Top 11 Medical Office Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important way for medical office administrators to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. Certifications provide employers with assurances that potential employees have a certain level of proficiency related to the job they are applying for. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers in order to work in a particular medical office. Having certifications can help medical office administrators stand out from other job applicants and give them an edge when competing for positions. In addition, certifications can help medical office administrators stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which may be beneficial when performing administrative duties.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Medical Office Administrators and how they can benefit a medical office administrator's career.

What are Medical Office Administrator Certifications?

Medical office administrator certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in the administrative operations of a medical office. It is designed to provide comprehensive training and assessment of skills needed to effectively manage the daily operations of any medical office.

By obtaining a medical office administrator certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to their profession, which can help them advance their career and gain recognition from employers. Certification also provides individuals with the opportunity to learn new skills, stay current on industry trends, and increase their job security. Additionally, having a certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when applying for jobs in the medical field.

Having a certification provides employers with assurance that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skill set required for managing day-to-day business operations within a medical office. This includes knowledge in areas such as patient registration, insurance processing, appointment scheduling, coding and billing procedures, data entry, filing paperwork, maintaining patient records, following HIPAA guidelines, and more.

In summary, obtaining a medical office administrator certification can be beneficial for both individuals looking to further their careers in the medical field as well as employers looking for qualified professionals that have demonstrated expertise in this area.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research different medical office administrator certification programs before committing to one. Look for programs that offer hands-on training and experience, as well as a variety of electives that can help you customize your learning experience. Additionally, look for programs that have been accredited by an organization such as the American Association of Medical Office Management (AAMOM).

Related: What does a Medical Office Administrator do?

Top 11 Medical Office Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Office Administrator (CMOA)

Certified Medical Office Administrator (CMOA) is a professional certification program designed to provide medical office professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their field. The CMOA program is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which is an accredited certifying body that sets standards for healthcare workers across the United States.

The CMOA certification program consists of three parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and a clinical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as medical terminology, coding, billing, patient rights and privacy, health insurance plans, and medical office management. The practical exam includes tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing charts, managing patient records and accounts receivable/payable. Finally, the clinical skills assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to perform basic medical procedures such as taking vital signs and administering injections.

To become certified as a Medical Office Administrator (CMOA), applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a medical office setting or have completed an accredited medical office assistant training program. Additionally, applicants must pass all three parts of the CMOA certification exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the CMOA certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for all three parts of the exam including registration fees and materials. It typically takes about six weeks to complete the entire process from start to finish once you have registered for the exam and received your materials.

2. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC certification is designed to recognize professional coders who have demonstrated proficiency in medical coding. It is the gold standard for medical coding professionals and is widely recognized throughout the healthcare industry.

It typically takes between four to six months of study and preparation to pass the CPC exam. During this time, individuals should review the official AAPC CPC Study Guide, attend local AAPC meetings, join online forums and discussion groups, and practice coding using real-world scenarios.

To become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), an individual must first become a member of the AAPC. Membership fees vary depending on your profession and experience level. Once you are a member, you can register for the CPC exam which costs $399 USD for members or $599 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your CPC certification from the AAPC.

3. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a healthcare professional who has been certified to use electronic health records (EHRs) in the delivery of patient care. The CEHRS certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on skills assessment. The online exam covers topics such as EHR systems, data security and privacy, and documentation standards. The hands-on skills assessment involves demonstrating proficiency in using an EHR system.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CEHRS certification process. To get started, you must first register for the exam and submit an application to take the exam. After registering, you will receive study materials and have access to practice exams that can help you prepare for the actual exam.

The cost of the CEHRS certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or hands-on version of the exam. The cost for taking the online version is $175, while the cost for taking both versions is $250.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the CEHRS certification program, you will receive a certificate from NHA that verifies your credentials as a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist.

4. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CMAA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in medical office administration. It is a nationally recognized credential that can help you stand out in the job market, as well as increase your earning potential.

To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include: having a high school diploma or equivalent; completing an accredited medical administrative assistant program; and passing the NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance coding, billing procedures, and patient scheduling.

The cost of the exam varies depending on how you choose to take it – online or paper/pencil – but typically costs around $125. You can also opt for additional study materials such as practice tests and review books which are available for purchase through the NHA website.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you complete your training program and prepare for the exam. Most people take between 6-12 months to complete their studies and pass the exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, your certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

5. Certified Medical Practice Manager (CMPP)

Certified Medical Practice Manager (CMPP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward medical practice managers who have demonstrated excellence in their field. It is offered by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). The CMPP certification is considered the gold standard for medical practice management professionals.

The CMPP certification process requires applicants to pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as financial management, human resources, operations, marketing, and legal issues. The exam also includes an ethics component. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in medical practice management or related fields to be eligible for the CMPP certification.

The application process takes approximately four weeks from start to finish and includes submitting an application form, providing references, and passing the exam. The cost of the exam is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes.

6. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). RHITs are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of patient health information and medical records. They use various coding systems to classify and store patient data, ensuring that all records are up-to-date and accurate.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become an RHIT. Most programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, coding systems, health care reimbursement methods, legal aspects of health information management, computer applications related to health information management, and other relevant topics.

To become an RHIT, you must complete an accredited program in health information technology or a related field. After completing your program, you must pass the AHIMA’s Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming an RHIT varies depending on the program you choose and whether or not you need to take additional courses or exams. The cost of taking the RHIT exam itself is $199 for members of AHIMA and $299 for nonmembers.

7. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is a professional who specializes in medical coding and billing. They are responsible for accurately entering patient information into the computer system, verifying insurance coverage, submitting claims to insurance companies for payment, and managing patient accounts. The CBCS credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CBCS exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, compliance regulations, healthcare data requirements, and more. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To become certified as a CBCS, you must have at least one year of experience in medical coding or billing within the last three years. You must also pass an NHA certification exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost to take the CBCS exam is $169 USD plus any applicable taxes. After passing the exam, you will need to pay an annual fee of $50 USD for maintenance of your certification status.

8. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CMOM certification is designed to recognize medical office managers who have achieved a high level of proficiency in managing and leading medical office operations.

The CMOM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field, and pass an exam that covers topics such as patient care, billing and coding, financial management, human resources, and compliance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application form with their resume and proof of experience. Once approved, they will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost for the exam is $299 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $50 USD for certification maintenance every two years.

Once certified, medical office managers can demonstrate their expertise in managing medical offices and gain recognition from employers and colleagues alike.

9. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a nationally recognized organization that provides certification to medical coders. Medical coders are responsible for assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures in order to accurately bill insurance companies. The AAPC offers several different certifications, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P), and Certified Outpatient Coder (COC).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam. Depending on the certification, exams typically take between 3 and 5 hours to complete. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of two years of professional coding experience or completing an approved coding program.

The cost of the exam varies based on the type of certification being sought. For example, the CPC exam costs $399 for members and $499 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for the exam or taking it at a testing center.

Once certified, coders must maintain their credentials by continuing their education through approved courses or attending conferences and seminars. They must also recertify every two years by passing an updated version of the exam or by accumulating continuing education credits.

10. National Healthcareer Association Certification in Medical Administrative Assisting (NHA-MAAC)

The National Healthcareer Association Certification in Medical Administrative Assisting (NHA-MAAC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in medical administrative assisting. This certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform administrative tasks related to healthcare delivery, such as scheduling appointments, filing medical records, and handling insurance claims.

To qualify for the NHA-MAAC certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a medical office setting or have completed an accredited Medical Administrative Assistant program. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, patient privacy regulations, and other relevant topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and can be taken online or at a testing center.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam and met all the requirements for certification, you will receive your official NHA-MAAC certificate.

The cost of the NHA-MAAC certification depends on whether you choose to take the exam online or at a testing center. The fee for taking the exam online is $95 USD, while taking it at a testing center costs $125 USD.

11. American Health Information Management Association Certification in Health Information Technology (AHIMA-HIT).

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers a certification in Health Information Technology (HIT). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage and protect the security of health information.

The AHIMA-HIT certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) exam and the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information Security (CPHIS) exam. The CPHIMS exam focuses on healthcare information management principles, while the CPHIS exam covers healthcare information security topics such as risk assessment, privacy and confidentiality, access control, and data integrity.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for these exams. Applicants should be familiar with medical terminology, have an understanding of healthcare processes, and have experience working with electronic health records systems. Additionally, applicants must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education credits within the past three years prior to applying for certification.

The cost of obtaining AHIMA-HIT certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the exams online or in person. If taking online exams, it costs $399 for both tests; if taking them in person at a Pearson VUE testing center, it costs $500 for both tests.

Overall, obtaining AHIMA-HIT certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in health information technology and provide proof that you are qualified to work in this field.

Do You Really Need a Medical Office Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career aspirations. For those interested in pursuing a career in medical office administration, earning a certificate can certainly be beneficial. It demonstrates that the individual has taken the time to learn the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this field. Additionally, having a certificate may make one more attractive to employers or give them an advantage when competing for positions.

However, it is important to keep in mind that having a certificate does not guarantee success in this field. Knowledge and experience are essential components of any profession, and those without a certificate can often gain these through other methods such as job shadowing or internships. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and goals—if an individual is eager to get into medical office administration and feels that a certificate will help them reach their goals, then it may be worth pursuing.

Related: Medical Office Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Office Administrator Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Medical Office Administrator?

Answer: To become a Medical Office Administrator, you will usually need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete either a postsecondary certificate program or an associate's degree in medical office administration.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Medical Office Administrator?

Answer: It typically takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to get certified as a Medical Office Administrator, depending on the type of program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies.

3. What types of courses are included in Medical Office Administration certifications?

Answer: Courses for Medical Office Administration certificates and degrees typically include topics such as medical terminology, office technology, medical coding, billing and reimbursement processes, legal issues in healthcare, and medical software applications.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking Medical Office Administration certification courses?

Answer: Some programs may require that students have prior knowledge of basic computer skills or healthcare-related concepts before enrolling in the program. It is best to check with the institution offering the certification program for specific requirements.

5. Is there an exam required for obtaining my Medical Office Administration certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications will require you to pass an examination upon completion of the program in order to earn your certification.