Top 11 Medical Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a medical manager's job market success. They demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skill set to effectively manage medical office operations. Certifications also help medical managers stay current on industry standards, best practices, and trends. Additionally, certifications can give medical managers an edge in competitive job markets, as they are viewed as evidence of their commitment to professional development. Finally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement, allowing medical managers to move into more specialized roles or higher-level positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Medical Managers and explain how they can help further a Medical Manager's career.

What are Medical Manager Certifications?

Medical Manager Certification is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of medical practice management. This certification is designed to help healthcare providers, administrators, and other professionals understand how to successfully manage a medical practice from both an operational and administrative perspective.

The Medical Manager Certification includes topics such as financial management, human resource management, compliance and risk management, operations management, information technology systems, marketing and practice development, patient relations and public relations. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers these topics. Individuals who earn this certification demonstrate to employers their expertise in managing medical practices effectively and efficiently.

Having Medical Manager Certification can greatly benefit those in the healthcare field. It provides a credential that demonstrates proficiency in all aspects of medical practice management and shows employers that they are capable of managing the complexities of running a successful medical practice. In addition to providing recognition for their hard work, the certification also allows individuals to maintain their competitive edge in the job market by showing employers they have strong knowledge in this field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a medical manager certification, make sure to take the time to research and understand the requirements of the specific certification you are interested in obtaining. This will help ensure that you have all of the necessary knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the certification exam.

Related: What does a Medical Manager do?

Top 11 Medical Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE)

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a professional certification offered by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in medical practice management.

To be eligible for the CMPE certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in medical practice management, including two years of executive-level responsibility. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by ACMPE.

The CMPE exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as financial management, human resources, operations, and legal/regulatory issues. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CMPE exam is $650 for members of ACMPE and $950 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $100 for members and $150 for non-members.

2. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed for medical office managers, administrators, and supervisors. It is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CMOM certification validates the knowledge and skills of medical office managers in areas such as patient care management, billing and coding, financial management, human resources management, and customer service.

To become certified as a CMOM, applicants must have at least one year of experience in a medical office setting. They must also pass an exam administered by the AAPC which covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance coding guidelines, billing processes and procedures, customer service techniques, HIPAA regulations, and more.

The cost to take the CMOM exam is $299 for members of the AAPC or $399 for non-members. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their official CMOM certification from the AAPC.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in healthcare quality management. The certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in healthcare quality.

The CPHQ certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience working in healthcare quality and pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety, risk management, data analysis, and performance improvement. Applicants must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits within the past two years.

To get the CPHQ certification, individuals must first apply online through the NAHQ website. Once approved, they will receive a study guide and access to online practice exams. After studying for the exam, applicants must register for and take the exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the CPHQ exam is $395 for NAHQ members or $495 for non-members. Recertification is required every three years and costs $195 for members or $295 for non-members.

4. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a medical coding professional who has passed the national certification exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC credential is considered the gold standard for medical coding and is highly sought after by employers.

The CPC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional coding experience or one year of professional coding experience plus an associate's degree in health information technology or a related field.

To get the CPC credential, applicants must first register with AAPC, pay the registration fee, and submit proof of their coding experience. Once registered, applicants can purchase study materials and practice exams from AAPC as well as sign up for online training courses. After studying for the exam, applicants can schedule their test date with Pearson VUE, which administers the CPC exam.

The cost of taking the CPC exam varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or non-member. For members, it costs $399; for non-members it costs $549. Additionally, there is a $50 retake fee if you do not pass on your first attempt.

5. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been certified to demonstrate expertise in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). CEHRS certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and it is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of EHR systems.

It typically takes between four and six months to complete the CEHRS program, depending on how quickly you are able to study and complete the required coursework. The program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a hands-on practicum. The online course covers topics such as data security, privacy regulations, and patient safety; the exam tests your knowledge on these topics; and the practicum provides an opportunity for you to apply what you’ve learned.

To get certified as a CEHRS, you must first register with NHA and pay the registration fee. Then you must complete all three parts of the program: online course, exam, and practicum. Once you have completed all three parts successfully, you will receive your CEHRS certification.

The cost for becoming a CEHRS varies depending on which package you choose from NHA. The most basic package costs $399 USD and includes access to the online course materials, one attempt at the exam, and one attempt at the practicum. Other packages may include additional attempts at either or both exams or additional support services such as tutoring or mentoring.

6. Certified Medical Manager (CMM)

Certified Medical Manager (CMM) is a certification program designed to recognize healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage medical practices. The CMM certification is offered by the American Academy of Medical Management (AAMM).

The CMM credential requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as financial management, human resources, operations management, information technology, and compliance. It also requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in medical practice management or related fields.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CMM certification process. To get started, applicants must first register for the exam online through the AAMM website. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the study materials and take the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CMM certification varies depending on whether an applicant is a member or non-member of AAMM. For members, it costs $495 for the exam fee plus $50 for study materials; for non-members, it costs $695 for the exam fee plus $50 for study materials.

7. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certification and training to medical coders. AAPC certifications are widely recognized by employers, as they demonstrate a coder's knowledge and proficiency in coding medical services and procedures.

AAPC offers five different levels of certification: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) and Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam for the desired credential.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual's experience level. Preparation includes studying textbooks, attending classes or seminars, and completing practice exams. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their certification within two weeks.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on which credential you are pursuing. The CPC exam costs $399 for members ($499 for non-members); the COC exam costs $299 for members ($399 for non-members); the CIC exam costs $299 for members ($399 for non-members); the CRC exam costs $449 for members ($549 for non-members); and the CPMA exam costs $449 for members ($549 for non-members).

8. Healthcare Financial Management Association Certification (HFMA-CPE)

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Certified Professional in Healthcare Finance (CPE) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in healthcare finance. This certification is designed to help healthcare professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professional development.

The CPE certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the field, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Applicants must also pass the HFMA CPE exam, which consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as financial management, accounting principles, economics, healthcare reimbursement systems, and other related topics. The oral exam focuses on the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the process of obtaining the CPE certification. During this time, applicants must complete all requirements for the certification including passing the exams and submitting all required documentation.

The cost of obtaining the CPE certification varies depending on whether you are an HFMA member or not. Non-members pay $1,400 while members pay $1,200 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams.

9. American Health Information Management Association Certification (AHIMA-RHIA/RHIT)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers a certification for Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA) and Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT). This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of health information management.

To become certified as an RHIA or RHIT, individuals must pass a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics related to health information management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered by AHIMA.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual’s experience level and amount of study time devoted. It is recommended that individuals review all relevant course material prior to taking the exam. Additionally, AHIMA offers study materials such as practice exams and test preparation courses to help candidates prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are currently an AHIMA member. For non-members, the cost is $399 for either the RHIA or RHIT certification exam. For current members, the cost is $299 for either certification exam.

In order to maintain your certification status, you must complete continuing education credits every three years in order to renew your credential with AHIMA.

10. American College of Healthcare Executives Certification (ACHE-FACHE/CHE)

The American College of Healthcare Executives Certification (ACHE-FACHE/CHE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize healthcare executives who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to provide effective leadership in the healthcare industry. The ACHE-FACHE/CHE certification is awarded by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society representing more than 40,000 healthcare executives.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the process of obtaining ACHE-FACHE/CHE certification. To be eligible for certification, applicants must meet certain criteria related to their education, experience, and involvement in healthcare management activities. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as finance, operations management, strategic planning, legal issues, quality improvement initiatives, and ethical considerations.

The cost of obtaining ACHE-FACHE/CHE certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with ACHE. Nonmembers can expect to pay up to $500 for the application fee and exam fee combined; members will pay only $300 for these two fees combined. Additionally, there are additional fees associated with continuing education requirements that must be met in order to maintain certification status.

Overall, obtaining ACHE-FACHE/CHE certification is an important step for those looking to advance their careers in healthcare management. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and provides recognition from peers and employers alike.

11. Project Management Institute Certification (PMI-PMP).

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a professional's expertise in project management. It is the most sought-after certification for project managers and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to successfully manage projects from start to finish.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, individuals must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience.

In order to take the PMP exam, applicants must first apply for the certification and pay the associated fees. The application fee varies by country but typically ranges from $225-$400 USD. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam and pay the associated fees which range from $405-$555 USD depending on their membership status with PMI.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their credentials by earning 60 professional development units every three years. This ensures that certified professionals are up-to-date on industry best practices and remain knowledgeable about changes in project management processes and techniques.

Overall, obtaining the PMP certification requires dedication and commitment but it can open doors to new career opportunities and higher salaries for those who invest in it.

Do You Really Need a Medical Manager Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need a Medical Manager Certificate depends on the type of job you are looking for in the medical field. For many entry-level positions, having a certificate is not necessary nor does it guarantee success in the industry. However, if you are looking for more advanced positions such as that of a medical manager, then having a Medical Manager Certificate can be beneficial and may even be required by some employers.

Having a Medical Manager Certificate demonstrates that you have invested the time and money into furthering your education and shows potential employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in medical management. Having this certification can also give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one, as employers may view it as evidence of your commitment to learning and professional development.

It is important to note that while having a Medical Manager Certificate may help open doors to certain positions, it does not guarantee success in the industry. A certificate alone does not make someone an effective medical manager; rather, it is the combination of knowledge, experience, and skills that will lead to success. It is also important to remember that just because someone has a certificate does not mean they possess all of the necessary qualifications and skills needed to be successful in this role.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Medical Manager Certificate depends on what type of position you are aiming for within the medical field and how much competition there is for those roles. If there are many other applicants with similar qualifications vying for the same job, having a certificate could give you an advantage over them. On the other hand, if there aren’t many people applying or if no certification is required for the position, then having one may not be necessary.

Related: Medical Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Manager Certifications

1. What is a Medical Manager Certification?

Answer: A Medical Manager Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in healthcare management and administration. This certification is typically awarded to individuals who have successfully completed a specialized training program or have acquired the necessary experience to demonstrate proficiency in the field of medical management.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Medical Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Medical Manager Certification can help you stand out from other candidates for job opportunities, establish credibility within the healthcare industry, and provide additional recognition for your skills and knowledge related to medical management. It can also open up new career paths and opportunities for advancement as well as provide access to exclusive resources and networks that are available only to certified medical managers.

3. What types of qualifications do I need to become certified as a Medical Manager?

Answer: To qualify for certification as a Medical Manager, you must meet certain educational requirements, such as completing an accredited medical management program or having equivalent academic credentials plus relevant work experience in health care administration or management. You must also pass an examination administered by an accredited certifying organization such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

4. How long does it take to obtain a Medical Manager Certification?

Answer: The timeframe for obtaining certification depends on your current qualifications and experience level. If you already have all the required educational qualifications, then it may take anywhere from three to six months depending on how quickly you complete the necessary coursework and exams. If you need additional training or education, then it could take longer than this time frame.

5. Is there ongoing maintenance required after obtaining my Medical Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require recertification every few years in order to maintain your credentials and ensure that your knowledge remains up-to-date with industry trends and standards. This usually involves taking continuing education courses or passing additional examinations related to clinical practice guidelines or other topics related to healthcare management and administration