Top 11 Health Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for health technicians in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a technician has the necessary knowledge and skills needed to perform the job. Certification can also give a technician an edge over other applicants who do not have certification, as it is evidence of dedication to their profession. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions in order to meet legal or regulatory requirements. Having certification can also help open up career advancement opportunities and salary increases.

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

What are Health Technician Certifications?

Health technician certification is a form of professional recognition for those who have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to provide medical services in a variety of settings. This type of certification is designed to ensure that individuals meet or exceed the standards set by a governing body, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

By obtaining health technician certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality healthcare services while also increasing their career opportunities. With this certification, they will be able to work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, medical practices, long-term care facilities and more. Additionally, it can lead to higher paying positions and potential promotions within their current job. Furthermore, having this certification on one’s resume may give them an edge over other applicants for certain jobs.

In addition to helping individuals advance in their careers, health technician certification also helps employers ensure that they are hiring qualified staff members who have received proper training and education in the field. This helps reduce liability risks associated with providing inadequate healthcare services. Ultimately, health technician certification helps both employers and employees alike by ensuring that only qualified professionals are providing quality healthcare services.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a health technician certification program, make sure it is accredited by an approved accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that the training and education you receive meets industry standards and will be accepted by employers.

Related: What does a Health Technician do?

Top 11 Health Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a professional who provides administrative and clinical services in a medical office setting. They are responsible for taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting with procedures, and providing patient education. CMAs also perform basic laboratory tests, administer medications, and record patient information.

It typically takes between nine months to one year to become a CMA. The process begins with completing an accredited program at an approved college or vocational school. Upon completion of the program, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the school you attend and any additional fees associated with the certification process. Tuition costs can range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on your location and program length. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the AAMA certification exam which is currently $125 for members of the AAMA and $150 for non-members.

Once certified as a CMA, you will need to maintain your certification by earning continuing education credits every five years in order to remain active in your field.

2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a medical assistant who has completed an accredited program and passed a national certification exam. The CCMA certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The program typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the school or program. It includes classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and clinical practice in areas such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, administrative tasks and computer applications.

To become certified as a CCMA, you must first complete an accredited medical assisting program. Once you have completed your program and gained the necessary experience in the field of medical assisting, you can then apply to take the NHA’s CCMA exam. The cost of taking the exam varies based on which testing center you choose to take it at but generally ranges from $125 to $200.

Once you have successfully passed the CCMA exam, you will be awarded your certification which is valid for two years. You will need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. The CPT must be able to accurately collect and process specimens while maintaining patient safety and comfort.

It typically takes 6-12 months to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician. To obtain certification, you must complete an accredited phlebotomy training program and pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam. The NHA exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of phlebotomy techniques and procedures.

The cost of becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician varies depending on the type of program you choose. Some programs may include tuition, books, supplies, and other fees in the total cost. Other programs may require additional fees for certification exams or other materials.

4. Certified EKG Technician (CET)

A Certified EKG Technician (CET) is a healthcare professional who has received specialized training and certification in electrocardiography, which is the use of electrical signals to measure and record the activity of the heart. The CET is responsible for performing electrocardiograms (EKGs) on patients, monitoring their heart rhythms and recognizing any abnormalities.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete a Certified EKG Technician program. The program consists of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. During the program, students learn about anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical ethics, patient care techniques, electrocardiogram equipment operation and maintenance, and more.

To become a Certified EKG Technician, one must complete an accredited course from an approved institution such as a community college or vocational school that offers a certificate or diploma in this field. After completing the coursework, students must also pass an exam administered by either the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

The cost of becoming a Certified EKG Technician will vary depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $500-$2,000 depending on the length of the program. In addition to tuition costs, there may also be additional fees associated with taking exams or purchasing textbooks/study materials.

5. Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)

Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) is a certification for individuals who have been trained to clean, assemble, and sterilize medical instruments and equipment used in the healthcare setting. This certification is issued by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

To become a Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT), individuals must complete an accredited program or course, then pass the IAHCSMM certification exam. The program typically takes about 8 weeks to complete, depending on the institution offering it.

To get certified as a CSPT, individuals must first register with IAHCSMM and pay an initial registration fee of $75. After that, they must take and pass the CSPT exam which costs $200. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for becoming a Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) varies depending on where you take your course and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, expect to spend around $500-$1000 for tuition fees plus any additional materials required for the course.

6. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT)

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) is a certification that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have achieved a high level of competency and proficiency in the field of pharmacy. This certification is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To become certified, applicants must pass the PTCB Exam, which consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, and patient care.

To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience as a pharmacy technician or complete an accredited training program. The cost to take the exam is $129 for members of the PTCB and $189 for non-members. Once an applicant passes the exam they will receive their CPHT certification which is valid for two years.

In order to maintain their certification, CPHTs must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. They also need to renew their certification every two years by submitting proof of continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee of $49 for members and $89 for non-members.

7. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who assists patients with basic care needs. CNAs typically work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings under the supervision of a registered nurse or other medical professional. They provide basic patient care such as bathing, grooming, and feeding; taking vital signs; assisting with ambulation; and providing emotional support to patients.

It typically takes about 4 to 12 weeks to become a CNA. The length of time depends on the state you live in and the program you choose. Most states require that CNAs complete an approved training program before they can become certified. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals.

To get certified as a CNA, you must pass an exam administered by your state's nursing board. The cost of the exam varies from state to state but usually ranges from $50 to $200. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification as a CNA and be eligible for employment in healthcare settings across the country.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on your location and type of program you choose. In general, expect to pay anywhere between $500-$2,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing a CNA program.

8. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in medical administrative duties. It is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CMAA certification requires candidates to have at least one year of experience in medical administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, filing insurance forms, and managing patient records. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the NHA. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, and office management skills.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CMAA certification program. During this time, candidates must complete an online course and pass the exam. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their certificate from the NHA.

The cost of the CMAA certification program varies depending on the provider chosen for online courses and exams. Generally speaking, it costs between $200 and $400 to become certified as a CMAA.

9. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a healthcare professional who works in the operating room alongside surgeons, nurses, and other medical personnel. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, setting up instruments and equipment, passing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and providing assistance throughout the surgery.

In order to become certified as a CST, an individual must have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program and passed the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam. The NBSTSA offers two levels of certification: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C). The CST certification requires completion of an accredited educational program while the TS-C certification requires one year of experience as a surgical technologist in addition to successful completion of the NBSTSA exam.

The cost for taking the NBSTSA exam varies depending on whether you are taking it for the first time or retaking it. For first time test takers, the cost is $250. For those retaking the exam, there is an additional fee of $100.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the NBSTSA exam depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying each day. There are several resources available online that can help you prepare including practice tests, study guides, and tutorials.

10. Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT)

A Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified to provide dialysis treatments to patients with kidney failure. Dialysis technicians monitor and operate dialysis machines, which filter waste products from the blood of patients whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. They also prepare the patient for treatment, set up the dialysis machine, monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure, and clean and maintain the equipment.

To become a CDT, individuals must complete an accredited program in dialysis technology or a related field. Programs typically take between one and two years to complete, depending on whether they are taken at a community college or technical school. Once an individual completes their training program, they must pass a certification exam administered by either the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology (BONENT) or Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).

The cost of becoming certified as a CDT varies depending on where you take your training program. Tuition for programs can range from $3,000-$10,000 depending on whether it is taken at a community college or technical school. In addition to tuition fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam such as application fees and materials fees.

11. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of competency in the field of health information technology. RHITs are responsible for maintaining and managing patient health records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality, coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement, analyzing data to improve healthcare delivery, and more.

It typically takes two years to complete the associate’s degree program required to become an RHIT. This program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health information systems, legal aspects of health information management, coding systems, statistics, and other related topics. After completing the degree program, students must pass an exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become certified as an RHIT.

To get an RHIT certification, you must first complete an accredited associate’s degree program in health information technology or a related field. Once you have completed your degree program and passed the AHIMA exam, you will receive your RHIT certification.

The cost of becoming an RHIT varies depending on the school you attend and any additional certifications or credentials you may pursue after receiving your RHIT certification. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on your chosen school and length of study. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the AHIMA exam which is currently $199 for members of AHIMA or $299 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Health Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. A health technician certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the health care industry, but it is not required for every job.

If you are looking to enter the field of health care as a medical assistant, nurse aide, or home health aide, then a health technician certificate is essential. This type of certification will provide you with the necessary knowledge and experience to perform basic patient care duties such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting patients with daily activities. In addition, many employers prefer to hire certified individuals because they have already demonstrated their competency in the field.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an entry-level position in a different area of healthcare such as administrative or clerical work, then a health technician certificate may not be necessary. These roles typically require more general skills such as customer service and data entry rather than specific medical knowledge. However, having this type of certification can still be beneficial if you want to stand out from other applicants who don’t have any healthcare background or experience.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a health technician certificate will depend on what type of job you are applying for and how competitive the market is in your area. If you think that having this additional qualification would give you an edge over other applicants then it may be worth pursuing a certificate program.

Related: Health Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a health technician?

Answer: Generally, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED, plus complete an accredited health technician program and obtain the relevant certification.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a health technician?

Answer: The length of time it takes can vary depending on the specific certification requirements, but typically it takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the necessary training and obtain certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a health technician?

Answer: Health technicians play an important role in providing quality healthcare services and help support medical professionals in their duties. Becoming certified can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. In addition, health technicians often enjoy job security and stability due to the increasing demand for healthcare services.

4. What is the cost for certification as a health technician?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on the type of program you choose, but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD. Some programs may also require additional fees for textbooks, materials and exams.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after becoming certified as a health technician?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require that you complete continuing education courses each year in order to maintain your credentials. This may include attending seminars or workshops, completing online courses or taking part in other activities related to your field of study.