Top 11 Unit Secretary Certifications

Certifications are important for a unit secretary in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to perform effectively in their role. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the applicant has attained proficiency in certain areas related to the position. This can give them an edge over other applicants who may not have such qualifications. Additionally, certifications show potential employers that the individual is committed to their profession and is willing to invest time and effort into furthering their career. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement within a company or allow for more competitive salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Unit Secretarys, and explain how they can help advance a career in the field.

What are Unit Secretary Certifications?

Unit Secretary Certification is a program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to perform administrative duties within a medical setting. This certification provides individuals with the necessary qualifications to work as a unit secretary, which is an administrative position that provides support to clinical staff, such as nurses and physicians. Unit secretaries are responsible for providing clerical assistance, managing patient records and data entry, scheduling patient appointments, answering phones and other administrative tasks.

By obtaining unit secretary certification, individuals will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in performing these essential duties. This certification can help increase job opportunities, salary potential and overall job satisfaction. It can also help employers identify qualified candidates who possess the specific skills needed for this role. Additionally, this certification can enable individuals to stay current on changes in healthcare regulations and technology that may affect their job responsibilities.

Pro Tip: When seeking certification as a unit secretary, be sure to research the specific requirements and certifications offered by your state or region. Each state or region may have different regulations and requirements for becoming certified, so it is important to make sure you are meeting all of the necessary criteria. Additionally, many states offer online courses and programs for unit secretaries that can help you gain the necessary knowledge and experience to successfully pass the certification exam.

Related: What does a Unit Secretary do?

Top 11 Unit Secretary Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals working in medical administrative roles. It typically requires passing an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding and billing, office management, and more.

The CMAA certification process typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete. To get certified, you must first register for the exam with the NHA. You will then need to study for the exam using materials provided by NHA or other resources. Once you have completed your studies, you can take the online or paper/pencil version of the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CMAA certification from NHA.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which version of the exam you take and whether or not you purchase additional study materials. The cost for taking the online version of the exam is $125 while taking it on paper/pencil costs $150. Additionally, if you purchase additional study materials such as practice tests or textbooks, those can range from $50-$100 depending on what is purchased.

2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who work in clinical settings. CCMAs are responsible for performing administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly, such as taking patient histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians with procedures.

It typically takes about four months to complete the necessary training and testing to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). The training consists of classroom instruction, on-the-job experience, and an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it usually ranges from $200-$400.

To get certified as a CCMA, you must first complete a formal education program in medical assisting. This program can be taken at a college or through an online school. After completing your education program, you must then pass the NHA’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your official CCMA certification.

3. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is a professional who specializes in medical coding and billing. Medical coders are responsible for assigning codes to medical procedures, treatments, and diagnoses, which are then used by insurance companies to process claims. The CBCS certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of medical coding and billing principles.

The CBCS certification is offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To become certified, applicants must pass the NHA's CBCS exam. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, coding systems, reimbursement methods, compliance regulations, and healthcare data management.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the CBCS exam. To prepare for the exam, individuals should review study materials provided by the NHA or take an approved course from an accredited institution. It is also recommended that individuals have at least one year of experience working with medical coding and billing before attempting the exam.

The cost of taking the CBCS exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it usually costs around $200-$300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with studying for the exam such as purchasing study materials or taking courses from an accredited institution.

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a certification program developed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use electronic health records (EHRs) in a variety of healthcare settings. The CEHRS program provides certification for individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies related to EHRs.

The CEHRS program consists of two parts: an exam and a field experience requirement. The exam is offered online and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient data management, security and privacy, system implementation, and regulatory compliance. To pass the exam, applicants must achieve a score of 70% or higher.

The field experience requirement consists of completing at least one year of full-time work experience in an ambulatory care setting using EHRs. This can include roles such as medical assistant, practice manager, or health information technician. Applicants must also complete at least 10 hours of continuing education related to EHRs during their time in the field.

It typically takes 1-2 months to complete the CEHRS program depending on how quickly you are able to complete the exam and fulfill the field experience requirement.

The cost for taking the CEHRS exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. There may also be additional costs associated with fulfilling the field experience requirement such as travel expenses or continuing education fees.

5. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification for medical coding professionals. It is the gold standard of medical coding credentials and is recognized by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to accurately code medical services and procedures in accordance with accepted coding principles.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the training required to become a Certified Professional Coder. To get certified, applicants must first pass an exam administered by the AAPC. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM codes, HCPCS Level II codes, and CPT codes.

The cost to take the CPC exam varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or non-member. For members, it costs $300 while non-members pay $400. In addition to the exam fee, there may also be additional fees associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or courses.

6. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification for medical office managers. It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a level of competency and expertise in managing the administrative operations of a medical office. The CMOM certification is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CMOM certification requires passing an exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical office management or related field prior to taking the exam.

In order to take the CMOM exam, candidates must first register with AAPC and pay an initial fee of $399. After registering, candidates will be sent an email with instructions on how to access their online study materials and practice exams.

Once they have completed their studying and are ready to take the exam, they can schedule it through AAPC’s website or by calling their customer service line. The cost for taking the exam is $249 for members and $299 for non-members.

Once the exam has been passed, candidates will receive their official CMOM certification from AAPC within four weeks.

7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare quality. The certification is offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

To become certified, individuals must have at least three years of full-time experience in healthcare quality or a related field, and must pass an exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient safety, risk management, performance improvement, and data analysis. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a NAHQ member or not. For members, the cost is $375; for non-members, it is $475. There are also additional fees for retaking the exam if necessary.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPHQ certification from NAHQ and be recognized as an expert in healthcare quality. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

8. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a professional healthcare worker who has completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed a certification exam. The RMA provides administrative, clinical, and laboratory services in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and other medical facilities.

The length of time it takes to become an RMA varies depending on the individual's educational background and the requirements of the specific program they are enrolled in. Most programs can be completed in one year or less if taken full-time; however, some may take longer depending on the number of credits required for completion.

To become an RMA, individuals must first complete an accredited medical assistant program from an institution recognized by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Once the program is completed, students must pass a certification exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The cost to become an RMA depends on which program you choose to enroll in. Typically, tuition costs range from $1,000-$10,000 depending on whether you attend school online or in person. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

9. National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA CCMA)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA CCMA) is a nationally recognized certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the clinical medical assistant field. It is designed to ensure that certified individuals have the necessary skills to provide patient care in a variety of settings.

It typically takes approximately three months to complete the certification process. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by NHA. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and patient care.

To prepare for the exam, individuals can take online courses or attend classes at their local community college or technical school. They can also purchase study materials from NHA or other vendors.

The cost of the certification depends on how you choose to prepare for it. Online courses typically range from $200-$500, while attending classes at a community college or technical school may cost up to $1,000 depending on your location and program length. Study materials are usually priced between $50-$100 depending on the vendor and type of material purchased.

10. National Center for Competency Testing Certified Unit Secretary/Clinical Unit Coordinator (NCCT CUS/CUC)

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Unit Secretary/Clinical Unit Coordinator (CUS/CUC) certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the administrative and clinical operations of a healthcare unit. This certification is designed for those who work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics.

To become certified as an NCCT CUS/CUC, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have one year of full-time experience in a clinical setting
• Complete an approved training program or have equivalent education
• Pass the NCCT CUS/CUC exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The NCCT CUS/CUC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, patient safety and infection control, customer service, communication skills, recordkeeping and documentation standards, legal issues related to healthcare administration, and more. The exam typically takes two hours to complete.

The cost of the NCCT CUS/CUC certification is $125 USD. This fee includes access to study materials, the exam registration fee, and one free retake if needed. Upon successful completion of the exam and payment of the fee, individuals will receive their certification within two weeks.

11. American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam for the Clinical Medical Assistant (AAMA CMAC).

The American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam for the Clinical Medical Assistant (AAMA CMAC) is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of medical assistants. It is designed to evaluate the competency of individuals who are interested in becoming certified as a Clinical Medical Assistant.

The AAMA CMAC exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, clinical procedures, medical law and ethics, and administrative procedures. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken either at an approved testing center or online.

To be eligible to take the AAMA CMAC exam, applicants must have completed a formal education program in medical assisting that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). In addition, applicants must also have completed a minimum number of hours in clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

The cost for taking the AAMA CMAC exam varies depending on where it is taken. The fee for taking it at an approved testing center is $185 while taking it online costs $195. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam.

Overall, obtaining certification through the AAMA CMAC exam demonstrates that an individual has met all necessary qualifications to become a competent Clinical Medical Assistant and provides them with an advantage when applying for positions in this field.

Do You Really Need a Unit Secretary Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are considering a career in the medical field, having a unit secretary certificate can be beneficial. This type of certification is most often pursued by those who want to work as administrative assistants in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The certificate can help demonstrate your competency and knowledge in the field, which can make you more attractive to potential employers.

A unit secretary certificate may also open up opportunities for advancement within an organization. It can show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to take on higher-level roles. Additionally, having this type of certification can give you an edge when applying for jobs in competitive markets.

On the other hand, if you are not looking to pursue a career in healthcare, then obtaining a unit secretary certificate may not be necessary. In this case, the decision comes down to whether or not the cost and effort required to earn the certificate outweighs any potential benefits it may bring.

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not you need a unit secretary certificate for your career goals; it ultimately comes down to what your individual needs are and what job opportunities you hope to pursue.

Related: Unit Secretary Resume Examples

FAQs About Unit Secretary Certifications

1. What is a Unit Secretary Certification?

A Unit Secretary Certification is a specialized certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to work as a unit secretary in a healthcare setting. The certification includes topics such as medical terminology, medical office procedures, data entry, and other administrative duties.

2. How do I become certified?

In order to become certified, you must complete an accredited program offered by an approved educational institution. After completing the program, you must pass an exam to earn the certification.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

The length of time it takes to complete the program and earn the certification varies depending on the individual's schedule and how much time they are able to devote to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, most people can complete their certification within 6 months or less.

4. What are the benefits of being certified?

A unit secretary certification offers many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher wages, and greater job security. Additionally, having a unit secretary certification shows employers that you have taken the initiative to learn necessary skills for the position and demonstrates your commitment to providing quality patient care.

5. Is there continuing education required for my certification?

Yes - all certifications require ongoing education in order to remain valid and up-to-date with industry standards and changes in healthcare regulations. It is important to review any applicable continuing education requirements prior to submitting an application for a unit secretary certification so that you can be sure you are meeting all necessary requirements for maintaining your certification status.