Top 10 Referral Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for referral coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. Certifications are a way for employers to evaluate potential candidates and show that they have the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and experience to succeed in a particular role. Certifications also help referral coordinators stand out from other applicants who may not have any professional credentials. Additionally, certifications demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends. This can give employers confidence that referral coordinators will be able to stay on top of changes in healthcare regulations or new best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Referral Coordinators and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Referral Coordinator Certifications?

Referral coordinator certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in managing the referral process between health care providers. The certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Referral Coordinators (NAHRC). The certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience working as a referral coordinator, demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology and possess knowledge of coding, billing and reimbursement systems.

The primary purpose of referral coordinator certification is to ensure that individuals who are responsible for managing referrals have the necessary skills and knowledge to do so effectively. This certification provides employers with assurance that their staff has the appropriate qualifications, while also giving patients confidence that they are receiving services from qualified professionals. By having certified referral coordinators, health care providers can be sure that they are providing accurate and timely referrals while staying compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Having a certified referral coordinator can help reduce administrative costs associated with referrals by streamlining communication between healthcare providers and ensuring that each step of the process is followed accurately. Additionally, it can improve patient satisfaction by reducing wait times for appointments, increasing access to specialty services, and improving continuity of care across multiple providers. Finally, it can help healthcare organizations maintain compliance with state and federal regulations regarding referrals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the different types of referral coordinator certifications available and what they entail before committing to one. Different certifications may require different levels of experience, education, and testing, so it's important to make sure you select the right certification for your situation and goals.

Related: What does a Referral Coordinator do?

Top 10 Referral Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Referral Coordinators today.

1. Certified Referral Coordinator (CRC)

A Certified Referral Coordinator (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals and organizations connect with other professionals and services. They are responsible for connecting clients with the right people, businesses, and resources that can help them achieve their goals. CRCs typically work in the healthcare field, but they may also be employed by non-profits, government agencies, or private companies.

The certification process for becoming a Certified Referral Coordinator (CRC) typically takes about two to three months to complete. To become certified, you must first pass an exam administered by the National Association of Professional Referral Coordinators (NAPRC). The exam covers topics such as referral processes, communication strategies, customer service skills, and more. After passing the exam, you will need to complete a series of continuing education courses to maintain your certification status.

In order to get certified as a CRC, you must first meet certain educational requirements. Generally speaking, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in health care administration or a related field. You may also need additional certifications or training depending on the specific job role you are seeking.

The cost of becoming a Certified Referral Coordinator (CRC) varies depending on the institution offering the certification program and any additional fees associated with taking exams or completing continuing education courses. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified as a CRC.

2. Certified Professional Referral Coordinator (CPRC)

Certified Professional Referral Coordinator (CPRC) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of referral coordinators. It is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of referral coordination. The CPRC certification is awarded by the National Association of Referral Coordinators (NARCO).

The CPRC certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an in-person workshop or seminar. The online assessment covers topics such as patient management, communication, customer service, and referral processes. The in-person workshop or seminar focuses on topics such as patient advocacy, customer service, and ethical practices for referral coordinators.

To become certified as a CPRC, you must complete both the online assessment and the in-person workshop or seminar. The online assessment takes approximately four hours to complete, while the in-person workshop or seminar typically takes one day to complete.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPRC varies depending on your location and the provider offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can range from $150-$400 USD for both parts of the certification process.

3. Certified Medical Referral Coordinator (CMRC)

A Certified Medical Referral Coordinator (CMRC) is a professional who specializes in managing the referral process between healthcare providers and patients. CMRCs are responsible for coordinating referrals between primary care physicians and specialists, as well as ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly. They also work to ensure that patients receive the best possible care by making sure they have access to the right specialists and services.

To become a Certified Medical Referral Coordinator, individuals must complete an accredited training program and pass an exam administered by the National Association of Medical Referral Coordinators (NAMRC). Training programs vary in length but typically take about one year to complete. The cost of tuition varies depending on the school or program chosen, but generally ranges from $2,500-$4,000.

Once certified, CMRCs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences or workshops, participating in online courses, or reading relevant medical literature.

Overall, becoming a Certified Medical Referral Coordinator is a great way for individuals interested in healthcare administration to gain valuable experience and knowledge that will help them advance their careers.

4. Certified Healthcare Referral Coordinator (CHRC)

A Certified Healthcare Referral Coordinator (CHRC) is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of healthcare referrals. This certification is offered through the National Association of Healthcare Referral Coordinators (NAHRC).

The CHRC certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the healthcare referral field, or a combination of one year of experience and completion of an approved course in healthcare referral coordination. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by NAHRC.

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, HIPAA regulations, patient education, and referral management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken either online or at a testing center.

The cost for the CHRC certification exam is $395 for members of NAHRC and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CHRC certification within 4-6 weeks.

5. Certified Ambulatory Care Referral Coordinator (CARC)

Certified Ambulatory Care Referral Coordinator (CARC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). This certification is for healthcare professionals who are responsible for coordinating patient referrals between ambulatory care providers, such as primary care physicians and specialists. The CARC credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively coordinate referrals in an ambulatory care setting.

The CARC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. It covers topics such as referral management processes, communication techniques, quality improvement strategies, and legal/regulatory guidelines. To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a healthcare access management role within the past five years.

To get certified as a CARC, individuals must first register with NAHAM and pay the exam fee of $295 USD. After registering, they will receive instructions on how to prepare for the exam and schedule their test date. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CARC certificate from NAHAM.

6. Certified Rehabilitation Referral Coordinator (CRRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Referral Coordinator (CRRC) is a professional who provides case management services to individuals with disabilities. The CRRC works with individuals to identify their needs and develop an individualized plan of care that meets those needs. The CRRC also assists in locating and accessing appropriate resources, such as medical care, housing, transportation, vocational training, and other supportive services.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the certification process for becoming a CRRC. This includes completing a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework in rehabilitation counseling or related topics; passing an examination administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC); and meeting all state requirements for licensure or certification.

To get certified as a CRRC, you must first meet the eligibility requirements established by the CRCC. These include having at least two years of experience working in rehabilitation counseling; completing an approved program of study in rehabilitation counseling or related topics; passing the required examination; and meeting any additional state requirements for licensure or certification. Once these requirements have been met, you can apply for certification through the CRCC website.

The cost of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Referral Coordinator (CRRC) varies depending on your state's licensing or certification requirements. In most cases, there is a fee for taking the exam as well as any associated fees for completing the required coursework or obtaining licensure/certification from your state board. Additionally, some states may require continuing education credits to maintain your CRRC status.

7. Certified Home Health Care Referral Coordinator (CHHCC)

Certified Home Health Care Referral Coordinator (CHHCC) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). The CHHCC certification is designed to provide home health care professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate referrals and services for clients in need of home health care.

The CHHCC program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. Level I focuses on basic referral coordination skills, while Level II focuses on advanced referral coordination techniques. To become certified, applicants must pass both levels of the program.

The entire CHHCC program can be completed in as little as 6 months, depending on the individual’s schedule and availability. The cost of the program varies from $395 to $595, depending on which level you are taking.

To get started, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with payment for the program fees. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to all course materials and resources needed to complete their certification requirements. Upon completion of both levels of the coursework, applicants must then take a written exam in order to receive their official CHHCC certification.

8. Certified Mental Health Care Referral Coordinator (CMHCC)

A Certified Mental Health Care Referral Coordinator (CMHCC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals find and access mental health care services. The CMHCC works with individuals to assess their needs, create a treatment plan, and refer them to appropriate providers. They also provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the process of seeking care.

It typically takes between one to three months to become certified as a CMHCC, depending on the program chosen. To become certified, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work, plus two years of experience working in the mental health field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The cost of becoming certified as a CMHCC varies depending on the program chosen; however, most programs range from $300-$500 USD. Additionally, some programs may require additional fees for materials or exam registration.

9. Certified Nursing Home Referral Coordinator (CNHRCC)

A Certified Nursing Home Referral Coordinator (CNHRCC) is a professional who assists seniors and their families in making the transition from independent living to a nursing home. The CNHRCC helps families evaluate their options, assess the needs of the senior, and make informed decisions about placement. The CNHRCC also assists with paperwork and other administrative tasks associated with moving into a nursing home.

It typically takes several months to become certified as a CNHRCC. To qualify for certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in long-term care or geriatric care, as well as an associate’s degree in health care administration or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrators (NALTCA).

The cost of becoming certified as a CNHRCC varies depending on the state in which you are applying for certification. In most cases, there is an application fee and exam fee that must be paid before taking the test. Additionally, some states may require additional fees or continuing education credits to maintain certification.

10. Certified Long-Term Care Referral Coordinator (CLTCRC)

Certified Long-Term Care Referral Coordinator (CLTCRC) is a certification program designed to help individuals who are interested in becoming specialists in long-term care referral services. The program is offered by the National Association for Professional Gerontologists (NAPG). It provides specialized training and education to those looking to become experts in long-term care referrals.

The CLTCRC program takes approximately two years to complete and consists of three components: an online course, a field experience, and a final exam. The online course includes topics such as gerontology, long-term care services, legal and ethical issues related to long-term care referrals, and more. The field experience requires students to gain hands-on experience working with clients in the field of long-term care referral services. Finally, after completing all three components, students must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CLTCRC program varies depending on the provider offering the program; however, it typically ranges from $2,000 - $3,000 USD.

In order to become certified as a CLTCRC, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least one year of professional experience working with older adults or individuals with disabilities in a social service setting; being at least 21 years old; having completed an accredited college degree or equivalent; and passing a criminal background check.

Do You Really Need a Referral Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question will depend on your individual career goals. If you are seeking a position as a referral coordinator, then most employers may require that you have a certificate in order to demonstrate your competency and knowledge in the field. However, if you are already working in the health care industry and simply want to expand your skillset or career opportunities, then a referral coordinator certificate may not be necessary.

In either case, it is important to consider the cost and time associated with obtaining such a certification. Depending on where you live and the institution offering the certification, it can take anywhere from several months to more than a year of study and coursework to complete the program. Additionally, there may be fees associated with enrolling in such programs.

It is also important to consider whether or not employers will value your certification when looking at potential candidates for positions. Some employers may view certifications as simply an added bonus while others may view them as essential qualifications for certain positions. Therefore, it is important to research specific job postings prior to making any decision about pursuing a referral coordinator certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a referral coordinator certificate will depend on your individual career goals and interests. If you are looking for employment in this field or seeking advancement opportunities within the health care industry, then obtaining such certification may be beneficial for your long-term success.

Related: Referral Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Referral Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Referral Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Referral Coordinator Certification is a credential that demonstrates knowledge and competency in coordinating patient referrals for health care services between providers within a healthcare system.

2. How do I become certified as a Referral Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified as a Referral Coordinator, you need to complete an accredited certification program and pass an exam.

3. What kind of topics will be covered on the Referral Coordinator Certification exam?

Answer: The topics covered on the Referral Coordinator Certification exam include patient referral processes, risk management, communication skills, customer service, and data management.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Referral Coordinator?

Answer: It usually takes about six months to complete the certification program and pass the exam to become certified as a Referral Coordinator.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the Referral Coordinator Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in health care or related fields prior to taking the certification exam.