Top 11 Patient Registrar Certifications

Certifications are important for patient registrars in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when hiring. Certifications show that the registrar has taken the time to learn about the specific regulations and processes that are necessary for working in a healthcare setting, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications show potential employers that the registrar is dedicated to their profession and willing to put forth extra effort to increase their knowledge base. Finally, certifications provide a way for employers to quantify the skills and abilities of an applicant, helping them make more informed decisions during the hiring process.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Patient Registrars and explains how they can contribute to a patient registrar's career by providing additional knowledge, skills, and credentials.

What are Patient Registrar Certifications?

Patient registrar certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of patient registration. This certification is offered through the National Association for Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) and requires passing an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, customer service, patient rights and responsibilities, insurance verification, and coding. By obtaining this certification, registrars are able to demonstrate their knowledge of the field and their commitment to providing quality care to patients.

This certification can be beneficial for both healthcare organizations and individual registrars in several ways. For healthcare organizations, having certified staff can help ensure that patient registration processes are handled accurately and efficiently by knowledgeable personnel. It also helps maintain a high level of patient satisfaction by ensuring that all registrars are up-to-date on the latest regulations and procedures related to patient registration.

For individual registrars, having this certification can provide them with greater job security and career advancement opportunities. It is also a valuable asset when applying for jobs at other healthcare facilities or seeking promotions within their current organization. Additionally, it may enable them to receive higher pay due to their increased level of knowledge and expertise in the field of patient registration.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a patient registrar certification, it is important to research the available options and make sure that the program you select meets your professional goals. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and standards related to patient registrar certification in order to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the exam.

Related: What does a Patient Registrar do?

Top 11 Patient Registrar Certifications

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

1. Certified Patient Account Technician (CPAT)

Certified Patient Account Technician (CPAT) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). The CPAT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful patient accounts management. It is a voluntary certification that validates an individual’s expertise in patient accounting, billing, collections, customer service, and other related areas.

The CPAT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient financial services, health insurance and reimbursement, medical coding and billing, collections, customer service, and compliance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CPAT, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in healthcare administration or finance or having completed an AAHAM-approved training program. Candidates must also pass the CPAT exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for taking the CPAT exam is $350 for AAHAM members and $450 for non-members. There are no additional fees associated with becoming certified as a CPAT. Once you have passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, you will receive your official certificate from AAHAM within two weeks.

2. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage electronic health records. This certification is designed to ensure that healthcare providers have access to qualified professionals who can help them with their electronic health record systems.

It typically takes between 6-12 months of study and preparation to become a CEHRS. To obtain the certification, individuals must first complete an NHA-approved training program and pass an exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding, HIPAA compliance, and data security.

The cost of becoming a CEHRS varies depending on the training program chosen. Generally, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 for the entire process including course materials, registration fees, and exam fees.

Overall, obtaining a CEHRS certification is an important step for any healthcare provider looking to ensure that their electronic health records are managed properly and securely.

3. Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS)

Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS) is a certification program for medical coding professionals. It is designed to ensure that coders have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assign codes to medical services and procedures in order to maximize reimbursement from insurance companies.

The CMCS certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, coding guidelines, and reimbursement systems. The online practical exam tests the coder’s ability to apply their knowledge by coding actual patient encounters.

It typically takes 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the CMCS exams. Preparation materials are available through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), which administers the CMCS certification program. The AAPC also offers live review courses and webinars that can help prepare coders for the exams.

The cost of taking the CMCS exams varies depending on whether you are a member of AAPC or not. For non-members, it costs $399 for both parts of the exam; for members, it costs $299 for both parts of the exam.

4. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a credential awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the medical coding profession. To become a CPC, coders must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, HCPCS Level II coding, and CPT coding.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CPC exam. Preparation can include taking courses or self-study using books or online resources. The AAPC offers several certification preparation courses to help candidates prepare for the exam.

To get the CPC credential, individuals must first apply to take the exam by submitting an application and paying a fee of $399 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their education and work experience in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining a CPC credential includes the application fee ($399 USD), any additional course fees if applicable, and any other associated costs such as travel expenses or study materials.

5. Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP)

Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP) is a credential offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the core competencies of revenue cycle management. The CRCP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the revenue cycle in a healthcare setting.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in revenue cycle management and pass an exam administered by HFMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient access, billing, collections, reimbursement, compliance and financial analysis.

The cost of the CRCP certification program varies based on HFMA membership status. For non-members, the cost is $675; for members, it is $575. The exam fee alone is $400 for non-members and $300 for members.

It typically takes six to eight weeks to prepare for the exam and obtain certification. During this time, applicants should review course materials provided by HFMA and take practice exams to ensure they are fully prepared for the exam.

6. Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)

Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) is a credentialing program offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in healthcare access management. The CHAM credential provides recognition to those who demonstrate expertise in patient access services, including scheduling, registration, insurance verification, financial counseling, and customer service.

It typically takes 4-6 months to complete the CHAM certification process. To become certified as a CHAM, applicants must:

1. Complete an application for certification and submit it to NAHAM.

2. Pass an online examination that covers topics such as patient access services, customer service, financial counseling, insurance verification and more.

3. Have two years of professional experience in healthcare access management or related field within the last five years.

4. Submit proof of continuing education credits in healthcare access management or related fields within the last three years.

5. Agree to adhere to NAHAM’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Certified Healthcare Access Managers (CHAMs).

The cost for the CHAM certification process is $400 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

7. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a professional certification offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in healthcare finance.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics. The educational requirements include either a bachelor’s degree in business or healthcare administration, or a master’s degree in business or healthcare administration. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time experience in healthcare financial management.

The CHFP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as financial analysis, budgeting, reimbursement systems, capital financing, and strategic planning. Applicants must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly to pass the exam. The exam can be taken online or at designated testing centers.

The cost for the CHFP certification varies depending on whether you are an HFMA member or non-member. For HFMA members, the cost is $250 for the application fee plus the cost of the exam ($395 for members). For non-members, the cost is $495 for both the application fee and the exam fee.

It typically takes about six months from when you submit your application to when you receive your certification. The process includes submitting your application and supporting documents to HFMA for review; taking and passing the CHFP exam; and completing any additional requirements such as attending continuing education courses or submitting additional documentation.

8. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CMOM certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the medical office management field. It provides a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge that are essential for successful medical office management.

The CMOM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in medical office management or related field, as well as completion of an approved course in medical office management. Applicants must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles of medical office management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient care, billing, coding, compliance, human resources, operations, and more.

It typically takes about three months to complete the requirements for the CMOM certification. The cost for the application fee and exam fee is $425 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CMOM certificate from AAPC.

9. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in the management of health information data. RHITs are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality, and security of patient health information. They may also analyze patient data to help improve healthcare delivery and quality.

To become an RHIT, individuals must complete an accredited associate degree program in health information technology or a related field. Most programs take two years to complete, though some accelerated programs may be completed in as little as one year. In addition to completing the academic requirements, individuals must also pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The cost of becoming an RHIT varies depending on which educational institution you attend and what type of program you choose. Tuition costs can range from $3,000 - $25,000 or more depending on where you study and how long it takes you to complete your degree. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the RHIT exam which is currently set at $199 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members.

10. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of health information management. The RHIA credential is awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in health information management and passed an examination.

It typically takes about four years to obtain an RHIA, including completing an accredited health information management program and passing the AHIMA exam. The cost of obtaining an RHIA varies depending on the type of program chosen, but it typically ranges from $20,000-$50,000.

In order to become eligible to take the RHIA exam, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours at an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in health information management courses. Applicants must also submit official transcripts and proof of completion of an AHIMA-accredited HIM program.

The cost for taking the RHIA exam is $385 for members and $485 for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

11. Certified Healthcare Compliance Professional (CHCP).

Certified Healthcare Compliance Professional (CHCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA). The CHCP certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in healthcare compliance and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage healthcare compliance programs.

The CHCP certification program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a portfolio review. The online course provides an overview of the fundamentals of healthcare compliance as well as practical application of the principles. It covers topics such as legal and regulatory requirements, risk management, audit and monitoring processes, and more. The exam tests knowledge of healthcare compliance principles and practices. Finally, the portfolio review assesses applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

The CHCP certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, applicants must first complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. They then must submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge of healthcare compliance principles and practices in a real-world setting. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be awarded their CHCP certification.

The cost for obtaining the CHCP certification varies depending on whether you are already an HCCA member or not. For non-members, it costs $1,495 for both the online course and exam fees combined; for members it costs $995 for both fees combined. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with submitting your portfolio for review which can range from $500-$2,000 depending on complexity.

Do You Really Need a Patient Registrar Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your specific career goals and the requirements of the job you are seeking.

If you plan to pursue a career in medical administration, then it is possible that having a Patient Registrar Certificate could be beneficial. This certificate provides specialized training in patient registration, which includes understanding insurance and payment regulations, working with electronic health records, and other administrative tasks related to patient care. Having this certification can help demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the position.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a job as an entry-level healthcare worker or medical assistant, then having a Patient Registrar Certificate may not be necessary. These positions typically do not require any specialized training beyond basic medical knowledge and customer service skills.

Ultimately, it is important to research the position you are applying for to determine whether the employer requires or prefers applicants who have obtained a Patient Registrar Certificate. If it is required or preferred, then obtaining this certification may be worth considering in order to make yourself more competitive in the application process.

Related: Patient Registrar Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Registrar Certifications

1. What is a Patient Registrar Certification?

A Patient Registrar Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of patient registration. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in managing the patient registration process, including accurately collecting and entering patient information into the medical records system.

2. Who should pursue Patient Registrar Certification?

Patient Registrar Certifications are ideal for professionals in the healthcare industry who work with patient registration on a daily basis, such as medical receptionists, registrars, and other related personnel. It can also be beneficial for those looking to advance their career or gain additional knowledge in this area of healthcare.

3. What are the prerequisites for obtaining Patient Registrar Certification?

In order to obtain a Patient Registrar Certification, applicants must possess at least two years of experience working in patient registration and/or healthcare administration, as well as successfully complete an approved certification program or exam.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Patient Registrar?

The amount of time it takes to become certified will depend on the individual's level of experience and certifying organization chosen. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all requirements and obtain certification.

5. What are some benefits of having a Patient Registrar Certification?

Having a Patient Register Certification provides several benefits including increased job security, recognition from employers, higher salaries, and better opportunities for advancement within the healthcare industry. Additionally, it can demonstrate competency in one's field which may lead to more respect from colleagues and supervisors alike.