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Best discharge planner certifications

Discharge planner certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an discharge planner to employers. However, not all discharge planner certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a discharge planner are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Medical Assistant.

Below is a list of the best discharge planner certifications. Obtaining an discharge planner certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

3 best certifications for discharge planners

RankDischarge planner certificationOrganization
1Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)American Red ...
2Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)ACFEI, Cr.FA
3Medical AssistantASPT

3 best discharge planner certifications

1. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Nurse Assistant

2. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No

3. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...

What is the best certification for a discharge planner?

The best discharge planner certification is Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is awarded by the American Red Cross. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this discharge planner certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.
Best certifications

The most common combination of discharge planner certifications include: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Medical Assistant.

Online courses for discharge planners to earn certifications

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