Top 11 Clinical Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for clinical managers in the job market because they demonstrate competence, knowledge and experience. Employers look for candidates that have proven their expertise in a certain field, and certifications provide evidence of this. Certifications also indicate an individual’s commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which is important for any healthcare professional. Additionally, by obtaining a certification from a respected organization, it shows potential employers that the individual has taken the necessary steps to ensure they are knowledgeable and qualified to handle the responsibilities of a clinical manager.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the value of top certifications for Clinical Managers that can help advance their career.

What are Clinical Manager Certifications?

Clinical manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the skills and knowledge required to manage and lead clinical operations within healthcare organizations. It is designed for healthcare professionals who have experience in clinical management, such as nurse managers, medical directors, healthcare administrators, and more.

This certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of clinical management and demonstrate their commitment to the profession. With this certification, individuals are better equipped to manage all aspects of clinical operations including patient care, human resources, budgeting, quality assurance, and compliance with laws and regulations. Holding this certification also shows potential employers that an individual has the skills necessary to effectively lead their team. Additionally, having this certification may open up opportunities for advancement or higher-paying positions within an organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a clinical manager certification, make sure to research the requirements for the program you are interested in and ensure that it meets your professional goals. Additionally, reach out to any contacts who have gone through a similar certification process to get more detailed information and advice.

Related: What does a Clinical Manager do?

Top 11 Clinical Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Manager (CCM)

Certified Clinical Manager (CCM) is a professional certification for healthcare professionals who manage clinical operations in a variety of settings. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the delivery of quality patient care. The CCM credential is awarded by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CCM certification. The process includes taking an exam, completing a portfolio, and participating in continuing education activities. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in clinical management or healthcare administration.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an ACHE member or not. For non-members, it costs $400 USD; for members, it costs $300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting a portfolio or attending continuing education activities.

Overall, obtaining your CCM certification can help you demonstrate your commitment to excellence in clinical management and improve your career prospects in healthcare administration.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

CPHQ stands for Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. It is a certification program offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The purpose of this certification is to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in healthcare quality management.

The CPHQ program requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience in a healthcare quality-related position or five years of part-time experience. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, risk management, quality improvement, and performance measurement.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $400 for NAHQ members and $500 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals become certified CPHQs and receive a certificate from NAHQ.

Certification must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the exam. Renewal fees are $100 for NAHQ members and $150 for non-members.

3. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE)

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a professional certification designed to recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and skill in the management of medical practices. The CMPE credential is awarded by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE), a professional organization for medical practice administrators.

It takes approximately 12-18 months to complete the requirements for CMPE certification, which includes completing an application, passing an exam, and having at least two years of experience as a medical practice administrator or executive. To apply for CMPE certification, applicants must complete an online application form, pay a non-refundable fee, submit transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended, provide three letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors or colleagues, and submit a written statement outlining their qualifications for the job.

The cost for CMPE certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through an employer. For individuals, the total cost is $1,250 USD; this includes the application fee ($50 USD), exam fee ($400 USD), and annual dues ($800 USD). Employers may also sponsor their employees’ applications; in this case, the total cost is $2,000 USD per employee.

Overall, obtaining CMPE certification can be beneficial to those looking to advance their career in medical practice administration as it demonstrates expertise in all aspects of managing a medical practice.

4. Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)

Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a physician practice. The CPPM credential is offered by the American Academy of Medical Management (AAMM). To obtain the CPPM, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of medical practice management principles, including financial management, human resources management, and operational management.

The CPPM program requires candidates to complete an online application and submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also pass a written examination that covers topics such as medical practice operations, finance, human resources, marketing, legal issues, and information technology.

The total cost for the CPPM program is $1,299 USD. This includes the cost of the exam fee ($595 USD), application fee ($200 USD), and any additional fees associated with registering for the exam. The entire process typically takes about three months to complete from start to finish.

5. Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)

Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of healthcare facility managers. The CHFM credential demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of healthcare facility management.

The CHFM program is administered by the American Hospital Association (AHA). To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of experience in healthcare facility management, passing an exam, and completing continuing education credits.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification. Applicants must first submit an application and pay the required fee, which varies depending on membership status with AHA. After submitting the application, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as finance and budgeting, operations management, safety and security, environmental services, human resources management, and more.

Once applicants have passed the exam they must then complete at least 15 hours of continuing education credits within two years of passing the exam in order to maintain their certification status. These credits can be obtained through attending conferences or seminars related to healthcare facility management or taking online courses offered by AHA.

The cost for certification varies depending on membership status with AHA but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

6. Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN)

Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN) is a certification for nurses who specialize in providing care to patients in an ambulatory care setting. The certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become certified as a CACN, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a current unrestricted RN license and at least two years of full-time experience in an ambulatory care setting within the past three years. Additionally, applicants must have completed 30 hours of continuing education related to ambulatory care nursing within the past three years.

The exam for CACN certification consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether or not you are an ANCC member; it costs $240 for members and $290 for non-members.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your CACN certificate in about four weeks. You must renew your certification every five years by completing 45 contact hours of continuing education related to ambulatory care nursing and paying a recertification fee of $150 for ANCC members or $200 for non-members.

7. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

A Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional certification for individuals who manage nursing homes and long-term care facilities. This certification is offered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education.

It typically takes two to four years to complete the necessary education requirements for a CNHA. In most cases, this involves completing a bachelor's degree in health administration or a related field, as well as gaining supervised administrative experience in a nursing home or long-term care facility. After meeting these requirements, individuals must then pass the NAB's examination in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the individual's educational and experience background. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for all of the necessary materials and fees associated with becoming certified. Additionally, there may be costs associated with taking courses or attending seminars required for maintaining certification over time.

8. American College of Healthcare Executives Certification in Health Care Management (ACHE-CHM)

The American College of Healthcare Executives Certification in Health Care Management (ACHE-CHM) is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and experience of health care executives. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies needed to effectively manage health care organizations. The ACHE-CHM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of health care management experience, as well as a master’s degree in health administration or a related field.

Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as organizational behavior, financial management, quality improvement, strategic planning, and human resources management. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the ACHE-CHM certification, applicants must submit an application along with a fee of $450 for members of the American College of Healthcare Executives and $550 for non-members. Once approved, applicants will receive their certification within four weeks.

The ACHE-CHM certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education activities or retaking the examination.

9. American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification in Nursing Administration Advanced (AONE-NA-A)

The American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification in Nursing Administration Advanced (AONE-NA-A) is an advanced certification program that recognizes the expertise and leadership of nurse executives in healthcare organizations. The AONE-NA-A certification is designed to demonstrate a nurse executive’s commitment to excellence and their ability to lead and manage complex healthcare systems.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience in nursing administration, hold a master’s degree in nursing or related field, and have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in the field within the last three years.

The AONE-NA-A certification process takes approximately four weeks from start to finish. Applicants must first complete an online application form which requires them to provide information about their educational background, work experience, and continuing education activities. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants will be asked to take an exam consisting of multiple choice questions covering topics such as healthcare management, leadership principles, financial management, organizational theory, legal issues, professional development, patient safety and quality improvement.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam they will receive their AONE-NA-A certification. The cost for this certification is $250 USD plus applicable taxes.

10. American College of Medical Practice Executives Certification in Medical Practice Management (ACMPE-MPM)

The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) Certification in Medical Practice Management (MPM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of medical practice executives. It is designed to help demonstrate expertise in the field of medical practice management and to provide a benchmark for employers when evaluating potential candidates for positions within their organizations.

The ACMPE-MPM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience in medical practice management, as well as passing an examination. The exam consists of two parts: the Management Knowledge Assessment (MKA) and the Clinical Knowledge Assessment (CKA). The MKA is a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as business operations, finance, human resources, marketing, and technology. The CKA is an essay-based assessment that examines the applicant's understanding of clinical operations, patient care delivery systems, reimbursement strategies, and quality improvement initiatives.

It typically takes about six months to complete the ACMPE-MPM certification process. To get started, applicants must first submit an application online or by mail along with all required documentation and fees. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be assigned an ACMPE advisor who will help them prepare for both exams. After passing both exams with a score of at least 80%, applicants will receive their certification from ACMPE and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in medical practice management.

The cost for obtaining the ACMPE-MPM certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through your employer. For individuals applying directly to ACMPE, there is a $495 fee which includes access to study materials and two attempts at each exam. Employers may also be eligible for discounted rates if they apply as part of a group or organization.

11. National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards Certification in Nursing Home Administration (NAB-NHA).

The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards Certification in Nursing Home Administration (NAB-NHA) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional development of long-term care administrators. The NAB-NHA certification is granted by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB), an organization that provides education and resources for long-term care administrators.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree in health administration or a related field and at least two years of experience in a nursing home setting. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NAB. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as regulations, operations, finance, human resources management, and quality assurance.

The process typically takes six to nine months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete all necessary paperwork and take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their NAB-NHA certification.

The cost for the NAB-NHA certification varies depending on the applicant’s state of residence. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$700 to apply for the certification and take the exam.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For those who are interested in pursuing a career as a clinical manager, having a clinical manager certificate can be invaluable. Having a certificate demonstrates to employers that an individual has taken the time to learn the skills necessary for success in the field, which can make them more attractive candidates for open positions.

Additionally, having a clinical manager certificate can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. In some cases, employers may require potential employees to have such certifications before they will be considered for a position. Additionally, having a certification may give individuals access to job opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them without one.

Finally, having a clinical manager certificate can also provide individuals with additional knowledge and expertise in the field that could be beneficial in their current or future roles. Individuals with certifications may have access to specialized training and resources that could help them become better at their job. This could lead to greater job satisfaction and better performance overall.

In conclusion, whether or not an individual needs a clinical manager certificate really depends on their specific career goals and ambitions. Those who are interested in pursuing this type of career should evaluate the pros and cons of obtaining such certification before making any decisions about whether it is right for them or not.

Related: Clinical Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Manager Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Clinical Manager certified?

Answer: Becoming a Clinical Manager certified can provide you with an array of benefits, such as increased job security, greater opportunities for advancement, and improved salary prospects. Additionally, certification can help you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the clinical management field.

2. How long does it take to become a Clinical Manager certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become a Clinical Manager certified depends on the certifying organization and the level of certification sought. Generally speaking, completion of prerequisites and the exam itself can take anywhere from 6-12 months.

3. What type of education or experience is needed to become a Clinical Manager certified?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a Clinical Manager certified vary by certifying organization but typically include having completed at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or related field, along with several years of work experience in clinical management or supervision.

4. Is there an exam required to become a Clinical Manager certified?

Answer: Yes, most organizations offering certification require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exams typically cover topics such as clinical operations management, team building and communication, patient safety and quality assurance, budgeting and finance, etc.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my Clinical Manager certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that holders maintain their certification through continuing education credits (CECs). CECs are usually earned through attending educational seminars or workshops related to clinical management topics or completing online courses or self-study materials related to the profession.