Top 11 PACS Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a PACS Administrator to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. Certification programs provide evidence of a PACS Administrator’s technical proficiency and help them stand out from other applicants. Employers often look for certified candidates when making hiring decisions because it is a sign that the applicant has acquired the necessary knowledge and skill set to be successful in the role. Certified professionals also have access to exclusive professional networks, resources, and career opportunities which can help them advance their career. Lastly, certifications provide PACS Administrators with a sense of accomplishment and pride, as they have achieved something that is both difficult and highly coveted.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for PACS Administrators and explains how they can help to advance a PACS Administrator's career.

What are PACS Administrator Certifications?

PACS Administrator Certification is a professional certification program for healthcare professionals who manage and maintain Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). PACS are computer systems used to store and distribute medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, Ultrasounds and other digital diagnostic images. These systems require specialized technical knowledge and training to ensure that the images are properly stored, organized, accessible and secure.

The PACS Administrator Certification Program provides certification to those who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to work with PACS systems. This certification can help healthcare professionals demonstrate their expertise in managing PACS systems, differentiate themselves from their peers in the employment market, increase their earning potential and advance their career opportunities. Additionally, employers can use this certification to verify the qualifications of potential hires. Finally, hospitals can use this certification program as a way to assess the competency of current staff members who manage PACS systems.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of the resources available to you when preparing for PACS Administrator Certification. Read up on industry best practices, attend webinars and seminars, and network with other professionals in the field to gain an understanding of what is expected. Additionally, keep abreast of changes in technology and regulations that may impact your ability to maintain certification.

Related: What does a PACS Administrator do?

Top 11 PACS Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to PACS Administrators today.

1. CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician

CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals working in healthcare settings. It is designed to demonstrate the ability to use hardware, software, networking, security, and other technologies to support healthcare organizations.

The CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician certification consists of two exams: CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician (HIT-001) and CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician+ (HIT-002). The HIT-001 exam covers topics such as medical terminology, HIPAA compliance, electronic health records (EHRs), and computer systems. The HIT-002 exam covers topics such as patient safety and privacy, data management, system maintenance and troubleshooting.

To become certified as a CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician, you must pass both exams. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

The cost of the CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician certification depends on where you take the exam. In the United States, it typically costs around $250 per exam.

2. CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician+

CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician+ is a certification designed for individuals who provide technical support and implementation services to healthcare organizations. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of healthcare IT professionals in areas such as healthcare regulations, privacy and security, system design and implementation, troubleshooting, and customer service.

The CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician+ certification requires passing two exams: CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician (HIT-001) and CompTIA HIT Pro (HIT-002). The HIT-001 exam covers topics such as healthcare regulations, privacy and security, system design and implementation, troubleshooting, customer service, and more. The HIT-002 exam focuses on the practical application of these topics.

The exams are available online or at authorized testing centers. The cost of each exam is $220 USD. It typically takes about three months to prepare for both exams depending on your level of experience with healthcare IT systems.

To get the certification you must pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher on each exam. Once you have passed both exams you will receive your official CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician+ certification from CompTIA.

3. Certified PACS Administrator (CPAC)

Certified PACS Administrator (CPAC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). The CPAC designation is awarded to those who demonstrate expertise in the areas of PACS hardware, software, networking, storage, and data management.

The CPAC certification is offered by the American College of Radiology (ACR). To be eligible for the CPAC certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with PACS systems. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as system architecture, installation and maintenance, user interface design, data security and privacy laws, and troubleshooting.

It takes approximately six months to complete all requirements for the CPAC certification. Applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their work experience and references from employers or colleagues. Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions about PACS technology.

The cost for taking the CPAC exam is $400 for members of ACR or $500 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from ACR recognizing them as Certified PACS Administrators.

4. Certified Radiology Information Systems Administrator (CRISA)

Certified Radiology Information Systems Administrator (CRISA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage, maintain and support radiology information systems. This certification is offered by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The CRISA certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field of radiology information systems. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as system architecture, data management, security, system maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $450 for members of ACR or $550 for non-members.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application along with proof of experience in the field of radiology information systems. Once approved, applicants will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CRISA certification.

5. Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP)

Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of imaging informatics. The CIIP certification is offered by the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHIMA).

The CIIP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in imaging informatics, including topics such as medical imaging technology, data management, healthcare information systems, and health information exchange. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and support an imaging informatics system.

In order to become certified as a CIIP, candidates must complete an AHIMA-approved course in imaging informatics and pass an exam administered by AHIMA. The course typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's learning style and availability.

In order to register for the exam, candidates must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the approved course. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

6. AHIMA Radiology Information Systems (RIS) Certification

AHIMA Radiology Information Systems (RIS) Certification is a credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the implementation, management and use of radiology information systems. This certification helps ensure that healthcare organizations are able to provide quality care for their patients.

The RIS Certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience working with radiology information systems, as well as having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Applicants must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

The cost of the RIS Certification varies depending on the type of application you choose. The cost for a paper application is $395, while the cost for an online application is $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam, such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if you are taking it at a testing center outside your local area.

The process of obtaining your RIS Certification typically takes around four weeks from start to finish. After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and schedule a date and time that works best for you. Once you have passed the exam, AHIMA will send you your official certificate within six weeks after passing the exam.

7. AHIMA Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) Certification

AHIMA Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in improving the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation. It is designed to help healthcare professionals improve the quality of patient care by ensuring accurate, complete, and consistent clinical documentation.

The CDIP exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in health information management or related field. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must also have completed at least 10 hours of continuing education in clinical documentation improvement within the past two years.

To get the CDIP certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within four weeks.

8. Certified Medical Imaging Informatics Professional (CMIIP)

Certified Medical Imaging Informatics Professional (CMIIP) is a certification program offered by the American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI). This certification program is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage medical imaging informatics systems. The CMIIP certification is intended for individuals who have a strong understanding of medical imaging informatics and its application in healthcare settings.

The CMIIP certification requires successful completion of an online course, which typically takes around 6 months to complete. This course covers topics such as medical imaging informatics, data management, and system design. After completion of the course, candidates must pass an exam administered by ACMI in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CMIIP, you must first register for the online course through ACMI's website. The cost of the course varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in-person; however, it typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will be awarded your CMIIP certification from ACMI.

9. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) PACS Administrator Certification

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) PACS Administrator Certification is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). This certification is offered by ARDMS in partnership with the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM).

In order to obtain this certification, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience working with PACS systems. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as system architecture, networking principles, storage techniques, security protocols, data management principles, and troubleshooting methods. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the ARDMS PACS Administrator Certification program is $375 USD. This fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as the official exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their certification credential which is valid for three years.

In order to maintain their certification status after three years, applicants must complete 45 continuing education credits during that period. These credits can be obtained through activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to PACS or participating in webinars or online courses related to PACS administration.

Overall, obtaining the ARDMS PACS Administrator Certification requires a significant time commitment but can be very beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in medical imaging informatics.

10. DICOM Certified Professional (DCP)

DICOM Certified Professional (DCP) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to work with medical imaging systems. The DCP certification is administered by the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Standards Committee, which is a non-profit organization responsible for developing and maintaining standards for medical imaging.

The DCP certification requires individuals to complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as DICOM fundamentals, medical imaging modalities, data management, workflow optimization, and system integration. The courses are offered online or through in-person training. The exams are administered online or at approved testing centers.

The DCP certification typically takes about six months to complete depending on how quickly the individual completes the coursework and passes the exams. To get certified, individuals must first register for the program and pay a fee of $395 USD. After registration, they can start taking courses and preparing for the exams. Once all requirements have been met, individuals will receive their DCP certificate from DICOM.

The cost of the DCP certification varies depending on how many courses and exams are taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD to become certified.

11. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills in designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in Microsoft cloud technologies such as Windows Server, System Center, Azure, Hyper-V, and more.

How long does it take to get it?

It typically takes around 6 months to 1 year of study and preparation to obtain the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification.

How to get it?

To obtain the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, you must first pass two exams: Exam 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions and Exam 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack. You can find more information about these exams on the Microsoft Learning website.

How much does it cost?

The cost of taking the two exams necessary for obtaining the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification will vary depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD.

Do You Really Need a PACS Administrator Certificate?

A PACS Administrator Certificate is an important credential for individuals who work in the field of medical imaging. This certificate verifies that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to administer and manage Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). It also demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care and safety.

The answer to whether or not you need a PACS Administrator Certificate depends on your job role and experience level. If you are already working as a PACS Administrator, then having this certificate may help you advance in your career by showing potential employers that you have the necessary qualifications and competencies to do the job well. On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the medical imaging field, then obtaining this certification may be beneficial as it will give you an edge over other applicants when applying for positions.

In addition to demonstrating competency, having a PACS Administrator Certificate can also provide professional recognition for those who hold it. Employers often look for certified professionals when recruiting new staff members, so having this certification could open up more job opportunities for you. Additionally, some organizations may even offer higher salaries or bonuses to those with this certification due to their increased knowledge base.

Overall, obtaining a PACS Administrator Certificate can be beneficial depending on your situation. If you are looking to advance in your career or want to demonstrate your commitment to quality patient care, then getting certified might be worth considering.

Related: PACS Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About PACS Administrator Certifications

1. What is a PACS Administrator Certification?

Answer: A PACS Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the implementation, management and maintenance of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).

2. What are the requirements to become certified as a PACS Administrator?

Answer: To become certified as a PACS Administrator, you must have at least two years of experience in the healthcare industry, one year of experience in radiology or imaging technology, and successfully pass the certification exam.

3. How do I prepare for the PACS Administrator Certification Exam?

Answer: To prepare for the certification exam, it is important to study topics such as medical imaging technology, healthcare IT systems design and implementation, hardware/software configuration and troubleshooting, network security protocols, database fundamentals and patient privacy laws. Additionally, many organizations offer review courses or study guides to help individuals prepare for their exams.

4. How often do I need to renew my PACS Administrator Certification?

Answer: The certification must be renewed every three years through continuing education credits (CECs) or by retaking the examination.

5. Are there any additional certifications that may be beneficial for a PACS administrator?

Answer: Yes, there are several additional certifications that can be beneficial for a PACS administrator including Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA), Certified Medical Imaging Informatics Professional (CMIIP) and Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS).