Top 10 Clinical Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for clinical technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competence and knowledge. They also provide employers with evidence that a technician is qualified to perform their duties. Certification can also lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and more respect from colleagues. Additionally, certifications can open doors for career advancement and help a technician stand out in the competitive job market.

This article reviews the top certifications for Clinical Technicians and outlines the ways in which they can contribute to a successful career in this field.

What are Clinical Technician Certifications?

Clinical technician certification is a voluntary credential that is designed to demonstrate a clinical technician’s knowledge and proficiency in the field. Clinical technicians play an important role in patient care, assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals with delivering quality care. Certification can help to ensure that clinical technicians meet certain standards of practice and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

By obtaining certification, clinical technicians can demonstrate their expertise and skill level to employers, colleagues, and patients. This can often result in increased job opportunities or higher salaries for those who are certified. Additionally, many employers require certification for advancement or even for initial employment. Certification also helps to ensure that clinical technicians remain up-to-date on the latest techniques and developments in the field. Finally, having certification may give clinicians more confidence in their abilities as they provide care to their patients.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing certification as a clinical technician, be sure to research the requirements for the specific type of certification you are seeking. Many certifications require completion of an accredited program or coursework, and some may also require passing an exam or having a certain amount of field experience. Additionally, stay up to date on any changes to state or national regulations related to clinical technician certification.

Related: What does a Clinical Technician do?

Top 10 Clinical Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide clinical support services in a medical office. They are responsible for assisting physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers with patient care. CCMAs perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, answering phones, and collecting payments. They also perform clinical duties such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, drawing blood, performing EKGs and other tests, administering medications and injections, and providing patient education.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This includes completing an accredited program of study at a community college or vocational school. The program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, clinical procedures and medical office management.

To become certified as a CCMA you must pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy & physiology; pharmacology; medical terminology; laboratory procedures; clinical procedures; patient care & safety; communication & documentation; legal & ethical considerations; health insurance & coding systems; computer applications in healthcare; and professional development & practice standards.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

2. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is a professional certification that signifies a person has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and accurately collect, process, and transport blood specimens. The CPT designation is awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) after passing an exam.

It typically takes about six months of study and practice to prepare for the CPT exam. During this time, it is important to review all material related to phlebotomy such as anatomy and physiology, specimen collection techniques, laboratory safety protocols, infection control measures, and other topics related to the profession. It is also recommended that applicants have at least one year of experience in a clinical setting before taking the exam.

To become certified as a CPT, applicants must complete an application form through AMT. This includes providing proof of education or training in phlebotomy from an accredited institution or program. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam which can be taken online or at designated testing centers around the country.

The cost of becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician varies depending on factors such as location and whether or not you are a member of AMT. Generally speaking, it costs around $125-$150 for non-members to take the exam while members pay $95-$115. Additionally, there may be fees associated with registering for the exam or purchasing study materials.

3. Certified EKG Technician (CET)

A Certified EKG Technician (CET) is a healthcare professional who specializes in performing electrocardiograms (EKGs). An EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The results are used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as heart disease, arrhythmias, and other cardiac abnormalities.

To become a CET, you must complete an accredited program that includes classroom instruction and clinical experience. Most programs take between 6-12 months to complete. After completing the program, you must pass an exam administered by either the National Healthcareer Association or Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

The cost of becoming a CET varies depending on the program you choose and your geographical location. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 - $1,000 for tuition and fees. Additional costs may include textbooks, certification exam fees, and background checks.

4. Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

A Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests on specimens from patients. MLTs are responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. They also perform quality control testing to ensure accuracy of results.

It typically takes two years of postsecondary education to become an MLT. Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some may accept students with only a GED or equivalent. After completing the program, graduates must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The cost of becoming an MLT varies depending on the school and program chosen. Tuition costs can range from $8,000-$20,000 or more for a two-year degree program. In addition to tuition, there may be additional fees for books and materials as well as lab fees for hands-on training in clinical laboratories.

Once certified, MLTs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every three years in order to remain eligible for employment in most states.

5. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) is a professional who has been trained and certified to manage clinical research studies. CCRCs are responsible for the day-to-day management of clinical trials, from protocol development and participant recruitment to data collection and reporting. They must ensure that the study is conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and good clinical practice.

The CCRC certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). To obtain certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as a clinical research coordinator or equivalent role. The certification process includes passing an exam which can be taken online or in person at an ACRP testing center. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics and regulatory compliance, study design and operations, data management, safety monitoring, budgeting and contracting, and more.

The cost for the CCRC certification exam is $425 USD for members of ACRP or $525 USD for non-members. The exam fee includes one year of membership in ACRP if you are not already a member. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

6. Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)

A Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) is a healthcare professional who is trained and certified to handle the sterilization of medical instruments and equipment. The CSPT is responsible for ensuring that all medical instruments are properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized prior to use in a healthcare setting.

The certification process typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To become certified as a CSPT, an individual must first complete an accredited program offered by either a college or university or through an online course. After completing the program, the individual must then pass an exam administered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM).

The cost of becoming certified as a CSPT varies depending on the type of program chosen. Online courses typically range from $500-$1,000 while college/university programs can range from $2,000-$4,000. Additionally, there is also a fee for taking the IAHCSMM certification exam which ranges from $150-$200.

7. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is an individual who has completed a specialized training program in pharmacy and passed the national certification exam. This certification demonstrates that the individual has achieved a level of competency in the field of pharmacy that is recognized by employers, healthcare professionals, and other regulatory bodies.

The length of time it takes to become certified as a CPhT depends on the individual's background and experience. Generally speaking, individuals who have prior experience or education in pharmacy may be able to complete their certification process more quickly than those without such background.

To become certified as a CPhT, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Training programs vary in length from 6 months to two years depending on the type of program chosen.

The cost to become certified as a CPhT varies depending on the type of training program chosen and any additional fees associated with taking the PTCE. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$3,000 depending on location and length of program. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the PTCE which ranges from $129-$179 depending on when you take it.

8. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician (COA/COT)

A Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician (COA/COT) is a healthcare professional who has been certified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA/COT is trained to assist ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient care, including performing eye exams, assisting with surgery, and providing patient education.

It typically takes one to two years to become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician. This includes completing an accredited program and passing the JCAHPO certification exam. Accredited programs are offered at community colleges, universities, and private schools.

To become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician, you must first complete an accredited program. After that, you will need to pass the JCAHPO certification exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of JCAHPO. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $150-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your COA/COT certification from JCAHPO. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to remain current.

9. Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT)

A Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified to provide dialysis treatment to patients with kidney failure. Dialysis technicians are responsible for operating and monitoring the dialysis machines, preparing the patient’s blood for dialysis, and providing support to the patient during their treatment.

To become a Certified Dialysis Technician, one must complete an accredited program in dialysis technology. These programs typically take between nine months and two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, students must pass a certification exam administered by either the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology (BONENT) or the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).

The cost of becoming a Certified Dialysis Technician varies depending on the type of program chosen. Some programs may be offered at no cost through hospitals or other healthcare facilities while others may require tuition payment. Additionally, fees for certification exams vary depending on which organization administers them.

10. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a healthcare professional who works in the operating room to assist surgeons, nurses and other medical staff during surgical procedures. They are responsible for setting up the operating room with sterile instruments and equipment, preparing patients for surgery, passing instruments to the surgeon during the procedure, and helping to maintain a sterile environment throughout the operation.

To become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you must first complete an accredited surgical technologist program. This typically takes two years of full-time study, although some programs may be completed in less time. After completing your program, you will need to pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam. Once you have passed this exam, you will be eligible for certification as a CST.

The cost of becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) depends on several factors including tuition costs for your program and fees associated with taking the NBSTSA exam. Tuition costs can range from $2,000 - $20,000 depending on the school and length of program. The fee for taking the NBSTSA exam is currently $200.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Technician Certificate?

When considering a career in the medical field, one of the most important decisions you can make is whether or not to pursue a clinical technician certificate. While it is not always required to work as a clinical technician, there are some distinct advantages to having this certification.

First and foremost, having a clinical technician certificate can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers are often looking for candidates who have completed additional training and education in their field, so having this credential can give you an edge over those without it. Furthermore, many employers may require that you hold a certain level of certification before they will even consider hiring you, making it essential if you want to be competitive in the job market.

Another benefit of having a clinical technician certificate is that it can provide you with more specialized knowledge and skills needed to do your job effectively. Many of these certificates will provide you with more advanced training on topics such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures and more. These types of classes can give you an advantage when working with patients as well as allowing you to become more familiar with different types of medical devices and equipment used in the laboratory setting.

Finally, having a clinical technician certificate can also open up opportunities for career advancement within the healthcare industry. Many employers prefer to hire those who have completed additional training or educational courses beyond what is required for entry-level positions. Having this credential may lead to higher pay grades or promotions down the line if your employer recognizes your increased knowledge and experience in your field.

In conclusion, while it is not always necessary to obtain a clinical technician certificate before beginning work in this field, doing so can provide numerous benefits that could help further your career goals in the long run. Taking the time to go through this extra step could set yourself apart from other applicants by providing employers with evidence of your commitment to your chosen profession as well as giving yourself access to more specialized knowledge that could prove invaluable on the job.

Related: Clinical Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Technician Certifications

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

Answer: Generally, you will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training in the area of clinical technician work. Depending on the specific job you are applying for, additional certifications may be required.

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

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as a Clinical Technician depends on the certification program and what type of training is required. Typically, certification programs can take anywhere from 6-12 months depending on the level of experience and coursework required.

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

Answer: There are several different certifications available for Clinical Technicians depending on their specialty area such as Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC), Medical Laboratory Technician Certification (MLT), Certified EKG Technician Certification (CET) and more.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require that you complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification status. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field and remain knowledgeable about new technologies and procedures.

5. Are there any online resources available to help me prepare for my certification exams?

Answer: Yes, there are several online resources available that provide practice tests and study materials to help you prepare for your certification exams including websites such as Study Guide Zone and Certify Me Now!