Top 10 Patient Care Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a patient care manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional proficiency and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications provide employers with an assurance that a patient care manager is qualified to manage their organization’s patient care system and has the necessary skills to do so. Additionally, certifications demonstrate that the patient care manager is up-to-date on changes in the industry, which can be beneficial for organizations looking to stay ahead of the competition. Finally, certifications can open doors to more job opportunities and higher salaries due to their increased value in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various certifications available to Patient Care Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Patient Care Manager Certifications?

Patient Care Manager Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. This certification is offered through professional organizations such as the American Association of Patient Care Managers (AAPCM) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

The certification provides healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge to effectively manage patient care. It covers topics such as financial management, risk management, health informatics, customer service, organizational leadership, quality improvement processes and regulatory compliance. By obtaining this certification, healthcare professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality patient care and show employers that they are well-equipped to lead a team of caregivers.

Having the Patient Care Manager Certification can help healthcare professionals advance their careers by increasing their credibility and demonstrating their expertise in managing patient care. It also increases job opportunities by allowing them to apply for more advanced positions in healthcare organizations or pursue managerial roles in other medical settings. Additionally, having this certification can provide a competitive edge over other job applicants who may not have it. Finally, it allows managers to stay informed about new developments within the field of patient care management so they can better serve their patients.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different patient care manager certifications available and find one that best fits your career goals. Many certifications provide specialized training in areas such as medical coding, billing, case management, and healthcare administration. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education credits to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in patient care management.

Related: What does a Patient Care Manager do?

Top 10 Patient Care Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Patient Care Managers today.

1. Certified Patient Care Manager (CPCM)

Certified Patient Care Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). The CPCM certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in patient care management. It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage patient care in a variety of settings.

The CPCM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as patient assessment, care coordination, quality improvement, and risk management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a bachelor's degree in healthcare or related field, two years of work experience in patient care management or related field, and completion of an approved course on patient care management. Applicants must also pass the CPCM exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the CPCM exam is $395 for NAHQ members and $495 for non-members. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or obtaining other certifications required for eligibility.

2. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of medical office managers. The CMOM certification is offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of managing a medical office including patient registration, billing and coding, scheduling, financial management, personnel management, legal and regulatory compliance, customer service and more.

The CMOM certification requires successful completion of an online exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, healthcare regulations and laws, insurance claims processing, medical billing procedures and coding systems. To be eligible for the exam you must have at least two years of experience in a medical office setting or have completed an accredited medical office manager training program.

The cost for the CMOM certification exam is $195 USD. You can register for the exam on the NHA website or by calling 1-800-499-9092. The exam fee includes study materials and access to practice exams. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official certificate within 4–6 weeks.

The CMOM credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain your certification you must complete 30 continuing education credits (CEUs) every three years to demonstrate your commitment to staying up to date with industry standards and best practices.

3. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the management of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The CNHA credential is awarded by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the CNHA certification, which includes completing a state-approved nursing home administrator program and passing the NAB exam. The program involves courses in health care administration, finance, human resources, legal issues, and other topics related to long-term care.

To get certified as a CNHA, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and having at least one year of experience working in a long-term care facility. You must also have completed an approved nursing home administrator program and passed the NAB exam.

The cost for becoming a Certified Nursing Home Administrator varies depending on your state of residence and other factors such as whether you are taking courses online or attending classes in person. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $2,000-$4,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing an approved nursing home administrator program. In addition to tuition costs, you may also need to pay for exam fees and any additional materials required for your studies.

4. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies necessary for quality professionals in the healthcare industry. The CPHQ certification is administered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPHQ certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as healthcare quality management, performance improvement, patient safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance. It typically takes between six months and one year of study to prepare for the exam.

In order to be eligible to take the CPHQ exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a healthcare quality role within the past five years. Applicants must also have either a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The cost of taking the CPHQ exam varies depending on whether you are a member of NAHQ or not. For non-members, it costs $395 USD; for members, it costs $295 USD.

5. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program offered by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF). It is the only credential that recognizes patient safety professionals for their knowledge, skills, and abilities in this field. The CPPS certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of core competencies related to patient safety, including leadership, communication, system design and analysis, risk management, quality improvement, and data analysis.

To become certified as a CPPS professional, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience working in a patient safety-related field or completing an approved education program related to patient safety. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the NPSF.

The CPPS exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety principles and practices; healthcare systems; quality improvement; risk management; legal issues; data collection and analysis; communication strategies; and leadership. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of taking the CPPS exam varies depending on whether you are an NPSF member or not. For non-members, the fee is $595 USD while members pay $495 USD. After successfully passing the exam, individuals receive their certification within 2-4 weeks after completion of all requirements.

6. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise of case managers in providing quality services to clients. The CCM certification is offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC).

The CCM certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in case management and successful completion of an exam. To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a valid RN or social work license, at least two years of full-time case management experience, and completion of 45 hours of continuing education within the past five years.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. It covers topics such as care coordination, patient advocacy, legal and ethical issues, health promotion and disease prevention, reimbursement systems, psychosocial assessment and interventions, and other aspects related to case management practice.

To apply for the CCM certification exam, applicants must submit an application form with supporting documentation and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are an RN or social worker; it is $395 for RNs and $325 for social workers.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CCM credential. This credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued; after three years you will need to recertify by submitting proof of continuing education credits earned over that time period.

7. Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)

A Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) is a professional who specializes in the review, analysis, and improvement of clinical documentation. They are responsible for ensuring that medical records accurately reflect the patient's health status and care provided. CCDSs help to improve accuracy and completeness of medical records, which can lead to better patient outcomes and improved reimbursement for healthcare providers.

To become a Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS), individuals must complete an accredited program or have at least two years of experience in coding or clinical documentation improvement. Once they have completed their training, applicants must pass the CCDS exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding principles, quality assurance principles, and healthcare reimbursement systems.

The cost of taking the CCDS exam varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or not. For non-members, it costs $395 to take the exam; members pay $295. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

8. Certified Professional Coder-Physician Practice (CPC-P)

Certified Professional Coder-Physician Practice (CPC-P) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize coders who have a comprehensive understanding of medical coding and billing for physician practices. The CPC-P certification requires coders to demonstrate their knowledge in coding and billing for physician services, including evaluation and management (E&M) services, laboratory tests, radiology tests, and other procedures.

The CPC-P exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within five hours. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get the CPC-P certification, applicants must first join the AAPC as a member. After joining, applicants can register for the exam online or by mail. They will then need to pay an exam fee of $399 USD to take the exam.

Applicants should allow at least one month before taking the CPC-P exam to study and prepare for it. The AAPC offers several resources to help applicants prepare for the exam such as practice exams, study guides, and webinars.

9. Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse Practitioner (CACNP)

A Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse Practitioner (CACNP) is a specialized type of nurse practitioner who focuses on providing primary care services in an outpatient setting. CACNPs are responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. They also work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become a CACNP. This includes completing a Master’s degree program in nursing or related field, such as Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. During this time, students must complete courses in advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and clinical practice management. In addition to completing coursework, students must also pass the national certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become certified as a CACNP, you must meet certain requirements set by the ANCC. These include having at least one year of experience as an RN working in ambulatory care settings and passing the national certification exam. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on your state’s requirements; however, it typically costs around $500-$1000 for application fees and exam fees combined.

10. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of health information management. This certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The RHIA certification requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in health information management or a related field, and successful completion of the AHIMA-administered exam. To maintain the certification, individuals must complete continuing education requirements every two years.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the RHIA exam. Preparation includes studying for and passing two qualifying exams: one on medical terminology and another on health data structure, content, and standards. Applicants should also be familiar with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT/HCPCS, and DRG/APC.

The cost of taking the RHIA exam is $350 for members of AHIMA ($450 for non-members). The cost of preparation materials varies depending on which resources are used.

Do You Really Need a Patient Care Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a patient care manager certificate in order to work as a patient care manager. However, it may be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career and gain additional knowledge and skills related to the field.

A patient care manager certificate can provide an individual with an understanding of the various aspects of patient care management. It can give them a comprehensive overview of the different roles and responsibilities associated with the job, as well as providing them with a detailed knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern healthcare organizations. By having this knowledge, they can better understand how to handle difficult situations that arise in their role as a patient care manager.

In addition, many employers prefer to hire individuals with this certification because it shows that they have taken the time to learn about the field and have obtained specialized training in order to become qualified for the position. Having this certification also demonstrates that an individual is committed to their profession and has taken initiative in improving their skillset in order to better serve patients and improve their overall performance.

In summary, although you do not need a patient care manager certificate in order to work as one, it may be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career or gain additional knowledge related to the field.

Related: Patient Care Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Care Manager Certifications

1. What is a Patient Care Manager Certification?

Answer: A Patient Care Manager Certification is a certification that recognizes an individual's expertise and proficiency in managing patient care. The certification covers topics such as patient advocacy, healthcare regulations, patient education, communication with healthcare providers, and other relevant topics.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Patient Care Manager Certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining a Patient Care Manager Certification vary depending on the certifying body. Generally speaking, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of patient care management and pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

3. How long does it take to complete my Patient Care Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete your certification depends on the type of program you choose and how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6-12 months of study before taking the exam.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Patient Care Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Patient Care Manager Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in patient care management and provides employers with assurance that you possess the necessary skills to manage patients effectively and efficiently. Additionally, earning this certification can help you advance your career by opening up new job opportunities or providing salary increases at your current place of employment.

5. Is there an age limit for obtaining a Patient Care Manager Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age limit for obtaining a Patient Care Manager Certification; however, some certifying bodies may require applicants to be at least 18 years old due to certain legal restrictions or liability concerns.