14 Best Healthcare Admin Certifications to Take in 2025
Healthcare admin certifications are essential for medical practice owners and administrators seeking to enhance their management skills and advance their careers.
In this article, you'll find information on the top certifications, including pricing, prerequisites, and focus areas. Discover which certifications align with your goals for professional development and career advancement. Make informed decisions about the next steps for you and your practice.
Best Healthcare Admin Certifications Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best healthcare admin certifications I think are worth looking into:
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) - Best for executive leadership
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) - Best for financial expertise
- Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) - Best for compliance management
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM) - Best for small practice management
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) - Best for risk management
- Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) - Best for practice administration
- Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) - Best for facility operations
- Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) - Best for patient access leadership
- Board Certified in Healthcare Management (BCHM) - Best for management proficiency
- Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) - Best for administrative roles
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) - Best for IT systems expertise
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) - Best for quality improvement
- Medical Management Institute’s Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) - Best for office operations
- Registered Medical Manager (RMM) - Best for comprehensive management skills
Overviews of the Best Healthcare Admin Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best healthcare admin certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) - Best for executive leadership
The Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) certification is a prestigious credential for healthcare leaders. It signifies a commitment to excellence in healthcare management and professional ethics. Earning this certification demonstrates a high level of competency in the field.
Issued by: American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Focus:
- Leadership development
- Ethical decision-making
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Healthcare policy
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must have a master's or post-baccalaureate degree and provide a copy of the diploma or final transcript
- Work Experience: Hold an executive healthcare management position with at least five years of healthcare management experience
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, it requires 36 continuing education credits, including 12 ACHE in-person, 12 virtual interactive, and up to 12 qualifying education credits.
Price:
- Application fee: $250 (non-refundable)
- Exam fee: $225
Who It’s For: Medical practice managers and administrators responsible for overseeing daily operations, financial performance, human resources, and compliance within healthcare organizations.
2. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) - Best for financial expertise
The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) certification is designed for healthcare finance professionals aiming to improve their financial management skills. It validates your knowledge and expertise in healthcare finance, focusing on critical financial principles and practices. Achieving this certification reflects a commitment to professional growth in the financial sector of healthcare.
Issued by: Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Focus:
- Financial management
- Revenue cycle
- Business acumen
- Operational excellence
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, CHFP renews every three years with active HFMA membership and 60 education hours, including 20 from HFMA programs.
Price:
- Professional: $485
- Business Partner: $525
- Student: $50
- Faculty: $215
Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals across various roles, including physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, clinical and diagnostic imaging technologists, administrators, early careerists, and anyone seeking to understand healthcare management, payment models, care delivery, and financial principles in the healthcare industry.
3. Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) - Best for compliance management
The Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) certification is tailored for professionals focused on compliance within the healthcare sector. It demonstrates your understanding and expertise in managing healthcare compliance programs and adhering to regulatory requirements. This certification highlights your commitment to maintaining ethical standards in healthcare compliance.
Issued by: Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
Focus:
- Regulatory compliance
- Compliance program management
- Risk assessment
- Ethical practices
- Business management
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience:
- At least one year in a full-time compliance position or 1,500 hours of direct compliance job duties within the two years before applying
- Candidates who completed a certificate program from a CCB-accredited university within the last two years are exempted from the work experience requirement
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required:
- Earn 20 CCB-approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 12 months before applying
- At least 10 of the 20 CEUs must be from "live" training sessions, such as in-person events or real-time web conferences
Renewability: Yes, it requires renewal every two years from the original certification month by submitting CEUs and the renewal fee on time.
Price:
- Examination fee: $350 (HCC members) and $450 (non-members)
- Renewal fee: $125 (HCC members) and $245 (non-members)
- Examination rescheduling fee: $75
- Duplicate score report fee: $25
- Score verification fee: $25
- Event accreditation fee: Starts at $50
Who It’s For: Compliance officers, auditors, risk managers, and legal professionals responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance and overseeing risk management in healthcare organizations.
4. Certified Medical Manager (CMM) - Best for small practice management
The Certified Medical Manager (CMM) certification is designed for those managing small medical practices. It confirms your ability to handle various aspects of practice management, from operations to financial oversight. This certification demonstrates your proficiency in effectively running a medical office.
Issued by: Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)
Focus:
- Practice operations
- Financial management
- Human resources
- Regulatory compliance
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Candidates are required to fulfill or surpass the following:
- Minimum of 2 years in the healthcare industry supporting patient care; management experience not required, but the exam focuses on administrative operations in medical practice
- 12 post-secondary credits in healthcare or management (college, university, or vocational school); each additional year beyond 2 years of experience reduces the requirement by 1 credit
- Candidates with 14 years of experience qualify, with 2 years meeting experience and 12 years replacing education
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, it requires continuing education (CEUs) and continuous membership or annual retesting to maintain the credential.
Price:
- Standard exam: $770
- Physician/admin members: $385 (50% discount)
- No-show fee: $50
- In-person site fee: $70
Who It’s For: Medical practice managers, office administrators, and healthcare executives responsible for overseeing daily operations, financial management, compliance, and staff coordination in medical practices.
5. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) - Best for risk management
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) certification is tailored for professionals in the healthcare risk management field. It validates your expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within healthcare environments. This certification underscores your commitment to maintaining safety and reducing liabilities.
Issued by: American Hospital Association (AHA)
Focus:
- Risk assessment
- Patient safety
- Legal and regulatory issues
- Claims management
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Requires to meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher +5 years in a healthcare setting or with a healthcare service provider
- Associate degree or equivalent +7 years in a healthcare setting or with a healthcare service provider
- High school diploma or equivalent +9 years in a healthcare setting or with a healthcare service provider
- 3,000 hours or 50% of job duties in the last 3 years must involve healthcare risk management in a healthcare setting or with a service provider (e.g., consultant, broker, attorney)
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, renew by completing 45 contact hours in three years or passing the CPHRM exam, with renewal applications accepted one year before expiration.
Price:
- Textbook Fees: $249 (member) and $299 (non-member)
- Exam Cost: $275 (ASHRM members) and $425 (non-members)
- Renewal Fees: $135 (ASHRM members) and $225 (non-members)
Who It’s For: Healthcare risk managers, compliance officers, patient safety professionals, and legal consultants managing risk, liability, and regulatory compliance in healthcare organizations.
6. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) - Best for practice administration
The Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) certification is aimed at professionals managing medical practices. It signifies a comprehensive understanding of medical practice management, from financial and operations management to human resources. This certification demonstrates your ability to lead and improve practice operations.
Issued by: Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
Focus:
- Financial management
- Operations management
- Human resources
- Governance and organizational dynamics
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Choose the pathway that fits your background:
- Pathway 1: 2+ years of healthcare experience and a bachelor’s degree or completion of 120 college credit hours.
- Pathway 2 (Students/Early Careerists): Currently completing 2+ years of healthcare experience or a bachelor’s degree/120 credit hours, with less than 3 years left to finish.
- Pathway 3: 6+ years of healthcare experience, including 4 years in healthcare management or leadership.
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, MGMA requires 50 continuing education (CE) hours to maintain ACMPE credentials and retain CMPE certification.
Price:
- Certification Application: $265 (member) and $611 (non-member)
- 1 Year Membership+Certification: $611
Who It’s For: Medical practice executives, clinic administrators, and healthcare managers overseeing financial performance, compliance, operations, and strategic leadership in medical practices.
7. Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) - Best for facility operations
The Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) certification is designed for professionals overseeing healthcare facility operations. It validates your ability to manage the physical environment of healthcare facilities effectively. This certification highlights your skills in ensuring facility safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Issued by: American Hospital Association (AHA)
Focus:
- Facility management
- Safety and compliance
- Maintenance and operations
- Planning and design
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: To qualify for the exam, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree +3 years of engineering experience, including 3 years in healthcare and 3 years in management, supervision, or administration within a healthcare setting
- An associate degree +5 years of engineering experience, including 3 years in healthcare and 5 years in management, supervision, or administration within a healthcare setting
- A high school diploma +7 years of engineering experience, including 3 years in healthcare and 5 years in management, supervision, or administration within a healthcare setting
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, renew one year before expiration, but the date remains unchanged, and 45 contact hours must be within three years.
Price:
- Exam Cost: $275 (ASHE members) and $425 (non-members)
- Renewal Fees: $135 (ASHE members) and $225 (non-members)
Who It’s For: Facility managers, operations directors, safety officers, and healthcare engineers responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and operational efficiency in healthcare facilities.
8. Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) - Best for patient access leadership
The Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) certification is designed for leaders in patient access services. It demonstrates your ability to manage and improve patient access functions within healthcare settings. This certification highlights your proficiency in ensuring efficient and effective patient entry and management processes.
Issued by: National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
Focus:
- Patient access services
- Revenue cycle management
- Customer service
- Regulatory compliance
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- High school diploma or GED with 90 contact hours in the past 3 years or
- A four-year degree in an accredited healthcare institution, business, or a related field
- Work Experience: Two years of leadership experience in healthcare or finance
- Exam: No
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: Healthcare executives, administrators, and senior leaders responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance within healthcare organizations.
9. Board Certified in Healthcare Management (BCHM) - Best for management proficiency
The Board Certified in Healthcare Management (BCHM) certification is a prestigious credential for healthcare leaders. It signifies a high level of expertise in healthcare management practices and principles. This certification demonstrates your dedication to professional excellence and leadership in the healthcare field.
Issued by: American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Focus:
- Leadership and management
- Ethical decision-making
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Candidates must hold a master’s degree or higher
- Work Experience: Experience is required, but no specific details are specified.
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Who It’s For: Hospital executives, healthcare administrators, and senior leaders responsible for strategic direction, financial operations, and regulatory compliance in healthcare organizations.
10. Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) - Best for administrative roles
The Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP) certification is aimed at those working in healthcare administration. It validates your skills and knowledge in managing administrative functions within healthcare settings. This certification emphasizes your competence in maintaining efficient administrative operations.
Issued by: Transfedu
Focus:
- Healthcare administration
- Office management
- Communication skills
- Regulatory compliance
Prerequisites:
- Education: Possess an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Work Experience: At least seven years of administrative experience in a healthcare setting
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, renew the CHAP® credential every three years by completing 30 continuing education units (CEUs).
Who It’s For: This certification is for healthcare administrators, medical and health service managers, quality management professionals, senior nurses, and risk managers responsible for overseeing healthcare operations, compliance, and service quality.
11. Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) - Best for IT systems expertise
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) certification is tailored for IT professionals in the healthcare sector. It validates your expertise in healthcare information and management systems, ensuring you have the skills to optimize technology in healthcare settings. This certification underscores your ability to integrate and manage IT systems effectively while meeting eligibility and education requirements. Earning a graduate certificate in a related field can further enhance your qualifications for this certification.
Issued by: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
Focus:
- Information systems management
- IT infrastructure
- Data management
- Health information management
- Healthcare regulations
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 5 years of information and management systems experience, with 3 years in healthcare
- Graduate degree or higher from an accredited college or university and 3 years of information and management systems experience, with 2 years in healthcare
- 10 years of information and management systems experience, with 8 years in healthcare (no degree program required)
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Price:
- OA Member: $529
- Member, Corporate or Student Member: $579
- Non-member: $699
- Extension: $139
- Retake: $339
- Renewal (Member): $339
- Renewal (Non-Member): $459
- Self-Assessment Exam (Member): $119
- Self-Assessment Exam (Non-Member): $129
Who It’s For: Professionals such as healthcare information and management systems specialists, health information administrators, IT managers, clinical informaticists, and consultants who oversee the integration and management of information systems within healthcare organizations.
12. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) - Best for quality improvement
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification is tailored for professionals dedicated to healthcare quality. It validates your skills in managing and improving quality in healthcare settings. This certification highlights your commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in healthcare quality.
Issued by: National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
Focus:
- Quality management
- Performance improvement
- Patient safety
- Data analytics
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals involved in quality management, including quality directors, managers, consultants, and patient safety officers responsible for implementing and overseeing quality improvement initiatives within healthcare organizations.
13. Medical Management Institute’s Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) - Best for office operations
The Medical Management Institute’s Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) certification is designed for professionals overseeing medical office operations. It validates your skills in managing the administrative functions of a medical office efficiently. This certification demonstrates your ability to handle office management tasks effectively.
Issued by: Medical Management Institute (MMI)
Focus:
- Office administration
- Financial management
- Compliance and regulations
- Human resources
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Should have at least one year of experience in a medical practice
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Price: $1,225
Who It’s For: Medical office managers, practice administrators, and healthcare professionals responsible for overseeing administrative operations, personnel management, financial oversight, compliance, and managed care within medical practices.
14. Registered Medical Manager (RMM) - Best for comprehensive management skills
The Registered Medical Manager (RMM) certification is designed for individuals managing medical practices. It confirms your comprehensive skills in overseeing various aspects of medical management, from operations to compliance. This certification emphasizes your specialization in maintaining effective management practices in a healthcare setting, incorporating informatics and relevant coursework to ensure efficiency and regulatory adherence.
Issued by: Medical Management Institute (MMI)
Focus:
- Practice management
- Compliance and regulations
- Financial oversight
- Human resources management
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- At least 10 hours of training in anatomy and terminology is recommended
- Required Textbooks:
- CPT® Professional Edition (most recent) – AMA Publisher
- ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians (latest edition)
- HCPCS Level II (current version)
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Price: $1,499 (regular tuition)
Who It’s For: Medical coders, billers, practice managers, business office administrators, and medical office staff members seeking to advance or validate their management and leadership skills in a medical practice setting.
FAQs About Healthcare Admin Certifications
What are healthcare admin certifications?
Healthcare admin certifications are credentials that validate an individual's skills and knowledge in managing various aspects of healthcare facilities, such as operations, finance, compliance, and quality assurance. They are designed to enhance professional credibility and career advancement in the healthcare administration field.
Why should I pursue a healthcare admin certification?
Pursuing a healthcare admin certification can boost your career by demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the field. It can open doors to advanced positions, increase your earning potential, and help you stay current with industry standards and practices.
How do I choose the right certification for my career?
Choosing the right certification depends on your career goals, current role, and areas of interest. Consider certifications that align with the skills you want to develop or enhance. Research the prerequisites, focus areas, and the issuing body to ensure it meets your professional needs.
Do I need a degree to obtain a healthcare admin certification?
Not all healthcare admin certifications require a degree. Many certifications focus on practical experience and knowledge, allowing professionals without formal education to qualify. However, some certifications may have specific educational prerequisites, so it's important to check the requirements for each certification.
How long does it take to earn a healthcare admin certification?
The time it takes to earn a healthcare admin certification varies depending on the certification's requirements and your prior experience. Some certifications may require several months of study and preparation, while others can be completed more quickly if you already possess relevant skills and knowledge.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
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