Top 11 Healthcare Administration Certifications

Certifications are important for healthcare administration professionals in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of industry standards. Certified healthcare administrators have a competitive edge in the job market, as employers look for candidates with proven knowledge and expertise. Certification also provides assurance to employers that the candidate has met industry-standard requirements, which is a key factor when it comes to quality patient care. In addition, certification can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities. Finally, certifications can be used to differentiate oneself from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Healthcare Administrations and explains how they can contribute to a healthcare administration's career growth.

What are Healthcare Administration Certifications?

Healthcare administration certification is a formal recognition of an individual's knowledge and experience in healthcare administration. It is designed to demonstrate a person's expertise in the field and can help them stand out in the job market.

There are various types of healthcare administration certifications available, such as Certified Healthcare Administrator (CHA), Certified Medical Manager (CMM) and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). Each certification requires specific education or training requirements, so it’s important to research which one best suits your career goals.

Having a healthcare administration certification can be beneficial for those looking to further their careers within the industry. It shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required for a successful career in healthcare administration. Certification also provides you with opportunities to network with other professionals who share similar interests and experiences. This can open doors for new professional opportunities that may otherwise not be available to you.

Additionally, having a healthcare administration certification can help you stay up-to-date on changes and trends in the industry, allowing you to provide better quality care to patients while keeping abreast of current regulations, policies, and procedures. Finally, having a certification helps promote quality assurance initiatives within the organization by demonstrating your commitment to achieving excellence in patient care services.

Pro Tip: Before committing to a healthcare administration certification program, make sure you understand the requirements and eligibility criteria. Research the organization offering the certification, as well as its accreditation status, to ensure that it is recognized by employers in your field. Additionally, check with potential employers to see if they accept the certification or if they prefer a different credential.

Related: What does a Healthcare Administration do?

Top 11 Healthcare Administration Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Healthcare Administrations today.

1. Certified Medical Administrator (CMA)

Certified Medical Administrator (CMA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform administrative duties in a medical setting. The CMA credential is awarded by the American Association of Medical Office Professionals (AAMOP).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by AAMOP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, billing and coding, patient relations, office management, and more. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the CMA exam, applicants must first register with AAMOP and pay the associated fee. The registration fee for the CMA exam is $150 USD. Once registered, applicants can schedule their exam at any of the approved testing centers across the United States.

The CMA credential is valid for five years from the date of issue. To maintain certification status, CMAs must complete continuing education credits during each five-year period or retake the certification exam every five years.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification for healthcare quality professionals. It is awarded by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in healthcare quality.

The CPHQ certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of the principles, practices, and standards of healthcare quality. To obtain the CPHQ certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience working in healthcare quality or related field and must pass an exam administered by NAHQ. The exam covers topics such as patient safety, performance improvement, risk management, accreditation, and data analysis.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CPHQ exam depending on an individual’s background knowledge and experience. Preparation materials are available from NAHQ including study guides, practice exams, webinars, and other resources.

The cost of obtaining the CPHQ certification varies depending on whether you are a member of NAHQ or not. Non-members pay $475 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee while members only pay $275 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee.

3. Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE)

Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) is a professional certification program offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The CHE program is designed to recognize healthcare executives who have demonstrated excellence in their field through education, experience and commitment to ethical standards.

The CHE program requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of executive-level healthcare management experience. Applicants must also demonstrate achievement in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, operations, quality improvement, and patient safety. In addition, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of healthcare administration principles and practices.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CHE program requirements. During this time, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to ACHE for review. They must also pass the examination and fulfill any other requirements set forth by ACHE.

The cost of the CHE program varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances. Generally, there is an initial registration fee of $200-$400 plus additional fees for each exam taken. There may also be additional costs associated with completing required courses or attending workshops or conferences related to the CHE program.

4. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM). The CPHRM credential is designed to recognize healthcare risk management professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

The CPHRM program requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of healthcare risk management through a combination of education, experience, and examination. The program consists of three components: an online application, an online examination, and an oral interview.

The online application process requires applicants to submit their educational background, work history, professional references, and other relevant information. Once the application has been approved, applicants must take the online examination. The exam covers topics such as legal issues in healthcare risk management, patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, claims management and insurance coverage issues, and ethical considerations in healthcare risk management.

Applicants must pass the online examination with a score of at least 75% before they can proceed to the oral interview portion of the program. During this interview, applicants are asked questions about their experience with healthcare risk management strategies and how they would approach various situations.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three components of the CPHRM program. The cost for the entire program varies depending on whether you are an ASHRM member or non-member; however, it typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

5. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a credential offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (NBCOHN). It is the highest level of certification available in patient safety and recognizes individuals who demonstrate a mastery of knowledge and skills related to patient safety.

To become certified as a CPPS, applicants must first meet specific eligibility requirements including: having an active RN license; at least two years of full-time experience in patient safety or related field; completion of an approved patient safety course; and passing the CPPS exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

The cost to apply for the CPPS credential is $350 USD. After completing the application process, applicants will receive their results within four to six weeks. Once certified, CPPS holders must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee.

6. Certified Professional in Health Information Technology (CPHIT)

Certified Professional in Health Information Technology (CPHIT) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the health information technology field. It is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The CPHIT certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience working with health information technology systems, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as healthcare data standards, privacy and security, clinical decision support systems, and electronic health records.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPHIT certification process. This includes studying for and passing the exam, completing any required continuing education credits, and submitting all necessary paperwork.

In order to get certified as a CPHIT, applicants must first register with AHIMA and pay a fee of $395. This fee covers the cost of registering for the exam, taking it, and receiving your certification once you pass. After that, there are annual renewal fees of $150 which cover continuing education requirements and other administrative costs associated with maintaining your certification status.

Overall, getting certified as a CPHIT can be an expensive endeavor but it can also lead to greater job opportunities in the healthcare industry.

7. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

A Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a professional designation awarded by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). The CHFP credential is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of healthcare financial management principles and practices.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the CHFP designation. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience in healthcare finance or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as healthcare reimbursement, financial accounting, budgeting, cost management, and strategic planning.

The cost of obtaining the CHFP designation varies depending on whether you are an HFMA member or non-member. For HFMA members, the cost is $695; for non-members, it’s $895. This fee covers the cost of the exam as well as other benefits such as access to webinars and discounts on conferences and publications.

Once you have passed the exam and been approved by HFMA, you will receive your official certificate and be able to use the CHFP designation after your name.

8. Certified Healthcare Compliance Officer (CHCO)

A Certified Healthcare Compliance Officer (CHCO) is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in healthcare compliance. The CHCO credential is awarded by the Healthcare Compliance Certification Board (HCCB), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in healthcare compliance.

The CHCO certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of healthcare compliance principles, regulations, and best practices through a series of exams. In order to be eligible for the CHCO certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in a healthcare compliance role.

To get the CHCO certification, applicants must complete the following steps:

1) Submit an online application form and pay the registration fee;

2) Complete the required courses;

3) Pass the three-part examination; and

4) Receive confirmation from HCCB that you have passed all requirements for certification.

The cost for obtaining the CHCO certification varies depending on whether you are taking the self-study or instructor-led course. The self-study course costs $1,495 while the instructor-led course costs $2,495. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $250 per part that must be paid when registering for each exam.

9. American College of Healthcare Executives Certification Program (ACHE-CP)

The American College of Healthcare Executives Certification Program (ACHE-CP) is a professional certification program for healthcare executives. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary for successful management and leadership in the healthcare industry. The ACHE-CP is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required for effective healthcare executive practice.

The ACHE-CP requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as healthcare finance, strategic planning, operations management, quality improvement, human resources management, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Applicants must also complete a professional development plan that demonstrates their commitment to continuing professional development throughout their career.

In order to qualify for the ACHE-CP, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a senior-level position within the healthcare industry or hold an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a health services field. Additionally, applicants must be members of ACHE and have paid the application fee.

The cost of the ACHE-CP application fee is $225 USD for members and $325 USD for nonmembers. Once accepted into the program, there is an additional exam fee of $450 USD which covers all costs associated with taking the exam including registration fees, study materials, and proctoring fees.

Overall, it typically takes between six months to one year to obtain certification through ACHE-CP depending on how quickly you are able to complete your professional development plan and take the exam.

10. American Association of Medical Office Managers Certification Program (AAMOM-CP)

The American Association of Medical Office Managers Certification Program (AAMOM-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical office managers. It is an independent, third-party certification program that verifies an individual’s competence in managing a medical office.

To obtain the AAMOM-CP certification, individuals must pass an online exam that covers topics such as patient relations, billing and coding, personnel management, and health information management. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the AAMOM-CP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in medical office management or a related field. Additionally, they must submit proof of their education credentials and a completed application form.

The cost of the AAMOM-CP certification exam is $299 per attempt. If applicants do not pass the exam on their first try, they may retake it for an additional fee of $99. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official AAMOM-CP certificate within four weeks.

The AAMOM-CP certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

11. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification Program (AAPC-CP).

The American Academy of Professional Coders Certification Program (AAPC-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in medical coding. This certification is offered by the AAPC, which is an organization dedicated to providing education, training, and resources for medical coders.

To become certified through the AAPC-CP program, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, coding systems, and reimbursement principles. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of coding experience or one year of coding experience plus a coding certificate from an accredited institution. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on whether they are members of the AAPC or not. The fee ranges from $300-$400 for members and $450-$550 for non-members.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their AAPC-CP certification which is valid for two years. To maintain their certification status, they must complete at least 20 continuing education credits every two years.

Do You Really Need a Healthcare Administration Certificate?

Healthcare administration is an increasingly important field in today's healthcare system, and it can be very lucrative. A healthcare administration certificate can provide you with the necessary knowledge to effectively manage a healthcare organization or practice. It can also help you develop the skills necessary to become a successful leader in health care.

While a healthcare administration certificate may not be absolutely essential to getting a job in this field, it certainly can give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have one. A certificate program can provide you with the tools and skills needed to become an effective manager or administrator in a health care setting. It can also give you an edge when applying for jobs in health care organizations or practices, as employers are often more likely to hire those with relevant experience and credentials.

Having a healthcare administration certificate can also demonstrate your commitment to the field and show that you are serious about your career goals. The certification shows that you have taken the time and effort to learn about health care management and how it works, which employers will take into consideration when hiring new staff members. Additionally, having this type of certification may make you eligible for promotions or other opportunities within your current workplace.

Overall, whether or not you need a healthcare administration certificate depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. If becoming a successful manager or administrator is something that interests you, then obtaining such certification could prove beneficial for your future prospects in the field of health care management.

Related: Healthcare Administration Resume Examples

FAQs About Healthcare Administration Certifications

1. What are the requirements for obtaining a healthcare administration certification?

Answer: The exact requirements for obtaining a healthcare administration certification will vary depending on the certification you are looking to obtain. Generally, you will need to have some relevant experience in healthcare management as well as passing an exam in order to be certified.

2. Are there any online courses available for healthcare administration certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are plenty of online courses available for those interested in obtaining a healthcare administration certification. Many universities and colleges offer online courses that can help you prepare for the necessary exams and gain the skills needed to become certified.

3. How long does it take to get a healthcare administration certification?

Answer: It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all the requirements and obtain your certification in healthcare administration. This includes completing any necessary coursework or training, as well as passing the required exams.

4. What types of jobs can I get with a healthcare administration certification?

Answer: With a healthcare administration certification, you can qualify for various positions within medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health insurance companies, and more. As a certified professional, you may be responsible for managing staff, budgets and resources; setting goals; analyzing data; developing policies; and ensuring compliance with regulations.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after getting my healthcare administration certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifications require that you complete continuing education credits in order to maintain your credential status and keep your knowledge up-to-date with industry standards. Depending on your chosen certification program, these credits may be earned through attending conferences or seminars or participating in online courses or webinars related to healthcare management topics