Top 10 Medical Records Clerk Certifications

Certifications for a medical records clerk are important in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skill level in the field. Certifications provide employers with confidence that the applicant is qualified to perform the tasks required of a medical records clerk. They also show potential employers that the applicant has taken steps to further their education, which can make them more attractive as a candidate. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations in order to work in certain roles or with certain patient care systems. Lastly, having certifications can often lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Medical Records Clerks and explain how they can help advance a medical records clerk's career.

What are Medical Records Clerk Certifications?

Medical records clerk certification is a credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and ability to accurately maintain medical records. This certification is typically obtained through a professional organization, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), or through an accredited college or university program.

Having medical records clerk certification can be beneficial in several ways. First, it demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge required to properly handle sensitive patient information and ensure its accuracy. Additionally, certifications signal to potential employers that the person has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements of the job and is dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry standards. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement within the organization since they demonstrate expertise in medical record management.

Pro Tip: When considering a medical records clerk certification, make sure to research the certifying organization to ensure that they are recognized by employers in your area. Additionally, be sure to look into any continuing education requirements associated with the certification, as well as the cost of renewal fees.

Related: What does a Medical Records Clerk do?

Top 10 Medical Records Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who is certified to use and manage electronic health records (EHRs). They are responsible for ensuring that all patient data is accurately entered into the EHR system and that it meets all legal and regulatory requirements. CEHRS must also be knowledgeable about the security and privacy of patient information, as well as the different types of EHR systems available.

The certification process typically takes around 6 months to complete, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, data entry techniques, and more.

The cost of the CEHRS certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking preparatory courses or purchasing study materials.

2. Certified Medical Records Technician (CMRT)

A Certified Medical Records Technician (CMRT) is a professional who has been certified by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of medical records. CMRTs are responsible for maintaining, analyzing, and organizing patient health information in accordance with established standards.

The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To become certified, individuals must first take an approved course from an accredited institution or pass an AHIMA-approved exam. Once they have completed the course or passed the exam, applicants must submit an application to AHIMA for review and approval.

The cost of becoming a CMRT varies depending on the type of certification program chosen, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes fees for both the course/exam and application processing.

3. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a credential awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC certification is the gold standard for medical coding in physician offices and other healthcare settings. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of mastery in medical coding and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

The CPC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, CPT procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, and modifiers. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have completed at least two years of professional experience as a coder within the past five years or taken an AAPC-approved coding course.

The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CPC certificate from the AAPC. This certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years with continuing education credits.

The cost for taking the CPC exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining your certificate if you choose to take an AAPC-approved course prior to taking the exam.

4. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification for those who manage medical offices. It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage a medical office. The certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CMOM certification requires successful completion of the CMOM exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience managing a medical office or equivalent experience in order to be eligible to take the exam.

The cost for taking the CMOM exam is $299 for AAPC members and $399 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through ProctorU. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete, but candidates are allowed up to four hours if needed.

Once the candidate has passed the CMOM exam, they will receive their official certification from AAPC and will be able to use the CMOM credential after their name. The certification must be renewed every two years with continuing education credits in order to remain valid.

5. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in managing medical records and other health information. RHITs are responsible for organizing, analyzing, and maintaining patient health information data as well as ensuring its accuracy, security, and privacy. They also play an important role in helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care.

It typically takes two years to become a RHIT. The most common route to becoming a RHIT is by earning an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university that offers a program in health information technology. In addition to the educational requirements, aspiring RHITs must also pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The cost of becoming a RHIT varies depending on the school you attend and any financial aid you may receive. Generally speaking, tuition for an Associate's degree program in health information technology will range from $10,000-$20,000. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the RHIT exam which currently stands at $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members.

6. Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP)

Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP) is a certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in clinical documentation improvement and health information management.

The CCDIP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in a clinical documentation improvement role, as well as completion of an approved education program. The program must include courses on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding principles, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, healthcare reimbursement systems, and quality improvement methods.

The CCDIP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It costs $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members. To maintain the certification, CCDIPs must complete 30 continuing education credits every three years.

7. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification is an industry-recognized credential for health information professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the field of health information management. The certification demonstrates that a professional has the necessary competencies to effectively manage patient data, ensure accuracy and privacy of patient records, and facilitate the efficient use of healthcare resources.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all requirements for AHIMA certification. The process includes completing a qualifying degree program or having equivalent work experience, passing an exam, and meeting continuing education requirements.

To get AHIMA certification, you must first meet the eligibility criteria for your desired credential. This includes having at least two years of relevant experience or a degree from an accredited college or university in health information management or a related field. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for an exam with AHIMA and pay the associated fee.

The cost of getting AHIMA certification depends on which credential you are pursuing and when you take the exam. Generally speaking, exams range from $200-$400 USD per attempt plus additional fees if applicable. Some certifications also require annual renewal fees in order to maintain active status.

8. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certification

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a national professional organization that provides certification and training for medical coding professionals. AAPC certification is a voluntary process that verifies an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in medical coding. It is designed to ensure that coders are up-to-date on the most current coding guidelines, have a thorough understanding of the coding process, and possess the necessary skills to accurately code patient encounters.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to obtain AAPC certification depending on the level of experience and prior education. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the AAPC. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, CPT codes, HCPCS codes, and reimbursement methodologies.

The cost of obtaining AAPC certification varies depending on the type of certification sought after. For example, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) certification costs $399 for members or $499 for non-members; CPCO (Certified Professional Compliance Officer) certification costs $299 for members or $399 for non-members; and CPMA (Certified Professional Medical Auditor) certification costs $299 for members or $399 for non-members.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also meet certain educational requirements in order to be eligible for each type of certification offered by the AAPC. These requirements vary based on the specific type of certification sought after but may include completing relevant college courses or obtaining additional certifications from other organizations such as AHIMA or PMI.

9. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Records Clerk Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Records Clerk Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in medical records management. It is intended for those who are employed in or are interested in working in the medical records field.

The NHA Medical Records Clerk Certification requires that applicants pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, filing systems, record-keeping procedures and legal issues related to health information. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $189 USD. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience as a medical records clerk or equivalent position within the past five years OR have completed an accredited postsecondary program in health information technology or related field within the past five years.

Applicants can register for the exam online through Pearson VUE’s website or by calling 1-877-737-4457. Once registered, applicants will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their NHA Medical Records Clerk Certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue.

10. American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) Certification

The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize medical billing professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field. It is the only national certification program for medical billers, and it is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as Medicare and Medicaid regulations, coding systems, insurance claims processing, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in medical billing or coding.

The cost of taking the AMBA Certification Exam is $299 USD for members of AAPC, or $399 USD for non-members. The cost includes access to study materials and an online practice exam.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their AMBA Certification within four weeks. The certification is valid for two years from the date it was issued. After two years, applicants must recertify by taking a recertification examination or completing continuing education credits.

Do You Really Need a Medical Records Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of job you are applying for. In some cases, a medical records clerk certificate may be necessary in order to be considered for a position. For example, if you are looking to become a medical records clerk at a hospital or clinic, then it would be beneficial to have this certification. This is especially true if the employer requires it in order for you to be hired.

In other cases, such as when you are applying for an administrative or clerical position that involves handling medical records but does not require any specialized knowledge or skills, then having the certification might not be necessary. In fact, depending on the employer and job requirements, employers may prefer applicants with a degree in general business administration rather than those with a specific certificate in medical records management.

In short, whether or not you need a medical records clerk certificate depends on the job you are applying for and what qualifications the employer is looking for. It’s important to research the specific job requirements before making your decision about whether or not to pursue certification in this field.

Related: Medical Records Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Records Clerk Certifications

Q1: What is a Medical Records Clerk Certification?

A1: A Medical Records Clerk Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills related to the management of medical records. It is typically offered by professional organizations and certifying bodies, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Q2: How do I become certified as a Medical Records Clerk?

A2: To become certified as a Medical Records Clerk, you must meet certain educational and/or experience requirements, successfully pass a certification exam, and maintain your certification through continuing education.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Medical Records Clerk?

A3: Becoming certified as a Medical Records Clerk can help demonstrate your commitment to quality patient care, improve your job prospects, and boost your salary. Additionally, it may provide access to professional development opportunities and networking events.

Q4: How long does it take to complete the certification process?

A4: The length of time required to complete the certification process will vary depending on the certifying body and individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it may take several months or longer.

Q5: Is there an expiration date for my Medical Records Clerk Certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date. However, this date can be extended by completing continuing education courses or other activities specific to the certifying body's requirements.