21 Best Healthcare Management Certifications in 2025
Healthcare management certifications are designed for professionals aiming to improve their skills in healthcare operations, practice management, and organizational efficiency. These certifications are valuable for medical practice owners and healthcare administrators seeking to advance their careers and optimize their practice.
I've summarized the top healthcare management certifications with insights on pricing, prerequisites, focus areas, and suitability to help you choose the right one for your professional growth.
Best Healthcare Management Certifications Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best healthcare management certifications I think are worth looking into:
- Healthcare Management Certificate - Best for executive leadership skills
- Professional Certificate in Healthcare Management - Best for strategic decision-making
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHMG) - Best for comprehensive industry understanding
- Certificate in Leadership for Healthcare Management - Best for leadership transformation
- Healthcare Management Certificate Program - Best for practical management insights
- Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM) - Best for risk management expertise
- FIU: Certificate in Healthcare Management - Best for foundational management skills
- Business of Healthcare Certificate Program - Best for business-focused healthcare knowledge
- Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (GCHM) - Best for advanced management strategies
- CPHIMS: Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems - Best for IT management in healthcare
- Certification in Health Care Quality Management (CHCQM) - Best for quality assurance focus
- Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) - Best for facility management proficiency
- Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate of Completion - Best for leadership development
- Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) - Best for compliance expertise
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) - Best for quality improvement skills
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) - Best for information management
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) - Best for executive-level recognition
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM) - Best for medical practice management
- Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration - Best for academic foundation
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) - Best for financial management acumen
- Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) - Best for quality and management proficiency
Overviews of the Best Healthcare Management Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best healthcare management certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Healthcare Management Certificate - Best for executive leadership skills
The Healthcare Management Certificate focuses on building essential leadership and management skills for healthcare professionals. You will learn to interpret financial statements, optimize operations through process improvement, and enhance decision-making using case study analysis. The program also emphasizes strategic leadership, effective communication, and managing teams in dynamic healthcare settings.
Issued by: Vanderbilt University
Focus:
- Leadership development
- Strategic planning
- Healthcare policy
- Financial management
- Operational efficiency
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required; however, experience in warehouse or logistic operations is recommended
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Does not expire
Price: $3,795
Who It’s For: This certificate is ideal for healthcare professionals aiming to strengthen leadership, management, and operational skills, including clinicians, administrators, and managers seeking career advancement.
2. Professional Certificate in Healthcare Management - Best for strategic decision-making
The Professional Certificate in Healthcare Management equips you with the tools to lead and manage effectively in the healthcare setting. You will engage in practical learning experiences, gaining competency in leadership while preparing to pursue graduate degree opportunities or advance in your career.
Issued by: Rice University
Focus:
- Strategic decision-making
- Healthcare operations
- Financial analysis
- Policy development
- Organizational leadership
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Passing the program assessments with a minimum score of 75%
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No
Price: $3,100
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their strategic decision-making abilities and drive impactful organizational changes.
3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHMG) - Best for comprehensive industry understanding
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHMG) program prepares healthcare professionals to lead operations and manage organizational challenges effectively. You will gain the skills needed to drive operational success and implement quality improvement initiatives through real-world case studies and performance tools.
Issued by: American Institute for Healthcare Management (AMIHM)
Focus:
- Healthcare strategic planning and management
- Leadership for quality improvement
- Risk management and patient safety
- Financial and operational management in healthcare
- Change management and performance improvement
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required; however, experience in healthcare management roles is recommended.
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, every two years.
Price: $800
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare managers, clinicians, and administrators who want to strengthen their operational, leadership, and strategic management skills.
4. Certificate in Leadership for Healthcare Management - Best for leadership transformation
The Certificate in Leadership for Healthcare Management equips healthcare professionals with the skills to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. It focuses on emerging trends like telehealth and AI and integrates informatics to enhance decision-making and patient outcomes. The program offers a blend of coursework and practical learning, structured within a degree program format, for comprehensive skill development.
Issued by: UCI Paul Merage School of Business
Focus:
- Healthcare strategy
- Financial management
- Policy adaptation
- Emotional intelligence
Prerequisites: none
Renewability: Does not expire
Price: $6,500
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare leaders and clinicians who want to enhance their leadership skills and adapt to industry changes like telehealth and AI.
5. Healthcare Management Certificate Program - Best for practical management insights
The Healthcare Management Certificate Program empowers healthcare professionals to master the business side of healthcare. You will discover how to steer operations, inspire teams, and confidently decode financial strategies. The accreditation of this program ensures high standards, while the curriculum emphasizes business management principles and offers flexible options for full-time learners seeking career advancement.
Issued by: eCornell
Focus:
- Healthcare operations
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
- Quality improvement
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required; experience in healthcare or management roles is recommended
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No
Price: $4,600
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for medical, nursing, dental, physical therapy, and veterinary professionals, along with pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet students and those stepping into administrative or managerial roles in healthcare.
6. Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM) - Best for risk management expertise
The credential establishes a standard of excellence in risk management for healthcare organizations. It certifies your advanced proficiency in implementing preventative strategies and improving organizational resilience. Highly regarded in the field, this certification opens doors to senior roles in risk management and strengthens your ability to safeguard both patients and healthcare operations.
Issued by: American Hospital Association
Focus:
- Risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance
- Patient safety
- Financial risk management
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma or higher
- Work Experience:
- 5 years of experience in healthcare with a baccalaureate degree or higher
- 7 years of experience in healthcare with an associate degree
- 9 years of experience in healthcare with a high school diploma
- Exam: Passing the CPHRM examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every three years.
Price: $275 (ASHRM member); $425 (Non-members)
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare risk managers, patient safety professionals, compliance officers, and legal consultants in healthcare organizations seeking to advance their careers in risk management and patient safety.
7. FIU: Certificate in Healthcare Management - Best for foundational management skills
The certificate offers focused, graduate-level training for healthcare professionals who want to advance their leadership and operational skills. Through five intensive courses, you will gain practical knowledge to address industry challenges and drive strategic improvements in healthcare delivery.
Issued by: Florida International University
Focus:
- Healthcare policy
- Financial management
- Organizational behavior
- Strategic planning
Prerequisites:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: Proof of English proficiency for non-English instruction institution applicants:
- TOEFL (80 iBT), IELTS (6.5), PTE-A (53)
- Cambridge English – Advanced
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price:
- In-person and online: $18,571
- Fully online: $21,390
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare professionals, administrators, and managers seeking to build a solid foundation in healthcare management and enhance their ability to navigate complex healthcare environments.
8. Business of Healthcare Certificate Program - Best for business-focused healthcare knowledge
The certificate program provides an in-depth understanding of the business aspects of healthcare, integrating key concepts from economics, management, and policy. With credit hours aligned to industry standards, the program prepares you to lead and manage effectively within the healthcare sector.
Issued by: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Focus:
- Healthcare economics
- Financial management
- Policy analysis
- Health insurance operations
- Strategic leadership
- Public health strategies
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None; however, it is recommended to take the Business of Healthcare Specialization courses in order
Renewability: No
Price: $79 per month
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare executives, clinicians, managers, and business professionals who want to strengthen their business acumen in healthcare and effectively lead strategic initiatives.
9. Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (GCHM) - Best for advanced management strategies
The graduate certificate is an 8-month, fully online program for healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles. Delivered jointly by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Desautels Faculty of Management, it provides real-time managerial training applicable to healthcare environments. The program emphasizes practical learning, enabling you to tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful organizational change.
Issued by: McGill University Desautels Faculty of Management
Focus:
- Healthcare leadership
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Quality improvement
Prerequisites:
- Education: A bachelor's degree
- Work Experience: Must have a healthcare-related work experience
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Does not expire
Price:
- Application Fee: $132.90
- Tuition Fee: $2,000
Who It’s For: This certification is for healthcare professionals and physician leaders who want to enhance their leadership and management skills and advance in their careers.
10. CPHIMS: Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems - Best for IT management in healthcare
The CPHIMS credential recognizes expertise in healthcare IT and systems management. It is a globally respected certification that validates advanced knowledge in healthcare information systems, strategic management, and data-driven decision-making. Earning this certification positions you as a digital health innovation and transformation leader.
Issued by: HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)
Focus:
- Information systems management
- Healthcare technology
- Data analytics
- IT strategy alignment
Prerequisites:
- Education: Bachelor's degree or higher
- Work Experience:
- 5 years in healthcare IT (with a bachelor’s degree)
- 7 years (with an associate degree), with at least 3 years in management
- Exam: Passing the CPHIMS examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every three years with the completion of 45 continuing education hours.
Price:
- HIMSS Organizational Affiliates: $529
- HIMSS Members: $579
- Non-members: $699
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare IT professionals, project managers, and data analysts aiming to lead healthcare information systems and drive digital health transformation.
11. Certification in Health Care Quality Management (CHCQM) - Best for quality assurance focus
The certification validates expertise in improving patient safety, reducing medical errors, and optimizing care delivery. It signifies a deep commitment to healthcare quality and cost-effective practices. It equips you to implement evidence-based strategies that enhance healthcare outcomes while ensuring efficiency and accountability.
Issued by: American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP)
Focus:
- Quality assurance
- Patient safety
- Risk management
- Performance improvement
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required; however, experience in healthcare or quality management is recommended.
- Exam: Passing the CHCQM examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every two years through continuing education and professional development.
Price:
- Application Fee (U.S.): $160 (Professional Member), $250 (Non-Member)
- Application Fee (International): $260 (Professional Member), $350 (Non-Member)
- HCQM Exam Registration Fee: $695 (Professional Member), $795 (Non-Member)
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals committed to improving quality and safety in healthcare delivery.
12. Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) - Best for facility management proficiency
The CHFM credential verifies your advanced knowledge in the management of healthcare facilities. It signifies expertise in key areas of facility operations and leadership. This certification sets you apart, showcasing your ability to oversee complex healthcare environments while driving safety, performance, and innovation.
Issued by: American Hospital Association
Focus:
- Facility management
- Safety and compliance
- Operations management
- Financial stewardship
Prerequisites:
- Education: A high school diploma or higher
- Work Experience:
- 3 or more years of total engineering experience, including 3 years specifically in healthcare – for a bachelor’s degree.
- 5 or more years of total engineering experience, with at least 3 years in healthcare – for an associate degree.
- 7 or more years of total engineering experience, with 3 years in healthcare – for a high school diploma.
- Exam: Passing the CHFM examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every three years through continuing education and professional development.
Price:
- ASHE Members: $275
- Non-members: $425
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare facility managers, engineers, and professionals overseeing operations and compliance.
13. Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate of Completion - Best for leadership development
This certification helps you build leadership skills and business acumen in healthcare administration. You will select three courses (15 credits) from the HCML core curriculum tailored to your experience and career goals. Courses are available for flexible learning in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats.
Issued by: Bellevue College
Focus:
- Leadership skills
- Healthcare operations
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school graduate holds a GED or other equivalent high school credential
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This certification is designed for individuals looking to improve their leadership skills and effectively manage healthcare operations.
14. Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) - Best for compliance expertise
This certification demonstrates your expertise in managing healthcare compliance programs and ensuring regulatory adherence. It validates your ability to mitigate risks and promote organizational integrity. This certification is widely recognized as a benchmark for professionals committed to maintaining ethical and effective compliance practices in healthcare organizations.
Issued by: Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
Focus:
- Compliance infrastructure
- Regulatory requirements
- Ethical considerations
- Risk assessment
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required; however, work experience in healthcare compliance or equivalent student experience is recommended.
- Exam: Passing the CHC examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every two years.
Price:
- HCCA Members: $350
- Non-members: $450
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for compliance professionals, risk managers, and healthcare administrators aiming to strengthen their expertise in regulatory and compliance management.
15. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) - Best for quality improvement skills
The CPHQ is the only accredited credential for healthcare quality and patient safety. It validates your expertise in and ensures mastery of best practices and regulatory standards. CPHQ-certified professionals are recognized as leaders in optimizing outcomes and driving organizational excellence.
Issued by: National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
Focus:
- Quality improvement
- Patient safety
- Performance measurement
- Data analysis
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: At least two years of experience in the healthcare quality profession is recommended
- Exam: Passing the CPHQ examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every 2 years with 30 continuing education hours requirement
Price:
- U.S. Exam Fees:
- NAHQ Member: $519
- Non-member: $619
- International Exam Fees:
- NAHQ Member: $579
- Non-member: $679
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for quality managers, patient safety professionals, risk managers, and healthcare leaders who want to improve quality and safety.
16. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) - Best for information management
The RHIA credential certifies your expertise in overseeing health information governance, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. You will manage the secure exchange and analysis of patient data, ensuring accuracy and privacy in diverse healthcare settings. This certification highlights your leadership in health information management, connecting clinical operations, data analytics, and IT systems to support organizational decision-making and optimize healthcare delivery.
Issued by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Focus:
- Health data management
- Information governance
- Data analytics
- Privacy and security
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Management (HIM) program
- Master’s degree or post-baccalaureate HIM program completion
- HIM program graduate from an association with an AHIMA reciprocity agreement
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Passing the RHIA examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every two years through the completion of continuing education units (CEUs).
Price:
- AHIMA Members: $229
- Non-members: $299
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for professionals who want to lead health information management initiatives and ensure the integrity of patient data in their organizations.
17. Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) - Best for executive-level recognition
The FACHE certification is a distinguished recognition for healthcare leaders, signifying your expertise in executive management, operational strategy, and governance. It highlights your proficiency in financial stewardship, organizational performance improvement, and ethical decision-making. Earning the FACHE credential reflects your commitment to advancing healthcare leadership and fostering high-performing, patient-centered organizations.
Issued by: American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Focus:
- Healthcare leadership
- Strategic management
- Ethical decision-making
- Professional development
Prerequisites:
- Education: A master's degree or higher
- Work Experience: A minimum of five years in healthcare management and current executive-level position
- Exam: Passing the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, every three years, with proof of continuing education and volunteer activities
Price:
- Exam fee: $225
- Application fee: $250
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for senior healthcare executives aiming to validate their leadership skills and commitment to professional development in the healthcare industry.
18. Certified Medical Manager (CMM) - Best for medical practice management
The CMM credential validates your expertise in managing physician practices and ambulatory service centers. As the only nationally accredited certification for small group and solo provider practice managers, it sets a high standard for operational leadership and strategic expertise.
Issued by: Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)
Focus:
- Financial management
- Regulatory compliance
- Office operations
- Human resources
Prerequisites:
- Education: 12 credits from college, university, or vocational school in healthcare or management
- Work Experience: A minimum 2 years of experience in the healthcare industry supporting patient care
- Exam: Passing the CMM examination
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes; requires annual recertification through continuing education units (CEUs) and maintaining PAHCOM membership or retesting.
Price: $770
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for medical office managers looking to validate your expertise and enhance your ability to run efficient and compliant medical practices.
19. Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration - Best for academic foundation
This bachelor’s degree prepares you with essential skills in healthcare management, analytics, and business operations. You can choose from three specializations: Healthcare Management, Healthcare Analytics, or a General Option. The program builds technical and business expertise to meet the demands of the evolving healthcare industry.
Issued by: DeVry University
Focus:
- Health services management
- Financial operations
- Policy and ethics
- Human resources
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Does not expire
Who It’s For: This degree is ideal for individuals seeking to build a strong academic foundation in healthcare administration and pursue leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
20. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) - Best for financial management acumen
The CHFP certification signifies mastery in healthcare finance and operational strategy, certifying your ability to drive financial performance in complex healthcare environments. It is earned by completing two rigorous modules that blend financial theory with real-world applications.
Issued by: Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Focus:
- Financial analysis
- Revenue cycle management
- Cost management
- Strategic financial planning
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire; however, an active HFMA membership is required to maintain the credential.
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for healthcare finance professionals seeking to validate their expertise and enhance ability to manage financial operations effectively.
21. Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) - Best for quality and management proficiency
The HCQM certification showcases advanced proficiency in driving quality initiatives, optimizing utilization management, and mitigating risks in healthcare environments. It highlights expertise in improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Issued by: American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP)
Focus:
- Quality and performance management
- Utilization and resource management
- Risk and patient safety
- Workers’ compensation and managed care
- Transitions of care and case management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the ABQAURP Core Body of Knowledge course or 25 hours of approved continuing medical education (CME)
- Work Experience: 208 hours of documented involvement in quality improvement, risk management, utilization management, or related fields within the past 5 years
- Exam: Passing the HCQM examination
- Other Certifications Required: Current unrestricted healthcare license
Renewability: Yes, every 2 years through 8 continuing education (CME/CE) hours and payment of membership dues.
Price:
- U.S. Application Fee: $160 (Members) | $250 (Non-members)
- International Application Fee: $260 (Members) | $350 (Non-members)
- Exam Fee: $645 (Members) | $745 (Non-members)
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for nurses, allied health professionals, physicians, and healthcare managers focused on quality improvement, case management, and patient safety.
FAQs About Healthcare Management Certifications
What are the benefits of getting a Healthcare management certification?
Getting a healthcare management certification can enhance your skills and knowledge in managing medical practices. It shows your commitment to professional development and can improve your credibility with colleagues and patients. Certifications can also open doors to career advancement and increase your earning potential.
How do I choose the right certification for my practice?
Consider your career goals and the specific skills you want to develop. Look at the focus areas of each certification and see how they align with your needs. Also, consider the prerequisites, cost, and time commitment involved.
Do Healthcare management certifications require renewal?
Most certifications require renewal to ensure you stay updated with industry standards and practices. Renewal usually involves continuing education credits or professional development activities. Check the specific renewal requirements for the certification you’re interested in.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best Healthcare management courses
- Best Healthcare management books
- Healthcare claims management software guide
- Best Healthcare newsletter
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