Education

• Aspiring case managers are required to complete a four-year undergraduate degree. This can be a bachelor of science degree in nursing or social work. Prospects must also complete two to four years of clinical experience alongside the bachelor's degree. Individuals may also earn a master's degree in human, health or education services relating to the field. Experience as a registered nurse will be helpful for those trying to enter this field as well.
  
  

Internship

• Case managers can gain valuable experience through internships in local hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers. This provides case managers with hands-on experience in the human services field, allowing them to practice and demonstrate their leadership skills. Most case managers will intern prior to applying for certification or a full-time position.
  
  

Certification

• The Commission for Case Manager Certification is one organization that handles the certification process for case mangers. A bachelor's degree and a minimum amount of experience working under case manager supervision is required by must certification programs. Once these requirements are met, case managers are eligible for the certification exam, which emphasizes understanding case advocacy and coordination and follow-ups. The National Association of Social Workers encourages case managers to be familiar with their Code of Ethics concerning clinical practice before certification.
  
  

Work

• Once all the education requirements have been met, case managers can look for work in clinics, hospitals, shelters or other rehabilitation centers. Various job opportunities are also available through state and local government agencies. This job field is expected to grow 34 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to the Degree Directory website. Case manager job responsibilities include providing various resources to clients to help them deal with personal problems. They help their clients establish goals that will change clients' lives for the better.