Top 11 Chiropractic Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a chiropractic assistant in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual is knowledgeable and experienced in their field. Certified chiropractic assistants have a competitive edge in the job market, as they have proven themselves to be well-versed in the profession and capable of providing quality care. Certifications also help to reassure potential employers that they are hiring someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and capable of meeting their needs. Ultimately, certifications can help chiropractic assistants stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Chiropractic Assistants and explain how they can help further a chiropractic assistant's career.

What are Chiropractic Assistant Certifications?

Chiropractic assistant certification is an accreditation program offered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) that provides formal recognition to chiropractic assistants who demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the chiropractic profession. This certification is designed to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and professional experience necessary to work in a chiropractor’s office as an assistant.

The certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam focuses on topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient assessment and care plans, patient safety protocols, record keeping and documentation requirements, billing and coding procedures, and other aspects related to working in a chiropractor’s office. The practical portion of the exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks such as taking vital signs, performing spinal manipulations or adjustments, providing therapeutic exercises or stretches for patients, assisting with paperwork or filing systems, and educating patients about their treatments.

For those seeking employment in the field of chiropractic care or wishing to advance their existing career as a chiropractic assistant, achieving this certification can be beneficial. It can open up opportunities for higher-level positions within the field such as clinical specialist or practice manager roles and can also help establish credibility when applying for jobs at new offices or clinics. Additionally, it may even lead to better salary offers since employers will know that certified assistants have met national standards for competency in their profession.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a chiropractic assistant certification, make sure you understand the requirements of the job and what type of work is expected. Be sure to research the different certifications available and find one that best fits your skillset and experience. Additionally, it may be beneficial to gain some practical experience in order to better prepare yourself for the certification process.

Related: What does a Chiropractic Assistant do?

Top 11 Chiropractic Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Chiropractic Assistants today.

1. Certified Chiropractic Assistant (CCA)

Certified Chiropractic Assistant (CCA) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to assist chiropractors in providing quality patient care. The certification is awarded by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by the NBCE. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, chiropractic principles and techniques, patient assessment, documentation, billing and coding, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CCA exam varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. In the United States, the fee is $300 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be certified. These include being at least 18 years old; having a high school diploma or equivalent; completing a minimum of 30 hours of approved continuing education credits within three years prior to applying for certification; and having no criminal convictions within five years prior to applying for certification.

Once certified, CCAs are required to maintain their certification by completing at least 15 hours of continuing education credits every two years in order to stay current with new developments in chiropractic care.

2. Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA)

Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA) is a certification program designed to provide chiropractors with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist in the delivery of quality patient care. The program was developed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and is recognized by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).

The CCCA program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. The Level 1 CCCA certification requires completion of an online course, which typically takes about 8 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass a written exam administered by the NBCE. Once certified at this level, individuals are eligible to perform basic clinical duties such as taking vitals, assisting with patient intake forms, scheduling appointments, etc.

Level 2 CCCA certification requires additional training and experience in order to become eligible for more advanced clinical duties such as helping with physical therapy treatments or performing x-rays. This level also requires passing a written exam administered by the NBCE.

The cost for obtaining CCCA certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing and how long it takes you to complete all requirements. Generally speaking, Level 1 certification will cost around $300-$400 while Level 2 certification can cost up to $1,000 or more depending on your individual circumstances.

3. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in managing the administrative tasks associated with medical offices. It is designed to help medical office staff become more efficient, organized and knowledgeable about the medical industry.

The CMAA certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least one year of work experience in a medical office setting or have completed a formal training program in a related field. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient scheduling, medical coding, insurance processing and HIPAA compliance.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to prepare for the CMAA exam. Candidates should review study materials provided by NHA, attend webinars or take online courses to ensure they are prepared for the test. Additionally, candidates may want to consider taking practice tests to assess their readiness for the exam.

The cost of taking the CMAA exam varies depending on how you choose to take it. The standard fee for taking the exam through NHA is $129 USD; however, discounts may be available if you register early or purchase additional study materials from NHA. Additionally, some employers may cover all or part of the cost of taking the exam as part of their employee development programs.

4. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is a professional who specializes in medical billing and coding. They are responsible for accurately entering patient information into a computer system, verifying insurance coverage, submitting claims to insurance companies, and tracking payments. They also help ensure that medical providers receive the correct reimbursement for services rendered.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the certification process to become a CBCS. To get certified, you must first complete an accredited program that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, healthcare regulations, and medical office procedures. After completing the program, you must pass a certification exam administered by either the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The cost of becoming a CBCS can vary depending on the program you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 for tuition and materials plus any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam.

5. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is a professional credential for medical coders who work in the healthcare industry. The CPC certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of medical coding and billing principles, as well as an understanding of the rules and regulations governing the profession.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CPC exam. During this time, you should become familiar with coding guidelines, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. You can also take practice tests to help you prepare for the actual exam.

To get your CPC certification, you must first pass the AAPC's CPC exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, CPT coding, HCPCS Level II coding, Medicare rules and regulations, and more. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least two years of on-the-job experience or one year of formal training in medical coding.

The cost of taking the CPC exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AAPC member. For non-members, it costs $399; for members it costs $299. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with retaking the exam if necessary.

6. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has obtained certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in electronic health records. The CEHRS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with electronic health records systems, including understanding how to use them, maintain them, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

The CEHRS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, data entry and management, privacy and security measures, report generation, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. It is offered both online and in person at NHA testing centers throughout the United States.

In order to become certified as a CEHRS specialist, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a high school diploma or equivalent; completing an accredited program in health information technology; passing the CEHRS exam; and having at least one year of experience working with electronic health records systems.

The cost of obtaining the CEHRS certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person. Online exams cost $199 for members of NHA or $249 for non-members. In-person exams cost $299 for members or $349 for non-members. Additionally, there are additional fees associated with retaking the exam if it is not passed on the first attempt.

7. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing medical office operations. The certification requires successful completion of an exam, which tests knowledge and skills related to medical office management.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, coding, billing, scheduling, patient relations, and practice management. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CMOM certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in a medical office setting. They must also complete an application form and pay a fee of $299.

Once the application has been approved, applicants can register for the exam online or by mail. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMOM certification from AAPC. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

8. Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR)

A Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR) is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a medical receptionist. CMRs are responsible for providing administrative support to medical staff, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling other office duties.

The certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. To become certified, applicants must complete an approved course of study in medical receptionist topics such as patient registration, insurance verification, coding and billing procedures, appointment scheduling, and more. The coursework is offered online or in person at accredited colleges or universities. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass a certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the institution offering the courses and exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 for tuition and fees associated with taking the courses and exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with textbooks or other materials required for the program.

Once certified, CMRs can earn higher wages than non-certified medical receptionists due to their increased knowledge base and specialized skillset.

9. Certified Professional Practice Manager (CPPM)

Certified Professional Practice Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of practice managers in the healthcare industry. It is designed to help practice managers demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their profession, as well as their ability to lead and manage medical practices. The CPPM certification is offered by the American Academy of Medical Management (AAMM).

To be eligible for the CPPM certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in medical practice management or a related field. Applicants must also have completed an approved course in medical practice management or have earned a degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass a written exam administered by AAMM.

The CPPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as human resources management, financial management, operations management, marketing and communications, legal issues, and strategic planning. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $450 for members of AAMM and $550 for non-members.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CPPM certificate from AAMM within two weeks. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing 30 hours of continuing education credits during that period.

10. National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certification in Radiography/Imaging Technology

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Certification in Radiography/Imaging Technology is a voluntary certification program for chiropractors who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in radiography/imaging technology. The certification program is designed to ensure that chiropractors have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively utilize radiograph/imaging technology in their practice.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass a written exam administered by the NBCE. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, imaging techniques, radiation safety, and equipment operation and maintenance. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400.

Applicants must also provide evidence of completion of an approved radiology training course or program prior to taking the exam. Courses vary in length from one day to several months depending on the type of imaging technology being studied. Applicants must also provide proof of current licensure as a chiropractor in good standing with their state licensing board.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam and provided all required documentation, they will receive their certification from the NBCE which is valid for five years before needing renewal. Renewal requires successful completion of continuing education courses related to radiography/imaging technology as well as payment of a renewal fee every five years.

Overall, obtaining NBCE Certification in Radiography/Imaging Technology requires passing an exam that costs $400, providing proof of completion of an approved radiology training course or program, providing proof of current licensure as a chiropractor in good standing with their state licensing board, and paying a renewal fee every five years along with successful completion of continuing education courses related to radiography/imaging technology.

11. National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certification in Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is a non-profit organization that provides certification in physiotherapy/rehabilitation. This certification is designed to ensure that chiropractors have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide safe and effective care to their patients.

To become certified in physiotherapy/rehabilitation through the NBCE, applicants must first complete an approved program of study from an accredited college or university. Upon completion of the program, applicants must pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the NBCE. The exam consists of four parts: anatomy and physiology; clinical sciences; diagnosis and management; and professional practice.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the written examination, they will be eligible for certification as a Certified Physiotherapist/Rehabilitator (CPT). Certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by passing a recertification exam every five years.

The cost of obtaining certification through the NBCE varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, it costs between $900-$1,000 USD to take the written examination and obtain certification.

In addition to taking the written examination, applicants may also need to complete additional requirements such as continuing education courses or practical training programs in order to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Chiropractic Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on the individual, their goals, and the specific job requirements. Generally speaking, a chiropractic assistant certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to work in the field of chiropractic care. It can provide valuable insight into the profession and help improve job performance.

For those interested in working as a chiropractic assistant, having a certificate can make them more desirable to potential employers. A certificate shows that you have taken the time to study and understand the principles of chiropractic care, which is important for providing quality services to patients. It also demonstrates your commitment to learning more about the profession and staying up-to-date with current practices.

In addition to making you a more attractive applicant when applying for jobs, a chiropractic assistant certificate can also open up opportunities for advancement within the field. Having an advanced certification may qualify you for higher-level positions or allow you to specialize in certain areas of practice such as sports medicine or pediatrics. With additional qualifications, you may even be able to open your own practice one day.

Finally, having a chiropractic assistant certificate may give you access to exclusive events and seminars that will help keep you informed about industry trends and developments in your field of expertise. This type of knowledge can prove invaluable when it comes time to apply for new positions or advance your career further down the line.

In conclusion, whether or not obtaining a chiropractic assistant certificate is right for you is something that only you can decide based on your individual goals and job requirements. However, it is typically recommended that those interested in working as a chiropractic assistant pursue certification if possible as it can provide numerous benefits both now and in the future.

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FAQs About Chiropractic Assistant Certifications

1. What is the eligibility criteria for a chiropractic assistant certification?

Answer: To be eligible for a chiropractic assistant certification, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an approved course of study in chiropractic assisting, and pass a written and practical exam.

2. What is the scope of practice of a certified chiropractic assistant?

Answer: Certified chiropractic assistants are qualified to perform administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, filing medical records, billing insurance companies and collecting payments. They may also provide patient education and assist with patient examinations by taking vital signs and positioning patients for x-rays or other treatments.

3. How long does it take to become a certified chiropractic assistant?

Answer: The length of time required to become a certified chiropractic assistant varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs take between six months to one year to complete.

4. Is there any continuing education requirement after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, certified chiropractic assistants must participate in continuing education activities every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

5. Are there any additional certifications I can obtain as a chiropractic assistant?

Answer: Yes, there are several additional certifications that can be obtained by completing additional courses or training programs related to specific areas of practice such as radiology or nutrition.