No matter the industry you work in, professional certification is one of the best ways you can set yourself apart. It’s a credential (or set of credentials) that validates your knowledge, competencies, and expertise in a given field. To earn professional certification, you typically need to pass an examination, plus meet experiential/educational requirements, before you’re granted the title of “certified.”

In healthcare, certification is often a must — not necessarily because it’s required, but because employers and patients desire expert-level providers, with proven skills and a title to back it up.

There are two common types of healthcare certifications. Some healthcare certifications are meant to qualify individuals for careers in specialized, non-degree-requiring roles (like medical assisting and phlebotomy). These are typically achievable in less than one or two years. There are also more advanced healthcare certifications, designed for seasoned professionals looking to expand their career horizons and skillsets.

If you’re new to healthcare altogether, getting certified in a specialized field can help you break into a rewarding and impactful career. And if you’re already working in healthcare? The right healthcare certification can expand your career opportunities.

Let’s explore the different types of healthcare certifications you can earn in just a short amount of time.

Direct patient care certifications

1. Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants, commonly called CNAs, provide basic care to patients, helping them with functional tasks like bathing, feeding, and moving around. CNAs also monitor patients’ vital signs and treatment progress, reporting to upper-level nursing staff. As essential care providers, CNAs are often found in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.

For those who are interested in nursing but are not ready to commit to several years in nursing school, pursuing a CNA training program is a great, short-term option. While state requirements vary, you can become a certified nursing assistant in a matter of months. At Goodwin University, you can qualify for your CNA credential after just one semester of our Patient Care Associate program.

2. Certified medical assistant (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA)

Medical assistants help keep healthcare running smoothly, supporting both physicians and nurses in a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. They help take vital signs, prepare patient exam rooms, administer medications, sterilize equipment, record patient documentation, schedule appointments, and more. As such, they are needed at all corners of healthcare, including private physicians’ offices, specialty practices, and outpatient clinics.

Becoming a medical assistant is a straightforward path, achievable with just a postsecondary certificate or associate degree. In fact, professional certification is not a mandatory step in becoming a medical assistant. However, many employers prefer to hire those who are certified. And because the process is so short, why not? Earning certification through a credentialing body — such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — can be done in a matter of months.

3. EKG technician (CET)

EKG technicians are specialized professionals who monitor heart activity and assist with cardiac stress testing through the use of electrocardiograms. They are core to heart healthcare, in that their role is dedicated to performing essential tests needed for diagnosis and treatment. The results of EKGs are passed along to cardiologists and nurses, who then can evaluate and flag conditions like heart disease, arrhythmias, and more.

Over 90% of employers require EKG technicians to become certified. This healthcare certification is earned through examination and is available through multiple credentialing bodies, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). However, to complete this certification exam, one must complete a postsecondary training program (which can be done in about one year) and have hands-on experience with patients.

4. Emergency medical technician (EMT)

If you’ve ever encountered or even been cared for via an ambulance, you’ve likely met an EMT before. EMTs are medical technicians who respond to emergencies and deliver urgent care to patients on-scene or on-the-road, prior to the hospital. They evaluate patients, provide interventions that are often life-saving, and transport patients to healthcare facilities for further treatment. EMT certification can typically be earned in less than one year and is a common stepping stone into a future healthcare role.

5. Patient care technician/assistant (CPCT/A)

Patient care technicians, also called patient care assistants or associates, provide fundamental care for patients who are sick, injured, and disabled. However, their duties go a bit beyond those of a CNA. In addition to basic patient care duties, PCTs and PCAs can also perform EKGs, phlebotomy, and catheter care. They can often be found in hospitals, but also in outpatient clinics and dialysis centers.

According to the National Healthcareer Association, over 95% of healthcare employers “require or encourage” certification for patient care technicians and assistants. Certification is available via examination after completing a postsecondary training program. Goodwin’s Patient Care Associate program helps students prepare for this certification pathway over the course of three semesters.

6. Phlebotomy technician (CPT)

Phlebotomy technicians are essential laboratory professionals who specialize in drawing blood for testing, transfusions, donations, and research. They are the technicians who handle your routine blood work each year, as well as those who collect blood samples in hospital and emergency settings. They are proficient in calming patients, collecting specimens, as well as storing and transporting blood safely and accurately.

As we’ve seen in the other professions above, the majority of healthcare employers require or prefer phlebotomists to become certified. Certification is available via an the NHA’s CPT examination. You can become eligible for this after completing a short phlebotomy program (like the certificate program at Goodwin!) and after earning some experience in a professional setting. This is one of the quickest routes into healthcare and comes with great reward.

Launch your career path in healthcare today!

Administrative healthcare certifications

7. Certified professional coder (CPC)

Interested in working behind the scenes in healthcare, instead of directly with patients? Medical billing and coding is a great option to consider. Specifically, professional medical coders are responsible for translating medical records (procedures, diagnoses, and treatments) into standardized codes. These codes are then used by insurance companies for billing and reimbursement. This is a tactical profession that plays a significant role in the overall healthcare system, ensuring providers get paid or reimbursed for the services they provide.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is the most recognized credential in this line of work. It is granted via examination through the American Academy of Professional Coders. Aspiring professionals can prepare for this exam through a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program, taking as few as 16 months.

8. Medical administrative assistant (CMAA)

We talked about medical assistants above, who can carry out a range of both clinical and administrative tasks. However, some medical assistants are specialized in (and hired for!) front-office operations alone. In these administrative positions, medical assistants will handle patient intake, appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and records management.

And, there’s a special certification path for these professionals! The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam is also offered through the National Healthcareer Association, underlining a professional’s skills in medical office environments.

Learn about other types of medical assistant certifications here!

9. Certified electronic health records specialist (CEHRS)

Electronic health records (EHRs) are secure, digital versions of patients’ medical history, and are used widely in modern healthcare environments. EHRs are very comprehensive in nature, with records integrated across a range of providers, laboratories, and pharmacies to represent a patient’s case or care in its entirety.

Specialized professionals are needed to input, manage, and maintain the integrity of these electronic files. You can become a medical records specialist through a postsecondary certificate or degree program. Employers will prefer to hire those who have earned certification, as well, through the NHA.

Specialized healthcare certifications

10. Basic life support (BLS)

For existing and seasoned medical professionals, earning certification in basic life support is almost a must. BLS certification teaches fundamental, life-saving techniques like CPR and the use of automated external defibrillator (AED) devices. It certifies an individual’s skills in emergency response across the lifespan, and is therefore required for many clinical roles (like nursing). Training can be completed in just a few hours, but certification may need to be renewed every couple of years.

11. Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)

Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) builds on the BLS certification, focusing on advanced cardiac emergencies and methods of care. For example, you will learn how to respond to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest in emergency settings. This certification is essential for nurses and clinicians working in emergency, ICU, and critical care settings. Many ACLS courses are completed in one to two days.

12. Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)

Similar to the above emergency response certifications, PALS is highly recommended for any clinicians or nurses who will be working directly with children and infants. It focuses on ensuring providers can provide high-quality emergency care to pediatric populations. It’s required for certain roles, like those in emergency response and pediatric healthcare, but may also be voluntary for clinical providers.

13. Specialty board certifications

For seasoned healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, APRNs, and other clinical practitioners, specialized board examinations are an excellent way to further your skill sets. There are much too many to list here, but these certifications can be a gateway into very focused areas of healthcare, like pediatrics, trauma, emergency care, oncology, women’s health, and more. These certifications typically require a stretch of practice hours and the completion of an exam. However, for many, they are achievable within two years of specialty work. They can significantly enhance career advancement and earning potential.

RNs: Check out some of the best nursing certifications you can earn here.

The route to healthcare certification starts here!

Goodwin University is a leading healthcare school in Connecticut, with certificate and degree programs spanning a variety of in-demand career paths. Whether you’re interested in delivering direct patient care, working within a diagnostic lab, or crunching numbers behind the scenes, there is a healthcare career and certification out there for you. And Goodwin can help you get there.

Our healthcare programs are all career-focused, taught by industry professionals, and flexible in schedule. Many courses can be completed online or in part-time formats for those who are balancing other obligations. And, best of all, many of the programs can be completed in under two years’ time. So if you’re eager to make an impact, Goodwin University is a great place to start.

Explore our healthcare programs online today to find a path that aligns with your interests, talents, and professional goals.