Top 11 Healthcare Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for healthcare project managers in the job market because they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competencies in the field. They show employers that they have a deep understanding of the required processes and procedures to successfully manage a healthcare project. Employers also value certifications as proof of commitment to continuing education and career development. Additionally, certifications can give healthcare project managers access to exclusive job opportunities within the industry, and may even make them more attractive candidates for promotions.

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

What are Healthcare Project Manager Certifications?

Healthcare project manager certification is a professional designation that demonstrates a healthcare professional’s expertise in managing projects related to the healthcare industry. This certification can help healthcare professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in leading complex projects from start to finish, as well as ensure they have the most up-to-date information regarding best practices in the field. With this certification, healthcare project managers can demonstrate their ability to manage time and resources, develop strategies for successful project completion, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. Additionally, certified healthcare project managers are better prepared to handle challenges such as budgeting constraints and personnel conflicts that may arise during a project. As a result of having this certification, healthcare professionals will be more attractive to employers and have access to higher paying positions within the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a healthcare project manager certification, make sure to research the credentials of the organization offering the certification. Look for certifications with established industry standards and respected accreditations, as these will give you greater assurance that your certification is worthwhile.

Related: What does a Healthcare Project Manager do?

Top 11 Healthcare Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

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

The CPHQ certification program consists of a three-hour, multiple choice exam that covers topics such as quality management, performance improvement, risk management, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States.

In order to be eligible to take the CPHQ exam, applicants must meet certain requirements including having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; at least two years of full-time experience in healthcare quality; and completion of a NAHQ approved training course or equivalent.

The cost of taking the CPHQ exam is $395 for members of NAHQ and $495 for non-members. Once you pass the exam, there are no additional fees associated with maintaining your CPHQ certification.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the CPHQ exam. If you pass the exam, you will receive your official certificate within four weeks.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of project management principles and practices. The CAPM certification is aimed at entry-level project managers, assistant project managers, or those who are looking to enter the field of project management.

In order to become CAPM certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent), 23 hours of project management education, and passing the CAPM exam.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. The exam covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

The cost for the CAPM exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members it costs $225 USD while for non-members it costs $300 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official certificate within 6-8 weeks after completing the exam.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is designed to help individuals and organizations understand and apply the principles, practices, and values of Scrum. The CSM certification recognizes an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework, as well as their ability to successfully implement it in their organization.

In order to become a Certified Scrum Master, you must attend an official two-day CSM course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During the course, you will learn about the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles and responsibilities, planning techniques, and how to use Scrum effectively. At the end of the course, you will take an online exam that tests your knowledge of the material covered in class. Once you pass this exam, you will be awarded your CSM certification.

The cost for attending a CSM course varies depending on where it is held and who is offering it. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD per person. This cost includes all materials needed for the course as well as access to online resources such as forums and webinars.

Once you have completed your CSM course and passed the exam, you will need to renew your certification every two years by completing 16 hours of continuing education credits. These credits can be earned through attending additional training courses or participating in other activities related to Scrum such as attending conferences or reading books on Agile/Scrum topics.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects, as well as their ability to apply project management principles and techniques.

It typically takes around 3-6 months to get the PMP certification. To be eligible for the PMP exam, you must have either a high school diploma, associate's degree or equivalent, and at least 4500 hours of project management experience in the last 8 years. Alternatively, you can have a four-year degree and at least 3500 hours of project management experience in the last 8 years.

To get the PMP certification, you must pass the PMP exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. You will also need to complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education before taking the exam.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $405-$555 USD for members of PMI and $555-$1125 USD for non-members.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have mastered the skills and knowledge of Six Sigma. It is an internationally recognized certification program designed to ensure that practitioners have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead Six Sigma projects.

The certification process generally takes about three months to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam and demonstrate their ability to apply Six Sigma principles in real-world situations. The exam consists of multiple choice questions, case studies, and simulations.

To get started on your journey to becoming a Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Professional, you’ll need to attend an approved training course or workshop. These courses are typically offered by universities, business schools, or professional organizations such as ASQ (American Society for Quality). The cost of these courses can vary widely depending on the provider and the length of the course.

Once you’ve completed your training course or workshop, you will be required to take an online exam administered by ASQ or another approved organization. The cost for this exam ranges from $300-$600 USD depending on where you take it. After passing the exam, you will receive your official Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

In addition to taking a training course or workshop and passing the exam, many employers also require applicants for Six Sigma Green Belt positions to have at least two years of experience working with Six Sigma tools and processes before they are eligible for certification.

6. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement approach that combines two powerful methodologies: Lean and Six Sigma. The goal of Lean Six Sigma is to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. It requires the completion of an approved training program, which includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on practice in the workplace. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body to receive their certification.

To get certified, individuals must first find an approved training provider and enroll in their program. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider and can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Once enrolled in the program, individuals will be required to complete coursework and practice projects before taking the certification exam.

Once certified, individuals are expected to maintain their certification by participating in continuing education activities every three years. This helps ensure that they stay up-to-date with current best practices for process improvement.

7. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in applying agile principles, tools, and techniques. The ACP certification is designed to help organizations identify qualified professionals who can help them successfully implement agile projects.

The ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes up to 3 hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have completed 21 contact hours of training in agile practices. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are located in, but it typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

To become an Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), you must first pass the ACP exam. After passing the exam, you will need to maintain your certification by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within three years of passing the exam. PDUs can be earned through activities such as attending conferences or taking online courses related to agile practices. Once you have earned the required PDUs, your certification will be renewed for another three years.

8. Certified Healthcare Project Manager (CHPM)

Certified Healthcare Project Manager (CHPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in healthcare project management. The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in project management.

The CHPM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in various aspects of healthcare project management, including risk management, budgeting, scheduling, and quality assurance. To qualify for the certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in healthcare project management and must pass an exam administered by AAPM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as healthcare regulations, patient safety, budgeting, and project planning.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CHPM certification process from start to finish. During this time applicants will need to submit their application materials and take the exam. Applicants also need to pay a fee for the application process and for taking the exam. The cost for the CHPM certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AAPM; members typically pay less than non-members.

9. American Academy of Project Managers (AAPM)

The American Academy of Project Managers (AAPM) is an international professional organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of project management professionals. It offers certifications, training, and education in the field of project management. The AAPM provides a platform for members to share knowledge, network, and grow professionally.

It takes approximately six months to complete the certification process and become a Certified Project Manager (CPM). To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, risk management, quality assurance, communication strategies, and more. Applicants must also have a minimum of three years of experience in project management or related fields.

The cost of becoming a CPM varies depending on the type of certification you are applying for. The cost includes exam fees and other associated costs such as membership fees. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to become a CPM.

In addition to the CPM certification program, the AAPM also offers other certifications such as Certified Project Director (CPD), Certified Project Professional (CPP), Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM), and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Each certification requires its own set of requirements and exams.

Overall, the American Academy of Project Managers provides individuals with an opportunity to gain recognition in their field by obtaining certifications that demonstrate their knowledge and skills in project management.

10. American Society for Quality Healthcare Project Manager Certification (ASQHPMC)

The American Society for Quality Healthcare Project Manager Certification (ASQHPMC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in healthcare project management. The program is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization that promotes quality improvement and best practices in healthcare.

The ASQHPMC certification requires applicants to pass an exam and complete a portfolio of work demonstrating their knowledge and experience in healthcare project management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as project planning, budgeting, risk management, communication, and change management.

In order to be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in healthcare project management or a related field, or hold a bachelor's degree in a related field.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio of work demonstrating their knowledge and experience in healthcare project management. This portfolio must include at least three projects completed within the past five years that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to lead successful projects from start to finish.

Once the portfolio has been reviewed and approved by ASQ, applicants will receive their ASQHPMC certification. The certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

11. International Association of Healthcare Project Managers (IAHPMP)

The International Association of Healthcare Project Managers (IAHPMP) is a professional organization that provides certification and training for healthcare project managers. The IAHPMP offers the Certified Healthcare Project Manager (CHPM) credential, which is designed to recognize healthcare project management professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage projects in the healthcare industry.

To obtain the CHPM certification, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as project management fundamentals, healthcare project management principles, risk management, quality assurance, communication strategies, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

In order to be eligible for the CHPM certification exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in healthcare project management or a related field. Additionally, they must have completed at least 40 hours of approved continuing education related to healthcare project management within the past two years.

The cost of taking the CHPM certification exam is $495 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams prior to taking the actual exam. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee of $295 USD for a three-year certification renewal period.

Do You Really Need a Healthcare Project Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is it depends. Obtaining a healthcare project manager certificate can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the healthcare industry, but it may not be necessary in all cases.

For someone already working in healthcare, obtaining a healthcare project manager certificate could be a great way to expand their knowledge of the industry and potentially open up new opportunities for advancement. The certificate would provide evidence that the individual has an understanding of project management principles and processes, which could be attractive to potential employers. A certificate could also help to demonstrate that the individual has a strong grasp of how to effectively manage projects within the healthcare industry.

On the other hand, if someone is just entering the healthcare field, then obtaining a healthcare project manager certificate may not be necessary right away. It is important for individuals starting out in the field to gain experience and knowledge of general topics first before specializing in any particular area. In this case, taking courses or classes related to health care management and/or project management might be more beneficial than obtaining a certificate right away.

Overall, whether or not one needs a healthcare project manager certificate depends on their individual situation and goals within the field. If someone already has experience in the industry and wants to specialize further into project management, then obtaining a certification would likely be beneficial. However, if someone is just entering the field or looking for an introduction into health care management, then taking classes or courses may be more suitable at first.

Related: Healthcare Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Healthcare Project Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Healthcare Project Manager Certification?

A1: A Healthcare Project Manager Certification is a credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of healthcare project management. It demonstrates an understanding of key principles, processes, and best practices related to managing projects in the healthcare industry.

Q2: Who should get a Healthcare Project Manager Certification?

A2: Healthcare Project Manager Certifications are beneficial for those who have experience working with healthcare organizations and want to validate their skills and knowledge. This certification can be especially helpful for individuals looking to advance their career or take on more responsibility in the workplace.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Healthcare Project Manager?

A3: To become certified as a Healthcare Project Manager, you will need to meet certain requirements set by the certifying body, which may include completing coursework or passing an exam. You may also need to demonstrate your experience in the field or complete continuing education credits.

Q4: What are some benefits of having a Healthcare Project Manager Certification?

A4: Having a Healthcare Project Manager Certification can provide numerous benefits, such as improved job prospects, increased salary potential, recognition from employers and peers, and access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

Q5: How long does it take to get certified as a Healthcare Project Manager?

A5: The amount of time required to become certified as a Healthcare Project Manager can vary depending on your level of experience and other factors. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months up to one year or more in order to complete all necessary training and examinations required for certification.