Top 10 Patient Service Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for patient service associates in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers value. They also provide evidence of an individual's commitment to their profession, as well as their dedication to providing quality care. Employers often look favorably upon candidates who have taken the initiative to obtain certifications, as it shows that they are willing to go the extra mile to be successful in their chosen profession. Certifications can also help individuals stand out from other applicants, potentially giving them an edge when vying for a position.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Patient Service Associates and explain how they can help to advance a Patient Service Associate's career.

What are Patient Service Associate Certifications?

Patient Service Associate Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in providing excellent customer service and patient care. This certification demonstrates to employers, patients, and other healthcare professionals that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the principles of patient care and customer service.

The certification covers topics such as medical terminology, patient safety, communication skills, time management, customer service, problem-solving strategies, documentation requirements, HIPAA regulations and more. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to providing quality service to patients while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

By having Patient Service Associate Certification, individuals gain an advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs in the healthcare field. It can also give them an edge when competing for promotions or raises within their current positions. Additionally, the certification can lead to greater job satisfaction due to increased confidence and improved knowledge of patient care principles. Furthermore, it can open up new career paths in areas such as healthcare administration or clinical support roles.

Pro Tip: Pursuing a Patient Service Associate Certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent patient care. Be sure to research the certification requirements and prepare for the exam by studying course materials and taking practice exams. Additionally, consider shadowing experienced Patient Service Associates in order to gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Related: What does a Patient Service Associate do?

Top 10 Patient Service Associate Certifications

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

1. Certified Patient Service Associate (CPSA)

Certified Patient Service Associate (CPSA) is a certification program that provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide excellent patient service in medical offices. The program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals in a professional manner.

The Certified Patient Service Associate (CPSA) certification requires candidates to complete an online course and pass an exam. The course includes topics such as customer service, communication, medical terminology, patient rights and responsibilities, HIPAA compliance, and more. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the course and pass the exam.

The cost of the CPSA certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $250-$500 USD. This cost covers the online course materials and exam fee.

To become certified as a Patient Service Associate (CPSA), you must first complete an accredited online course or attend an in-person training program approved by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). After completing your training program or online course, you can then register for the CPSA exam through NAHQ’s website. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPSA certification card in the mail.

2. Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill in medical office administration. The CMAA certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CMAA certification exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for successful performance as a medical office assistant. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, patient care, scheduling, insurance processing, coding and billing, and more.

To become certified as a CMAA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least one year of experience in a healthcare setting or completing an accredited program in medical office management. Applicants must also pass the CMAA certification exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost to take the CMAA certification exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in-person. The online version costs $125 while the in-person version costs $150. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and submitting your application materials.

It typically takes about two weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, you will receive your official CMAA certification from NHA.

3. Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)

Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) is a professional certification program designed to provide healthcare access professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure quality patient access services. The CHAA certification program was developed by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

The CHAA certification is a voluntary credential that validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of healthcare access management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their profession.

The CHAA certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Healthcare Access Management, Patient Access Services, Financial Clearance, and Quality Improvement. The courses are offered online through NAHAM’s website. Each course requires approximately 10-15 hours of study time. Upon successful completion of all four courses, individuals are eligible to take the CHAA exam.

The CHAA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient registration processes, insurance verification, financial clearance procedures, quality improvement initiatives, customer service principles and practices, and data analysis techniques. The exam fee is $200 for NAHAM members and $250 for non-members.

Once an individual has passed the CHAA exam they will receive their official certificate from NAHAM indicating that they have been certified as a Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA).

4. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in medical coding. The CPC certification validates knowledge and expertise in coding for medical services and procedures.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and coding guidelines. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CPC exam, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of professional experience in coding or related fields within the past five years or hold an active AAPC credential such as Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), or Certified Procedural Coder (CPC-P).

The cost for taking the CPC exam varies depending on the AAPC membership level chosen. For non-members, the cost is $399; for members with a Professional level membership, the cost is $299; and for members with a Premier level membership, the cost is $249.

Once passed, the CPC certification is valid for three years. To maintain certification status after three years, individuals must complete 60 continuing education units over that time period.

5. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the field of healthcare quality. The CPHQ certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), an international organization that provides education, resources, and support to healthcare quality professionals.

To become certified as a CPHQ, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least three years of experience in healthcare quality management or related fields, passing an examination administered by NAHQ, and completing continuing education credits every two years.

The CPHQ exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient safety and risk management, data analysis and performance improvement, leadership and governance, and healthcare regulations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CPHQ exam varies depending on the country where it is taken; however, the fee typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $125 USD for maintaining active status as a CPHQ.

6. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in medical office administration. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who have mastered the core competencies necessary to perform administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. CMAA certification is awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes about six months to complete the training required for CMAA certification. This includes completing a minimum of 160 hours of classroom instruction, as well as passing a comprehensive exam. The coursework covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding and billing, patient scheduling, insurance processing, and other administrative tasks.

To become certified, individuals must submit an application to NHA along with proof of completion of the required coursework and payment of the fee (currently $195). Once approved, applicants will be eligible to take the exam which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the exam and earn certification.

The cost for CMAA certification depends on several factors including course fees and materials needed for study. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if it needs to be taken at a testing center outside your area.

7. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is an individual who has been certified to demonstrate proficiency in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). The CEHRS certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the implementation, maintenance, and support of EHR systems.

The CEHRS certification requires that applicants pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as: healthcare information technology, patient safety, privacy and security, data integrity, system design, workflow analysis, clinical decision support systems, and practice management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to become certified as a CEHRS, applicants must first complete an online application form with NHA. After submitting the application form with all required documents, applicants will receive a confirmation email from NHA with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, applicants can take it at any Prometric testing center or online through ProProctor.

The cost of taking the CEHRS certification exam is $199 USD. This fee includes access to study materials and practice tests provided by NHA. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a Prometric testing center depending on location.

8. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and analyze patient health information. RHITs are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, privacy, security, and quality of health information.

In order to become an RHIT, individuals must complete an accredited associate degree program in health information technology or a related field. These programs typically take two years to complete, though some may take longer depending on the school and program.

To become certified as an RHIT, individuals must pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, data management, legal issues in healthcare, and more. The cost of the exam is $199 USD for AHIMA members and $299 USD for non-members.

9. American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam (AAMA-CMA)

The American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam (AAMA-CMA) is a comprehensive exam for medical assistants who wish to become certified by the AAMA. The exam tests the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant, including anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours.

To obtain certification through the AAMA-CMA exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include completing an accredited medical assisting program or having at least 5 years of work experience as a medical assistant in the past 10 years. Applicants must also pass a background check and submit proof of their professional liability insurance coverage.

The cost of taking the AAMA-CMA exam is $125 for members of the AAMA and $200 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 6 weeks.

10. National Healthcareer Association Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam (NHA-CCMA).

The National Healthcareer Association Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam (NHA-CCMA) is a comprehensive exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who work in clinical settings. It is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The NHA-CCMA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, patient care techniques, laboratory procedures, and administrative duties. The exam also includes a practical component that requires the test taker to demonstrate their ability to perform certain tasks related to patient care.

The NHA-CCMA exam takes approximately three hours to complete. Test takers must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam. Once they have passed, they will be awarded the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential.

To take the NHA-CCMA exam, applicants must first register with NHA and pay an application fee of $125. After registering, applicants can schedule an appointment for their test date at one of NHA's authorized testing centers. On the day of the test, applicants must bring two forms of valid identification and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time slot.

The cost for taking the NHA-CCMA exam is $125 plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with scheduling an appointment at an authorized testing center.

Do You Really Need a Patient Service Associate Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Patient Service Associate Certificate depends on your goals and the requirements of your desired job. If you are looking to work in a healthcare setting, such as a clinic, hospital or medical office, then having a Patient Service Associate Certificate can be beneficial. This certificate is proof that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle a variety of tasks related to patient care. It may also provide evidence that you are capable of problem-solving and communication with patients.

Having a Patient Service Associate Certificate may give employers more confidence in your abilities, making you more attractive as an applicant. It may also open up additional career opportunities that require more specialized training. In addition, some employers may require this certification as part of their hiring process.

On the other hand, if you do not plan on working in the healthcare field or do not have any interest in pursuing further education in this area, then obtaining a Patient Service Associate Certificate may not be necessary for you. Depending on your individual needs and goals, it may be beneficial to look into other certifications or credentials that could help further your career prospects.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Patient Service Associate Certificate depends on your own unique situation and what type of job you are hoping to obtain. If it is something that interests you or would benefit your career goals, then it is certainly worth considering obtaining this certification.

Related: Patient Service Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Patient Service Associate Certifications

1. What is a Patient Service Associate Certification?

Answer: A Patient Service Associate Certification is a credential that demonstrates knowledge and skill in providing services to patients in healthcare settings. It is typically awarded by an organization or program that specializes in patient service training and education.

2. How do I become certified as a Patient Service Associate?

Answer: To become certified as a Patient Service Associate, you must complete a recognized training program and pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the field. Depending on the program, additional requirements may apply such as demonstrating experience in the field or completing additional coursework.

3. What topics are covered on the certification exam?

Answer: The topics covered on the certification exam vary depending on the program, but generally include patient rights and responsibilities, communication skills, HIPAA regulations, customer service principles, medical terminology and coding, and other related topics.

4. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining certification?

Answer: Most programs require that certifications be renewed every few years with evidence of continued education or competency in the field. This could include attending workshops or seminars related to patient care or taking refresher courses to update your knowledge of changes in laws and regulations affecting patient care.

5. Are there any benefits to having a Patient Service Associate Certification?

Answer: Having a Patient Service Associate Certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in healthcare settings by demonstrating your commitment to providing quality services to patients. Additionally, it can give you access to specialized job opportunities that require this type of certification as well as provide additional career advancement opportunities within your organization or field of study.