Top 11 Patient Care Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a patient care specialist in the job market because they demonstrate competence and expertise in the field. Certifications provide employers with an assurance that the individual has received proper training and is qualified to handle medical tasks, including handling patient information and providing quality care. Certifications also provide evidence of ongoing professional development, which can be essential for career advancement. Finally, certifications may be required in order to work in certain healthcare settings or to qualify for certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Patient Care Specialists and explain how they can help enhance a patient care specialist's career.

What are Patient Care Specialist Certifications?

Patient care specialist certification is an official recognition of a healthcare professional's knowledge and skills in providing patient-centered care. It is designed to validate an individual’s clinical abilities and competency in caring for patients, helping them to better serve their communities. Certified patient care specialists demonstrate their qualifications and commitment to providing quality care by meeting the standards set forth by the certifying organization or board.

Having a patient care specialist certification can be beneficial in many ways. For healthcare professionals, it can provide greater credibility, as well as increased job opportunities with higher salaries. It also demonstrates that they have taken the time to gain additional knowledge and skills, which can lead to more responsibility and leadership roles within their field. Additionally, certified patient care specialists are more likely to stay up-to-date on best practices in medical science and healthcare technology, allowing them to provide more effective treatments for their patients. Finally, certified patient care specialists are often viewed as trusted advisors who can offer valuable insight into the best course of treatment for their patients.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a patient care specialist certification, research the various certifying organizations to ensure that you are selecting the one that best fits your career goals. Many certifying organizations have different levels of certification and require different continuing education requirements, so make sure to choose one that meets your individual needs.

Related: What does a Patient Care Specialist do?

Top 11 Patient Care Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the direction of a registered nurse or other medical staff. CNAs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care services and other health care settings.

CNAs typically provide basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, feeding and taking vital signs. They also help with activities of daily living such as transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs and assisting with ambulation. In some states, CNAs may be allowed to perform more advanced tasks such as administering medications and treatments.

To become a CNA, you must complete an approved training program which usually takes 6-12 weeks to complete. The cost of the training program varies depending on the state and institution offering it. After completing the training program, you must pass a competency exam administered by your state’s board of nursing in order to become certified. Once certified, CNAs must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses.

The cost for CNA training programs can range from $500-$3,000 depending on the length of the program and location where it is offered. The cost for taking the competency exam also varies by state but generally ranges from $50-$200.

2. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides patient care and administrative services in a medical office setting. CMAs are responsible for performing clinical duties such as taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, preparing patients for exams, administering medications, and providing patient education. They also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing medical records, coding insurance forms, and billing patients.

It typically takes between one to two years to become a CMA. The first step is to complete an accredited medical assistant program at a community college or vocational school. Most programs include courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, clinical procedures, medical law and ethics, and computer applications. Upon completion of the program you must pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the type of program you choose. Tuition for most accredited programs ranges from $2,000 - $10,000. Additional fees may include books and supplies as well as exam fees for the AAMA certification exam ($125).

3. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) is a certification program offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, competent patient care. The CPCT certification is valid for two years and requires renewal every two years.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an accredited patient care technician program or having at least one year of work experience as a patient care technician. Applicants must also pass the NHA Certified Patient Care Technician Exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you take it online or in-person. Online exams cost $125 and in-person exams cost $150. In addition to the exam fee, there are also additional fees for study materials, practice tests and other resources that may be needed to prepare for the exam.

Once certified, CPCTs can demonstrate their knowledge and abilities in providing safe, competent patient care. This certification can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

4. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

A Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a professional who provides personal care and assistance to individuals in their homes. CHHAs provide services such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errand running, and companionship. They may also assist with medical tasks such as taking vital signs or administering medication.

To become certified as a CHHA, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass both a written and practical exam. The length of the training program varies by state but typically takes between 75-120 hours to complete. The cost of the program can range from $400-$1000 depending on the provider.

In most states, once an individual has completed their training program they must apply for certification through their state's health department or regulatory board. This process usually requires submission of proof of completion of the training course along with other documentation such as background checks and fingerprinting. Once approved, individuals will receive their certification card which is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

5. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional medical assistant who has completed an accredited program and passed the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. The CCMA credential is designed to demonstrate competency in clinical patient care, basic laboratory procedures, administrative tasks, and other related duties.

The program typically takes around six months to complete. It includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in medical office procedures. To become certified, applicants must complete an accredited program, pass the NHA's CCMA exam with a score of at least 70%, and pay a fee for certification.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 - $1,500 for the entire program including tuition fees, textbooks and materials, and the certification exam fee.

6. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is a professional certification that demonstrates a phlebotomist has achieved a certain level of competency in the field. A CPT is trained to collect blood specimens from patients for laboratory testing, and may also be responsible for other tasks related to specimen collection, such as labeling and transporting specimens.

In order to become certified, candidates must complete an accredited training program and pass an examination administered by a certifying body. The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual’s prior experience and educational background. Generally, most programs can be completed in 6-12 months.

In order to become certified, you will need to find an accredited phlebotomy training program. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. Once you have completed the program, you will need to register with a certifying body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). You will then need to take and pass the exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of program you choose and the certifying body you use. Generally speaking, tuition for accredited programs ranges from $1,000-$3,000 while registration fees for exams range from $100-$200.

7. Certified EKG Technician (CET)

A Certified EKG Technician (CET) is a professional who has been trained to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs). They are responsible for attaching electrodes to the patient’s chest and arms, connecting them to an EKG machine, and recording the electrical activity of the heart. This information is then used by physicians to diagnose cardiac conditions.

It typically takes between 6-12 weeks to become certified as an EKG Technician. The certification process involves completing a training program that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical ethics, and other related topics. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as an EKG Technician, individuals must enroll in a training program offered by a college or university or through a private institution. The cost of these programs varies depending on the institution offering it but can range from $500-$1,500. In addition to the cost of the program itself, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

Once certified, EKG Technicians may be eligible for higher salaries and more job opportunities than those without certification. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified technicians due to their increased knowledge and skill level.

8. Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT)

A Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) is a healthcare professional who has been trained, certified, and licensed to provide dialysis treatments. Dialysis technicians are responsible for operating the dialysis machine, monitoring the patient’s vital signs during treatment, and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. They also assist in preparing patients for dialysis treatments, as well as providing education and support to patients and their families.

It typically takes between six months and one year of training to become a Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT). This includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience in a hospital or dialysis center setting. During this time, students will learn about the anatomy of the kidney, how dialysis works, how to operate the equipment used in dialysis treatments, infection control procedures, patient care techniques, and more.

In order to become certified as a CDT, individuals must first complete an accredited program of study from an approved institution. After completing the program of study, individuals must then pass an exam administered by either the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) or the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology (BONENT). Once certified as a CDT, individuals may be eligible for state licensure depending on local regulations.

The cost to become a Certified Dialysis Technician varies depending on where you take your classes. Generally speaking though it can range anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 including tuition fees and textbooks.

9. Certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B)

A Certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) is a healthcare professional who has been trained to provide basic life support in emergency medical situations. EMT-B's are trained to assess the patient, provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control bleeding, and stabilize fractures or other injuries. They may also administer medications and oxygen therapy, transport patients to the hospital, and perform other duties as needed.

It typically takes between six months to a year to complete the training necessary to become an EMT-B. The requirements vary by state, but generally include completing an approved EMT-B program, passing a written exam, and demonstrating proficiency in skills such as CPR and airway management.

To get certified as an EMT-B, you must first complete an approved course of study from an accredited institution or program. This can be done through a community college or vocational school that offers courses specifically for EMTs. Once you have completed the required coursework and passed the written exam, you must then demonstrate your proficiency in skills such as CPR and airway management through a hands-on practical exam administered by your state's EMS agency.

The cost of becoming certified as an EMT-B varies depending on where you live and which program you choose. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition alone; additional fees may be required for textbooks, uniforms, certifications exams, etc.

10. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a two-day certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. The program focuses on early recognition of life-threatening conditions, appropriate interventions, and effective team communication.

The ACLS course typically takes two days to complete. During this time, participants will learn how to recognize and treat cardiac arrest, stroke, and other medical emergencies; practice their skills in simulated scenarios; and receive feedback from experienced instructors. Participants must also pass a written exam at the end of the course in order to be certified.

To get an ACLS certification, you must first complete an approved training course. Courses are offered by many hospitals, universities, and private organizations throughout the country. You can find a list of approved courses on the American Heart Association website.

The cost of an ACLS certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, courses range from $100-$400 for both days of instruction.

11. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS).

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is a course designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies in infants and children. It is a two-day course that includes lectures, videos, hands-on practice, and assessment of knowledge. The PALS course focuses on the recognition of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest care, airway management, respiratory failure, shock, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular emergencies.

To get certified in PALS you must complete an American Heart Association (AHA) approved two-day training program. The AHA provides guidelines for instructors who teach the courses as well as materials such as textbooks and online resources. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a PALS certification card that is valid for two years.

The cost of a PALS certification course can vary depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, a two-day course will cost between $200-$400 USD. This cost typically includes all materials needed for the course such as textbooks or online resources.

Overall, obtaining your PALS certification can be an invaluable asset to any healthcare professional working with pediatric patients. It is important to remember that this certification must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

Do You Really Need a Patient Care Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and needs. For some people, a Patient Care Specialist Certificate may be necessary for advancement in their career or to gain the skills needed to become successful in the field. For others, it may be a way to demonstrate commitment to their profession and show potential employers that they are serious about providing quality care.

For those who wish to pursue a career as a Patient Care Specialist, having a certificate can provide an advantage over other applicants. It shows employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn the essential skills needed for this position. In addition, it demonstrates your dedication to patient care and your willingness to invest in your own education. Employers may also value the additional knowledge and training that comes with certification, which can make you more desirable than other candidates without one.

On the other hand, some people may not need a Patient Care Specialist Certificate if they already possess the necessary qualifications for this type of work. If you already have experience working in healthcare or have obtained related certifications, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA), then you may not need an additional certification. However, having a certificate can still be beneficial, as it could help you stand out from other job applicants who lack similar credentials.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Patient Care Specialist Certificate is something that only you can decide based on your own professional goals and needs. If you believe that having this certification will help advance your career or give you an edge over other job applicants, then it is worth pursuing.

Related: Patient Care Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Care Specialist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Patient Care Specialists?

Answer: There are several certifications available for Patient Care Specialists, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Medical Office Specialist (MOS).

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Patient Care Specialist?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a Patient Care Specialist will vary depending on the certification you choose and the amount of study and training you undertake. Generally, it takes between 6 months and 2 years to become fully certified.

3. What qualifications do I need to become a Patient Care Specialist?

Answer: To become a Patient Care Specialist, you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, along with any additional qualifications required by the certification you are pursuing. You may also need to pass certain tests or exams in order to be eligible for the certification.

4. How much do Patient Care Specialists earn?

Answer: Salary levels for Patient Care Specialists can vary depending on experience and location, but generally they range from $25,000 - $60,000 per year.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a Patient Care Specialist?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available that provide training and information about becoming a Patient Care Specialist. These courses can range from short-term programs to longer-term programs that provide more comprehensive learning experiences.