Top 11 Health Unit Coordinator Certifications

Certifications for a Health Unit Coordinator are important for the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Certification also shows employers that the individual is committed to staying up-to-date on best practices in the field and is willing to invest in their own professional growth. By having certification, health unit coordinators can also open themselves up to more career opportunities since some certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations. Certifications also provide recognition among peers and can help health unit coordinators stand out from other applicants when applying for positions or promotions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Health Unit Coordinators and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Health Unit Coordinator Certifications?

Health Unit Coordinator Certification is a certification program offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to perform the duties of a health unit coordinator. This certification provides an opportunity for health unit coordinators to demonstrate their commitment to professional development, as well as their understanding of current healthcare practices and trends.

The certification focuses on aspects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding and billing, insurance claims processing, release of information management, patient privacy regulations, hospital operations and more. By obtaining this certification, health unit coordinators can demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage all aspects of a hospital's health information systems.

In addition to providing recognition for their expertise in this field, Health Unit Coordinator Certification can also help individuals advance their career. The certification can make them more attractive candidates for open positions at hospitals or other healthcare facilities. It may also lead to higher salaries or promotions within existing organizations. Furthermore, having the certification demonstrates that individuals have taken steps to stay up-to-date on changes in the industry that could affect their job performance. Ultimately, obtaining Health Unit Coordinator Certification can be beneficial in helping individuals reach their professional goals in the healthcare field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and review all of the requirements for health unit coordinator certification before enrolling in any courses or programs. It is important to understand the process and be familiar with the necessary qualifications in order to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Health Unit Coordinator do?

Top 11 Health Unit Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC)

A Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC) is a professional who is responsible for providing administrative support to healthcare providers in a variety of settings. CHUCs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical offices. They are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, coordinating patient care activities, and maintaining communication between patients and healthcare providers.

The certification process for becoming a CHUC requires completion of an accredited program. These programs can be found at community colleges or technical schools and typically take one year to complete. Upon successful completion of the program, students must pass an exam administered by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC).

The cost of the certification process varies depending on the school and program chosen. The cost usually includes tuition fees as well as any associated costs such as books or materials required for the program. Additionally, there is usually a fee associated with taking the NAHUC exam. This fee is typically around $200 but may vary depending on location.

Once certified, CHUCs must maintain their certification through continuing education courses offered by NAHUC every two years.

2. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This certification is designed to demonstrate competency in medical administrative skills, including patient registration, insurance processing, coding and billing, and other administrative duties.

The CMAA certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, computer skills, customer service and communication. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CMAA certification exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a medical office or related environment. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of an accredited medical administrative assistant program or equivalent training.

The cost for the CMAA certification exam is $125 for NHA members and $150 for non-members. The fee includes an application fee of $25 and an exam fee of $100. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate within 4-6 weeks.

3. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a healthcare professional who has completed specialized training and passed an exam to become certified in medical assisting. The CCMA certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CCMA certification program consists of a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, patient care techniques, and administrative skills. The curriculum also includes instruction in medical ethics and legal issues.

To become certified as a CCMA, applicants must complete an accredited medical assistant program or have at least one year of full-time experience working in a healthcare setting. Applicants must also pass the NHA's CCMA certification exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CCMA certification exam is $115 for NHA members and $135 for non-members. The exam fee covers all materials needed to take the exam, including study guides and practice tests.

The entire process from start to finish typically takes between six months and one year depending on how long it takes to complete the required coursework or gain experience in a healthcare setting.

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to demonstrate expertise in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). CEHRSs are knowledgeable about the use of EHR systems and understand how to properly document patient information. They also have an understanding of coding, data entry, and other related tasks.

The certification process typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete. To become a CEHRS, you must pass the NHA's Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, coding, data entry, and more.

The cost for the CEHRS exam is $199 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. You must also pay an additional fee for any retakes if necessary. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certification from NHA which is valid for two years.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain requirements such as having at least one year of experience working with EHRs or completing an accredited program in health information technology or a related field.

5. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification for medical coding specialists. It is offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC credential demonstrates a mastery of medical coding principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the official coding guidelines used by physicians and other healthcare providers.

To become certified, individuals must pass the CPC exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, CPT procedure codes, HCPCS Level II codes, medical terminology and reimbursement methodology. Candidates have five hours to complete the exam.

In order to be eligible to take the CPC exam, applicants must have either two years of professional experience in medical coding or completion of an AAPC-approved training program. Applicants also must submit proof of their education and/or experience prior to taking the exam.

The cost for taking the CPC exam is $399 for members of AAPC and $499 for non-members.

6. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a certification program designed for medical office managers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in managing a medical practice. The certification is awarded by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM).

The CMOM certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as personnel management, financial management, patient relations, and legal and ethical issues. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the CMOM exam, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in a health care office setting or have completed a PAHCOM-approved training program. Applicants must also submit proof of current membership in PAHCOM or pay the nonrefundable $25 application fee.

The cost for taking the CMOM exam is $350 for members of PAHCOM and $400 for nonmembers. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CMOM certificate within four weeks.

7. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. CNAs are responsible for providing direct patient care such as bathing, dressing, feeding, taking vital signs, monitoring patient health, helping with mobility and exercise activities, and providing companionship.

It typically takes 6-12 weeks to become a CNA depending on the state you live in. To become certified as a CNA you must complete an approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing the program you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam which is administered by your state’s Board of Nursing.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on where you live and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking it can range from $500-$1000 for tuition and fees associated with the training program. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with textbooks, uniforms, background checks, certification exams etc.

8. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a specialized certification that is awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to manage health information and electronic health records.

The RHIT credential requires successful completion of an accredited program in health information technology, as well as passing an exam administered by AHIMA. The program typically takes two years to complete and includes coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, legal aspects of healthcare, healthcare statistics and quality management.

To become eligible for the RHIT credential, applicants must have completed at least an associate's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must have completed at least five years of full-time work experience in a health information management setting prior to applying for the certification.

The cost of obtaining the RHIT credential varies depending on the institution where you take your courses and whether you take them online or in person. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $4,000 - $10,000 for a two-year associate's degree program. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the RHIT exam which ranges from $200 - $300 depending on when you take it.

9. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional who specializes in managing health information systems and patient data. They are responsible for ensuring that all medical records and health information is accurate, complete, secure, and confidential. To become an RHIA, individuals must have a minimum of an associate’s degree in health information technology or a related field, as well as pass the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certification exam.

The AHIMA certification exam can take up to 8 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, coding systems, legal aspects of healthcare information management, quality improvement processes, and data analysis.

To be eligible to take the RHIA certification exam, individuals must first meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of an associate’s degree in health information technology or a related field
• Complete at least two years of full-time work experience in a HIM/HIT setting
• Successfully complete the AHIMA approved coursework
• Provide proof of current employment in a HIM/HIT setting
• Pass the AHIMA written examination
• Pay the required fees for taking the exam ($250 for members; $400 for non-members).

The cost to become certified as an RHIA varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or not. The total cost typically ranges from $500-$1,000 including application fees and study materials.

10. National Healthcareer Association's Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (NHA-MAA-C)

The National Healthcareer Association's Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (NHA-MAA-C) is a certification program for medical administrative assistants. It is designed to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field of medical office administration, and it is widely recognized as an industry standard.

In order to obtain the NHA-MAA-C certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, medical law and ethics, coding systems, billing and reimbursement processes, patient scheduling and records management. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Candidates can prepare for the NHA-MAA-C exam by taking online practice tests or attending review courses offered by NHA or other organizations. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $100 to $200. Once the exam has been passed, candidates will receive their certification within two weeks.

The cost of maintaining the NHA-MAA-C certification is $50 per year. This fee covers all recertification requirements including continuing education credits and professional development activities.

11. American Association of Professional Coders' Professional Medical Coding Certification (AAPC-PMCC).

The American Association of Professional Coders' Professional Medical Coding Certification (AAPC-PMCC) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately code medical services for reimbursement. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in medical coding and billing, as well as their understanding of the current industry standards and regulations.

In order to obtain the AAPC-PMCC certification, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10 coding, CPT coding, HCPCS Level II coding, Medicare guidelines, E/M coding guidelines, modifiers and compliance.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to prepare for the AAPC-PMCC exam. During this time it is important to study hard and take practice exams in order to ensure that you are ready for the real thing. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals attend training courses or seminars related to medical coding in order to gain a better understanding of the material before taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the AAPC-PMCC certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the AAPC. If you are not a member of the AAPC then you will need to pay a one-time fee of $399 for your application package which includes your membership fee and exam fee. If you are already a member then you will only need to pay $299 for your application package which includes just your exam fee.

Once you have passed the exam then you will be awarded with your AAPC-PMCC certification which is valid for two years from date of issue. After two years it will need to be renewed by taking continuing education courses related to medical coding or by retaking the exam if necessary.

Do You Really Need a Health Unit Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. If you are looking to work in a hospital or other medical facility, then having a health unit coordinator certificate can be very beneficial. It shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively coordinate the activities of a health care team. This includes everything from patient scheduling and billing to coordinating communication between staff members.

In addition, having a health unit coordinator certificate will give you an edge over other applicants who may not have any formal training in this area. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and allows employers to determine if you are capable of handling the demands of their specific workplace. Finally, having a health unit coordinator certificate can open up new career opportunities for you as it is often required for certain positions in hospitals and other medical facilities.

Therefore, if you want to work in the healthcare field and feel that having a health unit coordinator certificate will give you an advantage over competing applicants, then obtaining one is definitely worth considering.

Related: Health Unit Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Unit Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Health Unit Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Health Unit Coordinator Certification is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field of health unit coordination. It is awarded by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) and requires successful completion of an exam.

2. How do I become certified as a Health Unit Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified, you must meet the eligibility requirements established by NAHQ, which include having at least one year of full-time work experience in health unit coordination or related field, as well as passing the NAHQ certification exam.

3. What topics are covered on the Health Unit Coordinator Certification exam?

Answer: The exam covers topics such as patient safety, communication skills, medical terminology, HIPAA regulations, health information management systems, and infection control principles.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Your certification must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education activities and paying an annual fee to NAHQ.

5. Is there any additional training or education required for certification renewal?

Answer: Yes, you must complete at least 45 hours of continuing education activities every three years in order to maintain your certification status with NAHQ.