Top 11 Clinic Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a clinic manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has both the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a medical clinic. Certifications also show potential employers that the candidate is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date with best practices in the field. Additionally, certifications can give a clinic manager an edge over other applicants who may not have them. Finally, certifications can provide a sense of credibility and trustworthiness to employers, as they show that the individual has taken the time and effort to become certified in their field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the most beneficial certifications for Clinic Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Clinic Manager Certifications?

Clinic Manager Certification is a comprehensive program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a clinic or medical office. This certification provides practitioners with the necessary tools to effectively manage a clinic, from budgeting and accounting principles to personnel management and marketing strategies. It also covers topics such as legal compliance, health insurance regulations, coding and billing processes, patient relations, and customer service.

By obtaining this certification, healthcare professionals can gain the knowledge they need to efficiently run an efficient clinic or medical office. Clinic managers are responsible for many aspects of the day-to-day operations of a medical practice, from managing staff members and overseeing billing processes to providing patient care and managing resources. Having a certification in clinic management will help ensure that these tasks are done correctly and in compliance with all regulations. Additionally, it can give healthcare professionals an edge when applying for jobs in this field as employers often look for candidates who have specialized training in clinic management.

Pro Tip: If you are considering obtaining a clinic manager certification, be sure to research the certifying body thoroughly and look for courses that provide hands-on experience as well as classroom instruction. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a medical clinic.

Related: What does a Clinic Manager do?

Top 11 Clinic Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinic Managers today.

1. Certified Clinic Manager (CCM)

Certified Clinic Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CCM credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing and leading healthcare clinics.

The CCM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as clinic operations, financial management, human resources, marketing and communications, patient care management, and quality assurance. To qualify for the CCM exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a clinic setting.

The cost of the CCM exam is $399 USD for members of AAPC and $499 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken online or at an AAPC testing center. It typically takes about 4 hours to complete the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CCM certification within 4-6 weeks.

To maintain your certification, you must complete 20 continuing education units every two years. You can earn these units through various activities such as attending conferences or taking online courses related to clinic management.

2. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of medical office managers. It is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in a medical office setting, as well as passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as patient relations, financial management, human resources management, and regulatory compliance.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the CMOM exam with the AAPC. After registering, applicants can purchase study materials from the AAPC website or from other sources. Once they have studied for the exam, applicants must take and pass the exam within one year of registering.

The cost of getting certified depends on which study materials are purchased and if any additional fees are required by the AAPC. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 to become certified.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in healthcare quality management and have a commitment to excellence. The CPHQ credential is widely recognized as the gold standard of healthcare quality certifications.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for and pass the CPHQ exam. To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit an application with documentation of their education, experience, and other criteria. They must also pass a comprehensive examination that tests their knowledge of healthcare quality management principles and practices.

The cost of obtaining the CPHQ certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with NAHQ. Non-members pay $495 for the initial application fee plus $395 for each subsequent year they maintain their certification. Members pay $295 for the initial application fee plus $195 for each subsequent year they maintain their certification.

In addition to these fees, applicants may need to purchase study materials or attend review courses which can add additional costs.

4. Certified Practice Manager (CPM)

Certified Practice Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the management of medical practices. The CPM credential is awarded by the American Academy of Medical Management (AAMM) and is recognized as a mark of excellence in practice management.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in practice management or related fields, such as healthcare administration or billing/coding, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as financial management, human resources management, operations management, marketing and patient relations.

The CPM certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on individual circumstances. To get started, applicants must first submit an application to AAMM along with their educational transcripts and proof of experience. After the application is approved, applicants must then register for and take the CPM exam. Once they pass the exam, they will be awarded their CPM certification.

The cost for the CPM certification process varies depending on factors such as location and whether or not you are a member of AAMM. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400-$1,000 USD to become certified.

5. Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) is a professional certification program that provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to audit medical records. The CPMA certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CPMA certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in medical coding or auditing, or an associate's degree in health information technology. To obtain the CPMA certification, applicants must pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as medical coding systems, compliance regulations, and auditing principles.

It typically takes about six months to complete the required coursework and prepare for the exam. The cost of the CPMA certification varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or non-member. For AAPC members, it costs $399 for the exam and $50 for study materials. For non-members, it costs $499 for the exam and $100 for study materials.

6. Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)

A Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the revenue cycle management process. It is designed for individuals who work in healthcare organizations with responsibility for revenue cycle functions, such as patient registration, insurance verification, billing and collections.

The CRCR certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of revenue cycle processes and procedures. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in a healthcare organization and be currently employed in a role related to revenue cycle management. They must also pay an application fee and submit proof of their experience.

The cost for the exam is $399 USD for members of AAPC or $499 USD for non-members.

7. Health Information Management Systems Professional Certification (HIMSPC)

Health Information Management Systems Professional Certification (HIMSPC) is a certification program offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in health information management systems. The HIMSPC certifies that an individual has attained the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage and maintain health information systems.

The HIMSPC certification process takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. To get certified, an individual must first meet eligibility requirements and then pass the HIMSPC exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least two years of full-time experience in health information management or completion of an AHIMA approved program. After meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must register for the exam through AHIMA’s website, pay a fee, and submit all required supporting documents.

The cost of the HIMSPC exam is $399 for AHIMA members and $499 for non-members. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any Prometric testing center located throughout the United States. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive their HIMSPC certification from AHIMA.

8. Certified Medical Office Administrator (CMOA)

The Certified Medical Office Administrator (CMOA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully manage a medical office. The CMOA certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To become certified as a CMOA, candidates must first complete an approved training program or have at least two years of experience in medical office management. After completing their training or gaining two years of experience, they must pass the CMOA exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CMOA exam is $299 for AAPC members and $399 for non-members. There are also additional fees associated with applying for certification and maintaining it over time. Once certified, CMOAs must renew their credential every two years by earning continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee.

9. American College of Healthcare Executives Certification Program (ACHE-CP)

The American College of Healthcare Executives Certification Program (ACHE-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize healthcare executives who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in their field. The ACHE-CP is awarded to healthcare executives who have met the rigorous criteria established by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

The ACHE-CP requires applicants to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for effective performance as a healthcare executive. Applicants must also complete an approved course of study and pass an examination administered by ACHE. The course of study includes topics such as healthcare management principles, organizational behavior, finance and budgeting, health policy and law, strategic planning, and quality improvement.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the ACHE-CP. During this time, applicants must complete an approved course of study, submit an application for certification, pass an examination administered by ACHE, and meet other eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of experience in a healthcare setting.

To get the ACHE-CP certification, applicants must first become members of ACHE. Membership can be obtained through either direct enrollment or through a sponsoring organization such as a hospital or medical school. Once enrolled in ACHE membership, applicants can then apply for the ACHE-CP certification program.

The cost of obtaining the ACHE-CP certification varies depending on whether you are already an ACHE member or not. For nonmembers, there is a $400 fee to join ACHE plus additional fees for taking the exam ($150) and submitting your application ($50). For existing members there is only a $150 fee for taking the exam plus $50 for submitting your application.

10. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification Program (AAPC-CP)

The American Academy of Professional Coders Certification Program (AAPC-CP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in medical coding. The AAPC-CP certification is the gold standard for medical coders, and it demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the coding process, including ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS codes.

In order to receive the AAPC-CP certification, applicants must first pass an examination administered by the AAPC. This exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, coding guidelines and reimbursement methodologies. The exam takes about four hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

Once applicants have passed the examination, they will need to submit an application for certification along with proof of continuing education credits. Applicants must also submit a fee of $299 USD to cover processing costs. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official AAPC-CP certificate within 4–6 weeks.

The cost for taking the AAPC-CP exam is $299 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at an approved testing center. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining continuing education credits or other materials required for certification.

11. American Health Information Management Association Certification Program (AHIMA-CP).

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Program (AHIMA-CP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved the highest level of competency in health information management. The AHIMA-CP is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals in the field of health information management. It is a voluntary program that requires applicants to meet specific criteria and pass an exam.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved educational program or have at least two years of experience in health information management. After meeting these requirements, applicants must then pass the AHIMA-CP exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, data analysis, electronic health records, privacy and security regulations, and more. The exam typically takes three hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person at an approved testing center.

The cost for the AHIMA-CP certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. For online exams, it costs $450 for members ($550 for nonmembers). For in-person exams, it costs $400 for members ($500 for nonmembers). Additionally, there is a $50 application fee when applying for the certification.

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees you will receive your AHIMA-CP certification within four to six weeks. This certification is valid for three years after which time you will need to renew your certification by demonstrating continued education or experience related to health information management.

Do You Really Need a Clinic Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a clinic manager certificate depends on several factors. If you are already working as a clinic manager, then it may be beneficial to get certified in order to demonstrate your qualifications and knowledge of the industry. It can also help you stand out from other applicants when seeking a promotion or new job.

For those just beginning their career in clinic management, certification is not necessarily required. However, many employers prefer to hire individuals with some form of formal education or experience in the field. A certificate program can provide you with the necessary background knowledge and skills to excel in this position. Additionally, certification may open up more opportunities for advancement in the future.

Finally, if you are looking to make a long-term commitment to this profession, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial. This will show potential employers that you are dedicated to your career and have taken the necessary steps to become an expert in your field. Ultimately, whether or not you need a clinic manager certificate is up to you and your individual goals for your career path.

Related: Clinic Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinic Manager Certifications

1. What is a Clinic Manager Certification?

Answer: A Clinic Manager Certification is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and ability to manage the operations of a clinic or health care facility. It demonstrates expertise in areas such as staff management, budgeting, compliance with regulatory standards, and patient satisfaction.

2. What are the requirements for becoming certified?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include having at least two years of experience in health care management, passing an exam, completing continuing education courses, and adhering to a code of ethics.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: Depending on the certifying organization and your experience level, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified.

4. Where can I find information about certification programs?

Answer: Information about certification programs can be found through professional organizations such as The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), or other organizations that offer certification programs for health care managers. You can also search online for certification programs offered by various organizations and companies.

5. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost of getting certified varies depending on the certifying organization and may include registration fees, exam fees, and continuing education costs.