Top 11 Clinical Support Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a clinical support specialist in the job market for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of specific skills. This can give employers confidence in the candidate's knowledge and experience, which can be invaluable when competing against other candidates who lack such credentials. Additionally, certifications may open up opportunities for advancement or higher-paying positions within the organization. Finally, certifications often provide access to exclusive networks and resources that can help a clinical support specialist stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Clinical Support Specialists and explain how they can benefit their career.

What are Clinical Support Specialist Certifications?

Clinical Support Specialist Certification is a professional credential that validates the knowledge and experience of individuals providing support to healthcare facilities in the areas of clinical operations, patient care, safety, and compliance. Clinical Support Specialists are typically responsible for managing a variety of tasks related to the clinical environment, including patient scheduling and registration, medical record management, billing and coding, insurance verification, and more.

The Certified Clinical Support Specialist (CCSS) designation provides an opportunity to demonstrate expertise in the field of healthcare support services. This certification can help individuals stand out from the competition by demonstrating their commitment to professional development and dedication to quality service. It also serves as recognition for those who have already gained experience in the field of clinical support services.

Having a CCSS certification can be beneficial for career advancement within the healthcare industry. Employers often look for candidates with certifications as evidence that they possess current knowledge and skills needed for success in the role. Additionally, having a CCSS certification may make it easier for individuals to transition into roles with greater responsibility or higher pay in their current or new positions. The certification also provides access to continuing education opportunities that can help keep professionals up-to-date on changes in regulations or technology related to their job duties.

Pro Tip: Clinical Support Specialist Certification is an invaluable asset for those looking to advance their career in the medical field. Make sure to research the requirements and qualifications of the certifying body before beginning the process, as well as any continuing education requirements that may be necessary in order to maintain your certification. Additionally, take advantage of any resources or support networks available from professional organizations in order to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Clinical Support Specialist do?

Top 11 Clinical Support Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Support Specialist (CCSS)

A Certified Clinical Support Specialist (CCSS) is a professional who provides support to healthcare professionals and patients in a variety of settings. They are responsible for providing administrative and clinical assistance, helping to coordinate patient care, and ensuring that all medical records are accurate and up to date. CCSSs may also provide patient education, assist with scheduling appointments, and provide technical support for medical software programs.

It typically takes between six months to one year of study and practice to become certified as a CCSS. To become certified, individuals must complete an approved program of study that includes courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical coding systems, healthcare law, HIPAA compliance, customer service skills, computer applications relevant to the field, and more. After completing the program of study, individuals must pass a certification exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcareer Association.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program chosen; however most programs range from $500 - $2,000 USD. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if the exam is taken at an off-site location.

2. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s competence in the administrative and clerical aspects of healthcare. It is designed for individuals who work in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, or other health care settings. The CMAA credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes about three months to complete the necessary requirements to become certified. To get certified as a CMAA, you must have at least one year of full-time experience working as a medical administrative assistant or related position in a healthcare setting within the past five years. You must also pass an exam administered by NHA.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMAA varies depending on which study materials you choose to purchase and whether you opt for additional review courses. The exam fee itself costs $115, and there may be additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or taking review courses.

3. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to demonstrate proficiency in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). The CEHRS certification is designed to ensure that healthcare professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage patient information within an EHR system.

The CEHRS certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, data entry and retrieval, security and privacy protocols, and basic computer operations. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience working with an EHR system before taking the exam.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the exam with NHA. Once registered, they can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $250 USD. It typically takes 2-3 hours to complete the exam.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their official CEHRS certification from NHA. This certification is valid for three years after which time applicants must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

4. Certified Professional Coder-Physician Based (CPC-P)

Certified Professional Coder-Physician Based (CPC-P) is a certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in coding for physician services. The CPC-P certification requires a minimum of two years of professional coding experience, and covers all aspects of medical coding including diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and reimbursement systems.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CPC-P exam. This preparation includes studying the official AAPC study guide and taking practice exams. Additionally, many coders choose to attend an AAPC approved training course or use online resources such as webinars or tutorials.

To get the CPC-P certification, you must pass the exam administered by the AAPC. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within five hours. The cost of the exam is $399 for members and $499 for nonmembers. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from the AAPC.

The cost of obtaining your CPC-P certification can vary depending on how much time you spend preparing for it and which resources you use to do so. Generally speaking, most coders spend between $500-$1000 on their CPC-P certification journey.

5. Certified Medical Practice Manager (CMPM)

Certified Medical Practice Manager (CMPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize excellence in medical practice management. It is the only certification program of its kind that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The CMPM credential provides healthcare professionals with the credentials and knowledge necessary to manage a successful medical practice.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as practice management, financial management, human resources, technology, and legal issues. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of these topics. To receive the CMPM credential, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CMPM program, depending on how quickly you can complete the coursework and study for the exam. You can find study materials and courses online or at local colleges and universities.

The cost of obtaining a CMPM credential varies depending on where you take your coursework and whether you purchase any additional materials or services. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 to take all required courses and sit for the exam.

6. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in managing medical offices. The CMOM credential is awarded to those who demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the medical office environment, including legal and regulatory requirements, personnel management, financial management, patient care and customer service.

The CMOM certification requires successful completion of an online examination that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, insurance regulations, billing processes and other relevant topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. A passing score on the exam is required in order to receive the CMOM credential.

To obtain the CMOM certification, applicants must first become a member of AAPC. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen but typically range from $50 - $150 per year. After becoming a member, applicants can purchase an exam voucher for $399 which covers both the cost of the exam and any associated materials. Once purchased, applicants will have one year to take the exam before it expires.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CMOM certification which is valid for two years from the date it was issued. To maintain their certification status after two years, certified individuals must complete 30 continuing education credits every two years or retake the examination.

7. Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP)

Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP) is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation. This certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The CCDIP certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as coding, documentation, and healthcare reimbursement. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 2 hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in clinical documentation improvement or related field.

In order to become certified, applicants must register for the exam through AHIMA's website and pay an examination fee of $299. After registering for the exam, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online testing account. Once logged in, applicants can select their preferred test date and location.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CCDIP certification within 6-8 weeks after taking the exam. The certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

8. Certified Professional Biller and Coder (CPBC)

Certified Professional Biller and Coder (CPBC) is a credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical billing and coding. The CPBC credential is awarded to individuals who have successfully passed an exam that tests their knowledge of medical billing and coding principles, practices, and procedures.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, reimbursement methodologies, coding systems, compliance regulations, healthcare business operations, and other related topics. To be eligible for the CPBC examination candidates must have at least two years of experience in the field or complete an AAPC-approved training program.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CPBC exam. Preparation may include studying textbooks and reference materials on medical billing and coding; attending webinars or seminars; taking practice exams; and completing online courses.

The cost of the CPBC exam is $399 for members of the AAPC and $499 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPBC certification which must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education requirements.

9. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a health information professional who specializes in the collection, analysis, and maintenance of patient medical records. An RHIT is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, privacy, and security of protected health information (PHI).

To become an RHIT, you must have an associate degree in health information technology from an accredited college or university. Most programs take two years to complete. You must also pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

There are several ways to prepare for the RHIT exam. AHIMA offers review courses and study materials that can help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer review courses that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the RHIT exam varies depending on where you take it and how much preparation you need. The AHIMA website lists fees ranging from $199 to $399 depending on your location and type of registration.

10. American Health Information Management Association's Coding Certificate Program

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Certificate Program is a professional certificate program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified coding professionals. The program covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and healthcare reimbursement.

The program consists of four courses that can be taken either online or in a classroom setting. Each course takes approximately eight weeks to complete. Upon completion of all four courses, students will receive a professional certificate from AHIMA.

In order to get the AHIMA Coding Certificate Program, students must first apply for admission to the program. This includes submitting an application form and paying the applicable fees. Once accepted into the program, students will need to complete all four courses within two years in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the AHIMA Coding Certificate Program varies depending on how many courses are taken at once and whether they are taken online or in a classroom setting. Generally speaking, each course costs around $500-$600 USD per course when taken online or $800-$900 USD per course when taken in a classroom setting. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam at the end of the program.

11. Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA).

Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the patient access process in a healthcare setting. The CHAA certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass a written exam. The training program typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours.

The cost of the CHAA certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes registration fees for both the training program and the exam.

In order to maintain their certification, individuals must participate in continuing education activities every two years. These activities may include attending workshops or conferences, completing online courses, or participating in other professional development opportunities.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Support Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of job that you are seeking. Clinical Support Specialists provide administrative support to healthcare professionals in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care centers, and nursing homes. While having a certificate is not required for most entry-level positions, it can be an advantage when applying for more advanced roles or jobs with higher pay scales.

If you’re looking to enter the field of Clinical Support Specialists, earning a certificate can be beneficial in many ways. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have received formal training in the subject matter and have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge needed for the position. In addition, having a certificate may make you stand out among other applicants since not everyone has one. A certificate also shows that you take your career seriously and are willing to invest time and money into furthering your education.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Clinical Support Specialist Certificate will depend on what type of job you’re looking for and how competitive the market is in your area. If there is a lot of competition for similar positions or if you’re pursuing higher-level roles, then having a certificate could give you an edge over other applicants. But if there isn’t much competition or if entry-level positions don’t require certification, then it may not be necessary to pursue one at this time.

Related: Clinical Support Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Support Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is a Clinical Support Specialist Certification?

A1: A Clinical Support Specialist Certification is a professional certification for individuals who provide clinical support services in the healthcare industry. The certification is designed to provide recognition of knowledge, skills and abilities related to the delivery of quality clinical care in a variety of settings.

Q2: What are the benefits of obtaining a Clinical Support Specialist Certification?

A2: Obtaining a Clinical Support Specialist Certification can help healthcare professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent patient care and demonstrate their competency in providing clinical support services. Additionally, having this certification may help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Clinical Support Specialist?

A3: To become certified as a Clinical Support Specialist, you must complete an approved training program that covers topics such as medical terminology, patient assessment and documentation, communication skills, and more. After completing your training program, you must pass an examination to become certified.

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

A4: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Clinical Support Specialist Certification depends on the type of training program you choose and how quickly you complete it. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within six months to one year.

Q5: Is there an annual renewal process for my Clinical Support Specialist Certification?

A5: Yes, renewal of your certification is required every two years. Renewal involves completing continuing education requirements and paying any applicable fees associated with renewal.