Top 11 Health Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a health coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to perform the duties of the position. Certifications also provide a way for employers to verify that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in a particular field. In addition to providing potential employers with proof of competency, certifications can also open up opportunities for career advancement or higher-paying positions. Finally, certifications can give health coordinators a competitive edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Health Coordinators and explain how they can help enhance a Health Coordinator's career.

What are Health Coordinator Certifications?

Health Coordinator Certification is a type of certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a health coordinator. Health coordinators are responsible for overseeing programs, services, and activities related to public health. They work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in the health care industry to develop policies and procedures that will improve public health outcomes.

This certification program focuses on developing core competencies related to public health such as epidemiology, environmental health, biostatistics, research methods and data analysis, policy development and management, communication strategies, community engagement and advocacy. Through this certification program individuals can gain a better understanding of how various aspects of public health interact with each other as well as learn how to create effective policies designed to positively impact communities. In addition to these core competencies, participants also learn about current issues in public health such as emerging infectious diseases or disparities in access to healthcare.

By obtaining this certification individuals can demonstrate their commitment to improving public health outcomes while also increasing their professional credibility in the field. This certification can open doors for those seeking employment or advancement within the field of public health or provide those already employed with an opportunity for increased responsibility within their organization. Ultimately this certification can help individuals become more effective leaders in the field by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

Pro Tip: When considering a health coordinator certification, be sure to research the organization offering the certification to ensure that it is accredited and recognized by industry professionals. Additionally, make sure to check what type of continuing education is offered with the certification so that you can stay up-to-date on any changes in the field.

Related: What does a Health Coordinator do?

Top 11 Health Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

A Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional certification in the field of health education and promotion. It is awarded by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). The CHES credential demonstrates a mastery of the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists as outlined by NCHEC.

The process to become a CHES takes approximately three months from start to finish. To become certified, applicants must meet educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and pay a fee.

To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in five of the seven areas of responsibility for health education specialists. Applicants must also have two years of full-time paid work experience in health education or promotion within the past five years prior to applying for certification.

The cost to apply and take the exam is $385 for NCHEC members and $485 for non-members. The fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and one year of membership in NCHEC if applicable.

2. Certified in Public Health (CPH)

Certified in Public Health (CPH) is a professional certification awarded by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of competency in public health knowledge and skills. The CPH credential is widely accepted as the gold standard for public health professionals.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CPH credential. To be eligible, an individual must have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, completed at least 45 semester hours of coursework in public health-related topics, and passed the CPH exam.

The cost of obtaining the CPH credential varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it costs $275 to apply for the exam and $400 to take it. There are also additional fees associated with maintaining the certification after it has been obtained.

3. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides administrative and clinical support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. They are responsible for taking patient histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with diagnostic tests, providing patient education, and performing basic laboratory procedures.

It typically takes about one year of formal education in an accredited medical assistant program to become a CMA. Most programs require students to complete courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, medical office operations, and other related topics. After completion of the program, students must pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

To get certified as a CMA you must first complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed your program you can then apply to take the CMA exam through AAMA. The cost of the exam is $125 and it includes both the written and practical components. The exam must be taken within one year of completing your program or else you will need to retake it.

Once you have passed the CMA exam you will receive your certification from AAMA which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification you will need to demonstrate continuing education credits or retake the CMA exam again.

4. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) is a professional who has been trained and certified to coordinate clinical research studies. They are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of clinical research projects. The CCRC must have knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) and be able to interpret and apply them to their work.

It typically takes approximately two years to become a CCRC. This includes completing a degree in a health-related field such as nursing, pharmacy, or medical technology; obtaining at least two years of clinical research experience; and passing the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) certification exam.

To become a CCRC, you must first complete an accredited degree program in a health-related field such as nursing, pharmacy, or medical technology. You then need to gain at least two years of clinical research experience before taking the ACRP certification exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your CCRC designation.

The cost of becoming a CCRC varies depending on where you take the exam and what type of preparation materials you purchase. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to become certified as a CCRC.

5. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in healthcare quality management. It is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in healthcare quality or related fields.

To get the CPHQ certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as healthcare quality management, performance improvement, patient safety and risk management. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost to take the exam is $395 for NAHQ members and $495 for non-members.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete 30 continuing education credits every three years to maintain their certification status. The cost for the renewal fee is $125 for NAHQ members and $175 for non-members.

Overall, it typically takes about two months from start to finish to get your CPHQ certification if you are already familiar with the material covered on the exam.

6. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program offered by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF). The CPPS credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in patient safety and healthcare quality. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in patient safety, healthcare quality, and risk management.

The CPPS exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral examination. The written exam covers topics such as patient safety principles, healthcare quality, risk management, and leadership. The oral examination focuses on the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

To be eligible for the CPPS certification, applicants must hold a current license or registration from an approved health care regulatory body or professional organization; have at least three years of experience in patient safety or healthcare quality; and demonstrate mastery of the core competencies outlined by the NPSF.

The cost of obtaining the CPPS certification varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence. In the United States, it costs approximately $1,500 USD to take both parts of the exam. Once certified, there is an annual renewal fee of $100 USD.

7. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in the maintenance and management of health information data. RHITs are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, privacy, and security of patient health information. They work with a variety of healthcare professionals to ensure that all medical records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

It typically takes two years to become an RHIT. In order to become certified as an RHIT, you must complete an accredited associate degree or certificate program in health information technology from an accredited college or university. After completing the program, you must pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The cost of becoming an RHIT varies depending on where you attend school and what type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition for a two-year associate degree program ranges from $5,000-$20,000 while tuition for a one-year certificate program ranges from $3,500-$10,000. Additionally, there is a fee to take the RHIT exam which costs around $200.

Overall, becoming an RHIT requires significant dedication and investment but can be extremely rewarding for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

8. Certified Healthcare Risk Manager (CHRMP)

Certified Healthcare Risk Manager (CHRMP) is a professional certification for individuals who have knowledge and expertise in healthcare risk management. It is designed to help healthcare professionals identify, analyze, and manage risk in their organizations. The CHRMP credential demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the principles of risk management, including legal and regulatory requirements, as well as best practices for mitigating risks.

The CHRMP designation requires passing an exam administered by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety and quality assurance, legal and regulatory compliance, risk assessment and analysis, claims management, and ethics.

It typically takes between two to four months to prepare for the CHRMP exam. Candidates should review the ASHRM study guide as well as other materials related to healthcare risk management. Additionally, candidates may want to consider taking a course or workshop on healthcare risk management before taking the exam.

The cost of the CHRMP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ASHRM. For non-members, the cost is $495; for members it is $395. In addition to the cost of the exam itself, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for it such as books or courses.

9. Certified Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner (CICP)

Certified Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner (CICP) is a professional certification program that provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to prevent, detect, and control infectious diseases. The CICP certification is offered by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

To become a Certified Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner, individuals must complete an application process which includes passing an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as infection prevention principles, epidemiology, surveillance strategies, outbreak management, environmental controls, antimicrobial stewardship, laboratory testing, quality improvement methods, legal issues related to infection prevention and control, and more.

The exam typically takes three hours to complete. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in the field of infection prevention or control before taking the exam. It is also recommended that candidates have completed a course in infection prevention or control prior to taking the test.

The cost of the CICP certification exam varies depending on whether you are an APIC member or non-member. For APIC members it costs $300 USD while for non-members it costs $400 USD.

10. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Pathway to Excellence Program

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence Program is a voluntary program that recognizes organizations that create a positive work environment for nurses. This program provides an opportunity for healthcare organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality nursing practice and patient care.

The Pathway to Excellence Program is based on the ANCC Practice Standards, which are built around six core elements: leadership, practice environment, nurse engagement, safety and health, evidence-based practice and outcomes, and professional development. Organizations must meet all of the criteria in each of the six elements in order to receive Pathway to Excellence designation.

To obtain the Pathway to Excellence designation, organizations must first complete an online application that includes an organizational assessment and a self-assessment of their current practices. The application process typically takes three months or more to complete. After submitting the application, organizations will be contacted by an ANCC consultant who will provide guidance throughout the process.

Once the application has been approved by ANCC staff, organizations must submit documentation demonstrating compliance with all of the criteria outlined in each element of the program. This process can take up to one year or longer depending on the size and complexity of the organization’s operations.

The cost for participating in this program varies depending on factors such as size and complexity of operations; however, most organizations pay between $2,500-$4,000 for initial participation fees plus additional costs for consulting services if needed.

11. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP-C)

Project Management Professional Certification (PMP-C) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP-C certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to successfully manage projects.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for and complete the PMP-C exam. Preparation involves studying all of the topics covered in the exam, such as project initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure. Additionally, applicants must have at least 3 years of professional project management experience within the last 8 years or 5 years of professional project management experience within the last 10 years.

To get PMP-C certified, applicants must first apply for the certification on the PMI website. Once accepted into the program, applicants will need to pass an online exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The exam covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing. After passing this exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants will be awarded their PMP-C certification.

The cost for taking the PMP-C exam varies depending on your country/region but generally ranges from $400 - $600 USD.

Do You Really Need a Health Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a health coordinator certificate depends on the job you are applying for. Generally, employers look for individuals who have a formal certification in health coordination to fill these positions because it shows that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn about the field and has been formally educated in health coordination.

If you are looking to get into a health coordination role, having a certificate can be beneficial as it documents your knowledge and understanding of this field. It can also help demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to gain an understanding of what is required for such a position. In addition, having a certificate may make you more competitive when applying for jobs in this field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a health coordinator certificate will depend on the specific job requirements set by your potential employer. If they require it, then it would be wise to obtain one so that you can stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of being hired.

Related: Health Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Coordinator Certifications

1. What certifications are available for health coordinators?

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), Certified in Public Health (CPH) and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

2. How do I become a certified health coordinator?

To become a certified health coordinator, you must complete an accredited program or training course and then pass the applicable certification exam. You may also need to meet certain prerequisites, such as having a certain number of hours of experience in the field.

3. How long does it take to get a health coordinator certification?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a health coordinator certification depends on the specific certification you are pursuing. Generally, most certifications require at least 40 hours of study and practice tests before taking the exam and can take up to 6 months or more to complete.

4. What is the cost of getting certified as a health coordinator?

The cost of obtaining a health coordinator certification varies depending on which certification you pursue, but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD for materials and exams fees.

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

Yes, most certifications require that you complete continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain your certification status. Depending on your chosen certification, this could include attending conferences, workshops or online courses related to healthcare coordination topics