Top 11 Clinical Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for clinical analysts in the job market because they demonstrate that a person has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their role. A certification can show employers that a candidate is knowledgeable about the tools and techniques used in their field, has the technical aptitude to perform specific tasks, and is capable of meeting industry standards. Having certifications may also give a candidate an edge when competing against other applicants for a given position. Additionally, certified clinical analysts may receive higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and expertise.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications available to Clinical Analysts and highlights how they can be advantageous to advancing one's career.

What are Clinical Analyst Certifications?

Clinical analyst certification is a professional credential that recognizes a healthcare professional's knowledge and expertise in clinical information systems. This certification is offered by various organizations, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

The certification demonstrates a healthcare professional's mastery of the principles and practices related to clinical information systems, including data security and privacy, electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchange (HIE), clinical decision support systems, analytics, and reporting. It also validates an individual's ability to interpret and analyze clinical data accurately.

Having a clinical analyst certification can help healthcare professionals increase their value in the marketplace by showing potential employers that they have the necessary skills to effectively use clinical information systems. In addition, it can provide them with access to advanced career opportunities in areas such as health informatics, analytics, and data quality management. Furthermore, having this credential may qualify them for higher salaries or special recognition within their organization or field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a clinical analyst certification, make sure to research the different types of certifications available and understand the requirements for each. Additionally, be sure to consider the cost of the certification as well as any continuing education or renewal fees associated with it.

Related: What does a Clinical Analyst do?

Top 11 Clinical Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Analysts today.

1. Certified Clinical Data Analyst (CCDA)

A Certified Clinical Data Analyst (CCDA) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical data analysis. The CCDA credential is awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The CCDA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as data collection, analysis, and reporting; health care informatics; and clinical research. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCDA certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with clinical data or a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Applicants must also have completed 10 continuing education units (CEUs) in the past three years.

The cost of the CCDA certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally, it will cost between $350 and $400 to register for the exam. Additionally, there may be fees associated with obtaining CEUs or other training materials needed to prepare for the exam.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) is a certification program offered by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). It is designed to recognize professionals with specialized expertise in healthcare information and management systems.

The CPHIMS certification requires a combination of education, experience, and knowledge of healthcare information technology. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in healthcare IT or related fields, as well as a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

To obtain the CPHIMS certification, applicants must complete an online application and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health information technology standards, privacy and security, data governance, project management, analytics and reporting, system implementation and optimization, change management, system integration and interoperability.

The cost of the CPHIMS certification varies depending on whether you are a HIMSS member or non-member. For HIMSS members it is $395 USD while for non-members it is $495 USD. The exam fee includes access to study materials such as practice questions and reference materials. It typically takes around 6 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

3. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)

Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) is a professional certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The CHDA credential recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in managing and analyzing electronic health data.

It typically takes between one to three years to complete the requirements for the CHDA certification. To become certified, you must have a minimum of two years of experience working with health data and pass an exam that covers topics such as healthcare data management, healthcare analytics, and healthcare information systems.

To get the CHDA credential, you must first apply to AHIMA and pay the application fee. Once approved, you will need to register for and take the exam. You can find study materials on AHIMA’s website or purchase them from other sources. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your CHDA credential.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $399 for the application fee plus $325 for the exam fee. For members, it is $299 for the application fee plus $325 for the exam fee.

4. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). The CAP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of analytics. It is intended to provide employers with a benchmark for evaluating analytics professionals, as well as providing an incentive for individuals to increase their knowledge and skills.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having a minimum of five years of professional experience in analytics or data science, completing at least 40 hours of continuing education in analytics-related topics, and passing an exam that covers topics such as predictive modeling, data mining, machine learning, optimization techniques, and other related areas. The exam consists of 140 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CAP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of INFORMS or not. For non-members, it costs $495 USD; for members it costs $395 USD. Once you have registered and paid the fee, you will be given access to study materials and practice exams which can help prepare you for the actual exam. Additionally, there are several online courses available which can also help prepare you for the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, your name will be added to the list of Certified Analytics Professionals on INFORMS’ website. You will also receive a digital badge that can be used on resumes and other professional documents.

5. Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)

Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business intelligence. The CBIP designation is an indication that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of business intelligence concepts, tools and techniques.

To obtain the CBIP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in business intelligence or data warehousing, and must pass an examination administered by IIBA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as data analysis, data modeling, database design and implementation, reporting and analytics, and project management.

The cost for taking the CBIP exam varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for US citizens to take the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, your certification will be valid for three years from the date you passed. To maintain your certification status after this period has elapsed, you will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits every 3 years.

6. Certified Medical Data Analyst (CMDA)

Certified Medical Data Analyst (CMDA) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of individuals in the field of medical data analysis. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the principles, concepts and techniques necessary for effective medical data analysis.

To become certified as a CMDA, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with healthcare data and analytics, as well as pass an online exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as healthcare data management, analytics and visualization, healthcare regulations and compliance, and healthcare information systems. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CMDA certification exam is $395 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CMDA certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

7. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

A Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional certification for clinical research professionals. It is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and demonstrates proficiency in the field of clinical research.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the requirements for CCRA certification. This includes completing an ACRP-approved training program, passing the CCRA exam, and meeting other requirements such as having at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research or equivalent part-time experience.

To get certified as a CCRA, you must first complete an ACRP-approved training program. These programs vary in length and cost, but typically include online courses and hands-on workshops. Once you have completed the training program, you can register to take the CCRA exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and case studies designed to test your knowledge of clinical research principles and practices.

The cost of getting certified as a CCRA varies depending on which ACRP-approved training program you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$3,000 for tuition plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

8. Certified Informatics Nurse Specialist (CINS)

A Certified Informatics Nurse Specialist (CINS) is a nurse who specializes in the use of information technology and informatics to improve patient care. CINSs are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing healthcare information systems, such as electronic health records (EHRs), computerized physician order entry systems, and clinical decision support systems. They also provide education and training to healthcare professionals on the use of these systems.

To become a CINS, you must have an active RN license and at least two years of experience working with informatics or information technology in a healthcare setting. You must also complete an accredited informatics nursing program or obtain certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC offers three levels of certification: Certified Informatics Nurse (CIN), Advanced Certified Informatics Nurse (ACIN), and Master's Certified Informatics Nurse (MCIN).

The cost for certification varies depending on the level of certification you are seeking. The fees range from $295-$495. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to receive your certification after submitting your application materials.

9. American Health Information Management Association’s Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential is a professional certification awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in health information management and technology. The RHIT credential demonstrates that an individual has met the minimum standards for knowledge, skills, and abilities required to practice as a health information technician.

To become certified as a RHIT, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having an associate degree from an accredited program in health information technology or completion of a postsecondary certificate program in health information technology, plus one year of experience in health information management. Applicants must also pass the RHIT exam administered by AHIMA.

The RHIT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $299 for members of AHIMA and $399 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their RHIT certification which is valid for five years before renewal is necessary.

10. American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Professional Coder-Physician Office (CPC-P)

The American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Professional Coder-Physician Office (CPC-P) is a certification for medical coders who work in physician offices. The CPC-P certification demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately code and classify medical services and procedures for reimbursement, data analysis, and research.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CPC-P exam. To get certified, you must complete an accredited coding program or have at least two years of professional coding experience in a physician office setting. You must also pass the CPC-P exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AAPC or not. For non-members, the cost is $399; for members, it is $299. Additionally, there may be additional fees if you need to retake the exam or if you need to recertify after your initial certification expires.

11. American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Outpatient Coder (COC).

The American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) is a professional certification for coders who specialize in coding services provided in an outpatient setting. This certification demonstrates the coder’s knowledge and expertise in the specialty area of outpatient coding.

To obtain the COC credential, applicants must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM, CPT/HCPCS coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements before taking the exam. These include: having at least two years of full-time coding experience in an outpatient setting within the past five years; completing an AAPC approved training program; or passing a proctored assessment with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the COC exam is $399 for AAPC members and $499 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and flashcards. After passing the exam, there is an additional annual fee of $99 for recertification every two years.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need a clinical analyst certificate depends on your individual career goals and aspirations. If you are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare analytics, then it is likely that you will need to obtain a clinical analyst certificate in order to be competitive for certain roles. A clinical analyst certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully analyze healthcare data and make informed decisions about patient care.

The requirements for obtaining a clinical analyst certificate vary from program to program, but typically include courses in healthcare informatics, data analysis, health information technology, and other related topics. In addition, many programs require the completion of an internship or practicum experience. Depending on the program, some certification exams may also be required for successful completion of the program.

If you are looking to start or advance your career in healthcare analytics, then obtaining a clinical analyst certificate can be very beneficial. It can provide employers with evidence that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do this type of work effectively. Additionally, having a certification can open doors to more job opportunities as well as higher salaries due to your specialized knowledge and skillset.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a clinical analyst certificate depends on your individual goals and aspirations within the field of healthcare analytics. If this is an area that interests you and one which you would like to pursue professionally, then obtaining a clinical analyst certificate can be highly beneficial for advancing your career goals.

Related: Clinical Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Clinical Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Clinical Analyst Certification is a credential that demonstrates expertise in the design, implementation, and management of electronic health records (EHR) systems. It also validates an individual's understanding of healthcare information technology, clinical workflow processes, and security best practices.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Clinical Analyst Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Clinical Analyst Certification include increased job opportunities, greater earning potential, enhanced professional credibility, and improved patient safety. Additionally, it can help to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

3. What types of certifications are available for Clinical Analysts?

Answer: The most common certification for Clinical Analysts is the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information & Management Systems (CPHIMS). Other certifications include American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Healthcare Technology Management (HTM), and CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician (HIT).

4. How do I become certified as a Clinical Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Clinical Analyst, you must pass an examination administered by one of the organizations offering the certification. This typically includes completing coursework or training related to healthcare information technology and passing an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.

5. How long does it take to obtain a Clinical Analyst Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Clinical Analyst Certification varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing and how much prior experience you have in healthcare information technology or related fields. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements necessary for certification.