Top 10 Intake Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for an intake coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications provide proof of specialized skills and knowledge that an applicant has acquired through formal training or education. Having a certification can give an applicant an edge over other candidates who do not have one, as it demonstrates dedication to the profession and a commitment to professional development. Certifications also show employers that the applicant is familiar with industry standards and best practices, which can help them make informed decisions about their healthcare facility's operations.

This article reviews top certifications for Intake Coordinators and explains how they can enhance an intake coordinator's career.

What are Intake Coordinator Certifications?

Intake Coordinator Certification is a professional credential offered by the National Association of Intake Coordinators (NAIC). This certification provides recognition for individuals who have met the NAIC's standards of practice and performance in the field of intake coordination. It is intended to help ensure that intake coordinators have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

The primary role of an intake coordinator is to assess and evaluate potential clients for services, provide referrals to appropriate resources, and coordinate care with other providers. Intake coordinators must be able to assess client needs, identify available resources, develop treatment plans, monitor progress, provide crisis intervention services when needed, document services provided, and coordinate care with other providers. The NAIC's certification program helps to ensure that intake coordinators are knowledgeable in these areas and have the necessary skills to effectively serve those in need.

The NAIC's certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge through written examinations and practical applications. Once certified, intake coordinators must adhere to a code of ethics established by the NAIC in order to maintain their credentials. The certification also provides continuing education opportunities as well as networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

By pursuing this certification, intake coordinators can increase their knowledge base and improve their ability to effectively serve clients seeking assistance. Furthermore, having this credential may provide them with greater job security as employers may view certified professionals more favorably than non-certified ones. Ultimately, obtaining this credential can help make intake coordinators more marketable within the field while providing better service for those seeking assistance from them.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an Intake Coordinator Certification, consider enrolling in a program that offers both classroom and online courses. This will allow you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for the job while also allowing you to work at your own pace and fit it into your schedule.

Related: What does an Intake Coordinator do?

Top 10 Intake Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Intake Coordinator (CIC)

Certified Intake Coordinator (CIC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). It is designed to provide social workers with specialized training in intake and assessment processes. The CIC certification focuses on developing knowledge and skills related to the intake process, including interviewing techniques, assessment tools, and record keeping.

The CIC certification requires completion of a two-day workshop and an online exam. The workshop covers topics such as ethical considerations, interviewing techniques, assessment tools, documentation standards, and risk management. After completing the workshop, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of intake and assessment processes. The exam fee is $125.

The CIC certification is valid for three years from the date of completion. To maintain the certification, applicants must complete continuing education credits every three years. Applicants may also be required to retake the online exam if their knowledge has not been kept up-to-date with current trends in social work practice.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Intake Coordinator (CIC) certification requires a two-day workshop and passing an online exam at a cost of $125 for the exam fee.

2. Certified Professional Intake Coordinator (CPIC)

Certified Professional Intake Coordinator (CPIC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The CPIC is designed to help social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals develop the skills needed to effectively conduct intake assessments and provide quality client services.

The CPIC program consists of two courses: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as ethical considerations, assessment techniques, cultural competency, and referral resources. The in-person workshop provides hands-on practice with interviewing clients and creating treatment plans.

To be eligible for the CPIC certification, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of experience working with clients. Applicants must also pass a written exam administered by NASW.

The cost of the CPIC program varies depending on the state where you live. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$600 for both the online course and in-person workshop. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the written exam or renewing your certification every three years.

3. Certified Patient Access Manager (CPAM)

Certified Patient Access Manager (CPAM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of patient access professionals. It is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). The CPAM program provides an opportunity for healthcare access professionals to demonstrate their expertise in patient access management, as well as their commitment to providing quality service.

To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and complete a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient scheduling, registration, financial clearance, insurance verification, and customer service. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Applicants must also submit an application fee of $175 and a $100 annual renewal fee once they are certified. They must also be members of NAHAM in good standing in order to maintain their certification status.

The entire process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish. Applicants should expect to receive their results within two weeks after taking the exam. Once certified, CPAMs can use the designation on business cards, resumes, and other marketing materials to show employers that they have achieved this level of professional competency.

4. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of medical office managers. This certification program is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CMOM certification requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as medical office management, healthcare operations, medical coding, billing, and reimbursement.

The CMOM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as medical office management principles, healthcare operations, medical coding and billing, reimbursement systems and regulations, patient relations, human resources management, financial management and reporting.

To qualify for the CMOM exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a managerial role in a healthcare setting or have completed an accredited medical office manager program. Applicants must also be members of the AAPC or submit an application for membership with their exam registration form.

The cost to take the CMOM exam is $399 USD for AAPC members and $499 USD for non-members.

5. Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)

Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in healthcare access services. The CHAA certification is issued by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). This certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the field of healthcare access services, including patient registration, insurance verification, appointment scheduling, and financial counseling.

To become certified as a CHAA, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of experience in healthcare access services or completion of an approved training program. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

The cost to take the CHAA exam is $245 for NAHAM members and $295 for non-members. The cost includes a one-year membership in NAHAM. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

6. Certified Clinical Intake Specialist (CCIS)

A Certified Clinical Intake Specialist (CCIS) is a professional who specializes in the intake process of clinical services. The CCIS is responsible for assessing clients and their needs, determining the best course of action for treatment, and providing referrals to appropriate services. This individual will also be responsible for ensuring that all necessary information is collected from clients and that all paperwork is completed accurately.

It typically takes up to one year to become a CCIS. The requirements vary by state, but generally include completing an accredited program in social work or mental health counseling, having at least two years of experience working with individuals in need of mental health services, and passing a certification exam.

To get certified as a CCIS, you must first complete an accredited training program. After completing the program, you must then apply for certification with the National Association of Clinical Intake Specialists (NACIS). Once approved, you will take an examination administered by NACIS which covers topics such as assessment techniques, referral processes, and ethical considerations related to intake work.

The cost to become certified as a CCIS varies depending on the training program chosen and other associated fees such as application fees and examination fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD to become certified as a CCIS.

7. Certified Intake and Scheduling Specialist (CISS)

A Certified Intake and Scheduling Specialist (CISS) is a professional who specializes in managing the intake process and scheduling of patients for medical practices. The CISS is responsible for ensuring that patient information is accurately collected, entered into the practice’s electronic health records system, and that appointments are scheduled efficiently.

To become a Certified Intake and Scheduling Specialist (CISS), you must complete an accredited training program. The length of these programs varies but typically takes between 8-16 weeks to complete. Once you have completed the program, you will be eligible to take the CISS certification exam which is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The cost of becoming a Certified Intake and Scheduling Specialist (CISS) varies depending on the school or program that you choose to attend. Generally, tuition costs range from $2,000 - $3,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees and materials fees.

8. Certified Health Information Technology Professional (CHITP)

Certified Health Information Technology Professional (CHITP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the use of health information technology. CHITP certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To be eligible for the CHITP certification, applicants must have an associate degree or higher in health information technology and at least three years of experience in the field. Additionally, they must pass an AHIMA-administered exam that covers topics such as healthcare data management, health informatics, and privacy and security.

The CHITP certification process typically takes several months to complete. After submitting an application and passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from AHIMA.

The cost for taking the CHITP exam is $395 for members of AHIMA and $495 for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or taking practice exams.

9. Certified Healthcare Business Professional (CHBP)

Certified Healthcare Business Professional (CHBP) is a professional certification program offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the healthcare business field. The CHBP credential is a mark of distinction for those who have achieved excellence in their profession.

The CHBP certification requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies associated with healthcare business management, including financial management, health information technology, human resources management, legal and regulatory compliance, marketing and public relations, operations management, quality improvement and risk management. To be eligible for the CHBP credential, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in a healthcare business setting or equivalent part-time experience.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the CHBP credential. Applicants must submit an application form along with official transcripts from an accredited college or university that shows completion of at least 15 semester hours or 22 quarter hours in courses related to healthcare business management. They must also submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues who can attest to their professional qualifications as well as a current resume detailing their relevant work experience.

The cost of obtaining the CHBP credential varies depending on whether you are an ACHE member or nonmember. For ACHE members, it costs $395; for nonmembers it costs $495. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee of $50 for both members and nonmembers that must be paid each year to maintain your credential status.

10. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in managing patient health information and medical records. The RHIA credential is issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an examination.

To obtain the RHIA credential, candidates must have completed a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university program in health information management (HIM). Candidates must also have at least two years of full-time work experience in HIM or a related field. Finally, they must pass the RHIA certification exam administered by AHIMA.

The cost for the RHIA certification exam varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 for the first attempt and $295 for each subsequent attempt. For members, the cost is $295 for the first attempt and $195 for each subsequent attempt. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results after taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Intake Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. An intake coordinator certificate is not a requirement for the job, and there are many successful intake coordinators who do not have one. However, it may be beneficial to obtain such a certificate if you are seeking employment in the field or looking to advance your career.

A certificate in intake coordination can provide you with a competitive edge over other applicants by demonstrating your commitment to the profession and showing that you have obtained specialized training in the field. It will also demonstrate that you understand the responsibilities of an intake coordinator and possess the necessary skills to perform well in the role.

In addition, having a certificate could open up more opportunities for advancement within your current organization or make you more attractive to potential employers. It could also lead to better pay and recognition within your industry, as certified professionals are often seen as more reliable and knowledgeable than their non-certified counterparts.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an intake coordinator certificate depends on where you are in your career and what your goals are. If you think it would help you achieve those goals, then it might be worth pursuing.

Related: Intake Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Intake Coordinator Certifications

Q1: What is an intake coordinator certification?

A1: An intake coordinator certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in the field of intake coordination. It provides evidence that the individual is qualified to conduct intake coordination activities, such as screening and assessing clients, managing client relations, and providing referrals to other services.

Q2: Who needs intake coordinator certification?

A2: Intake coordinators are typically required to have an intake coordinator certification if they work in health care or social service settings. This certification may also be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of intake coordination.

Q3: How do I obtain an intake coordinator certification?

A3: To obtain an intake coordinator certification, you must complete a training program and pass an exam that covers topics such as client assessment, case management, communications, ethics, and more. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from the awarding body.

Q4: Is there continuing education required for my intake coordinator certification?

A4: Yes, most certifying bodies require continuing education to maintain your credential. This ensures that your skills remain current and up-to-date with industry standards.

Q5: What are the benefits of having an intake coordinator certification?

A5: Having an intake coordinator certification can help demonstrate your expertise in the field of intake coordination and provide employers with evidence of your qualifications. It can also open doors to new job opportunities and increase your earning potential.