Top 10 Unit Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a unit clerk in the job market because they demonstrate an individual has learned and mastered the skills necessary to perform their duties competently. Certifications show employers that the individual is knowledgeable about their profession and can provide quality care. Additionally, certifications allow unit clerks to stay up-to-date on new technologies, procedures, and best practices in their field. They also offer employers assurance that the certified professional can be trusted with patient information and medical records. Finally, certifications give unit clerks an edge when competing for jobs since they prove they have exceeded basic training requirements.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the best certifications for Unit Clerks and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Unit Clerk Certifications?

Unit clerk certification is a program designed to teach individuals the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a unit clerk. Unit clerks typically work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare settings. They are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments and tests, communicating with patients and families, and providing clerical support for medical staff.

Unit clerk certification can help individuals gain the necessary skills needed to become successful in this profession. The certification program covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, filing systems, medical ethics, legal issues related to healthcare, patient privacy laws (HIPAA), computer software applications used in healthcare settings (such as Microsoft Office Suite), customer service principles, communication techniques and more. By completing this certification program successfully, students will have a better understanding of their job responsibilities and the ability to perform them more efficiently. Additionally, obtaining unit clerk certification may give applicants an edge over other candidates when applying for a position in a healthcare setting.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for unit clerk certification thoroughly and ensure that you meet all of the necessary qualifications before applying. Having a good understanding of the job duties and expectations can help you stand out as a qualified candidate. Additionally, consider taking a course or attending a workshop to gain more knowledge on the topics related to unit clerks.

Related: What does a Unit Clerk do?

Top 10 Unit Clerk Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Unit Clerks today.

1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in medical office settings. It is designed to demonstrate competency in a variety of areas, including medical terminology, coding and billing, healthcare regulations, and patient relations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become certified as a CMAA. The process involves taking an online course or attending an accredited program, passing an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and meeting any additional requirements set by the NHA.

To get certified, you must first register with the NHA for their Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam. This requires submitting an application along with proof of education or experience in the field. Once your application has been approved, you can then register for the exam and pay the associated fee. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from the NHA.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMAA varies depending on where you take your course or program. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$1,000 to become certified as a CMAA.

2. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed for medical office managers who want to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field. The certification is administered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM).

The CMOM certification requires the completion of an online exam that tests a candidate's knowledge of medical office management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient relations, human resources, financial management, information systems and technology, and compliance with governmental regulations. Candidates must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam.

The cost of the CMOM certification program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PAHCOM. For members, the cost is $295; for non-members it is $395. This fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at taking the actual CMOM exam.

It usually takes about four months to complete the CMOM certification process from start to finish. During this time, candidates should use available study materials and take practice exams to prepare for the actual CMOM exam. Once they have passed the exam, candidates will receive their official CMOM certificate and can start using their new credentials in their medical office management career.

3. Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR)

A Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide administrative support in a medical office. They are responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance information, collecting payments, answering phones, and other duties. The CMR certification is offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CMR certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, patient scheduling, insurance verification, billing and coding procedures, HIPAA regulations, and more. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam. To be eligible to take the exam you must have at least one year of experience working in a medical office or have completed an accredited training program in medical reception.

The cost of the CMR certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however it typically ranges from $125-$150. After passing the exam you will receive your official CMR certification which is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

4. 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 demonstrate expertise in using and managing electronic health records (EHRs). CEHRS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the use of EHR systems. This certification is ideal for those working in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

The CEHRS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as EHR system design, implementation, security and privacy, data exchange standards, and clinical documentation. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To get your CEHRS certification you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having an active NHA credential or completing a qualified program from an accredited college or university. Once you meet these criteria you can apply for the exam online or by mail. You will then receive an authorization to test letter with instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of the CEHRS exam is $175 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees.

5. Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS)

A Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS) is a professional who specializes in the coding, billing, and reimbursement of medical claims. They are responsible for accurately entering patient information into medical databases, verifying insurance coverage and benefits, submitting claims to insurance companies, and ensuring that payments are received. The CMBCS certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the program and earn the certification. To become certified as a CMBCS, individuals must first complete an accredited medical billing and coding program or course. This can be done through a college or university or through an online program. After completing the program/course, individuals must then pass the AAPC's Certified Medical Billing & Coding Specialist (CMBCS) exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMBCS varies depending on the type of program or course taken but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500. The cost also includes registration fees for the exam which range from $199-$399 depending on membership status with AAPC.

6. Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS)

A Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) is a professional who specializes in the accurate and timely transcription of medical records. The CHDS credential is offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). This certification demonstrates to employers, patients, and peers that the individual has met the highest standards of excellence in healthcare documentation.

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the CHDS certification process. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of healthcare documentation principles and practices. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements and have at least two years of experience in healthcare documentation.

The cost to take the CHDS exam is $225 for AHDI members and $275 for non-members. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining any required educational courses or materials needed to prepare for the exam.

7. Certified Professional Coder-Physician Based (CPC-P)

Certified Professional Coder-Physician Based (CPC-P) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize medical coders who have a comprehensive understanding of the coding process for physician-based services. The CPC-P certification requires coders to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in medical coding, billing, and reimbursement for physician services.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on the individual's experience and level of preparation. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10 coding, HCPCS Level II coding, Medicare regulations and guidelines, reimbursement methodologies, and more. Applicants must also have a minimum of two years of professional coding experience or equivalent education in order to qualify for the exam.

The cost of the CPC-P certification varies depending on the applicant's location and whether they are an AAPC member or not. The exam fee is typically around $400-$500 USD for nonmembers and $300-$400 USD for members. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs associated with study materials such as textbooks or online courses.

Once certified, CPC-P coders must recertify every two years by earning continuing education units (CEUs) through approved activities such as attending conferences or taking online courses.

8. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in the management of health information. They are responsible for maintaining, collecting, and analyzing patient data to ensure accuracy and quality of medical records. RHITs also ensure that all legal and ethical requirements are met when handling health information.

To become an RHIT, you must complete an accredited associate’s degree program in health information technology. These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, healthcare statistics, database management, quality assurance principles, and legal aspects of health information.

Once you have completed your degree program you must pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data analysis, coding systems, regulatory standards and compliance.

The cost of taking the RHIT exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$300. Additionally there may be other costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or fees for study materials.

9. American Association of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certification to medical coders. It is the largest medical coding organization in the United States and its certification is widely recognized by employers.

To become certified through AAPC, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of medical coding. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. You must also have at least two years of on-the-job experience in medical coding before you can take the exam.

To get started with the AAPC certification process, you must first register for an AAPC membership. This will give you access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help you prepare for the exam. Once you are registered, you can sign up for a proctored exam at one of their testing centers or take it online from home.

The cost of taking the AAPC certification exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the organization. For members, the cost is $299; for non-members, it is $399. There may also be additional fees associated with registering for an exam and taking it at a testing center.

Once you have passed the exam, your certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed. Renewing your certification requires completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee which varies based on your membership status with AAPC.

10. National Healthcareer Association Certification in Medical Office Administration (NHA-MOA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification in Medical Office Administration (NHA-MOA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical office administrators. It is designed to validate the competency of those who work in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to complete the NHA-MOA certification process. To get certified, applicants must first register with the NHA and then complete an online application. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background, such as transcripts or diplomas from accredited institutions. Once approved, applicants must pass an exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the NHA-MOA certification varies depending on the package chosen by the applicant. The basic package includes registration fees and study materials for $199 USD. Additional packages are available that include additional study materials or practice exams for an additional fee.

Do You Really Need a Unit Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. A unit clerk certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to work in a medical or health care setting, as it can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for working in such an environment. It could also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for a job.

However, it is important to remember that having a unit clerk certificate is not always necessary for employment in this field. Depending on your experience level and the type of position you are applying for, many employers may be willing to accept applicants without a certificate. Additionally, some employers may offer on-the-job training or other educational programs that can provide the same knowledge and skills as those taught in unit clerk certificate programs.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a unit clerk certificate is the right choice for your career goals. If you decide that it is the right decision, there are many online and in-person courses available that can help you get certified as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Related: Unit Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Unit Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Unit Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Unit Clerk Certification is a professional certification program designed to teach individuals the necessary skills to work as an effective unit clerk in a healthcare environment. It covers topics such as medical terminology, filing and record-keeping, patient scheduling, billing and coding, and other administrative duties.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a unit clerk varies depending on the organization offering the certification program and the individual's prior experience and education. Most certifications require at least 40 hours of study and can take up to 4 weeks or more to complete.

3. What are the requirements for becoming certified?

Answer: Requirements may vary by organization but typically include completion of an approved course or program, passing an exam, and having at least one year of relevant healthcare experience. Some organizations may also require additional qualifications such as CPR certification or completion of a background check.

4. What types of jobs can I apply for with my certification?

Answer: With your unit clerk certification, you can apply for positions in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, doctor’s offices, insurance companies, and other healthcare settings that need administrative support staff.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes - most certifying organizations require that you complete continuing education units (CEUs) each year in order to maintain your certification status. CEUs are usually obtained through attending workshops or taking online courses related to the field of unit clerkship.