Top 11 Medical Office Receptionist Certifications

Certifications for a medical office receptionist are important in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and expertise. Having certifications shows that the receptionist is knowledgeable about medical office procedures, insurance billing, patient registration, and other duties associated with the job. These certifications also demonstrate that the receptionist has taken the time to learn about medical office processes, which can give employers confidence in their ability to do the job properly and efficiently. In addition, having certifications can help a receptionist stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

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

What are Medical Office Receptionist Certifications?

Medical office receptionist certification is a credential that recognizes an individual's knowledge, training and experience in the administrative operations of a medical office. This certification demonstrates to employers that the certified individual has a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of a medical office receptionist, such as scheduling appointments, processing insurance claims, and handling patient inquiries.

Having this certification can help an individual stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment as a medical office receptionist. Employers may look favorably on individuals who have earned the certification because it indicates they are knowledgeable and qualified for the position. Furthermore, some employers may even require employees to obtain this certification before they can be hired as a medical office receptionist.

The certification also provides individuals with an opportunity to further their knowledge and skills in the area of medical office administration. In addition to enhancing job prospects, obtaining this credential can open up opportunities for advancement within the field or allow individuals to pursue higher-level positions within a healthcare organization. By having this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professional development and show potential employers that they are dedicated to providing quality care and services in medical settings.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for medical office receptionist certification in your state before beginning the process. Different states may have different certifications and requirements, so it's important to be aware of these beforehand.

Related: What does a Medical Office Receptionist do?

Top 11 Medical Office Receptionist Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR)

A Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR) is a professional who has completed a specialized certification program in medical reception and office management. The CMR certification is designed to provide medical receptionists with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare settings.

The CMR certification program typically takes six months to complete and includes courses on topics such as medical terminology, coding, patient scheduling, insurance claim processing, and customer service. The program also includes an internship or practicum in which students gain hands-on experience working in a medical office setting. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the CMR exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become certified as a CMR, individuals must pass the NHA’s Certified Medical Receptionist Exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient registration, appointment scheduling, insurance billing, customer service, and HIPAA compliance.

The cost for taking the CMR exam varies depending on where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 for the exam fee plus any applicable proctoring fees. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification for individuals who manage healthcare facilities, such as medical offices, clinics, and other health care organizations. The certification is offered by the National Association of Medical Office Management (NAMOM) and requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical office management, patient relations, billing and coding, human resources management, and other related topics.

The CMOM certification takes approximately three months to complete. To get certified, candidates must first purchase the CMOM study guide from NAMOM. This guide includes all of the material needed to prepare for the exam. Candidates then need to register for the exam online and pay an application fee of $150. After registering for the exam, candidates will be sent a link to take the online test at their own convenience.

The cost of obtaining a CMOM certification varies depending on how much preparation time is needed and which study materials are used. In addition to the $150 application fee, candidates should expect to spend between $100-$200 on additional study materials such as practice tests and textbooks.

Overall, obtaining a CMOM certification can be an investment in your career that pays off in higher salaries and more job opportunities in healthcare administration.

3. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in medical coding. CPCs are responsible for assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures, which are used to determine the amount of reimbursement a health care provider receives from insurance companies.

The CPC certification requires passing an exam administered by AAPC, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, coding systems, and reimbursement methodologies. The exam also includes a practical component where applicants must demonstrate their ability to code using actual patient records.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to prepare for the CPC exam. During this time, applicants should study the material covered on the exam and gain experience with coding through practice tests or internships. In addition to studying for the exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of professional coding experience or completing an approved course in medical coding.

The cost of taking the CPC exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AAPC or not. For non-members, it costs $399 USD while members pay $299 USD.

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This certification enables healthcare providers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the use of electronic health records (EHRs).

To become a CEHRS, an individual must pass the NHA's Electronic Health Records Certification Exam. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as EHR security, privacy and confidentiality, data integrity, patient safety, legal considerations, and more. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first register with NHA and pay an exam fee. The cost of taking the exam is $175 for members of NHA or $195 for non-members.

Once individuals have passed the exam, they will receive a certificate from NHA that verifies their status as a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist. This certification is valid for two years after which time individuals must retake the exam in order to maintain their CEHRS status.

5. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical administrative assistants. It is awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CMAA credential demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage the administrative functions of a healthcare organization, including scheduling appointments, coding patient information, filing insurance claims, and managing patient records.

The CMAA certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, medical office procedures, billing and coding, and customer service. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience in a medical administrative role.

The cost of the CMAA certification exam varies depending on the testing center you choose. The fee for taking the exam is usually around $125-$150. Additionally, applicants may be required to pay additional fees for study materials or other related expenses.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential can help demonstrate your commitment to excellence in your field and open up new opportunities for career advancement in healthcare administration.

6. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a healthcare professional who has been certified to perform both administrative and clinical duties in a medical office setting. CCMAs are typically responsible for preparing patients for exams, taking vital signs, recording patient history, administering medications and injections, performing laboratory tests, and providing patient education.

To become a CCMA, individuals must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, clinical procedures, diagnostic testing and treatments.

The cost of the CCMA certification exam varies depending on the provider; however it typically costs between $100-$200. The exam can be taken at any NHA-approved testing center or online using a computer with internet access. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. Once the individual passes the exam they will receive their official certification card from NHA within 8-10 weeks.

7. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. The CPCT certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CPCT certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, infection control, communication and interpersonal skills, medical terminology, vital signs, nutrition and diet therapy, pharmacology, electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory procedures, and more. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To become certified as a CPCT you must meet certain eligibility requirements including: being at least 18 years old; having a high school diploma or equivalent; completing an approved patient care technician program; and passing the NHA's CPCT exam.

The cost of the CPCT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking it will cost around $125 to register for the exam.

8. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential that certifies individuals to work in the field of health information technology. RHITs are responsible for managing patient data, including medical records, billing information, and other administrative tasks. They must be knowledgeable in coding systems, privacy laws, and other regulations related to healthcare data.

It typically takes two years of post-secondary education to become an RHIT. Most programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, healthcare reimbursement systems, clinical classification systems, health data management and analytics, health information systems security and privacy policies.

To become an RHIT you must first complete the required educational program from an accredited college or university. After completing your education you will need to take and pass the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certification exam. Passing this exam will earn you the credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

The cost of becoming an RHIT depends on the program you choose to attend. Generally speaking it can range anywhere from $5,000-$20,000 depending on tuition costs and fees associated with the program.

9. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is a professional who specializes in medical billing and coding. They are responsible for ensuring that medical claims are accurately coded, submitted, and processed in a timely manner. The CBCS credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become certified, individuals must pass the NHA's CBCS exam. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance reimbursement systems, coding guidelines, and health information technology. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 to take the NHA's CBCS exam. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or enrolling in an online course to help you prepare for the exam.

10. American Association of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certification to medical coders. The AAPC certification is a voluntary credential that demonstrates the coder’s knowledge and proficiency in medical coding. It is recognized by employers, insurance companies, and other healthcare organizations as evidence of the coder’s expertise in the field.

To become certified, coders must pass an exam administered by the AAPC. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic coding, procedural coding, reimbursement systems, and compliance regulations. It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the exam. During this time, coders should review course materials provided by the AAPC and practice coding scenarios using real-world examples.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the AAPC. For non-members, the cost is $399; for members it is $299. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certification from the AAPC and be able to use their logo on your resume or business cards.

11. National Healthcareer Association Certification for Medical Office Assistants (NHA-MOA).

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification for Medical Office Assistants (NHA-MOA) is a nationally recognized certification program that provides medical office assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care. This certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies in medical office administration, including medical terminology, coding, billing, scheduling, and customer service.

The NHA-MOA certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance coding and billing, scheduling and appointment management, customer service and communication skills, legal issues related to healthcare delivery systems, computer software applications used in medical offices, and other administrative duties.

To be eligible to take the NHA-MOA certification exam, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of an approved training program in medical office administration or possess at least one year of verifiable work experience in a medical office setting.

The cost for the NHA-MOA certification exam is $125 for members of the NHA ($150 for non-members). After passing the exam successfully, applicants will receive their official certificate from the NHA within four weeks.

Do You Really Need a Medical Office Receptionist Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A medical office receptionist certificate is not necessary in order to become a medical office receptionist. However, having a certificate could be beneficial in some cases.

For those who are just starting out in the medical office receptionist field, having a certificate can give you an advantage over other applicants who don't have one. It can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and help you stand out from the crowd. Additionally, it may provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for when it comes to hiring for this position, such as experience with medical software or coding and billing systems.

Having a certificate might also make it easier for you to find a job or advance in your career. Many employers prefer to hire certified individuals as they know that these professionals have met certain educational standards and have specialized knowledge about their field of work. Furthermore, having a certificate may make it easier for you to get promotions or salary increases as employers recognize your commitment and dedication to the job.

In conclusion, while obtaining a medical office receptionist certificate is not essential in order to become a medical office receptionist, there are many benefits that come along with obtaining one. Having a certificate can help you stand out from other applicants, provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for when hiring for this position, and make it easier for you to get promotions or salary increases down the line.

Related: Medical Office Receptionist Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Office Receptionist Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a medical office receptionist?

Answer: To become a medical office receptionist, you should have good communication and customer service skills, basic computer knowledge, and experience with medical terminology and office procedures. Depending on the employer, additional certifications such as Medical Office Receptionist Certification (MORC) may be required.

2. What is the Medical Office Receptionist Certification (MORC) program?

Answer: The Medical Office Receptionist Certification (MORC) program is an online certification program designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a medical office receptionist in any setting. The program covers topics such as front desk operations, insurance processing, scheduling patients, coding and billing procedures, HIPAA compliance, and customer service best practices.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a medical office receptionist?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete the MORC certification depends on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and completing coursework each week. Most students can complete the program within 6 months if they study consistently throughout the duration of the program.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a medical office receptionist?

Answer: The cost of the MORC certification varies depending on which provider you choose for your training materials. Generally speaking, most providers offer packages ranging from $249-$599 USD for their courses and materials.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a medical office receptionist?

Answer: Yes, there are some prerequisites that must be met before enrolling in a MORC certification program. These include having at least one year of experience working in a healthcare setting or related field; basic computer literacy skills; familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite; completion of high school or equivalent degree; passing score on entrance exam; proof of immunizations; background check; and completion of CPR/first aid certification (if applicable).