Top 10 Health Care Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for health care assistants, as they provide a way to demonstrate competency and expertise in the field. Certifications can help potential employers make an informed decision about a job candidate’s qualifications, and can give candidates an edge over those without the credentials. Additionally, certifications may be required by employers or regulatory bodies, so having one can open up more employment opportunities. Finally, certifications provide a way to show that a health care assistant has invested time and effort into learning more about their profession and staying up-to-date on relevant information.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Health Care Assistants and explain how they can help advance a health care assistant's career.

What are Health Care Assistant Certifications?

Health care assistant certification is a type of formal recognition awarded by an accredited organization that confirms the completion of a health care assistant’s education and training. This certification can be beneficial to those seeking employment in the health care field as it demonstrates a level of competency and professionalism. It also signals to potential employers that the individual has taken the initiative to seek out additional training and education, which is often seen as an asset.

In addition, having this certification can open up opportunities for career advancement within the health care field. For example, many organizations prefer to hire individuals with higher levels of certification when promoting them into positions with greater responsibility or pay. Those who already have health care assistant certification may also find it easier to obtain additional certifications, such as medical coding or billing certifications, which can further enhance their job prospects.

Overall, health care assistant certification demonstrates knowledge and commitment to the profession and can provide tangible benefits for those looking to enter or advance in the health care industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the requirements for health care assistant certification in your particular state. Each state has different standards and regulations, so it is important to know these before beginning the process. Additionally, look into any additional certifications or training that may be beneficial to your career.

Related: What does a Health Care Assistant do?

Top 10 Health Care Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Health Care Assistants today.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in a variety of settings, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and private homes. CNAs are responsible for providing basic patient care including bathing, dressing, grooming, and helping with mobility. They also monitor vital signs and help with medical equipment.

It typically takes between 4-12 weeks to become a CNA depending on the state you live in. To become a CNA you must complete an approved training program which includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing the training program you must pass a competency exam to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies by state but generally ranges from $400 - $1,500 depending on the length of the program and other associated fees.

2. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides clinical and administrative support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. CMAs typically work in an outpatient setting such as a doctor’s office or clinic. They are responsible for taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, administering medications, collecting specimens for laboratory tests, and providing patient education.

To become a CMA, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program. Most programs take between nine months and two years to complete and include courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, and administrative duties. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the national Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the type of program you choose to attend. In general, tuition costs range from $3-15K depending on whether you choose an online or in-person program. Additionally there is a fee associated with taking the CMA exam which is currently $125.

Overall becoming a CMA requires dedication and hard work but can be a rewarding career choice with many opportunities for growth within the field.

3. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a certification that allows individuals to work as a home health aide providing in-home care for elderly, disabled, or ill patients. CHHAs provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. They may also provide light housekeeping and transportation services.

It typically takes about 8 weeks to complete the required training for the CHHA certification. The training includes classroom instruction, clinical practice in a supervised setting, and passing an exam to demonstrate competency in the skills necessary to perform home health aide duties.

In order to become certified as a CHHA, individuals must first complete an approved training program from an accredited institution or organization. Training programs can be found through local community colleges or other organizations that offer home health aide courses. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $400-$800.

Once an individual has completed their training they must then pass a state-approved competency exam in order to receive their certification. In most states this exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers and costs approximately $100-$200 depending on the state requirements.

After passing the exam and receiving their certification, CHHAs can apply for jobs with home health agencies or private clients who are looking for in-home care services.

4. Certified Nursing Aide (CNA)

Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) is a person who provides basic care for patients in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or nursing home. CNAs help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom. They also assist nurses with medical tasks, such as taking vital signs and administering medications.

In order to become a CNA, you must complete an approved training program that typically takes 4-12 weeks to complete. The cost of the program varies depending on the school and state you are in, but generally costs between $400-$1000. After completing the training program, you must pass a competency exam in order to become certified. Once certified, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses every two years.

In addition to completing a training program and passing the competency exam, some states may require additional requirements such as background checks or drug tests. It is important to check with your state's Board of Nursing for specific requirements before enrolling in a CNA training program.

5. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional who has completed specialized training and passed a certification exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the medical field. CCMAs are responsible for providing patient care, including taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting with minor procedures, administering medications, and performing other duties as assigned.

It typically takes between six months to a year to become certified as a CCMA. The first step is to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs can be found at community colleges or technical schools. After completing the program, students must pass the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam in order to earn their certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCMA varies depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam. Generally speaking, most programs range from $1,000-$2,000 and the exam fee is around $150-$200.

Once certified, CCMAs must maintain their certification by renewing it every two years through continuing education credits or retaking the certification exam.

6. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified to administer medications to patients in long-term care facilities. The CMA is responsible for administering medications, monitoring the patient’s response to the medication, and reporting any changes or adverse reactions to the physician or other healthcare provider.

It typically takes several months to complete the training and certification process for a Certified Medication Aide. The program consists of classroom instruction, clinical practice, and an exam. Classroom instruction covers topics such as pharmacology, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, safety protocols, and medication administration. Clinical practice involves hands-on experience with administering medications under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. After completing all requirements successfully, the candidate must pass an exam administered by the state in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Medication Aide varies depending on where you live and which school you attend. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition and fees associated with the training program. In addition to tuition costs there may be additional fees associated with textbooks or other materials required for coursework.

Once certified as a CMA, it is important to keep up with continuing education requirements in order to maintain certification status. Depending on your state's regulations this may include attending workshops or seminars periodically throughout your career as well as renewing your certification every few years.

7. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have completed a comprehensive program of study in patient care. The certification is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.

The CPCT program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the institution offering the program. To get certified, you must complete a formal training program in patient care at an accredited institution. Upon completion of the program, you will need to pass an exam administered by either the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The cost of obtaining your CPCT certification varies depending on which organization you choose to take your exam through. The NHA offers two different exams: one for $119 and one for $139. The AMT exam costs $125. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking your coursework or attending any required seminars or workshops.

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform administrative tasks in a medical office setting. The CMAA certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the program and earn your certification. To get certified, you must first complete an accredited medical administrative assistant program. Once you have completed your program, you must then pass the NHA’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding, billing, insurance processing, patient scheduling and more.

The cost of the CMAA certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$500. This fee includes the cost of the exam and any additional materials needed for study or preparation.

9. Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

A Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a healthcare professional who responds to medical emergencies and provides pre-hospital care. EMTs are trained to assess a patient's condition, administer basic life support, and transport them to a medical facility for further treatment.

The amount of time it takes to become an EMT depends on the type of program you choose. Most programs require at least 150 hours of instruction and clinical experience, which can be completed in as little as 6 months. Some states may require additional training or certifications.

To become an EMT, you must complete an accredited training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from the NREMT. You may also need to obtain state certification depending on where you live.

The cost of becoming an EMT varies depending on the program you choose and any additional certifications required by your state. Most programs range from $500-$2,000 for tuition and fees, plus additional costs for books and supplies.

10. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP)

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP) is a certification program designed to teach healthcare providers the skills and knowledge needed to provide life-saving interventions in an emergency situation. The certification focuses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED), airway management, and other basic life support techniques.

The BLS-HCP course typically takes four to six hours to complete, depending on the provider’s experience level. It includes lectures, hands-on practice of skills, and a written exam. To get certified, participants must demonstrate competency in all areas of the curriculum.

The cost of BLS-HCP certification varies depending on the provider's location and whether they are taking an online or in-person class. Online classes can range from $50-$100 while in-person classes can range from $100-$200.

In order to maintain certification, healthcare providers must renew their BLS-HCP every two years by taking a renewal course or retaking the initial course.

Do You Really Need a Health Care Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what your career goals are and what type of health care assistant job you are hoping to obtain. If you are looking to become a certified medical assistant, then a health care assistant certificate is absolutely essential. This certificate will show employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a medical office or hospital setting. It will also provide proof that you understand the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to patient care.

On the other hand, if you are just looking for an entry-level job as an administrative or clerical health care assistant, then a certificate may not be necessary. In these types of roles, employers may be more interested in your experience and people skills than a formal education. However, having a certificate could still help you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge in the hiring process.

In short, it is ultimately up to you whether or not you need a health care assistant certificate for your specific career goals. However, it is important to keep in mind that having one may give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have one.

Related: Health Care Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Care Assistant Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Health Care Assistant?

Answer: To become a Health Care Assistant, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a state-approved health care assistant certification program.

2. How long does it take to complete the Health Care Assistant Certification Program?

Answer: The duration of the program varies depending on the provider, but typically takes anywhere from six months to one year to complete.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking the certification program?

Answer: Yes, usually providers require that applicants have basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology before enrolling in the program.

4. What type of jobs can I apply for after obtaining my certification?

Answer: After completing your certification, you can apply for various positions within the healthcare field such as home health care aides, certified nursing assistants and medical office assistants.

5. Is there an exam required for certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs require an exam at the end of the course in order for you to receive your certification.