If you’re a healthcare professional thinking of going back to school, consider this: An advanced certification can not only strengthen your degree, but most likely improve your income potential.
In addition, if you’re a student or you’re looking to transfer from another industry, a medical certification is an excellent way to enter the healthcare industry. Most healthcare professionals need to be certified once they complete their education, but you can still get certified for positions without prior health industry experience in areas such as healthcare management and information systems.
Better still, you can complete your certification without ever having to set foot inside a classroom, since many of the programs are offered online.
So here are five advanced certificates you should consider – whether you’re an experienced professional, or just starting out in the industry:
Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P)
This certification is for expert-level coders looking to get additional experience in a clinical setting. Professionals with a Certified Coding Specialist Physician-based Certification can work at physician and specialty offices in addition to group practices. You’ll learn how to manage comprehensive knowledge of patients’ records and assign codes for each procedure carried out to treat a patient and for their condition.
Certified EKG Technician (CET)
A CET certification is appropriate if you want to specialize in rendering EKG testing for patients. This test can determine if a patient has irregularities that can lead to a heart attack or heart disease. You’re responsible for explaining all details of the procedure to the patient, checking their blood pressure and coordinating with cardiologists to set up stress tests and work book the appointments. You’ll be taking patient interaction courses during the certification program to improve your communication skills and enhance your ability to address inquiries.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
A Respiratory Therapist certification is necessary for anyone interested in becoming a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists examine and measure lung function using specialized equipment and techniques. This certification is offered by the American Association for Respiratory Care to professionals who have earned a secondary degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Individuals must pass a multiple-choice examination.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A CNA certification allows you to perform nursing activities such as taking vital signs, assisting MDs and RNs, helping with personal hygiene or performing basic medical procedures. This program requires individuals to complete at least 75 hours of training and pass a two-part exam consisting of a written or oral section and a skills demonstration.
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
The CPhT certification enables you to understand the process of prescribing medications for patients. You’ll learn the methods of measuring the quantity needed to fill patients’ prescriptions, along with packaging and labeling requirements. You’ll also come away with an understanding of how to work with purchases of prescriptions, inventory of medicines and processing insurance claims from multiple providers.
A Final Thought
Every medical certification comes with a unique set of requirements and qualifications. If you’re serious about pursuing an advanced medical certificate, contact the healthcare recruiting experts at i4 Search Group. We can discuss your goals, explore options and help get you on the right path to further your career.
i4 Search Group – Recruiting Healthcare Heroes since 2019. i4 Search Group is a permanent placement recruiting firm specializing in healthcare across North America. If you’re a nursing, allied health, or any other healthcare professional looking for your next career move, visit our website and see how our experienced team of professionals can help you find a great position in 2021.
