6 Certification and Recertifications That Healthcare Professionals Should Not Miss

Looking for a way to boost your career and make more money? There are a variety of healthcare certification programs available that can help you boost your career. 

Whether you're looking to advance your current position or transition into a new role, certification can give you the edge you need to succeed. 

From Healthcare Administration to ACLS certification, education offers you many benefits. This includes improved job prospects and higher earnings potential. 

Keep reading to see these six certifications that will boost your career!

How Does Certification Benefit You?

Healthcare is a dynamic and ever-changing field. Healthcare professionals need to keep up with new technologies and treatments to provide the best care.

Continuing education and recertification help healthcare professionals stay up-to-date. It can also help health professionals advance their careers. Education provides you with opportunities to take on more responsibility and earn a higher salary.

While continuing education and recertification may seem like a hassle, the benefits far outweigh the costs. By investing in your professional development, you are setting yourself up for future success. 

Think of it as an investment in your appeal to future employers. Often, your company or boss will subsidize certification. It's a win-win - the company boasts more certified employees, and you increase your pay grade and skillset. 

ACLS Certification

ACLS certification is widely recognized. With ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, you can treat patients with life-threatening heart conditions.

Most healthcare professionals are BLS certified. In BLS training, you learn how to use rescue breaths, chest compressions, and a defibrillator. With ACLS certification, you use life-saving tools like electrocardiograms, intubations, and intravenous medications. In case of an emergency, you'll be more prepared. 

ACLS covers airway management and oxygenation, ACLS algorithms, ECG rhythm recognition, and immediate post-cardiac arrest care. ACLS also includes a review of BLS skills. 

Look for an online course from a company featuring certification by a trusted institution. ACLS is an advanced course that challenges participants to reflect on and improve their ability to resuscitate patients. 

Physicians, nurses, and paramedics who work in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care, and critical care units are all eligible for ACLS. You must take your ACLS every two years to maintain certification.

Certified Patient Care Technician

One popular certification program is the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT). CPCTs are professionals who provide patient care under the direction of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.

You may also hear folks call them: nursing assistants, patient care technicians, or health care technicians. The average hourly wage ranges from $18-25 an hour. 

CPCTs typically have completed a certification program and passed a national exam. You can take this certification program at a community college, vocational school, or online.

CPCTs are responsible for different tasks, such as taking vital signs, measuring blood pressure, and providing patient care. They may also assist with medical procedures, such as inserting catheters or setting up IVs.

This program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to care for patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. 

Although the CNA program is relatively short, it can provide you with invaluable experience that will prepare you for a successful healthcare career.

Medical Assistant Certification

Another certification program that is growing in popularity is the Medical Assistant (MA) program. MAs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and measuring vital signs. 

They also often assist physicians with procedures and provide patient education. You can complete the MA program in as little as one year, making it an ideal option for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Healthcare Administration Certification

Healthcare Administration Certification is another great option for those looking to boost their career in healthcare. 

Healthcare Administration Certification can be a valuable asset for healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers or move into management positions. This certification can also help employers verify that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in healthcare administration roles.

There are many different types of healthcare administration certification programs available. Some programs may require candidates to complete a certain number of credit hours, while others may be more flexible. 

This certificate program covers topics such as healthcare policy, finance, and law. Many employers will offer tuition reimbursement for employees who complete the program.

Certified Medical Biller 

For those interested in a career in medical billing, the Certified Medical Biller (CMB) credential is a great option. 

This credential requires passing an exam that covers topics such as reimbursement systems, claims submission, and diagnosis coding. 

A certified medical biller is responsible for billing patients and insurance companies for services rendered by a healthcare provider. Duties include preparing bills, maintaining patient records, and filing insurance claims.

EKG Technician 

A certified EKG Technician is a medical professional. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private doctor's offices.

EKG technicians are responsible for hooking patients up to the EKG machine, which records the electrical activity of the heart. They must then ensure that the tracing is clear and easy to read. Once the tracing is complete, the technician will interpret it and provide a report to the doctor.

Interpreting an EKG tracing can be tricky, as several different things can be happening in the heart at any given time. Therefore, EKG technicians need to have a strong understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology. They must also be able to identify different types of arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms.

EKG technicians typically work alongside other medical professionals, such as cardiologists, to provide the best care possible for patients. They may also be responsible for providing education to patients and their families about heart health and arrhythmias.

If you want to become an EKG technician, you will need to complete a certified training program. Community colleges and technical schools usually offer these programs. During your training, you will learn about cardiac anatomy and physiology, EKG interpretation, and patient care.

Boost Your Career Today

The benefits of continuing education and recertification are clear. By staying up-to-date on the latest advances in their field, health professionals can provide the best possible care for their patients. In addition, continuing education and recertification can help health professionals advance their careers and take on more responsibility. 

The costs of continuing education and recertification are minimal compared to the benefits, making it a wise investment for any health professional.

About the Author

Kate Macmorn
Communications Director
AMRI

Kate is the communications director for the American Medical Resource Institute, where they’ve trained over a million healthcare professionals to study for, earn and maintain life support certifications that allow them to better respond to cardiac emergencies. When not in the office, you can find Kate practicing her tennis skills. She also frequents live music venues and is always looking for her next creative hobby.