The US healthcare industry has grown immensely in the last decade or so. Given the aging population, there’s an increasing need for medical professionals. The gap is especially noticeable in the rural areas, as most young people move to cities in search of better employment opportunities.
“The good news is that you don’t need a fancy degree from a prestigious college to have a good career,” according to Connetics USA, a premier international nurse recruitment agency. “Instead, you can find an amazing position by simply earning a certificate or two.”
In this article, we’ll talk about the 8 top Healthcare career certifications that will boost your career. After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of your opportunities and professional risks.
Top 8 Healthcare Career Certifications for Growth in the United States
1. CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant)
Gaining CCMA from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can jumpstart your career in the field. The certification is tailored for entry-level medical professionals, teaching them basic procedures and tasks. For example, you’ll learn how to evaluate vital signs, administer injections, perform patient intake, and assist physicians during routine exams.
The position of medical assistant is highly sought-after in the US, so you can rest assured that there will always be work for you with this document. Besides demonstrating basic healthcare competence, the certificate can serve as a stepping stone for further career advancement. Among other things, it enables employers to meet basic legal compliance requirements.
2. CSS (Certified Coding Specialist)
CSS certification is a relatively new one. As the name suggests, those who have completed this course have specialized in healthcare coding, enabling them to manage patient records and other vital medical files in accordance with current regulations. The Healthcare career certification is provided by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Getting the certificate requires extensive training, which is why these professionals are highly valued in a medical setting. With the right person at the helm, a hospital can ensure patient record integrity and streamline reimbursements.
3. CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician)
The role of technician is ideal for medical professionals who want to assume a more versatile role. Compared to basic nursing tasks, these experts handle EKG testing, phlebotomy, and other advanced procedures. As such, CTCT/A experts are highly sought after by large hospitals that require multitaskers.
After earning a certification, a person can provide comprehensive medical care to a wide range of patients with various ailments. Ultimately, these experts can ensure better results while simplifying otherwise complex workflows. Due to their excellent basic education, these technicians can switch to other duties and earn diplomas in various fields.
4. CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
Compared to the CSS certificate offered by AHIMA, CPC is handled by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This is one of the broadest IT credentials and an ideal certification for people looking to start their coding career. After finishing the courses, a person can code software for diagnostic procedures and various departments.
The main task of a CPC coder is to minimize claim denials, improve billing accuracy, and ensure compliance with the applicable regulations. The certificate is tailor-made for beginners, allowing a person to work in different outpatient settings, including clinics, physician offices, and outpatient facilities.
5. RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)
With this Healthcare career certification, a person can manage the privacy policies, integrity, and healthcare compliance of clinics or hospitals. RHIT experts are responsible for handling EHRs, making them the backbone of digital transformation in healthcare settings.
The person in this role is vital for hospital finances, as they control costs, handle billing, and perform long-term expense analysis. By examining recent trends, technicians can find ways to reduce hospitals’ costs while improving the quality of care. Earning this certificate makes sense if you’re interested in IT management, advanced medical technology, and healthcare.
6. CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician)
Unlike most other certificates on the list, you can gain CPhT from either the National Healthcareer Association or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Earning the certificate demonstrates a person’s ability to manage various pharmacy operations and recommend appropriate drugs. These technicians commonly support pharmacists in managing inventory, preparing formulas, and dispensing drugs.
The certificate is ideal for anyone who wants to work in a retail pharmacy, as well as in other medical facilities that handle drugs. Despite not having a college degree, a candidate will have to undergo rigorous testing to acquire the certificate. A CPhT applicant requires a GET or a high school diploma.
7. CET (Certified EKG Technician)
These technicians perform diagnostic tasks during cardiac exams. After finishing the program, a person will have the necessary knowledge to use EKG equipment and monitor heart health. As such, CETs are invaluable for detecting early signs of coronary diseases, making them invaluable for prevention.
A person who has earned the certificate has the necessary knowledge to work in hospitals and clinics, as well as in other settings with cariology departments. Among others, these experts can help with Holter monitoring and stress tests, and cardiac catheterization.
8. CPHRM (Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management)
With CPHRM certification, a professional can handle all administrative tasks for a clinic or a hospital. Besides organizing and streamlining daily workflows, these medical experts ensure patient safety, create comprehensive risk profiles, and ensure full compliance. Their main responsibility is to introduce protocols and standards in line with current legislation and patients’ needs.
Earning this Healthcare career certification is especially valuable for large systems where risk management is paramount. By controlling different aspects of operations, higher-ups can avoid liabilities and maintain a high quality of service. CPHRM professionals are essential to both clients and organizations, making them ideal for current and future administrative positions.
The Future of Healthcare in the US
The demand for Healthcare career certification professionals will continue to rise. As the population ages and medical technology improves, the system will require significantly more experts. This gives you a great opportunity to explore different options in the healthcare field and set a foundation for a long-lasting career.
