Top 10 Healthcare Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for healthcare managers in the job market as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications can help healthcare managers stand out among other candidates and increase their chances of landing a job. Additionally, certifications can give healthcare managers an edge when it comes to salary negotiations, as employers may be willing to pay more for someone who has achieved a certain level of certification. Certifications also provide evidence that healthcare managers have the necessary skills and competencies to effectively manage healthcare operations, which is essential for success in this role. Finally, certifications can help healthcare managers stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices, allowing them to remain competitive in their field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Healthcare Managers and explains how they can help to advance a healthcare manager's career.

What are Healthcare Manager Certifications?

Healthcare manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated competency in the management of healthcare organizations. This certification is designed to validate the expertise of healthcare managers and to demonstrate their commitment to the profession. Through this certification, healthcare managers can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as financial management, operations, human resources, risk management, patient safety, and more.

The Healthcare Manager Certification credential is awarded by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an internationally recognized professional organization for healthcare executives. To earn the credential, applicants must meet education requirements and pass a rigorous examination that tests their knowledge and skills in healthcare management. By earning this credential, healthcare managers can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and gain recognition from peers and employers alike.

Having a healthcare manager certification can be beneficial in many ways. For one thing, it is often required for advancement within a health care organization or for becoming eligible for certain positions with larger organizations. Additionally, certified healthcare managers may be able to access specialized training opportunities that are not available to non-certified managers. Finally, having a certification can give employers confidence in hiring decisions and provide job seekers with an edge when competing against other candidates for open positions.

Pro tip: Take the time to research and understand the various healthcare manager certifications available. This will help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your career goals and will enable you to maximize the benefits of having a certification.

Related: What does a Healthcare Manager do?

Top 10 Healthcare Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the healthcare quality field. The CPHQ certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of healthcare quality through a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as patient safety, performance improvement, risk management, and data analysis. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CPHQ certification, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time experience in healthcare quality management or related field.

The cost of the CPHQ exam is $425 for NAHQ members and $525 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $75 for NAHQ members and $125 for non-members.

Once certified, CPHQs are expected to maintain their knowledge by participating in continuing education activities every three years. This includes attending conferences, taking courses, or completing other activities approved by NAHQ.

2. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE)

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a professional certification program offered by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). The CMPE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully manage a medical practice.

The CMPE certification process consists of two parts: an exam and a portfolio review. The exam covers topics such as organizational management, financial management, human resources management, operations management, and marketing. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in medical practice administration or management.

The portfolio review requires applicants to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in medical practice administration or management. This includes evidence of successful projects they have completed in the past as well as any awards or other recognition they may have received for their work.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CMPE certification process. The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam only or if you are also completing the portfolio review. The cost for taking just the exam is $400; if you choose to complete both parts of the process it will cost $600.

3. Certified Health Care Administrator (CHCA)

Certified Health Care Administrator (CHCA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage health care organizations. The certification is administered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

To become a CHCA, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of experience in health care management or administration and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as finance, operations, human resources, compliance and ethics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for CHCA certification. During this time, applicants must submit their application materials to ACHE and take the required exam.

The cost of becoming a CHCA varies depending on whether you are already a member of ACHE or not. For non-members, the fee is $750; for members it is $350. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam.

4. American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is an international professional society for healthcare executives. It was founded in 1962 and is the largest professional society for healthcare executives, with more than 40,000 members in over 80 countries. The mission of ACHE is to advance healthcare leadership through education, collaboration, and certification.

To become a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), one must meet certain requirements and pass an examination. To be eligible to take the examination, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least five years of senior-level healthcare management experience.

The exam consists of four sections: Organizational Behavior and Management; Financial Management; Operations Management; and Strategic Planning & Marketing. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the FACHE credential. This credential is recognized by employers as evidence that you have achieved a high level of competency in healthcare administration.

The cost for taking the FACHE exam varies depending on your membership status with ACHE. For non-members, it costs $400; for members, it costs $325; and for students, it costs $100.

5. Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)

Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of healthcare facility managers. This certification is offered by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE).

The CHFM program consists of two parts: a comprehensive examination and an application process. The comprehensive examination covers topics such as healthcare facility operations, safety, risk management, leadership, financial management, and other related topics. The application process includes submitting an application form, providing proof of experience in healthcare facility management (such as a resume), and providing references from current or past employers.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CHFM program. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass the comprehensive examination in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CHFM program varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in-person. Online courses typically cost between $300-$400 while in-person courses can range from $600-$800. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $395 which must be paid before taking the exam.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Healthcare Facility Manager certification is an important step towards becoming a successful healthcare facility manager. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field.

6. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare finance. This certification is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The CHFP program consists of two parts: an online exam and a comprehensive case study. The online exam covers topics such as financial management, accounting, reimbursement, managed care, and health information technology. The case study requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CHFP program. Applicants must first register for the online exam and then prepare for it by studying the HFMA's study materials. Once they pass the exam, they will receive an invitation to submit their case study application. After submitting their application, applicants will be evaluated by HFMA experts and may be invited for an interview with them if needed.

The cost of becoming a CHFP varies depending on whether or not you are already an HFMA member. For non-members, the cost is $1,245; for members, it is $995.

7. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program offered by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF). The CPPS credential is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have demonstrated excellence in patient safety and quality improvement. The certification program is based on the NPSF’s Core Competencies for Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Professionals, which are designed to provide healthcare organizations with a framework for developing their patient safety and quality improvement programs.

The CPPS exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as patient safety culture, risk management, quality improvement, data analysis and reporting, communication, leadership, and more. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have completed at least three years of professional experience in patient safety or healthcare quality improvement.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. It costs $495 for NPSF members and $595 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CPPS certification from the NPSF. The certification is valid for five years before recertification is required.

8. American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) is a professional organization that provides certification and education to healthcare administrative professionals. AAHAM was established in 1969 with the goal of providing healthcare administrators with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to succeed in their roles.

AAHAM offers four certifications: Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR), Certified Patient Account Manager (CPAM), Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) and Certified Electronic Health Record Professional (CEHRS). Each certification requires passing an exam, which covers topics such as medical billing, coding, compliance, patient access and health information technology. The exams are available online or at testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost for each certification varies depending on the exam chosen, but typically ranges from $300-$400. It usually takes about six weeks to receive results after taking the exam. To become certified, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of two years of experience in healthcare administration or a related field.

In addition to its certifications, AAHAM also provides educational opportunities for healthcare administrators through webinars, conferences and workshops. These events provide members with access to industry experts and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

Overall, AAHAM is a great resource for healthcare administrators seeking professional development and recognition within their field.

9. Project Management Institute – Healthcare Project Management Professional (PMI-HPMP)

The Project Management Institute – Healthcare Project Management Professional (PMI-HPMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in healthcare project management. The PMI-HPMP certification is intended for those working in the healthcare industry who are responsible for managing projects that involve the delivery of healthcare services.

The PMI-HPMP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of professional project management experience, with at least one year of experience in healthcare project management. Applicants must also pass an exam and demonstrate their understanding of the PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete all the requirements for the PMI-HPMP certification. This includes studying for and passing the exam, as well as completing any required continuing education courses.

To get certified, applicants must first create an account with PMI and pay an application fee. After submitting their application, they will be required to take and pass an online proctored exam that covers topics such as project management fundamentals, risk management, quality assurance, resource planning, budgeting and control, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their official PMI-HPMP certificate from PMI.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members it costs $405 USD while non-members pay $555 USD.

10. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare Professionals

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare Professionals is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals understand and apply Lean Six Sigma principles to improve patient care, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in their organizations. The program is based on the same Lean Six Sigma methodology used by leading companies around the world.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare Professionals program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s experience and learning style. The program consists of online modules, instructor-led classes, and hands-on projects. Participants will learn how to use data-driven decision making processes, develop process improvement plans, identify waste in healthcare processes, and measure performance improvements.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare Professionals, individuals must complete all coursework and pass an exam administered by an accredited provider. Individuals must also demonstrate mastery of the material through a final project or case study.

The cost of becoming certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare Professionals varies depending on the provider offering the certification. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for the entire program including materials and exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Healthcare Manager Certificate?

The short answer is, it depends. If you are looking to move up in the healthcare management field, then a healthcare manager certificate can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment and expertise. It can also open doors to higher-level positions and help you command better salaries.

However, if you already have a degree in health care management or a related field and extensive experience in the industry, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate. A healthcare manager certificate is designed for those who do not have a degree or extensive experience in the field but still want to pursue this career path. It is also beneficial for those who are looking to switch careers from another field and need additional training and credentials.

Ultimately, if you are serious about pursuing a career in healthcare management, then obtaining a healthcare manager certificate will give you an edge over other applicants competing for the same positions. It will also provide you with valuable knowledge that can help make your transition into the field smoother and more successful.

Related: Healthcare Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Healthcare Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Healthcare Manager Certification?

A1: A Healthcare Manager Certification is a professional development credential that demonstrates knowledge and competency in the field of healthcare management. It is designed to provide healthcare managers with the skills and abilities required to effectively manage healthcare organizations.

Q2: How Do I Become Certified?

A2: To become certified, you must complete an approved certification program, such as those offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), or pass a qualifying exam.

Q3: What Are the Benefits of Becoming Certified?

A3: Becoming certified can help demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence and enhance your career opportunities. It may also lead to higher salaries and advancement within the healthcare industry.

Q4: How Long Is My Certification Valid For?

A4: Most certifications are valid for three years. After this period, you must renew your certification by submitting proof of continuing education credits or completing a re-certification exam.

Q5: What Are Some Commonly Required Courses for Healthcare Managers?

A5: Common courses typically required for healthcare managers include medical terminology, health law, ethical issues in healthcare management, finance and accounting principles, quality improvement methods, human resources management, information systems management and health policy analysis.