Career FAQ
How can how do I be a nurse navigator?
Consult with the clinics and hospitals in your region to determine the education and experience requirements they need. Certain patient navigators have backgrounds in human services or healthcare setting, however there are not many positions that require this experience.
Where can I find work for a nurse navigator?
Search for jobs as a patient navigator in hospitals, clinics or public health institutions including the health department, and organizations like such as the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Be aware that these jobs could have an alternative title, such as health navigator, patient advocate and care coordinator. Other occupations related to navigator are community health worker or community outreach worker patient advocate as well as screening outreach work.
Do I require special instruction to become a patient navigator?
You don’t require any special education in order to be a nurse navigator. Most patient navigators are not educated or no college education. Some are social workers or nurses with a bachelor’s degree or master’s. Consult with clinics and hospitals within your local area to find out the education and experience they need.
Do I qualify to be an “Certified Patient Navigator”?
There is currently not a “certification” for patient navigators. Groups of patient navigators are working towards the development of certification criteria. However there is no currently a national certification program for navigators at this moment. The training program, as with other programs, provides an official certificate of completion after you have completed the course. This program, like others, offers a certificate of completion. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has an initiative to develop the workforce to develop a credentialing test to be used by health navigators. Learn more about this initiative
Training will help me gain an opportunity to work as a patient navigator?
Training for patient navigators can be helpful but it does not automatically make you qualified to be a patient navigator. Visit the hospitals and clinics in your region to determine what qualifications and training they need.
What are the courses designed for?
The courses are designed specifically designed for social workers, as well as other health professionals in the community. Two levels of training are available to different levels of experience. Check out the Training Model to learn more.
Do I have to complete an Level 1 course prior to taking Level 2 . Courses?
The Level 1 course is recommended, however , you do not need to complete Level 1 prior to Level 2. Level 1 courses are intended for beginner navigators. Level 2 is designed for experienced navigators. But even experienced navigators are able to benefit from the Level 1 course. Check out our training model as well as the learning objectives for each course to determine if a particular course is suitable for you.
What is the frequency of courses offered?
Courses are offered at various dates all through the year. Online courses that are self-paced are always accessible. Courses are announced on the Navigator Announcements listserv.
How much do courses cost?
The price of courses can vary. There is no charge for self-paced e-learning courses. Level 1 courses cost $500-750, while Level 2 courses range from $200 to $400. The price includes ALL days of face-to face, online or instructor-led online courses. See Course Pricing. Participants who attend face-to-face training are responsible for their travel arrangements and hotel accommodation. While the grant that enabled us to offer training for free to navigators of patients in Colorado is not available anymore We hope to provide grants in the future.
Are there online courses I can take?
A few of our courses offer certain online activities, and some of our Level 2 courses are available completely online. Our self-paced online eLearning courses are available accessible online.
What are my obligations in case I decide to sign up for an online course?
In registering for training you agree to attend the full session. This is applicable to face-to-face or online classes. Also, you must complete the entire course’s pre-work before attending the class. It could be a short reading, online videos , or other exercises. Learning is very interactive, and exercises are designed to meet what number of participants are who are enrolled and their diverse learning experiences. Being late, not leaving on time or failing to complete the pre-work for the course impacts the learning experience for everyone in the group.
In online instructor-led classes, you are required to commit to working between 4 and 8 hours each week. The work load each week is comparable to a university-level course. The course activities include lectures, tutorials, tests and online discussions. Because you’ll be involved on online forums with fellow students The success of the course will depend upon your involvement.
What do I need to do to receive an official certificate?
The certificate is offered for all classes that are held in person. To be eligible for an award of completion, you must attend the course and fully participate in all the activities.
Are all face-to-face classes held in Denver?
The majority of courses are not offered in Denver. We offer courses across Colorado and occasionally travel to locations outside of Colorado. If your business has special needs for training, we might be able to teach navigators on your premises. Contact us for more details.
Do you have the possibility of visiting my company to provide training?
Yes, if your company or program has specific consulting or training requirements Our experts might be able to help you train navigators on your behalf at your location. Contact us for more details.
