Top 11 Medical Records Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a medical records specialist in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the qualifications and knowledge necessary to perform the job. Employers value certifications as assurance of an applicant’s ability to handle complex tasks related to medical records. They also provide evidence that the specialist is up-to-date on industry regulations, standards, and best practices. Having certifications may give a medical records specialist an edge over other candidates who do not have them. Additionally, some employers may require certain certifications for employment in certain positions or roles.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Medical Records Specialists and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Medical Records Specialist Certifications?

Medical records specialist certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly maintain and manage medical records. This certification is highly sought after by healthcare organizations as it ensures that their medical record staff are knowledgeable in the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing the management of medical records.

Having a certified medical records specialist on staff can help healthcare organizations stay compliant with federal and state regulations for maintaining patient health information. A certified specialist can also help ensure that all confidential patient information remains secure, up to date, and accurate. They will be able to identify any issues or discrepancies with the way medical records are kept and stored, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, they can provide guidance to other staff members on proper documentation practices and policies.

Overall, having a certified medical records specialist on staff can help ensure that an organization’s medical records are properly managed, secure, and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. It can also lead to improved efficiency in the management of patient health information across the organization.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a certification course to become a Medical Records Specialist. Certification can help you stand out from other job seekers and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. It also provides a way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in medical records management.

Related: What does a Medical Records Specialist do?

Top 11 Medical Records Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been trained and certified to use electronic health records (EHRs). This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and provides recognition of an individual’s expertise in EHR technology. The CEHRS certification is designed to demonstrate that the holder has the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage, maintain, and utilize EHR systems.

The CEHRS certification process takes approximately three months from the time of application submission. The first step is to complete an online application form, which includes providing proof of education or experience in healthcare or information technology. Once approved, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as patient privacy laws, data security, healthcare IT systems, and other related topics.

The cost for the CEHRS exam varies depending on whether you are taking it through NHA or through another testing center. Through NHA, the fee is $219 for members and $239 for non-members. If you choose to take the exam at a different testing center, fees may vary depending on the location.

Overall, obtaining your CEHRS certification can be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career in healthcare IT or if you are looking to demonstrate your expertise in EHR technology.

2. Certified Medical Records Technician (CMRT)

A Certified Medical Records Technician (CMRT) is a professional who specializes in the organization, maintenance, and retrieval of patient medical records. CMRTs are responsible for ensuring that all medical records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date. They must also ensure that all information is kept confidential and secure.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process for CMRT. To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited program from an approved institution and pass a certification exam administered by either the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The cost of becoming a CMRT varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to become certified.

3. Certified Healthcare Data Analyst (CHDA)

Certified Healthcare Data Analyst (CHDA) is a credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a mastery of skills in healthcare data analysis and management. The CHDA credential demonstrates an individual’s ability to understand, analyze, and interpret data in order to inform decision-making and improve healthcare outcomes.

The CHDA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have at least five years of experience working with healthcare data.

To obtain the CHDA credential, you will need to register for the exam through AHIMA's website. The cost for the exam is $395 for AHIMA members and $495 for non-members. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your CHDA certificate via mail within 8-10 weeks.

4. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in medical coding and billing. The CPC credential is the most widely-recognized medical coding certification in the healthcare industry.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, CPT procedure coding, HCPCS Level II supply codes, and medical reimbursement methodologies. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within five hours.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or non-member. For members, the fee is $399; for non-members it is $499. In addition to the exam fee, applicants may also need to pay for study materials such as books or online courses.

It typically takes three months to prepare for the CPC exam. During this time, applicants should review all relevant material and practice solving sample questions to ensure they are well prepared for the test. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their official CPC certification from AAPC.

5. Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS)

A Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS) is a professional who specializes in coding healthcare services for insurance reimbursement. They are responsible for accurately assigning codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments using the appropriate coding system. This ensures that healthcare providers receive accurate payments from insurers and other payers.

It typically takes six months to one year of study to become a Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS). The certification process requires candidates to pass an exam administered by either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To become a CMCS, you must first complete an accredited program in medical coding. These programs can be found at many community colleges, vocational schools, and online universities. After completing the program, you must then take and pass the certification exam administered by either AAPC or AHIMA.

The cost of becoming a CMCS varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, tuition for a medical coding program ranges from $2,000-$4,000. The cost of taking the certification exam is usually around $300-$400.

6. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in the management and maintenance of medical records. RHITs are responsible for ensuring that health information is accurate, complete, and secure in both paper and electronic formats. They must also adhere to all applicable laws and regulations related to the privacy and security of patient information.

To become an RHIT, individuals must first complete an accredited associate degree program in health information technology or a related field. Most programs take two years to complete; however, some may take longer depending on the number of credits required for graduation. Upon completion of the program, students must then pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The cost of becoming an RHIT depends on several factors such as tuition costs at the school you attend, fees associated with taking the exam, and any additional certifications or training you may need. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$5,000 depending on these factors.

Once certified as an RHIT, individuals will be able to work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, nursing homes, insurance companies and more. The job outlook for RHITs is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade due to increasing demand for qualified professionals in this field.

7. Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP)

Certified Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CCDIP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who specialize in improving the accuracy and completeness of patient health information. The CCDIP certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The CCDIP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in clinical documentation improvement, as well as a current Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as coding accuracy, data quality, and clinical documentation improvement processes.

It typically takes four to six weeks to complete the application process and obtain the CCDIP certification. Applicants must submit their application materials, including proof of experience and credentials, along with an application fee. The cost of the CCDIP certification ranges from $350 to $400 depending on membership status with AHIMA.

8. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPHQ certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in healthcare quality. It is a voluntary credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and commitment to quality improvement, patient safety, and risk management.

It typically takes about one year to complete the requirements for the CPHQ certification. To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of experience in healthcare quality or related fields, and must pass an exam administered by NAHQ. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as healthcare quality principles, performance measurement, risk management, patient safety, accreditation standards, and regulatory compliance.

The cost for the CPHQ application fee is $200 USD for NAHQ members and $400 USD for non-members. In addition to the application fee, there is also an exam fee of $350 USD for NAHQ members and $450 USD for non-members. Once certified, individuals must renew their CPHQ credentials every three years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the exam.

9. Certified Medical Record Auditor (CMRA)

A Certified Medical Record Auditor (CMRA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of medical record auditing. CMRA certification is granted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical record documentation, coding, and compliance.

It typically takes between six to nine months to complete the requirements for CMRA certification. This includes completing an approved course or program, submitting a portfolio of work experience, and passing the CMRA exam.

To become certified as a CMRA, you must first meet eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time experience in health information management or related fields within the last five years; completion of an AHIMA-approved course or program; and successful completion of the CMRA exam.

The cost for taking the CMRA exam is $399 for AHIMA members and $499 for non-members. Additional costs may be incurred if you need to take additional courses or programs to meet eligibility requirements.

10. American Health Information Management Association's Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing patient health information and medical records. The RHIA credential is one of the most sought-after credentials in the healthcare industry and is widely respected as a symbol of excellence.

To become an RHIA, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least an associate degree in health information management from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). They must also have completed at least three years of full-time work experience in health information management, or a combination of education and experience that totals five years.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the RHIA exam administered by AHIMA. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data analysis, data management, quality improvement, privacy and security, healthcare reimbursement systems, clinical classifications systems, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the RHIA exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AHIMA member. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members it is $345. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their RHIA certification within six weeks.

Overall, obtaining an RHIA certification requires dedication and hard work but can be well worth it for those looking to advance their careers in health information management.

11. National Healthcareer Association's Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in medical administrative assistance.

The CMAA is a comprehensive certification program that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding, scheduling, insurance processing, and more. To earn the CMAA credential, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of these topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To qualify for the CMAA exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least one year of experience working in a medical office setting or completing an approved training program. Applicants must also be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The cost of the CMAA exam varies depending on where you take it. The NHA charges $125 for the exam if taken at an NHA testing center or $150 if taken online. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a third-party testing center.

Once you have passed the CMAA exam, you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks from NHA. Your certification will remain valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the CMAA exam or completing continuing education credits.

Do You Really Need a Medical Records Specialist Certificate?

The short answer to this question is “it depends.” While it is true that having a Medical Records Specialist Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in the medical records field, it is not always necessary.

For those who have already obtained an associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, health information technology, or a related field, they may not need to obtain a Medical Records Specialist Certificate. However, if you are seeking a more specialized role in the medical records field, such as coding and billing specialist or a health information manager, then obtaining certification could be beneficial. It can help demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and provide additional credibility when applying for jobs.

In addition to demonstrating your knowledge of the field, earning certification can also open up opportunities for advancement within the medical records profession. For example, many employers prefer to hire individuals with certification when filling higher-level positions like medical records director or supervisor. This can give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess these credentials.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Medical Records Specialist Certificate is something that will depend on your individual situation and goals. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the medical records field but don’t already have an education background related to healthcare administration or health information technology, then it may be worth considering obtaining certification as it could provide additional benefits throughout your career.

Related: Medical Records Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Records Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Medical Records Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Medical Records Specialist Certification is a credential that demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills in the field of medical records and information management. This certification program is designed to enhance the knowledge and abilities of medical records professionals in order to provide competent, quality health care information management services.

2. How do I become certified as a Medical Records Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as a Medical Records Specialist, you must first meet the eligibility requirements and complete an accredited training or educational program in medical records and information management. Once you have completed your training, you can then take the certification exam from one of several certifying organizations such as AHIMA or AAPC.

3. What are some of the topics covered on the Medical Records Specialist Certification Exam?

Answer: The topics covered on the certification exam vary depending on which organization administers the exam, but typically include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare law, coding systems, data analysis and interpretation, healthcare system operations, professional ethics and standards, clinical documentation improvement techniques, health information technology systems and more.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Medical Records Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified varies depending on individual circumstances such as prior education or experience in health information management or related fields. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become fully certified depending on your background and level of commitment to studying for the certification exam.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Medical Records Specialist Certification?

Answer: Yes! Most certifying organizations require that you maintain your certification status by participating in continuing education activities such as attending conferences or completing courses related to medical records specialist topics every few years in order to stay up-to-date on industry changes and best practices.