Top 11 Medical Office Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for medical office managers in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job effectively. They also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and quality assurance, which is essential in a healthcare setting. Additionally, certifications can provide an edge over other applicants and may be required by certain employers or organizations. Certifications also provide medical office managers with increased confidence and credibility when interacting with staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Medical Office Managers and explains how they can benefit a medical office manager's career.

What are Medical Office Manager Certifications?

Medical office manager certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional has met certain standards of knowledge and experience in managing medical offices. This type of certification is offered through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Office Management (AAMOM).

The main purpose of this type of certification is to ensure that medical office managers are competent and knowledgeable about the industry, as well as have the necessary skills to effectively manage a medical office. This includes understanding laws and regulations related to healthcare, billing procedures, insurance coding, patient scheduling, and other administrative tasks. By having a certification, it shows that they have the necessary qualifications to perform these tasks efficiently and effectively.

Having a medical office manager certification can also be beneficial for employers when hiring potential candidates. It helps demonstrate that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job position. Furthermore, it can also help increase an individual’s marketability in today’s competitive job market. Having this type of certification will help set them apart from other applicants who may not have one.

Overall, obtaining a medical office manager certification can be beneficial for both employers and individuals alike. It can help demonstrate expertise in managing medical offices while providing employers with a way to assess potential hires for the job position.

Pro Tip: When considering medical office manager certification, be sure to research the requirements and choose a program that is accredited by an appropriate agency. This will ensure that your certification is recognized in the industry and will give you the credibility you need to succeed as a medical office manager.

Related: What does a Medical Office Manager do?

Top 11 Medical Office Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed to help medical office managers gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their practices. The program is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To become certified as a CMOM, individuals must have at least two years of experience in medical office management or equivalent, complete an approved training program, and pass the CMOM exam. The training program typically consists of online coursework and/or self-study materials.

The CMOM exam is offered twice a year and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. To apply for the exam, individuals must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of education and work experience.

The cost for taking the CMOM exam is $299 USD for AAPC members, or $399 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification for medical coders offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the most recognized certification in the healthcare industry and is highly sought after by employers. The CPC certification demonstrates an individual’s mastery of coding principles, practices, and guidelines.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CPC exam, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. Preparation includes taking a course or self-study using books and other resources.

In order to become certified as a CPC, you must pass the AAPC’s exam. To take the exam, you must be a member of AAPC and pay the associated fees. The cost of membership varies depending on your chosen membership level, but typically ranges from $99-299. The cost of taking the exam is $399 for members and $499 for nonmembers.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPC certificate in the mail within 6 weeks of passing.

3. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE)

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing and leading medical practices. The CMPE credential is awarded by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE), a division of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).

The CMPE certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in areas such as health care administration, financial management, human resources, operations, information technology, marketing and communication. In order to obtain the CMPE credential, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in these areas.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CMPE exam. During this time, applicants should review the ACMPE Body of Knowledge and gain practical experience in medical practice management. Applicants may also choose to take a preparatory course or study guide offered by ACMPE or other organizations.

In order to become certified, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of completion of at least three years of medical practice management experience within the past five years. The application fee is $395 for members of MGMA or ACMPE and $495 for non-members. After submitting their application, applicants can register for the CMPE exam which costs $295 for members and $395 for non-members.

Once they have successfully passed the exam, applicants will receive their CMPE credential from ACMPE. This credential is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed through continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

4. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical administrative assistants. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required for successful performance in a medical office setting. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CMAA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, legal and ethical issues, patient privacy, insurance claims processing, coding and billing, scheduling appointments, and other administrative duties. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CMAA certification, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience in a medical office setting. Applicants may also need to complete additional coursework or training in order to meet eligibility requirements.

The cost of the CMAA exam varies depending on where you take it. The NHA offers both online and paper exams with prices ranging from $125-$150 USD.

5. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of healthcare quality. It is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), and it is designed to recognize professionals who are competent in their knowledge and skills related to healthcare quality improvement, management, and assurance.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of full-time work experience in healthcare quality or a related field. They must also pass an exam administered by NAHQ. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety, performance measurement and improvement, risk management, and compliance with regulatory standards.

The entire certification process typically takes about six months to complete. After meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must register for the exam and pay a fee of $395 USD. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their CPHQ certificate from NAHQ.

The cost of obtaining the CPHQ credential varies depending on how long it takes to complete all of the requirements. In addition to the registration fee for the exam ($395 USD), applicants may need to purchase study materials or take preparatory courses which can range from $50 - $500 USD depending on what resources are used.

6. Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

Certified Professional Biller (CPB) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency in medical billing and coding. The CPB certification is a comprehensive credential that covers all aspects of medical billing, including reimbursement procedures, coding systems, and compliance regulations.

The CPB certification requires applicants to pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance plans and reimbursement methods, coding systems, practice management, and legal/regulatory issues. To be eligible for the CPB exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in medical billing or coding.

The cost to take the CPB exam is $399 for AAPC members and $499 for non-members. The exam can be taken online or at an AAPC testing center. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official Certified Professional Biller certificate from the AAPC.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their CPB certification status.

7. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a healthcare professional who is certified in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). The CEHRS certification is awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and it is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in EHRs.

To become a CEHRS, you must complete an NHA-approved training program and pass the corresponding certification exam. The NHA offers several different training programs, ranging from self-paced online courses to instructor-led classes. Depending on the type of program you choose, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months to complete.

Once you have completed your training program and passed the exam, you will receive your CEHRS certification. The cost of the training program and exam varies depending on which program you choose; however, most programs range from $500-$2,000.

8. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization dedicated to helping medical coders and other healthcare professionals stay up to date on coding standards, regulations, and industry trends. The AAPC offers certification exams for medical coding professionals that demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the field.

To get certified with the AAPC, you must first become a member of the organization. Membership costs $99 annually and includes access to educational resources, discounts on exam fees and study materials, networking opportunities, and more.

Once you are a member of the AAPC, you can register for an exam. There are several different certifications available through the AAPC including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-HOP), Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P), Certified Professional Coder-Physician Office (CPC-PO), Certified Outpatient Coding Specialist (COCS), Certified Inpatient Coding Specialist (CIPS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRAC).

Each exam costs $399 for members ($499 for non-members) and takes about 3 hours to complete. You will need to pass the exam with a score of at least 70% in order to be certified by the AAPC. Once you have passed your exam, you will receive your certification from the AAPC within 8 weeks.

Overall, becoming certified with the American Academy of Professional Coders requires an initial membership fee of $99 per year plus an additional fee of $399 per exam. It typically takes about 3 hours to complete each exam and 8 weeks to receive your certification after passing it.

9. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional association for health information management professionals. It is dedicated to the advancement of health information management and technology, and the promotion of quality healthcare through data integrity, privacy, and security. AHIMA provides education, certification, advocacy, and networking opportunities to its members.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to become an AHIMA member. To join AHIMA you must have a degree in health information management or a related field from an accredited college or university. You can apply online at ahima.org/membership or by mail.

The cost to join AHIMA depends on your membership type: Professional Member ($99/year), Student Member ($50/year), Retired Member ($50/year), International Member ($99/year) or Associate Member ($99/year). Additionally, there are additional fees for certifications and other services provided by AHIMA.

10. National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)

The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is a professional organization that provides resources, education, and certification to healthcare quality professionals. It was founded in 1976 and is the largest membership organization dedicated to healthcare quality.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the certification process. To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least two years of experience in a healthcare quality role and passing an exam. After meeting these requirements, you can register for the exam online and pay the required fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on your membership status with NAHQ and ranges from $395-$495.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from NAHQ and become a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). This certification is valid for three years after which you must renew it by taking continuing education courses or retaking the CPHQ exam.

11. American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE).

The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) is a professional organization that provides certification and education to medical practice administrators. ACMPE was founded in 1956 and is the only certifying body for medical practice executives recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience requirements. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time experience in a healthcare management role, as well as a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must have completed at least 24 hours of continuing education related to healthcare administration within the last three years.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the ACMPE examination. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section tests knowledge on topics such as healthcare laws and regulations, finance and accounting, human resources management, operations management, information systems management, marketing and customer service, and strategic planning. The essay section requires candidates to write two essays on topics related to healthcare administration.

The cost for taking the ACMPE exam is $450 USD for members and $550 USD for non-members. Once the exam is completed successfully, applicants will receive their Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) credential from ACMPE after they submit their application materials along with proof of their educational background and work experience requirements.

Overall, becoming certified through ACMPE can take several months depending on how quickly you complete all the necessary steps required for certification.

Do You Really Need a Medical Office Manager Certificate?

A Medical Office Manager Certificate is an important credential that can help you stand out in the competitive medical office management field. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a medical office. With this certificate, you’ll be able to show employers that you understand how to keep a medical office running efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as how to handle patient information properly.

Having a Medical Office Manager Certificate can also give you a leg up when applying for jobs in the medical office management field. Employers will be more likely to hire someone with the certificate than someone without it, as it shows that you are qualified and knowledgeable about the job. Additionally, having the certificate may qualify you for higher-level positions or promotions within your current organization.

In some cases, employers may even require applicants to have a Medical Office Manager Certificate before they are considered for certain positions. This is especially true if the position requires knowledge of specific medical software or billing systems, since having a certificate would demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications required for those roles.

Overall, having a Medical Office Manager Certificate is beneficial if you want to work in this field or if your employer requires it for certain positions. It can prove your knowledge of managing a medical office, as well as provide evidence of your commitment to professional development in this area.

Related: Medical Office Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Office Manager Certifications

1. What is a Medical Office Manager Certification?

Answer: A Medical Office Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing medical offices. The certification provides proof to employers that the individual has mastered the necessary skills and techniques associated with successfully running a medical office.

2. How do I become certified as a Medical Office Manager?

Answer: To become certified as a Medical Office Manager, you must complete an accredited program such as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, complete an approved internship, and pass an exam administered by the National Board of Certified Medical Office Managers (NBCMOM).

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Medical Office Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Medical Office Manager can provide numerous benefits, including improved job security, increased earning potential, and greater respect from colleagues and employers. It can also help you stand out in the job market when seeking new positions or promotions within your current organization.

4. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required for all certified Medical Office Managers to maintain their professional certification status. The NBCMOM requires all certified professionals to participate in at least 10 hours of approved continuing education courses every two years to remain certified.

5. Are there any online programs available for obtaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, there are several online programs available for obtaining your certification as a Medical Office Manager. These programs offer flexible schedules and self-paced learning opportunities so you can obtain your certification on your own time without having to attend classes in person or take time off work.