Top 10 Health Professional Certifications

Certifications are important for health professionals in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that is expected from employers. These certifications are proof that the health professional has the necessary qualifications to perform their job safely and effectively. Certifications also show employers that the individual has taken the time to learn about their field, stays up-to-date on current trends and technology, and is willing to invest in their own professional development. Having certifications can give an individual a competitive edge over those without them, especially in a highly competitive job market.

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

What are Health Professional Certifications?

Health professional certification is a process by which health professionals demonstrate that they have met specific criteria to practice in their field. It is generally granted by a governmental or non-governmental organization and typically requires successful completion of an examination and/or demonstration of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certification can help health professionals gain recognition for their expertise, stand out from the competition, and increase their earning potential. It also provides assurance to employers and patients that the practitioner has met established standards for safe and effective care. Additionally, certification may help healthcare organizations improve quality of care, increase patient safety, reduce errors, and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements. Ultimately, health professional certification can contribute to improved patient outcomes by ensuring practitioners are adequately trained to provide optimal care.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a health professional certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and prerequisites for the program. This will help you avoid any unnecessary delays or extra costs associated with obtaining the certification.

Related: What does a Health Professional do?

Top 10 Health Professional Certifications

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

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has completed an accredited nursing program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). RNs are responsible for providing direct patient care, monitoring patient health, administering medications, and educating patients on their medical conditions.

It typically takes two to four years of schooling to become an RN. To become an RN, you must first complete a nursing program at either a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). After completing the educational requirements, you must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam to be eligible for licensure.

The cost of becoming an RN will vary depending on the type of program you choose and where you attend school. Associate degree programs typically cost less than bachelor's degree programs. Additionally, some schools may offer tuition discounts or other financial aid options that can help reduce the cost of your education.

Once you have completed your education and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you will need to apply for licensure with your state board of nursing. The cost of licensure varies by state but is usually around $100-$200.

2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. CNAs are responsible for assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, transferring patients, taking vital signs, and providing emotional support.

It typically takes 6-12 weeks to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. To obtain certification, you must complete an approved CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. After completing the program, you must pass the state’s competency exam to be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the state and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$1,000. This cost may include tuition fees for the course as well as books and other materials needed for the program. Most states also require students to pay for their own background checks and drug tests prior to taking the certification exam.

3. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides clinical and administrative support to physicians and other healthcare providers. CMAs are responsible for taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with procedures, administering medications, and collecting laboratory specimens. They also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing records, billing insurance companies, and ordering supplies.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited medical assistant program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. After completing the program requirements, students must pass the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the type of program chosen. The cost may include tuition fees for coursework or training programs; books and other materials; examination fees; and any additional fees associated with the certification process.

In addition to completing an accredited medical assistant program and passing the AAMA certification exam, some states require CMAs to obtain licensure in order to practice legally in their state. Licensure requirements vary by state but may include additional education or training courses as well as passing a state-specific board exam.

4. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional who provides basic patient care services under the direction of a Registered Nurse or other medical professionals. They are responsible for taking vital signs, monitoring patient health, providing basic treatments and administering medications. LPNs may also help with patient education, record keeping, and other duties.

To become an LPN, you must complete an accredited practical nursing program which typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. After completing the program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to become licensed as an LPN in your state.

The cost of attending an accredited practical nursing program varies depending on the school and location. Tuition costs can range from $5,000-$20,000 or more for a 12-18 month program. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the NCLEX-PN exam which range from $200-$400 depending on the state where you plan to take the exam.

5. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a highly-trained, specialized nurse who administers anesthesia to patients during medical procedures. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia and have passed a national certification examination. They are responsible for assessing the patient’s condition prior to administering anesthetic drugs, monitoring the patient’s vital signs during the procedure, and providing post-anesthesia care.

It typically takes two to three years of full-time study to become a CRNA. To get started, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. After obtaining your BSN, you must then complete an accredited nurse anesthesia program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Once certified, you can apply for licensure in your state of residence as well as any other states where you wish to practice.

The cost of becoming a CRNA varies depending on which school you attend and how long it takes you to complete your studies. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited nurse anesthesia program ranges from $20,000-$50,000 per year plus additional fees such as books and supplies. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the NBCRNA certification exam which currently stands at $725.

6. Certified Medical Coder (CMC)

A Certified Medical Coder (CMC) is a professional who has been trained and certified to accurately code medical diagnoses, procedures, and services for reimbursement purposes. The certification process requires individuals to pass an exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

In order to become a CMC, individuals must first complete a training program or course in medical coding. This can be done through an accredited college or university, online program, or through self-study. After completing the training program, individuals must then pass the AAPC's certification exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that test knowledge of medical terminology and coding guidelines.

The length of time it takes to become a CMC varies depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to prepare for and pass the exam.

The cost of becoming a CMC varies depending on where you take your training program or course and whether you choose to take the exam in person or online. In addition, there is an application fee associated with taking the certification exam which typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

7. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional who has been certified to provide administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare providers. The CCMA certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, you must complete an accredited program or have at least one year of experience as a medical assistant. You must also take and pass the NHA's CCMA exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, medical law and ethics, and administrative duties.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your state or region but typically ranges from $90 to $130. In addition to the exam fee, you may need to pay for study materials such as books or online courses.

It usually takes about three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CCMA certificate in the mail within two weeks.

8. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT)

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) is a professional certification for pharmacy technicians who have completed an accredited program and passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The CPT credential is recognized by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and demonstrates that the technician has achieved a certain level of competency in pharmacy practice.

It typically takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the requirements for certification, depending on the individual’s experience and training. To become certified, one must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician program or have at least two years of work experience as a pharmacy technician. After completing the program or gaining enough work experience, one must then pass the PTCE exam.

The cost of obtaining CPT certification varies depending on where you take your exam and which organization you choose to register with. Generally, it costs around $200-$400 to take the PTCE exam, plus additional fees for registration with an organization such as NABP or PTCB.

9. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a healthcare professional who works in the operating room assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare personnel in providing patient care before, during, and after surgery. They are responsible for preparing the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment; passing instruments to the surgeon; maintaining a sterile field; and monitoring the patient’s vital signs.

To become a CST, you must complete an accredited surgical technology program from an accredited school or college. These programs typically take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete. After completing the program, you must pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a CST varies depending on where you attend school and how long it takes you to complete the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $7,000-$20,000 for a one-year program or $15,000-$30,000 for a two-year program. In addition to tuition costs, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the NBSTSA certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

10. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a health care professional who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. They help patients with physical impairments, disabilities, or injuries to improve their ability to move and function. The PTA helps the patient by providing treatments such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, gait training, modalities and patient education.

It typically takes two years to complete an associate’s degree program in physical therapy assisting at a community college or technical school. To become a Physical Therapist Assistant, you must also pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

The cost of attending an accredited physical therapy assistant program varies depending on the institution you attend. Generally speaking, it can range from $5,000-$20,000 per year for tuition and fees. Some schools may also require additional costs for books and supplies.

After completing your education and passing the NPTE exam, you will need to obtain licensure through your state's board of physical therapy practice in order to practice as a PTA. The cost for licensure varies by state but generally ranges from $50-$200.

Do You Really Need a Health Professional Certificate?

When it comes to health-related professions, such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other related fields, having a Health Professional Certificate is essential. A Health Professional Certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to practice in a given field of health care. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to your profession and are willing to continue learning and developing your skills.

Having a Health Professional Certificate can open up many doors in the health care industry. With this certification, you will be able to apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other health care settings with more confidence. You will also be able to demonstrate your expertise and professionalism in the field by being certified. This can help you secure higher pay than those who do not possess a certification.

In addition to providing access to career opportunities with higher pay, having a Health Professional Certificate can also give you an edge when it comes to job interviews. Employers often evaluate candidates based on their credentials and certifications. If you have a certificate from an accredited program or institution, it can provide evidence that you are knowledgeable about the subject matter and have taken steps to ensure your competency in the field. It can also demonstrate that you are serious about pursuing a career in health care and that you are committed to staying current on new developments in the field.

Overall, obtaining a Health Professional Certificate is highly advantageous for those seeking employment in the healthcare industry. It offers proof of knowledge and expertise while providing access to higher-paying positions and better job opportunities overall. Ultimately, if you want to increase your chances of success as a medical professional or clinician, having this type of certification is essential.

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FAQs About Health Professional Certifications

Q1. What is a health professional certification?

A1. Health professional certifications are credentials that demonstrate an individual has met specific standards of knowledge and experience in a particular field of healthcare. Certifications usually require the completion of an approved educational program, passing an exam, and/or completing a certain amount of continuing education courses.

Q2. How do I know if I need to be certified?

A2. If you are working in the healthcare industry, it’s important to check with your state or country to determine whether certification is required for your profession. Many states and countries have different requirements for different types of health professionals, so it’s important to make sure you understand what is needed in your area.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A3: Becoming certified can help you stand out from other healthcare professionals by demonstrating your commitment to excellence in your field. Certification can also give you access to additional career opportunities and possible salary increases, as well as provide recognition from peers and employers.

Q4. Where can I find information about certifying organizations?

A4: Organizations that offer health professional certifications can typically be found through online searches or through professional associations related to your field of work such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Medical Association (AMA). It’s important to research each organization thoroughly before deciding which one is best for you.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified?

A5: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification and the organization offering it, but most certifications take at least 6 months to complete all requirements including studying for and passing an exam or completing continuing education courses.