Top 10 Clinical Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a clinical specialist's resume and job market success. They demonstrate to potential employers that the specialist has the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to work in their field. Certifications also indicate that the specialist has taken the time to learn about new technologies and techniques, which can be beneficial when applying for positions with cutting edge medical facilities. Additionally, certifications provide proof that the specialist is dedicated to their profession and has a commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. Finally, certifications can help clinical specialists stand out amongst other applicants when applying for jobs or advancing their career.

This article reviews the top certifications for Clinical Specialists, and explains how they can help to advance a Clinical Specialist's career.

What are Clinical Specialist Certifications?

Clinical specialist certification is a form of credentialing in which a health care provider has met certain standards set by a professional organization or other governing body. It is typically awarded to clinicians who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized field of practice, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, nurse anesthesia, or clinical social work.

Through clinical specialist certification, health care providers are able to demonstrate their commitment to high-quality patient care and their expertise in the specialized area of practice. This type of credentialing also helps employers identify qualified candidates for positions within their organizations. Clinical specialist certifications provide assurance that the practitioner has achieved a level of competence beyond that expected from entry-level practitioners and provides patients with assurance that they are receiving the highest quality care from someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in their particular area of specialty.

In addition to providing tangible evidence of an individual's skill and knowledge base in a given field, clinical specialist certification can also be beneficial for career advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire individuals who hold this type of certification as it demonstrates the practitioner's commitment to continuing education and professional development. Additionally, some states may require specific credentials in order to practice within certain specialties; having this type of certification can help practitioners meet these requirements while ensuring they are providing safe and effective care for their patients.

Pro Tip: When considering a clinical specialist certification, make sure to research the requirements for certification and verify that the program is accredited by an appropriate organization. Also, if possible, speak with current or former students to get their feedback on the program and its value.

Related: What does a Clinical Specialist do?

Top 10 Clinical Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) is a professional who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of clinical trials. The CCRC must have a thorough understanding of the regulations, guidelines and standards that govern clinical research and be able to apply them in the conduct of clinical trials.

The CCRC certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education credits.

The ACRP requires at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research or related field prior to applying for certification. Applicants must also have either a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a health care or scientific discipline.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the process from application to certification. The cost for the CCRC certification is $595 USD for ACRP members, and $795 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)

A Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) is a healthcare professional who is responsible for the accurate and complete documentation of patient medical records. The CCDS ensures that all clinical documentation accurately reflects the care provided to the patient, as well as any associated diagnoses and treatments. This helps to ensure that providers are compensated appropriately for their services, and that patients receive the best possible care.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to become a Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS). To become certified, you must first complete an accredited training program or obtain an associate’s degree in health information technology or related field. You must then pass an exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). After passing the exam, you will be granted certification status.

The cost of becoming a Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) varies depending on where you get your training and what type of program you choose. Generally, it can range from $2,000-$6,000 USD.

In addition to completing a training program and passing the AHIMA exam, it is important to stay up-to-date on changes in healthcare regulations and coding standards. You may also need to take continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification status.

3. Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM)

Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage clinical data in a safe, secure, and compliant manner. The CCDM certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Data Management (ACDM), an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of clinical data management.

To become certified as a CCDM, applicants must pass an exam administered by ACDM. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in clinical data management or related fields in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of the CCDM certification exam is $550 USD. It typically takes four to six weeks after registering for the exam before you will receive your results. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CCDM certificate and be able to use the designation “CCDM” after your name.

4. Certified Clinical Quality Improvement Professional (CCQIP)

Certified Clinical Quality Improvement Professional (CCQIP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of clinical quality improvement. The CCQIP certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a professional organization dedicated to advancing quality principles, tools and techniques.

To become certified as a CCQIP, an individual must have at least three years of experience in clinical quality improvement and pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as healthcare systems, performance measurement, patient safety, risk management and quality assurance.

The total cost of the CCQIP certification program is $400 USD. This includes the cost of the application fee ($150 USD), exam fee ($200 USD) and annual renewal fee ($50 USD). It typically takes up to four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will be awarded your CCQIP certification which is valid for three years. After three years, you must renew your certification by passing another exam or completing continuing education credits in order to maintain your status as a Certified Clinical Quality Improvement Professional.

5. Certified Medical Coder (CMC)

A Certified Medical Coder (CMC) is a professional who has been trained and certified to accurately interpret medical records, assign codes to diagnoses and procedures, and submit claims for reimbursement. The certification process involves passing an exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The amount of time it takes to become a CMC can vary depending on the individual's background and experience. Those with prior coding experience may be able to complete the process in as little as six months, while those without any coding experience may require up to two years.

To become a CMC, individuals must first complete an accredited medical coding program or equivalent training. They must then pass the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. Once they have passed the exam, they are eligible to apply for the Certified Medical Coder (CMC) certification.

The cost of becoming a CMC varies depending on the type of training program chosen, but typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees, textbooks and materials, exam fees, and other related costs.

6. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification for healthcare quality professionals. It is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the core knowledge and skills essential to healthcare quality management. The CPHQ certification is widely recognized as the gold standard in healthcare quality certifications.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the CPHQ certification process. The process includes completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting certain eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the CPHQ certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a healthcare quality-related position or four years of part-time experience in a healthcare quality-related position.

To get started on the path to obtaining your CPHQ certification, you must first submit an application through NAHQ's website. Once your application has been approved, you will need to register for and pass the CPHQ exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety, risk management, data analysis, performance improvement, and regulatory compliance.

The cost of obtaining your CPHQ certification varies depending on whether you are an NAHQ member or non-member. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members it is $395 USD.

7. Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-HOP)

Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-HOP) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the coding of hospital outpatient services. The CPC-HOP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, disease processes, coding guidelines, and reimbursement policies.

It typically takes 6 months to 1 year to prepare for the exam. Preparation includes studying from AAPC’s official CPC-HOP study guide, attending AAPC sponsored webinars or seminars, and taking practice exams.

To get certified as a CPC-HOP, you must first join AAPC as a professional member. Then you must pass the CPC-HOP certification exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 5 hours.

The cost to become a CPC-HOP is $399 for members and $499 for nonmembers. This fee covers the cost of membership in AAPC as well as the cost of the exam itself.

8. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a certification offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills of nurses who provide care in emergency settings. The CEN certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

1. Be a currently licensed Registered Nurse in the U.S., its territories or Canada;

2. Have practiced at least two years as a full-time registered nurse;

3. Have at least 2,000 hours of direct emergency nursing practice within the past three years;

4. Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in emergency nursing within the past three years; and

5. Pass the CEN exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost to take the CEN exam is $395 for members of BCEN, and $495 for non-members.

9. Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN)

Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse (CACN) is a specialty certification that recognizes nurses who have specialized knowledge and skills in providing care to patients in ambulatory settings. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become certified as a Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

- Have an active RN license

- Have a minimum of two years of experience in ambulatory care nursing within the last three years

- Complete 30 hours of continuing education related to ambulatory care nursing within the last three years

- Pass an ANCC certification exam

The cost for taking the exam is $295, and it typically takes about four months to get your results. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CACN certification and be able to use the credential after your name.

10. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is a certification program offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in coding and classification systems used for inpatient services.

The CIC certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in coding and classifying inpatient services. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, and CPT coding. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To qualify for the CIC certification, applicants must be members of AHIMA or have completed an approved educational program related to medical coding. They must also submit a copy of their current resume or CV, proof of education, and verification of at least two years of experience in coding and classifying inpatient services.

The cost to take the CIC exam is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members. Additional fees may apply if the applicant needs to retake the exam or if they need additional materials or resources to prepare for it.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, what sort of career path do you wish to pursue? If you are interested in working in the healthcare industry, then a Clinical Specialist Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate helps demonstrate that you have obtained specialized knowledge and skills related to clinical care and patient management. It can make you more attractive to potential employers and may give you an edge when competing for positions.

In addition, if you are looking to advance your career or move into a managerial role within the healthcare field, a Clinical Specialist Certificate can also help demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Having this certification shows that you have taken the initiative to stay current with best practices and procedures for providing quality care.

Ultimately, if you are considering pursuing a Clinical Specialist Certificate, it is important to consider your unique motivations for doing so and whether it will truly benefit your career goals. A certificate alone does not guarantee success; however, if it is coupled with experience and dedication, it can be a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates in the job market.

Related: Clinical Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Clinical Specialist Certification?

A1. A Clinical Specialist Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in a particular area of clinical practice. It is typically obtained by completing additional coursework, passing exams and demonstrating clinical competency in the chosen specialty.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Clinical Specialist (CCS)?

A2. Becoming a CCS provides professionals with recognition for their knowledge and skills, increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, and improved patient outcomes. As well, CCSs often receive enhanced respect from colleagues and peers.

Q3. How do I become certified as a Clinical Specialist?

A3. To become certified as a Clinical Specialist, you must first meet the requirements set forth by your profession's certifying body such as completing additional coursework, passing exams, and demonstrating clinical competency in your chosen specialty area.

Q4. How long does it take to obtain a Clinical Specialist Certification?

A4. The time it takes to obtain certification varies depending on the amount of preparation required for each individual’s specific specialty areas and the certifying body's requirements but can generally range from 6 months up to 2 years or more to complete all necessary steps for certification eligibility.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for Clinical Specialists?

A5: Yes, most certifying bodies require Certified Clinical Specialists to maintain their credentials through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops, participating in online courses or webinars, or even taking additional exams every few years depending on the organization’s policy.