulting, medical sales, or operations.
  • Microsoft Online Learning – Free and low-cost courses on Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams (essential for remote work).
  • YouTube for Targeted Learning & Research – A free way to explore different remote nursing roles before investing in certifications or paid courses.

Utilization Review & Case Management

  • CMI Free 1-CNE Course: “Which is Right for You—Case Management or Utilization Management?” – A free introduction course to learn the differences between these two career paths and find out which one is right for you.
  • CCMC Free Webinars

Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI)

Medical Coding, Appeals, & Revenue Integrity

  • Contempo Coding (YouTube Channel) – Free beginner-friendly videos explaining medical coding and career paths.
  • AAPC Free Intro to Medical Coding – A short, free introduction to see if coding is the right fit before committing to full certification.
  • AHIMA – Online Courses & Webinars
  • OIG & CMS Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training – Free government courses covering compliance and auditing—useful for nurses interested in revenue integrity or fraud investigations.

Legal Nurse Consulting (LNC)

  • AALNC Free Webinars & Educational Content – The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants offers free learning resources to help nurses explore LNC roles before committing to certification or paid programs.

When a Free or Low-Cost Course Makes More Sense Than a Certification

  1. If you need basic knowledge before applying.
    • Some remote jobs will train nurses but expect them to have a general understanding of the field.
  2. If the certification is only “preferred,” not required.
    • Many roles list certifications as optional, getting hired depends more on experience and transferable skills.
  3. If an employer is willing to pay for certification.
    • Some companies reimburse employees for certifications after they’ve been hired.

If you’re considering a certification, see if a free or low-cost course can help you decide first. Certifications can be valuable, but they aren’t always necessary, especially when employers provide training.

How to Leverage a Certification on Your Resume & Job Search

A common frustration I hear is, “I took this course and still can’t land a remote job in case management, UR, etc.” My first question is always: What does your resume and job application strategy look like? Is your LinkedIn profile optimized? Are you networking?

Simply earning a certification and adding it to your resume isn’t enough to land interviews. Certifications support your application, but they don’t replace the work it takes to land interviews. If your resume isn’t clearly connecting your skills to the job, or if you’re applying without tailoring your application, having a certification won’t change that.

Here’s how to make sure you’re actually using it to your advantage.

1. Only List Certifications That Are Relevant

Many nurses assume that adding more credentials will make them stand out, but hiring managers only care about what’s directly relevant to their specific job.

  • If a certification isn’t relevant or listed in the job posting as required or preferred, don’t include it.
  • BLS, ACLS, and similar bedside certifications are rarely needed unless the job specifically asks for them (some triage roles may require ACLS).
  • Listing too many certifications can make your resume cluttered and distract from the qualifications that actually matter.

2. Where to Place Certifications On Your Resume

Certifications should be strategically placed where they strengthen your qualifications.

Best places to include them:

  • At the top of your resume, with your name and other nursing credentials.
  • Certifications Section – If it’s relevant to the role.
  • Professional Experience – If you applied the certification in your job (e.g., using MCG criteria in utilization review).
  • Education Section – If there was a course you took that is relevant to the certification, add it here, along with any other relevant courses and education.

    3. How To Ue Certifications To Strengthen Your Job Applications

    Adding a certification to your resume isn’t enough, you also need to leverage it in your applications and networking.

    • Use it in your cover letter – If a job lists the certification as “preferred,” mention how it strengthens your qualifications.
    • Add it to your LinkedIn profile – Certifications are searchable on LinkedIn, making it easier for recruiters to find you.
    • Highlight it in your application when relevant – If the job mentions the certification, make sure it’s clearly visible in your resume and application responses and worded exactly the same as the job description.

    4. How To Talk About Your Certifications In An Interview

    Adding a certification to your resume isn’t enough—you also need to leverage it in your applications and networking.

    • Use it in your cover letter – If a job lists the certification as “preferred,” mention how it strengthens your qualifications.
    • Add it to your LinkedIn profile – Certifications are searchable on LinkedIn, making it easier for recruiters to find you.
    • Highlight it in your application when relevant – If the job mentions the certification, make sure it’s clearly visible in your resume and application responses.

    A course or certification alone won’t land you a job. It needs to be paired with a strong resume and job search strategy.

    Use certifications strategically in applications, LinkedIn, and interviews. Make sure they reinforce why you’re a strong candidate.

    Conclusion: Do You Really Need a Certification?

    One of the biggest things we tend to overlook when trying to stand out and land interviews is focusing too much on certifications and not enough on building knowledge. Here’s what I mean, most certifications require prior work experience in the role just to qualify for the exam (with a couple of exceptions for CM and UM, which I mention in this post). That work experience can come from in-person, hybrid, or remote roles, but remote jobs are highly competitive, and even entry-level positions attract experienced nurses.

    So, at the end of the day, knowledge and experience matter more than certifications in most cases. But many nurses skip the research phase and jump straight into resumes and applications, which makes sense when you’re eager to land an interview! The problem? Writing a resume for a job you’ve never done is tough if you don’t fully understand what the role entails or how to translate your bedside skills to fit the job description.

    This is why gaining a deeper understanding of a remote nursing specialty is so valuable. Courses, in general, are a great way to build that knowledge, bridge experience gaps, and make your transition smoother. Building your knowledge about the role helps you stand out, especially if you’re changing specialties or looking to strengthen your application.

    And the best part? Some courses go beyond just learning, like the UM and CM programs at CMI, which not only help you gain a clearer picture of the role but also provide nursing continuing education contact hours and make you eligible to take the MCG certification exam. Building your knowledge about the role helps you stand out, especially if you’re changing specialties or looking to strengthen your application.

    I know figuring out certifications, courses, and the remote job search can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need a certification to land most entry-level remote nursing jobs. Your time is often better spent refining your resume, job search strategy, and highlighting your transferable skills. Certifications can be useful in certain situations, but they aren’t the golden ticket to getting hired.

    If you’re unsure about where to focus your energy, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside my premium membership, I help nurses cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves the needle toward their career goals. If a certification or course would make a real impact for you, I’ll tell you. Otherwise, I’ll help you put your energy where it matters most, landing the right remote nursing job.

    Want personalized guidance on your remote job search?

    Join the Premium Membership for job leads, resume strategy, and direct support to help you land a remote role that fits your career goals.

    Remote Nurse Connection is proudly Ad-free. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read full disclosure here.

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