Top 10 Medical Office Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for medical office coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge to employers. Certified medical office coordinators have taken the time to gain specialized training, which can give them an edge over non-certified candidates when it comes to job opportunities. Certification also shows potential employers that a candidate is committed to their profession, and has gone out of their way to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications can increase earning potential, as certified medical office coordinators may be eligible for higher salaries than those without certification.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications available to Medical Office Coordinators and explain how they can enhance a career in the field.

What are Medical Office Coordinator Certifications?

Medical office coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing the administrative operations of a medical office. With this certification, individuals demonstrate their proficiency in medical office management and show employers that they are qualified to handle the day-to-day tasks of running a medical practice.

This certification can help individuals improve their career prospects by allowing them to stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment in a medical office setting. Medical office coordinators with this certification possess the necessary knowledge and experience to perform a variety of duties, including scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing insurance companies, and handling customer service inquiries. This certification also helps employers identify qualified candidates who have the required skillset to manage the administrative operations within their practice.

The certification also provides individuals with access to continuing education opportunities so they can stay up-to-date on best practices for running an efficient and effective medical practice. This can help them become more confident in their ability to provide quality service to patients while improving the overall performance of their organization.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a medical office coordinator certification course to gain valuable skills in medical office management. A certification course will provide you with the knowledge and training necessary to effectively manage a medical office, including understanding insurance policies, filing claims, scheduling appointments and more.

Related: What does a Medical Office Coordinator do?

Top 10 Medical Office Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Office Administrator (CMAA)

Certified Medical Office Administrator (CMAA) is a certification program administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the administrative and operational aspects of running a medical office. The CMAA certification is valid for three years, at which point recertification will be required.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding, insurance processing, patient scheduling, and customer service. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs between $150 and $200. Additionally, there are study materials available that can help prepare for the exam; these materials typically cost between $50 and $100.

2. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in the administrative and clinical duties of a medical office. The certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes approximately three to six months to complete the CMAA program, depending on how much time an individual can devote to studying and preparing for the exam. To become certified, individuals must first complete a training program in medical office administration or complete a minimum of one year of work experience in a medical office setting. After completing the training or work experience, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, patient confidentiality, insurance claims processing, and more.

The cost of obtaining the CMAA certification varies depending on where an individual takes the exam and any additional materials they may need to purchase for their studies. The NHA offers several different packages that range from $150-$400 USD. Additionally, some employers may cover all or part of the cost associated with obtaining this certification.

3. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This certification is designed to ensure that medical coders have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assign codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services in a variety of healthcare settings.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to become CPC certified. The process involves studying for and passing an exam. To prepare for the exam, individuals can take courses or self-study using books, online resources, and practice exams.

To get certified as a CPC, you must first join the AAPC and pay an annual membership fee of $99. You will then need to purchase the CPC Exam Bundle which includes access to the online study materials and practice exams ($399), as well as the actual exam ($399). After passing the exam, you will be awarded your CPC certification.

In total, it costs approximately $897 to become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has demonstrated expertise in the use of electronic health record (EHR) systems and related technologies. The CEHRS certification is awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It requires passing an exam that covers topics such as patient privacy, security and confidentiality, system maintenance, data entry, and reporting.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CEHRS exam. To get certified, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have at least one year of experience working with EHRs. You can also take courses offered by NHA that will help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CEHRS certification varies depending on how you choose to take it. The NHA offers both online and in-person options, with prices ranging from $179-$299 for online exams and $399-$499 for in-person exams. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam, such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

5. Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

A Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is a professional who specializes in medical billing, coding, and reimbursement. They are responsible for ensuring that health care providers receive accurate payments from insurance companies and other payers. CMRSs must be knowledgeable of the various regulations and laws related to medical billing, coding, and reimbursement.

It typically takes between six months to two years to become certified as a CMRS. The process involves completing an accredited program or courses in medical billing and coding, passing an exam administered by the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA), and obtaining certification from the AMBA.

To get certified as a CMRS, you must first complete an accredited program or courses in medical billing and coding. Once you have completed your education, you can register for the AMBA's Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) Exam. After passing the exam, you will need to submit proof of your education credentials along with your application for certification from the AMBA.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMRS varies depending on where you choose to obtain your education and training. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include study materials such as textbooks or software programs.

6. Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

Certified Professional Biller (CPB) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical billing and coding. The CPB certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately process medical claims and manage patient accounts.

It typically takes around six months to complete the requirements for the CPB certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by AAPC, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance claims processing, reimbursement systems, and legal issues related to healthcare billing. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of two years of full-time experience in a medical billing or coding role.

The cost for the CPB certification exam varies depending on whether you are already an AAPC member or not. For non-members, the cost is $399; for members it is $299. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $50 for those who wish to become AAPC members prior to taking the exam.

Overall, becoming a Certified Professional Biller can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in medical billing and coding. It provides recognition that you have met certain standards of excellence in your field and can help you stand out from other job candidates when applying for positions.

7. American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certification

The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certifications for medical coders. The AAPC certification is the most widely recognized and accepted credential for medical coding professionals in the United States. It is designed to demonstrate competency in medical coding, billing, and other related processes.

It typically takes 3-6 months to obtain an AAPC certification depending on the individual's experience level and how quickly they can complete the required coursework and exams. To get certified, individuals must first join the AAPC as a member, then pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical coding principles and practices. After passing the exam, they will be awarded their certification.

The cost of obtaining an AAPC certification varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$400 for one exam or $800-$1,200 for all three exams required for full certification.

8. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification for healthcare professionals. Certification from NHA demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skill in their chosen field. It also serves as a symbol of excellence and commitment to the profession.

Getting certified through NHA typically takes between four to six months, depending on the program chosen and how quickly you can complete the required coursework. To get certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics related to your chosen field, such as medical terminology or anatomy and physiology. You will also need to submit proof of your educational background and any relevant work experience.

The cost of getting certified through NHA varies depending on the program you choose and whether you are a member or non-member of the organization. Generally speaking, members pay less than non-members for certification exams and courses. Additionally, some employers may provide financial assistance for employees who wish to become certified through NHA.

9. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is an internationally recognized credential that validates one’s expertise in Microsoft Office applications. It is a professional certification program offered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, in partnership with Microsoft.

The MOS certification is available for the following Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, OneNote and SharePoint. Each application has its own set of exams and certifications.

To become certified in any of these applications, you must pass the associated exam(s). The exams are designed to test your knowledge and skills in each application. They cover topics such as creating documents, formatting text and images, using formulas and functions in Excel, creating presentations with PowerPoint, managing emails with Outlook and more.

The duration of the MOS certification depends on how many exams you need to take. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one day to several months to get certified depending on your experience level and the number of exams you need to take.

In order to get certified in any of the Microsoft Office applications, you must register for the appropriate exam through Certiport's website or through a local testing center. Once registered for an exam you will receive instructions on how to prepare for it including study guides and practice tests.

The cost of the MOS certification varies depending on which exam(s) you are taking and where you are taking them. Generally speaking, each individual exam costs around $100 USD but prices may vary depending on location or other factors.

10. CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician Certification

CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician Certification is a credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of healthcare information technology (IT). It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the technologies, standards, and regulations used in healthcare IT. The certification is awarded by CompTIA, a non-profit trade association that provides certifications for IT professionals.

The CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician Certification consists of two exams: the CompTIA A+ and the CompTIA Network+. The A+ exam covers topics such as hardware installation and troubleshooting, operating systems, security, networking fundamentals, and mobile devices. The Network+ exam covers topics such as network design, implementation, management, troubleshooting, and security.

It typically takes about three months to complete both exams and receive your certification. To get started on your certification journey you will need to register for both exams at the CompTIA website. You can also purchase study materials from CompTIA or other third-party providers to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician Certification varies depending on where you take the exams. The cost of each exam typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Medical Office Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need a Medical Office Coordinator Certificate to become a medical office coordinator. While having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants for the same job, it is not essential for obtaining the position.

Medical office coordinators are responsible for various administrative tasks related to running a medical practice and providing patient care. These tasks include organizing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing. Even without a certificate, individuals with relevant experience in medical administration can demonstrate their skills and ability to effectively manage a medical office.

In addition to experience, employers may look for other qualifications when hiring someone for a medical office coordinator position. A college degree in healthcare administration or business management could be beneficial in this field. Strong communication skills and familiarity with computers and computer programs are also important traits that employers might consider when hiring someone for this role. Having experience with electronic health record systems is also an asset in the field of medical office coordination.

In summary, while having a Medical Office Coordinator Certificate can be helpful when applying for this type of job, it is not absolutely necessary in order to obtain the position. Employers may look at other qualifications such as educational background, work experience, and computer skills when assessing potential candidates for the role of medical office coordinator.

Related: Medical Office Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Office Coordinator Certifications

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

Answer: You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as basic knowledge of medical terminology and administrative processes. You may also need additional education or certification in the field, depending on the employer's requirements.

2. What are the duties of a Medical Office Coordinator?

Answer: The primary duties of a Medical Office Coordinator include managing patient records and appointments, verifying insurance coverage, handling billing and coding, interacting with patients and healthcare providers, and providing general administrative support to the office staff.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Medical Office Coordinator?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Medical Office Coordinator varies depending on your educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from six months to two years completing the necessary training and coursework required for certification.

4. What certifications are available for Medical Office Coordinators?

Answer: There are several certification programs available for Medical Office Coordinators, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS).

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a Medical Office Coordinator?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses available that provide training in medical office administration and coding skills needed for working in this field. Online courses typically range from six weeks to one year in duration depending on the program chosen.