Best Certifications for Healthcare

The Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) credential is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification demonstrates expertise in health data analysis and is validation of mastery in this domain. It also provides practitioners with the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information. Those with the CHDA credential exhibit broad organizational knowledge and the ability to communicate with individuals and groups at multiple levels.

CHDA candidates must meet one of the following eligibility requirements in order to sit for the CHDA examination: hold an RHIT or RHIA credential or have a healthcare bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. It’s also recommended that they have a minimum of three years of healthcare data experience, as well as familiarity with data analysis, data management, data interpretation, and data governance. The CHDA exam costs $329 ($259 with AHIMA membership) and had a first-time pass rate of 10% in 2020.

The Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) credential is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). AAPC is the world’s largest training and credentialing organization for the business of healthcare. Becoming a COC shows proficiency in assigning accurate medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services performed in the outpatient setting. This certification also demonstrates knowledge of coding rules and regulations, as well as an understanding of a wide range of healthcare services. Recipients go on to report outpatient services in a variety of settings including hospital emergency departments, outpatient clinics, outpatient therapy departments, and ambulatory surgery centers.

COC candidates will need to take and pass the COC examination. This test consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. It is open code book and assesses the test-takers knowledge of the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing outpatient facility and freestanding ASC services to insurance companies.

Another certification requirement is maintaining AAPC membership. Additionally, COCs must submit proof of experience every two years, as well as completing 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each re-certification period.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Becoming a CPC demonstrates an unwavering reputation of excellence. Recipients have expertise in assigning accurate medical codes, knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations, proficiency across a wide range of services, and an understanding of how to integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into reimbursement processes.

CPC candidates will need to take and pass the CPC examination. This test consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. It is open code book and assesses the test-takers knowledge in 17 key areas. Another certification requirement is maintaining AAPC membership. Additionally, COCs must submit proof of experience every two years, as well as complete 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each re-certification period.

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification demonstrates the ability to ensure the quality of medical records, as well as use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data in order to improve care and/or control costs. Those with the RHIT credential may be employed by any organization that uses patient data or health information.

RHIT candidates must meet one of the following eligibility requirements in order to sit for the RHIT examination: successfully complete an associate degree in Health Information Management (HIM) that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement. The RHIT exam costs $299 ($229 with AHIMA membership) and had a first-time pass rate of 78% in 2020.

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) credential is administered by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). This certification demonstrates that international standards of professional knowledge and competence in healthcare information and management systems have been met. It also shows commitment to continuing professional development.

CPHIMS candidates must take a pass the CPHIMS Exam. To sit for this examination, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have five years of information and management systems experience (at least three of which were earned in a healthcare setting). Alternatively, candidates must hold a graduate degree or higher from an accredited institution and possess three years of information and management systems experience (at least two in a healthcare setting). Those with 10 years of professional experience in the field, eight of which are in a healthcare setting, may also register for the test.

Epic certification is managed by the Epic software company. This software is utilized in a variety of healthcare settings including community hospitals, academic medical centers, rehabilitation centers, and even patient homes. Many patients have their electronic records stored in Epic and, as a result, certification for healthcare IT professionals is highly coveted. This credential signifies that an individual is proficient in a relevant module. Recipients are also capable of assisting other facilities when implementing Epic software.

It's important to note that Epic certification must be awarded through a sponsorship. Only a healthcare system that is current implementing or planning to implement Epic can nominate a candidate. Once an individual has completed an in-depth training, as well as implementation, can sit for a proficiency test.

The Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP) credential is administered by (ISC)². This is the only certification that combines cyber security skills with privacy best practices and techniques. It demonstrates expertise in protecting patient health information, as well as navigating a complex regulatory environment. Recipients are also known to have the knowledge and ability to implement, manage, and assess security and privacy controls.

HCISPP candidates must take a pass the HCISPP exam, which evaluates expertise across seven domains. Instructor-led online and classroom training courses are available through (ISC)², but seminars, courseware, and self-study aids are recommended. Applicants must also have at least two years of cumulative, paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains. Additionally, candidates must complete the endorsement process and agree to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics.