Certified Occupational Health Nurse – COHN (ABOHN)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) certification certifies that the registered nurse can competently provide healthcare and safety services for worker populations. These nurses have the knowledge and expertise to assess working environments to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and also to train employees on proper safety procedures to prevent workplace-related health issues.
Nurses with this credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Ability to analyze a patient’s health statue through tests, assessments and data collection
- Knowledge of how to participate in audits
- Understanding of medical and drug testing for DOT
- Competency in assessing work-limitations
- Capability to identify physical requirements to complete job tasks
- Knowledge of OSHA-required documentation
- Familiarity with performing audiometry, vision testing and pulmonary function testing
- Proficiency in assessing patient injuries, illnesses and incidents and determining the primary cause
Exam Objectives
Download the exam objectives/content outline for the COHN (ABOHN) certification.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN license. Applicant must meet 1 of the following: 3000 hours in occupational health nursing in the past five years and/or completion of a certificate program in occupational health nursing for academic credit; other requirements may apply
- Questions: 160 (135 scored)
- Time: 180 minutes
- Cost: $550
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- Download the COHN Handbook / Certification Manual
Other relevant details: Exam is given at PSI testing centers
COHN (ABOHN) Careers
Certified Occupational Health Nurse Careers
Jobs you can get with a COHN certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
- National average per year: $71,730
- National average per hour: $34.48
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
COHN (ABOHN) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook/Outline
- Consider review courses
- Use flash cards as a study aid
- Complete sample questions
- Take practice tests (self assessment volume 1 and volume 2)
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
@Raising Careers Inbox
Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you a summary of everything new on Raising Careers once a week.