Top 11 Medical Supply Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a medical supply technician in the job market because they demonstrate that the technician has met certain standards and has demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform their duties. They also give employers an assurance that the technician is qualified and can be trusted to handle medical supplies effectively and safely. Certified technicians are more likely to be considered for higher-level positions, better salaries, and other benefits. Certifications also provide a way for technicians to stay current on industry trends, standards, and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Medical Supply Technicians and explain how they can enhance a technician's career prospects.

What are Medical Supply Technician Certifications?

Medical supply technician certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person's expertise in the field of medical supplies and equipment. It is designed to help healthcare professionals maintain their knowledge and skills up-to-date in order to provide high quality patient care. This certification can be obtained through an accredited program or professional organization.

The benefits of obtaining medical supply technician certification include:

• Increased job security and better career prospects for those already employed in the medical supply industry;
• Improved ability to provide quality patient care;
• Recognition from employers as a knowledgeable and reliable employee;
• Achieving higher wages due to increased value brought by the certification; and
• Enhanced understanding of current medical trends, regulations, and standards.

By obtaining this certification, healthcare professionals can demonstrate their commitment to providing high quality patient care while also increasing their earning potential. With this credential, they can become more competitive in the job market, as employers recognize the value added by having certified personnel on staff. In addition, it helps healthcare providers stay up-to-date with new advances in the field, allowing them to offer improved services to their patients.

Pro tip: Make sure to research the requirements of any medical supply technician certification program you are considering. Ask the program director or admissions office if they provide any study materials or practice tests to help you prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Medical Supply Technician do?

Top 11 Medical Supply Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Supply Technicians today.

1. Certified Medical Supply Technician (CMST)

Certified Medical Supply Technician (CMST) is a certification program that provides specialized training in the field of medical supply management. The program is designed for those who are interested in working in the medical supply industry, such as hospital and clinic staff, health care providers, and medical supply vendors.

The CMST certification program consists of a series of courses that cover topics such as inventory control, purchasing, receiving and storage, distribution systems, and regulatory compliance. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students receive their CMST certification.

The length of time required to complete the CMST certification program varies depending on the individual's experience level and how quickly they can complete the courses. Generally speaking, it takes between 6-12 months to complete the entire program.

In order to become certified as a CMST you must first apply to an accredited institution that offers the program. After submitting your application you will be required to pass a series of exams in order to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of medical supply management principles.

The cost for obtaining your CMST certification varies depending on which institution you choose to take your courses from; however, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD.

2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional who has been trained and certified to perform administrative and clinical duties in a medical office or clinic. The CCMA certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become a CCMA, you must complete an accredited training program and pass the NHA’s certification exam. The training program typically takes around 6 months to complete, but can vary depending on the school you attend. Most programs include classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience.

In order to take the NHA’s certification exam, you must first register with their website and pay an application fee of $125. Once your application is approved, you will receive a voucher code that allows you to schedule your exam at an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam is $155.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CCMA certification which is valid for two years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification, you must complete continuing education requirements every two years.

3. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a certification program that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have achieved a certain level of training and experience in the field. It is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The CPhT certification requires completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program, passing the PTCB exam, and meeting other requirements such as completing continuing education courses.

It typically takes about six months to become certified as a pharmacy technician. This includes completing an accredited pharmacy technician program, studying for and passing the PTCB exam, and meeting other requirements such as completing continuing education courses.

To get certified as a CPhT, you must first complete an approved pharmacy technician program. Once you have completed your program, you must then pass the PTCB exam in order to be eligible for certification. You may also need to meet additional requirements such as completing continuing education courses or having prior work experience in the field.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPhT varies depending on the type of program you choose to complete and any additional fees associated with taking the PTCB exam or meeting other requirements. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 depending on your individual circumstances.

4. Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)

A Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) is a professional who works in the medical field to ensure that instruments and equipment used in medical procedures are properly cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, and stored. CSPTs are responsible for ensuring that all tools and materials used in a medical procedure are sterile and safe for use.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become a CSPT. To get certified as a CSPT, you must complete an accredited program in sterile processing technology and pass the certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). The CBSPD offers two levels of certification: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) and Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT).

The cost of becoming a CSPT varies depending on the program you choose. Most programs range from $2,000-$4,000, which covers tuition fees, textbooks, supplies, testing fees, etc. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the CBSPD certification exam such as registration fees or travel expenses.

5. Certified Medical Equipment Repairer (CMER)

A Certified Medical Equipment Repairer (CMER) is a professional who repairs, maintains, and calibrates medical equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. This certification is offered by the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC-CET).

To become a CMER, one must have at least two years of experience in the repair and maintenance of medical equipment. The applicant must also pass an exam consisting of multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as safety, electrical principles, biomedical technology, medical equipment operation and maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, and quality assurance.

The cost to take the exam is $175 USD for ICC-CET members or $250 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken online or at an approved testing center. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive results from the test center after taking the exam.

Once certified, CMERs are required to participate in continuing education activities every two years to maintain their certification status.

6. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a healthcare professional who assists in the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. CSTs are responsible for preparing the operating room, setting up equipment and instruments, passing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and providing assistance with patient positioning. They also help maintain sterility in the operating room and may be responsible for cleaning and sterilizing instruments after surgery.

To become a CST, an individual must complete an accredited surgical technology program or have equivalent military training. Most programs take 12 to 24 months to complete. After completing the program, individuals must pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining certification as a CST varies depending on the program chosen and other associated costs such as books, materials, testing fees, etc. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 or more depending on these factors.

7. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides clinical and administrative support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They typically work in medical offices, hospitals, and clinics. CMAs are responsible for performing a variety of tasks such as taking patient histories, preparing patients for exams, assisting with treatments, collecting and processing lab specimens, administering medications, scheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records.

It usually takes between six months to one year to become a CMA depending on the program you choose. To become certified as a CMA you must complete an accredited medical assistant training program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The AAMA offers both online and in-person programs that can help prepare you for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the program you choose. Most programs require tuition fees ranging from $1,000-$3,000. In addition to tuition fees there may also be additional costs for textbooks or other materials needed for the course. You may also need to pay an application fee when applying to take the CMA exam.

8. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a health care professional who provides basic patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs are responsible for providing assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and transferring patients. They also take vital signs and provide emotional support to patients and their families.

It typically takes between 4-12 weeks to become a CNA. The amount of time it takes to complete the program depends on the state you live in and the type of program you choose. Some states require certification courses that can be completed in as little as four weeks while other states may require more extensive training programs that can take up to 12 weeks.

To become a CNA, you must first complete an approved nursing assistant training program. This program will include both classroom instruction and clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Once you have completed your training program, you must then pass an exam administered by your state’s board of nursing in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the type of program you choose and where you live. Most programs range from $500-$1,000 but may be higher or lower depending on the specific requirements in your area.

9. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS) is a certification program offered by the American Heart Association (AHA) to healthcare professionals such as nurses, paramedics, and physicians. The program focuses on providing advanced resuscitation techniques for patients suffering from cardiac arrest or other life-threatening medical emergencies. ACLS certification is designed to help healthcare providers recognize and respond quickly to changes in a patient’s condition and provide timely interventions that can improve outcomes for those patients.

The ACLS certification course typically takes around 8-12 hours to complete and consists of lectures, hands-on practice sessions, and an exam. During the course, participants will learn about advanced airway management techniques, basic pharmacology principles related to resuscitation drugs, rhythm recognition, defibrillation techniques, and post-resuscitation care.

In order to obtain ACLS certification, individuals must first complete an AHA approved Basic Life Support (BLS) course. After completing the BLS course they can then register for an ACLS training class at their local AHA training center or online through a variety of online providers.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $100 - $300 USD.

10. Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)

Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) is a certification that is designed to teach the skills and knowledge necessary to recognize and provide basic life support in an emergency situation. This certification is typically required for healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and EMTs.

The BLS certification process usually takes about 4-6 hours of instruction time. During this time, participants will learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants; use an automated external defibrillator (AED); recognize signs of cardiac arrest; and practice rescue breathing techniques.

In order to get BLS certified, you must take a course from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. These courses are typically offered through local hospitals or medical centers. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but can range anywhere from $50-$200.

Once you have completed the course, you will be given a certificate that is valid for two years. In order to maintain your certification, you must complete a renewal course every two years.

11. National Healthcareer Association Certification in Medical Supply Technician

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification in Medical Supply Technician is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the medical supply field. This certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence and provides employers with assurance that certified individuals possess the necessary competencies to perform their job duties.

It typically takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the NHA Certification in Medical Supply Technician program, depending on individual study habits and dedication. The program consists of an online learning platform, which includes coursework, quizzes, practice tests, and exams. In order to obtain the certification, individuals must successfully complete all coursework and pass a final exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get started with the NHA Certification in Medical Supply Technician program, individuals must first register for an account on the NHA website. After registration is complete, they will be able to access the online learning platform and begin their coursework.

The cost of obtaining the NHA Certification in Medical Supply Technician varies depending on factors such as location and payment method. Generally speaking, it costs around $175-$200 USD for everything required to obtain this certification (including registration fees).

Do You Really Need a Medical Supply Technician Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Medical Supply Technician Certificate depends on a few factors. First, it is important to consider the job requirements of the position you are applying for. Many employers in this field may require some type of certification in order to qualify for certain positions. If the job requires a certificate, then it is necessary to obtain one in order to be considered for the position.

Additionally, having a Medical Supply Technician Certificate can demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in the field. It shows that you have taken the time to learn about medical supplies and how they work, as well as being able to properly handle and maintain them. This can be beneficial when competing for jobs with other candidates who may not possess such credentials.

Finally, obtaining a Medical Supply Technician Certificate can open up new opportunities within the industry and increase your chances of promotion or advancement within your current role. With more experience and skills, you may be able to take on additional responsibilities or move into higher-level positions within the organization. Having a certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when interviewing for jobs or when negotiating salary increases.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Medical Supply Technician Certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. However, in most cases, having one can give you an edge over other applicants and even lead to career advancement opportunities down the line.

Related: Medical Supply Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Supply Technician Certifications

Q1: What is a Medical Supply Technician Certification?

A1: A Medical Supply Technician Certification is a credential that demonstrates proficiency in the field of medical supply technology. It involves training and assessment in topics such as infection control, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and other related topics.

Q2: What are the requirements for certification?

A2: The requirements for certification vary by provider, so it is important to check with your local certifying body for specifics. Generally, most programs require completion of an accredited program or equivalent experience and passing of an examination.

Q3: How long does it take to become certified?

A3: The time required to become certified varies depending on the certifying body and the type of program chosen. However, most certification programs can be completed in 6-12 months.

Q4: Are there any continuing education requirements after certification?

A4: Yes, some certifying bodies may require continuing education credits to maintain certification status. It is important to check with your specific certifying body to determine their exact requirements.

Q5: What are the benefits of being certified as a Medical Supply Technician?

A5: Becoming certified as a Medical Supply Technician can open up career opportunities and increase earning potential. Additionally, it gives you credibility in the field and demonstrates your commitment to professional development and excellence in the workplace.