Healthcare Administration Certifications: What Do I Need To Succeed?
Healthcare is an important field, without a doubt. While most people may point to doctors, nurses, and surgeons as the most important employees, the truth is that none of them would be able to perform their duties without the oversight of a healthcare administrator. Every medical worker plays an important role, but so do healthcare administrators -- the professionals who manage the hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other facilities that help patients.
Well-Trained Healthcare Managers
Experienced, well-educated, well-trained administrators will be crucial for prevention, management, and treatment of conditions associated with an aging population.
Those seeking work in healthcare administration will need to target specific areas of interest and work toward successfully completing degrees in these fields, as well as certifications. Managers and administrators in this field oversee the myriad duties involved with managing medical personnel.
Some of the typical healthcare management jobs you might seek, once you have your degree and some experience in the field, are these:
- Office manager
- Health/social services manager
- Clinical director
- Medical records manager
- Practice administrator
- Hospital administrator
- Healthcare consultant
- Health information management
- Medical supply manager
- Pharmaceutical company manager
- Hospice company manager
- Government healthcare facility manager
- Human resources manager
At minimum, you should have your bachelor's degree in hand, if you aspire to any of the jobs listed above. Further certifications and studies are possible and best coupled with real world experience.
Healthcare Management Certifications
Once you earn your bachelor's degree, you may find that obtaining various certifications will enhance your ability to be hired. As mentioned above, the kind you should go for will depend on your specialization. But here are a few prominent certifications to consider:
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM): This certification program is for those entering the healthcare financial services field, and whose responsibilities will be focused on revenue generation.
Certified Medical Manager (CMM): Offered by the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management (PAHCOM), this certification program is offered for those employed in office management in a healthcare setting. Those who are involved in the management of small groups of physicians and individual healthcare management professionals will find this certification useful.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM): CPHRM certification is offered by the American Hospital Association, and is considered by some in the field to be among the most elite in the industry. This rigorous certification program requires high educational qualifications and healthcare experience. The test for the certification is considered challenging.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS): This certification is offered by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a non-profit focused on information technology, and the healthcare sector in particular.
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE): Under the aegis of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), this certification is focused on healthcare administration, particularly finance and operations. This certification requires academic attainment higher than a bachelor's degree. The test for this certification is considered rigorous.
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP): AHCAP supports leaders in the healthcare sector with professional development by offering the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP) designation. A proficiency exam is required for this certification.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you interested in a future in healthcare administration? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science with a Concentration in Healthcare Administration, consider ECPI University for the education you’ll need to make a difference in patients’ lives. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a knowledgeable admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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