How hard is it to become a case manager?

Asked by: Ruth Gaylord DDS  |  Last update: June 8, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (36 votes)

To become a case manager, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree, usually in nursing or social work, though a similar field may also be acceptable. Even if you earn a degree in a non-related field, you can always go back and take some social work courses or even earn your master's degree in social work.

What is the hardest part of being a case manager?

One of the main challenges in case management is coordinating and collaborating with other professionals and agencies involved in the client's care. This can include health care providers, mental health services, housing agencies, legal services, education providers, and family members.

Is case manager a good career?

Case managers have a vital role in medical and social service accessibility. They are in charge of coordinating resources and services to help achieve holistic well-being for their clients. Individuals who are organized, meticulous and people-oriented may find case management to be a rewarding career path.

Is case management a hard skill?

Building a successful career in case management requires a blend of hard skills, soft skills, and a dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Certified professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable tips for those looking to advance their careers.

Is there a demand for case managers?

One of the most significant trends impacting case managers is the increasing demand for their services, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses and the rapidly aging population.

What Being a Case Manager is REALLY like (Must Watch)

37 related questions found

Can you be a case manager without a degree?

Although you don't need a specific bachelor's degree to become a case manager, employers typically hire candidates with degrees related to social services and mental health. Examples of common case manager degrees include: Bachelor's in human services.

What is the highest salary for a case manager?

Case managers with 15 or more years of experience report the highest salary of $84,000 annually [1].

How do I get into case management with no experience?

As a case manager with no experience, you may start on your career path by earning a bachelor's degree in a human services-related subject such as social work or psychology. Case managers who provide counseling services need a master's degree and license.

Is the Certified Case Manager exam hard?

And while the CCM is practice-based, you should know that the CCM exam has a passing score of only 70%. You've heard the saying “Practice makes perfect”, and this is true. If you feel like you a weak in some areas of the CCM exam, it's always a good idea to take a practice test.

What is a weakness of a case manager?

The problem is, their empathy overplayed can become their greatest weakness.

How many hours a week does a case manager work?

How many hours do Case Manager work on average? On average, Case Managers often work 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment.

Do case managers get paid more than nurses?

Case management nurses can earn more than other registered nurses (RN), according to ZipRecruiter's salary reports.

Is there a shortage of case managers?

Shortages of case managers in nursing and social work have created new opportunities for case management education and certification, and new models of case management staffing to manage the needs of case management departments.

Which state pays case managers the most?

Highest paying cities for Case Managers near United States
  • Las Vegas, NV. $29.17 per hour. 251 salaries reported.
  • Atlanta, GA. $27.04 per hour. 212 salaries reported.
  • Los Angeles, CA. $26.22 per hour. 1.9k salaries reported.
  • New York, NY. $25.29 per hour. 776 salaries reported.
  • Chicago, IL. $25.28 per hour. 368 salaries reported.

Is being a case manager easy?

Being a case manager is not exactly easy, but it is extremely rewarding. Case managers have a lot of responsibilities—from facilitating educational coping skills groups and having in-depth conversations, to doing fun and engaging activities with clients.

How long is case management training?

Comprehensive Case Management Online Certificate Training (325 Hours) Case management is a multidisciplinary, collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation and advocacy to meet the comprehensive health and behavioral health needs of individuals and their families.

How long does it take to get CCM?

In addition to your educational background, you'll need to prove that you have 12 months of full-time case management experience supervised by someone who is a CCM or 24 months of full-time case management experience not supervised by someone who is a CCM.

What certification do you need to be a case manager?

Two of the most popular programs for general case management certifications are: Certified Case Manager (CCM): The oldest and most valued credential for case managers. Accredited Case Manager (ACM): A credential specifically for nurse and social work case managers.

Are case managers in high demand?

School case manager salary and job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects social and community service manager employment to grow by 12% between 2021 and 2031. This is faster than the growth rate for all occupations.

Is case management certification worth it?

More than half of CCMs who are executives earn more than $100,000 annually, as do more than a third of CCMs in management roles. Benefits of CCM certification extend beyond salary alone: 88% of CCMs say certification has had a positive impact on their career. 94% have recommended the CCM to other case managers.

What not to do as a case manager?

 Case managers should not allow their own personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties to interfere with their professional judgment and performance or to jeopardize the best interests of people for whom they have a professional responsibility.

What degree do case managers need?

You'll typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or related public policy and social services to become a case manager.

How much do case managers make at Walmart?

The estimated total pay range for a Case Manager at Walmart is $49K–$82K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Case Manager base salary at Walmart is $50K per year. The average additional pay is $13K per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

What is the turnover rate for case managers?

More specifically, national estimates indicate case manager turnover exceeds 30% (Casey Family Programs, 2017). Additionally, some research points to case manager attrition rates ranging from 23% to as much as 85% (Cooper, 2021; GAO, 2003; Thomas, 2003; APHSA, 2005) with average tenure less than 2 years (Cooper, 2021).