Top 10 Healthcare Business Analyst Certifications

Certifications are incredibly important for healthcare business analysts in today’s job market. Having a certification proves to employers that the analyst has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully analyze data, develop strategies, and implement solutions in the healthcare industry. It also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Certifications from reputable organizations such as AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) or HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) provide employers with a reliable measure of an analyst's qualifications.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Healthcare Business Analysts, and explains how they can help to advance a healthcare business analyst's career.

What are Healthcare Business Analyst Certifications?

Healthcare business analyst certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare business analysis. This certification is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to apply analytical techniques to improve organizational performance, decision making, and cost effectiveness in the healthcare industry. Healthcare business analysts are responsible for gathering data from various sources, analyzing it, and providing recommendations to organizations on how to better manage their resources. By having a certification in this field, individuals can demonstrate their understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system and its many components.

Having a healthcare business analyst certification can help individuals advance their career by increasing their understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system and its many components. It can also give them an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs in this field as employers value employees who have specialized knowledge and experience. Additionally, having a certification may open doors for new opportunities as individuals will be able to show potential employers that they have acquired advanced skills related to healthcare analytics. Finally, it can provide individuals with access to additional resources such as networking opportunities, career advancement seminars, or even job postings related specifically to the field of healthcare analytics.

Pro Tip: To become a certified healthcare business analyst, be sure to research the different certifications available and find one that best suits your needs. Additionally, look for courses or programs that offer comprehensive training in the areas of data analytics, finance and economics, healthcare industry trends, and project management. Lastly, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and strategies used in the healthcare industry.

Related: What does a Healthcare Business Analyst do?

Top 10 Healthcare Business Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare quality. The CPHQ certification is awarded to individuals who have met the requirements established by NAHQ, including passing an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, and risk management.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in a healthcare quality-related role and must submit an application to NAHQ. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam which consists of 175 multiple choice questions and covers nine domains of knowledge related to healthcare quality. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 for members of NAHQ or $495 for non-members.

Once the exam has been passed, applicants must complete an additional 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years to maintain their certification. The cost of recertification is $175 for members or $225 for non-members.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) is a certification program for professionals working in the field of healthcare information and management systems. It is offered by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). The CPHIMS certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and competencies in the areas of healthcare information systems, data analytics, and healthcare IT security.

The CPHIMS certification requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in the field of healthcare information technology or management systems. Candidates must also pass an examination to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as health information technology standards, health data exchange, electronic medical records, privacy and security regulations, system design and implementation, project management, data analytics, and more.

The cost to take the CPHIMS exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of HIMSS. For members it costs $400 USD while for non-members it costs $500 USD. Additionally there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD regardless if you are a member or non-member.

In order to obtain the CPHIMS certification you must first apply online with HIMSS. Once your application has been approved you will be given access to study materials which can help prepare you for the examination. After passing the exam you will receive your official CPHIMS certificate from HIMSS which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced business analysts. The CBAP is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in business analysis, including requirements gathering, process improvement, change management, and project management.

It typically takes around 18-24 months to earn the CBAP certification. To become eligible for the CBAP exam, applicants must have at least 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years. Additionally, applicants must have 21 hours of professional development related to business analysis within the last 4 years.

To get certified as a CBAP, you must first apply for the exam through IIBA's website. Once your application has been approved, you can register for the exam and pay the associated fee. The current cost for taking the exam is $325 USD for members of IIBA or $450 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will be officially certified as a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP).

4. Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS)

Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with healthcare information systems. The certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To become certified, applicants must complete an approved training program or demonstrate equivalent experience. They must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as healthcare information systems, health data management, and privacy and security standards.

The CAHIMS program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the applicant's prior experience and education level. To get started, applicants should contact an AHIMA-approved training provider or employer to find out what options are available.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of training chosen. Generally speaking, the cost includes tuition fees for courses or workshops, exam fees, and any other required materials.

5. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)

Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) is a certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to individuals who demonstrate expertise in health data analysis. The CHDA credential recognizes an individual's ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate health data used to measure the quality of patient care and other outcomes.

The CHDA exam is designed for those with experience in health data analysis. To be eligible for the exam, you must have a minimum of five years of cumulative work experience in health data analysis within the past 10 years. This experience must include at least two years of hands-on work with large datasets and experience working with software applications related to healthcare data analytics.

The CHDA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as healthcare data standards, regulations, and policies; analytics techniques; and tools used for analyzing healthcare data.

To get your CHDA certification, you must first pass the examination. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from AHIMA which is valid for three years.

The cost of taking the CHDA exam is $399 USD for AHIMA members and $499 USD for non-members.

6. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program developed by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). The CAP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of analytics principles, concepts, and best practices.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CAP certification. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online application assessment that tests their knowledge of analytics theory and practice. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in analytics projects and initiatives. Finally, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their ability to apply analytics principles and processes in real-world scenarios.

The cost of obtaining the CAP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an INFORMS member. Non-members can expect to pay around $1,000 for the application fee, exam fee, and portfolio review fee. INFORMS members get discounted rates on all fees associated with the certification process.

7. American Health Information Management Association's Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The RHIT credential is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of competence in health information technology, data management, and health information systems.

The RHIT is an entry-level credential for those who have completed an accredited associate degree or certificate program in health information technology. It requires passing an examination that assesses knowledge and skills related to the collection, analysis, and maintenance of health records.

It typically takes two years to complete an accredited associate degree or certificate program in health information technology. Once you have completed the program, you must pass the AHIMA's Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam to earn the credential.

The cost of the RHIT exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AHIMA or not. For non-members, the exam fee is $299 USD; for members, it is $199 USD.

8. Project Management Institute's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program for professionals who use agile practices in their projects. It is designed to recognize an individual’s expertise in using agile methodologies and tools, and to demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement.

To be eligible for the PMI-ACP certification, applicants must have:

• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent)
• At least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last 5 years
• At least 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last 3 years
• 21 contact hours of training in agile practices

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed in 3 hours. The cost of the exam is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members. To maintain your certification, you must earn 60 professional development units every three years.

In order to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam, it is recommended that you take an accredited course from a PMI Registered Education Provider (REP). These courses typically range from 2–4 days in length and cost between $1,000–$2,000 depending on the provider.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become certified in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification provides an understanding of the Lean Six Sigma principles, tools and techniques used to improve processes and reduce waste.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes around three months to complete. The program consists of online self-paced learning, on-site training, and a final examination. The online self-paced learning includes modules on the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, as well as specific tools and techniques used in the methodology. The on-site training consists of lectures, case studies, group activities, and project simulations. Upon completion of the coursework and training, students must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must first complete all required coursework and training for the program. Once this is done, they must then register for the final exam with an approved testing center or through an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. Once registered for the exam, individuals will be given instructions on how to prepare for it and where they can take it.

The cost of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on which organization you are getting your certification through. Generally speaking, however, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD for the entire program including coursework materials and exam fees.

10. Healthcare Compliance Certificate Program

Healthcare Compliance Certificate Program is an online program designed to help healthcare professionals understand the regulations and laws that govern their industry. It provides an overview of the legal and ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers, as well as how to develop and maintain a compliance program. The program typically takes between 12-18 months to complete and consists of 10 modules.

To get the certificate, you must complete all 10 modules, which include topics such as: Introduction to Healthcare Compliance; Regulatory Overview; HIPAA Privacy & Security; Fraud & Abuse; Risk Management & Mitigation; Internal Auditing; Quality Assurance & Improvement Processes; Ethics in Healthcare; Corporate Compliance Programs; and Emerging Issues in Healthcare Compliance. You will also need to pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the Healthcare Compliance Certificate Program depends on where you take it, but can range from $1,000-$3,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Healthcare Business Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. First, it is important to consider the type of job that you are seeking. If you are looking for a position as a healthcare business analyst, then having a certificate may be beneficial. This certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, which can help you stand out among other applicants.

On the other hand, if you are already working in the healthcare industry and have experience in data analysis and business processes, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you want to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial. Additionally, some employers may require a certification before they will consider an applicant for certain positions.

Overall, whether or not you need a healthcare business analyst certificate depends on what type of job you’re seeking and how much experience you already have in the field. A certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, which may make you more attractive to potential employers. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if obtaining a certificate is worth their time and resources.

Related: Healthcare Business Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Healthcare Business Analyst Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a healthcare business analyst certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, healthcare business analyst certifications require applicants to have a combination of experience in the healthcare industry and knowledge of relevant software, processes, and regulations. Additionally, some certifications may require completion of an approved course or passing of an exam.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a healthcare business analyst?

Answer: The timeline for obtaining a healthcare business analyst certification varies depending on the specific certification chosen and the individual's prior experience and qualifications. Generally speaking, most certifications can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete.

3. What is the cost associated with obtaining a healthcare business analyst certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a healthcare business analyst certification will vary depending on the specific certification chosen and any additional fees associated with taking an exam or completing an approved course. In general, most certifications will range from $500-$2000 USD.

4. What is the best way to prepare for a healthcare business analyst certification exam?

Answer: Preparing for a healthcare business analyst certification exam typically involves studying relevant materials such as books, videos, online courses, or practice tests provided by the organization offering the certification. It is also important to practice problem-solving skills related to data analysis and working with different types of software used in the field.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified healthcare business analyst?

Answer: Generally speaking, there are no formal prerequisites required in order to become certified as a healthcare business analyst; however, some certifications may have certain requirements that must be met prior to taking an exam or completing an approved course (e.g., years of experience in the field). It is important to review each specific certification’s requirements before beginning your journey towards becoming certified.