How to Become a Certified Occupational Health Nurse: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook for 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a certified occupational health nurse offers a meaningful career focused on promoting workplace safety and employee health. These nurses assess risks, develop health programs, and respond to workplace injuries, directly impacting worker well-being and productivity. The role requires specialized knowledge that blends nursing skills with occupational health principles.

This article will guide you through necessary education paths, certification requirements, and practical steps to enter this growing field. You'll also gain insights into day-to-day responsibilities and professional growth opportunities available to occupational health nurses.

What are the benefits of becoming a certified occupational health nurse?

The job outlook for certified occupational health nurses is positive, with a projected growth rate of 7% through 2025, reflecting rising demand in workplace health and safety.
Average annual salaries range from $70,000 to $95,000, offering competitive compensation compared to other nursing specialties.
Pursuing this career provides stability, diverse work environments, and opportunities to impact employee health and regulatory compliance effectively.

What credentials do you need to become a certified occupational health nurse?

Becoming a certified occupational health nurse requires meeting several specific educational and professional criteria. This guide outlines the key credentials needed to qualify, emphasizing current registered nurse license requirements for occupational health nurse certification and occupational health nurse certification eligibility criteria for 2025.

Registered Nurse (RN) License: Completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program is mandatory to obtain an RN license, which is the foundational credential for certification.
Occupational Health Nursing Experience: To meet certification eligibility criteria for 2025, applicants must have at least 3,000 hours of hands-on occupational health nursing experience within the last five years. This is a core requirement for taking the Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) exam offered by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN).
Alternative Qualifications: If the experience requirement is not met, a post-baccalaureate degree in occupational health or a related field may be accepted as a substitute for experience in some cases.
Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S): This advanced credential requires a bachelor's degree or higher, not necessarily in nursing, alongside RN licensure and relevant experience. COHN-S certification focuses on administration, management, and educational roles within occupational health.
Continuing Education and Advanced Degrees: While not mandatory, continuing education is required to maintain certification and stay current with regulations. Many nurses pursue advanced degrees like a Master's in Nursing or Public Health to progress into leadership or nurse practitioner positions.

For those exploring nursing pathways, researching the best college majors to get a job can help identify programs aligned with occupational health careers.

What skills do you need to have as a certified occupational health nurse?

Building a strong skill set is crucial for a successful career as a certified occupational health nurse. This position demands both clinical expertise and essential interpersonal abilities to balance employee well-being with organizational objectives. Developing these skills equips you to handle workplace health challenges effectively.

Advanced Assessment: Accurately evaluate and treat workplace injuries and illnesses with confidence and limited oversight.
Preventive Care: Implement health screenings, immunizations, and wellness initiatives to maintain workforce health and reduce time off.
Regulatory Knowledge: Understand OSHA, ADA, workers' compensation, and FMLA regulations to ensure compliance and design effective health programs.
Case Management: Coordinate disability cases and support smooth return-to-work transitions.
Environmental Hazard Evaluation: Identify risks in the workplace and recommend actionable solutions to prevent harm.
Health Promotion: Create and manage programs that encourage healthy habits and prevent chronic conditions among employees.
Communication: Deliver clear, empathetic training and counseling to staff and management.
Critical Thinking: Navigate complex issues like work-related illnesses or accommodation needs through problem-solving.
Leadership and Initiative: Operate independently, lead projects, and develop policies with minimal supervision.
Teaching Ability: Educate employees and supervisors effectively on health and safety matters.
Emotional Stability: Provide compassionate support during sensitive health situations with patience and resilience.

What is the current hiring trend in the U.S.?

What is the typical career progression for a certified occupational health nurse?

The career path of a certified occupational health nurse (OHN) is structured and progressive, offering distinct stages of growth based on experience and credentials. Starting from foundational clinical roles, OHNs can advance into specialized or leadership positions as they build skills and obtain certifications. Each phase brings expanded responsibilities and opportunities to influence workplace health.

Early Career (1-3 years): Graduates begin as occupational or employee health nurses, delivering hands-on care such as injury treatment, health screenings, immunizations, and safety counseling.
Mid-Level Roles (3-5 years): With experience and certifications like COHN or COHN-S, nurses may take on specialist titles or case management, focusing on complex case oversight, wellness program development, and regulatory compliance.
Leadership Positions (5-10 years): Those with advanced degrees often advance to managerial roles, overseeing staff, budget management, policy creation, and advising top-level management on health and safety risks.
Specialization and Lateral Moves: Experienced OHNs can specialize in areas like ergonomics, industrial hygiene, or disability management, or move into roles such as consultants, educators, or research coordinators to align career growth with personal interests and workplace demands.

How much can you earn as a certified occupational health nurse?

Becoming a certified occupational health nurse opens doors to a specialized career with competitive pay and steady demand. Understanding the financial outlook can help you plan your educational path strategically and maximize your earning potential.

How much can you earn as a certified occupational health nurse? The average occupational health nurse salary in the United States ranges from $82,000 to $94,000 per year, with the national average around $86,380 annually as of 2025.

Hourly wages typically fall between $39 and $45, but they can increase in regions with higher demand or for nurses with additional expertise. Highly experienced nurses, especially those holding advanced certifications, may earn salaries exceeding $104,000 to $110,000.

Your salary will depend on factors such as experience, education, and location. Entry-level nurses tend to start near the lower end of the pay scale, while those with over ten years of experience command higher salaries.

Education matters too: nurses with a bachelor's degree (BSN) or the Certified Occupational Health Nursing (COHN) credential generally have better pay than those with an associate degree. States like California and New York stand out with salaries surpassing $100,000, whereas the Southeast and Midwest usually offer lower rates.

Specializing in roles like case management or occupational health program management can further boost earnings. For those considering certification pathways, exploring easy to get certifications that pay well may be a practical next step in enhancing your credentials and income.

Certified occupational health nurse salary by state varies considerably, reflecting regional demand and cost of living differences, so research local opportunities carefully when planning your career.

What internships can you apply for to gain experience as a certified occupational health nurse?

Securing practical experience through internships is vital for those aiming to become certified occupational health nurses. Several options exist, ranging from federal programs to hospital-based opportunities and even corporate internships. These experiences help build core competencies and enhance credentials before entering the workforce as a certified occupational health nurse.

Explore the following occupational health nursing internships 2025 opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience:

OSHA Graduate Nurse Internship Program: This federal eight-week internship places graduate nursing students in OSHA's Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing in Washington, D.C. Interns work on real projects under expert guidance, gaining exposure to national policies and workplace health regulations.
Mayo Clinic Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau, and Richmond University Medical Center: These hospital-based student nurse internship programs for occupational health offer paid externships lasting 8-11 weeks during summer. They focus on clinical nursing rotations, assessment skills, emergency response, and patient care relevant to occupational health settings.
Corporate and Industrial Internships: Large corporations, manufacturing plants, and industry-specific health departments sometimes provide internships or shadowing opportunities. Students should proactively contact human resources to inquire about these less formalized options.

For those pursuing advanced degrees, consider looking into affordable online masters programs that can complement internship experience while advancing your education and career prospects in this specialized nursing field.

How many people are first-time job seekers?

How can you advance your career as a certified occupational health nurse?

After earning your COHN or COHN-S certification, several clear routes can help you grow professionally and increase your impact in occupational health nursing.

Pursue Specialty Certifications: Enhance your qualifications by obtaining additional credentials, such as the Case Management (CM) certification from ABOHN, which focuses on rehabilitation and return-to-work strategies, boosting your value and leadership prospects.
Advance Your Education: Consider graduate studies like a Master of Science in Nursing to qualify as a nurse practitioner or Occupational Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. In many states, nurse practitioners enjoy full practice authority, enabling independent diagnosis, treatment, and management of workplace health. Alternatively, a Master's in Public Health can prepare you for executive roles such as corporate health director or consultant.
Engage in Professional Development: Become active in professional organizations like the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) to access targeted workshops, educational resources, and annual conferences that foster networking and continuing education.
Seek Strategic Experience: Build your career by moving into roles with greater responsibility beyond direct care, including administrative positions, consulting roles, or creating private occupational health services for smaller employers. Experienced COHN-S holders are often promoted within large companies to lead health teams.

Where can you work as a certified occupational health nurse?

Certified occupational health nurses have diverse career paths, spanning many industries where workplace health and safety are priorities. Understanding these occupational health nurse work settings helps target job searches and plan career growth effectively. Here are some common environments offering jobs for certified occupational health nurses:

Corporate Settings: Large corporations, including Fortune 100 companies, employ occupational health nurses to design health programs, conduct medical screenings, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Consulting Firms: Nurses often serve as consultants, helping employers develop health and safety policies, conduct workplace audits, and prepare emergency plans.
Manufacturing and Construction: These industries rely on occupational health nurses to manage workplace hazards, provide immediate injury care, and promote safety awareness on site.
Healthcare Systems: Some hospitals and healthcare organizations hire occupational health nurses to establish safety protocols and oversee employee wellness initiatives.
Government Agencies: Agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offer roles focused on enforcing and advancing workplace safety standards.
Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges may employ occupational health nurses to provide health services and teach related courses.
Nonprofits and Community Organizations: These groups utilize occupational health nurses to run community health programs and deliver public health education.

If you are exploring how to enter this field or aiming to enhance your credentials, consider fast degree programs that pay well to accelerate your training and increase your competitiveness in the job market.

What challenges will you encounter as a certified occupational health nurse?

Becoming a certified occupational health nurse involves navigating a range of specific challenges that require both practical skills and resilience. Success in this field depends on balancing diverse responsibilities while adapting to ongoing changes in technology and regulations.

Key challenges to prepare for include:

Demanding workload: Managing direct care, delivering health education, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining thorough documentation for often large employee groups requires sharp time management and strong organizational abilities.
Emotional strain: Supporting workers affected by serious workplace injuries or illnesses can be emotionally challenging. Developing effective coping mechanisms is important to handle stress and compassion fatigue.
Adapting to industry advancements: Keeping pace with telehealth, electronic health records, and wearable health technology demands continual learning and training to utilize these tools effectively.
Navigating regulatory complexities: Staying informed about OSHA updates and international safety standards for multinational employers is crucial. Regular consultation of professional and governmental resources helps maintain compliance.
Competitive job market: A national shortage of nurses affects hiring and workload. Building specialized skills and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job security and career prospects.
Working with diverse populations: Providing equitable care to employees with different cultural backgrounds and health needs, including mental health and substance use concerns, requires cultural competence and proactive communication.

What tips do you need to know to excel as a certified occupational health nurse?

Excelling as a certified occupational health nurse requires a blend of organizational skill, communication, and ongoing learning. These competencies support workplace health and safety while meeting regulatory demands.

Here are practical steps to build a successful career in this field:

Create reliable systems to track medication stocks, expiration dates, and documentation using digital tools-this ensures compliance and keeps processes smooth.
Develop strong communication techniques to establish trust with employees; building rapport helps identify health issues early and improves intervention outcomes.
Commit to continuous education in workplace safety, mental health, and regulatory updates. Certifications from bodies like the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses enhance expertise and career growth.
Network with peers through professional organizations and events to exchange knowledge, find support during complex cases, and discover job opportunities.
Build business insight to confidently interact with management by presenting data, suggesting wellness initiatives, and contributing to safety committees.
Adopt a proactive problem-solving mindset paired with empathy to design preventative programs and respond humanely to workplace challenges like stress or emergencies.

How do you know if becoming a certified occupational health nurse is the right career choice for you?

Deciding whether an occupational health nursing role is right for you involves honest reflection on your skills, interests, and career goals. This specialty blends healthcare with workplace safety and requires a unique set of professional and personal attributes. Here are key considerations to help determine if a certified occupational health nurse career path fits your ambitions.

Personality and Values: Successful COHNs are detail-oriented, empathetic, and comfortable acting as liaisons between employees and management. They enjoy collaborative problem-solving, health education, and promoting wellness in diverse work environments.
Skills Required: Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for explaining health risks, influencing policies, managing records, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Clinical experience in community or emergency care plus an interest in public health regulations strengthens your candidacy.
Lifestyle Preferences: Occupational health nursing generally offers a stable work-life balance with standard business hours, less physical strain than hospital nursing, and occasional travel between sites. Adaptability to different workplace cultures is important.
Motivation and Interests: Those motivated by injury prevention and workplace safety laws align well with this field, whereas individuals seeking fast-paced, high-acuity patient care might find this less fulfilling.
Career Outlook and Requirements: With median salaries around $82,000 and growing demand, becoming a COHN requires an active RN license, at least 3,000 hours of occupational health nursing experience, and passing a certification exam. Recertification every five years ensures up-to-date expertise.

For those exploring advanced qualifications, researching colleges with dual degree programs can offer new paths combining nursing with public health or business.

What Professionals Who Work as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Say About Their Careers

Caleb: "Becoming a certified occupational health nurse has truly secured my career path, especially with the growing demand in industrial and corporate health sectors. The salary potential is competitive, and the stability allows me to focus on delivering quality care without constant job worries. I'm grateful for the confidence and peace of mind this certification has brought me. "

Dennis: "The challenges in occupational health nursing keep me continuously engaged-it's such a dynamic field! From managing workplace injuries to implementing wellness programs, each day offers unique learning opportunities. This career has expanded my professional skills beyond typical nursing roles, which I find extremely rewarding. "

Thomas: "Professional development is a major advantage in this specialty; the variety of training programs and certifications available helps me advance steadily. Working as an occupational health nurse has opened doors to leadership roles in health and safety management, enhancing my career growth. It's fulfilling to see such clear pathways for advancement. "

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Certified Occupational Health Nurse

How long does it take to become a certified occupational health nurse?

The timeline typically involves completing a registered nursing program, which can take two to four years, followed by gaining clinical experience in occupational health nursing. After meeting experience requirements-usually one to two years-you can prepare for and pass the certification exam. Overall, expect about three to six years from starting nursing school to becoming certified.

Is certification required to work as an occupational health nurse?

Certification is not legally required to work as an occupational health nurse, but it is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. Being certified demonstrates specialized knowledge and commitment to the field, which can improve job prospects and salary potential.

What continuing education is needed to maintain certification?

Certified occupational health nurses must complete continuing education units (CEUs) regularly to maintain their credential. This typically includes 75 contact hours of relevant coursework or professional activities every five years, ensuring updated knowledge of industry standards and best practices.

Can you become certified without prior work experience in occupational health?

No, prior work experience in occupational health nursing is generally required before taking the certification exam. This experience ensures candidates have practical knowledge of workplace health issues and safety regulations essential for competent practice.