Top 11 Clinical Data Analyst Certifications

Certifications are essential for a clinical data analyst in the job market. Clinical data analysts are responsible for collecting, managing and analyzing large amounts of medical data to gain insights into patient health trends. As the healthcare industry continues to rely more heavily on technology, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with specific certifications that demonstrate their knowledge and skills in working with medical data. Certifications provide assurance to employers that a candidate has the necessary technical proficiency and experience to effectively manage clinical data sets. In addition, certifications help distinguish qualified professionals from those who lack adequate training or experience. By obtaining relevant certifications, clinical data analysts can show potential employers that they have the qualifications needed to succeed in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Clinical Data Analysts and explains how they can help to further a career in this field.

What are Clinical Data Analyst Certifications?

Clinical data analyst certification is an important credential for individuals who work with patient data in the healthcare industry. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately analyze and interpret clinical data, as well as identify trends and patterns in order to help improve patient care.

The certification includes training in various aspects of medical data analysis, including using software programs to manage large amounts of information, understanding statistical methods used to evaluate outcomes, and developing processes and procedures for collecting, organizing, and analyzing clinical data. Additionally, individuals must be proficient in interpreting medical terminology, be able to effectively communicate their findings with stakeholders, and understand regulatory requirements related to the use of patient data.

Having a clinical data analyst certification is beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in healthcare analytics or health informatics. It provides employers with assurance that a potential employee has the necessary skillset needed to manage clinical datasets efficiently and effectively. It also serves as a valuable asset when seeking promotions or new positions within a hospital system or other healthcare organization. Furthermore, it can allow individuals to pursue specialized roles such as leading research projects or developing new technology tools for analyzing patient information.

Pro Tip: When considering a clinical data analyst certification, make sure to research the institution offering the certification and ensure that it is accredited by a recognized body. Additionally, look for certifications that focus on specific areas of expertise such as health informatics, analytics, or data science. This will help you to gain an in-depth understanding of the field and be better prepared to take on more complex roles.

Related: What does a Clinical Data Analyst do?

Top 11 Clinical Data Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM)

Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the expertise of data managers in the clinical research industry. It is administered by the Association of Clinical Data Management (ACDM).

The CCDM certification program includes an online exam that tests knowledge and skills related to clinical data management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as study design, data collection, database design, coding, and reporting. The exam takes about two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCDM certification program, applicants must have at least three years of experience in clinical data management or a closely related field. Applicants must also have completed an ACDM-approved training course within the past five years or have passed an ACDM-approved proficiency assessment within the past year.

The cost of the CCDM certification program varies depending on whether you are a member of ACDM or not. For non-members, it costs $495 USD for the application fee plus $395 USD for the exam fee. For members of ACDM, it costs $395 USD for the application fee plus $295 USD for the exam fee.

2. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)

A Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of health data analysis. The CHDA credential is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of health data analysis, including the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate data effectively.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for obtaining the CHDA credential. To obtain the CHDA credential, individuals must have a minimum of an associate's degree in health information technology or related field, as well as two years of experience working with electronic health records or other health information systems. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by AHIMA.

The cost for taking the CHDA exam varies depending on whether you are already an AHIMA member or not. For non-members, it costs $349 to take the exam; while for members it costs $299.

3. 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 individuals who demonstrate expertise in healthcare information and management systems. The CPHIMS certification is recognized as a global standard of excellence for healthcare IT professionals.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the healthcare IT field, including three years of direct experience with healthcare information and management systems. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as health informatics, project management, system design, system implementation, system maintenance, data security, privacy regulations, and more.

The exam takes about four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam is $450 for HIMSS members or $550 for non-members. Once applicants pass the exam, they will be awarded their CPHIMS certification which is valid for three years. To maintain certification status after this period ends, recertification requirements must be met every three years.

4. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

A Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of clinical research. It is awarded by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

To become a CCRA, you must have at least three years of full-time clinical research experience or five years of part-time experience. You must also pass the ACRP Certification Exam. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Good Clinical Practice, regulatory requirements, and ethical principles.

The cost to take the exam is $395 for ACRP members and $595 for non-members. The exam fee includes study materials, access to online practice exams, and one attempt at the actual certification exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam up to two more times within 12 months for an additional fee.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CCRA certificate and can use it to demonstrate your qualifications in clinical research.

5. Certified Biomedical Informatics Specialist (CBIS)

A Certified Biomedical Informatics Specialist (CBIS) is a professional certification that recognizes expertise in the field of biomedical informatics. This certification is offered by the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). The CBIS certification demonstrates knowledge and experience in the areas of health care informatics, medical terminology, data management and analysis, systems design and implementation, and project management.

It typically takes two to four years to complete the requirements for CBIS certification. To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years' experience working in or with biomedical informatics systems and must pass an examination administered by AMIA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, data management and analysis, system design and implementation, project management, privacy and security issues, information technology standards, and more.

The cost of becoming certified as a CBIS varies depending on the type of membership you choose with AMIA. For non-members, the cost is $595 for the application fee plus $395 for the exam fee. For members of AMIA it is $495 for the application fee plus $295 for the exam fee.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of their work experience in biomedical informatics systems to be eligible for certification. Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every three years.

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

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The RHIT credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in health information management and technology. It is a nationally recognized credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing patient health information and data.

To become an RHIT, one must complete an accredited program in health information technology or management, pass the AHIMA RHIT exam, and meet other requirements set by AHIMA. Most programs take two years to complete, although some may take longer depending on the type of program.

To get the RHIT credential, one must first complete an accredited program in health information technology or management from an institution approved by AHIMA. After completing the program, applicants must then pass the AHIMA RHIT exam which consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must also meet other requirements such as providing proof of current employment or volunteer experience related to health information technology and/or management.

The cost for taking the AHIMA RHIT exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

7. American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in medical coding and billing. The CPC credential is the most widely recognized medical coding certification in the healthcare industry.

To obtain the CPC credential, individuals must pass an exam administered by AAPC. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, and CPT procedure codes. The exam typically takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPC exam, applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have at least two years of professional experience in medical coding or billing within the past five years. Applicants must also complete an AAPC approved training program or demonstrate knowledge in all areas covered by the exam through other means.

The cost of obtaining the CPC credential varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or not. For non-members, the cost is $399 for the initial application fee plus $300 for each retake attempt if necessary. For members, the cost is $299 for the initial application fee plus $200 for each retake attempt if necessary.

8. American Medical Informatics Association’s Clinical Informatics Certification

The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Clinical Informatics Certification is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to practice in the field of clinical informatics. This certification is designed to provide physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals with a way to demonstrate their expertise in the use of information technology for patient care.

The certification process is divided into two parts: an online self-assessment and an exam. The online self-assessment consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as healthcare data management, health information systems, clinical decision support systems, and electronic health records. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based items that require the candidate to demonstrate their ability to use knowledge gained from the self-assessment in a simulated clinical setting.

The AMIA Clinical Informatics Certification takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first complete the online self-assessment before they can register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, candidates have up to one year to take it.

The cost of obtaining the AMIA Clinical Informatics Certification varies depending on whether you are an AMIA member or not. For members, it costs $1,000 for both parts of the certification process (self-assessment and exam). For non-members, it costs $1,500 for both parts of the certification process (self-assessment and exam).

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics (MCSE: Data Management and Analytics) is a certification program designed to recognize IT professionals who have the skills and knowledge to design, implement, and manage data solutions. This certification is intended for individuals who work with relational databases, business intelligence solutions, and big data analytics.

To get the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification, you must first pass one of two exams: Exam 70-767 or Exam 70-768. The exam covers topics such as designing database solutions, implementing data models and reports, managing data access and security, optimizing query performance, administering databases in the cloud, and more.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it typically costs around $165 per exam. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with registering for an exam or taking a practice test.

It usually takes about 6 months of studying to prepare for the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification exams. However, this timeline can vary depending on your prior experience with Microsoft technologies as well as how much time you dedicate to studying each day.

10. SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer

SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer is a certification program offered by SAS Institute, Inc., a leader in business analytics software and services. This certification provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate expertise in the design, development, and implementation of clinical trials using SAS software. The program is designed for professionals who are involved in the design, development, and implementation of clinical trial data management systems.

The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as SAS programming language syntax and concepts; data structures; clinical trial design; data analysis techniques; and reporting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by SAS Institute. These include having at least two years of experience working with clinical trial data management systems or related areas, or completing an approved training course in clinical trials programming with SAS software. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the exam through the SAS website.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your official certification from SAS Institute.

11. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a professional certification program for database administrators. It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, manage, maintain and administer Oracle databases.

To become an Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-052: Oracle Database 11g Administration I and 1Z0-053: Oracle Database 11g Administration II. You must also have at least six months of experience working with Oracle databases in order to qualify for this certification.

The exams can be taken online or in person at an authorized testing center. The cost of the exams varies depending on your location and the type of exam you are taking. Generally, the cost ranges from $125 to $250 per exam.

It usually takes about 6 months to obtain this certification if you are studying full time. However, it may take longer if you are studying part-time or have other commitments that limit your study time.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Data Analyst Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need a clinical data analyst certificate, the answer depends on your individual goals. If you are looking to break into the field of clinical data analysis, then having a certificate can be beneficial. Clinical data analysts are responsible for collecting and analyzing patient information from medical records, clinical trials, and other sources in order to improve healthcare outcomes. A certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform this important role.

However, if you already have experience in working with healthcare data or if you have an advanced degree in a related field such as public health, then a certificate may not be necessary. In addition, many employers may not require a specific certification when hiring for these positions. Instead, they may look more closely at your experience and education level.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not getting a clinical data analyst certificate is worth your time and money. If you feel that having the certification will make you more marketable in the job market or give you an edge over other applicants, then it might be worth pursuing. However, if your current qualifications are sufficient for what employers are looking for then it may not be necessary to obtain a certificate.

Related: Clinical Data Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Data Analyst Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Data Analyst?

Answer: To become a Clinical Data Analyst, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, mathematics, statistics or a related field. Additionally, experience with data analytics and familiarity with healthcare systems and processes can be beneficial.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Clinical Data Analyst?

Answer: The duration of the certification process varies depending on the certifying organization and the level of certification desired. Generally, it takes between one to two years of study and on-the-job training to become certified as a Clinical Data Analyst.

3. What is the cost of becoming certified as a Clinical Data Analyst?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Clinical Data Analyst varies depending on the certifying organization and the level of certification desired. Generally speaking, most certification programs require payment for registration fees, exam fees and any additional course materials needed to complete the program.

4. Are there any online courses available for Clinical Data Analysts?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available for those interested in pursuing their clinical data analyst certification. These courses typically provide instruction on topics such as database design, data cleaning techniques, statistical analysis methods and software tools used in data analysis.

5. What types of jobs can I get after obtaining my Clinical Data Analyst certification?

Answer: After obtaining your clinical data analyst certification, you may pursue various positions within the healthcare industry such as healthcare informatics specialist or health information technology manager/director. You may also work in other industries such as finance or pharmaceuticals that require expertise in analyzing large datasets and drawing business insights from them.