15 Best Non-Clinical Healthcare Certifications for Upskilling in 2025
Non-clinical healthcare certifications are specialized credentials that are useful for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in healthcare management, administration, and support roles without direct patient care responsibilities.
I've summarized the best non-clinical healthcare certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Non-Clinical Healthcare Certifications Shortlist
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — Best for administrative support roles in healthcare
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) — Best for expertise in healthcare finance
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) — Best for IT and management in healthcare settings
- Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) — Best for leadership in medical practice management
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — Best for quality assurance in healthcare
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) — Best for executive roles in healthcare management
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) — Best for risk management in healthcare environments
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Best for managing patient health information and medical records
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM) — Best for managing small to medium medical practices
- Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) — Best for revenue cycle management in healthcare
- Certified Healthcare Compliance (CHC) — Best for ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations
- Health Informatics Certification (AMIA) — Best for health informatics expertise
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) — Best for analyzing healthcare data
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) — Best for managing electronic health records
- Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) — Best for medical billing and reimbursement processes
Overview of the Best Non-Clinical Healthcare Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best non-clinical healthcare certifications that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — Best for administrative support roles in healthcare
The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification is designed for individuals seeking to perform clerical duties in healthcare settings. This certification prepares candidates to manage tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, handling insurance claims, and managing the front desk in medical facilities. It aims to ensure that healthcare offices operate efficiently and effectively, supporting both medical staff and patients.
Issued by: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Focus:
- Medical terminology
- Documentation and confidentiality
- Professional etiquette
- Customer service and patient satisfaction
- Use of office software and equipment
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Must have billing experience or good knowledge of medical billing
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, must maintain an active AMBA membership to take the exam and obtain 15 CEUs annually.
Price:
- Study Guide: $199
- Membership: $99
- CMRS Exam: $325 (annually)
Who It’s For: This certification is best for individuals aiming to excel in medical office administrative roles, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing processes.
2. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) — Best for expertise in healthcare finance
The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) certification is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). To achieve the CHFP credential, candidates must complete two key modules: Module I, which dives into the business of healthcare, including finance, risk mitigation, and payment models, and Module II, which involves an operational excellence assessment. Completion of both modules is necessary for certification, and an HFMA all-access membership is required to maintain it.
Issued by: Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Focus:
- Business acumen
- Collaboration
- Financial strategy
- Future trends in healthcare finance
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:
- Membership Categories:
- 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 Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) — Best for IT and management in healthcare settings
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) certification is designed to enhance careers in healthcare IT by demonstrating expertise in global healthcare information systems. It is aimed at professionals seeking to validate their knowledge and skills in this field. HIMSS, the issuing organization, offers various resources to assist with exam preparation, such as review courses and practice tests.
Issued by: HIMSS
Focus:
- Global healthcare information systems
- Healthcare IT expertise
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: To take the CPHIMS exam and earn CPHIMS certification, candidates must meet one of the specified qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree and five years of information and management systems experience, including three in healthcare; OR
- A graduate degree or higher and three years of information and management systems experience, including two in healthcare; OR
- Possess at least 10 years of information and management systems experience, including eight in healthcare
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: 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: Healthcare compliance officers, auditors, consultants, and risk management professionals who oversee regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to healthcare laws and policies across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient facilities.
4. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) — Best for leadership in medical practice management
The Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a certification program provided by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) to individuals who demonstrate expertise and competence in healthcare management. It is recognized as a prestigious credential in medical practice management, validating one's skills and knowledge in the field. The CMPE certification has been established for over 60 years and provides access to a professional network of peers.
Issued by: Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
Focus:
- Medical practice management
- Healthcare management expertise
- Leadership in medical settings
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Select the pathway that matches your experience and education level:
- Pathway 1: At least 2 years of healthcare experience and a bachelor's degree or 120 completed college credit hours.
- Pathway 2 (Students/Early Careerists): Currently completing at least 2 years of healthcare experience or a bachelor's degree/120 college credit hours, with less than 3 years remaining to finish.
- Pathway 3: At least 6 years of healthcare experience, including 4 years in healthcare management or a leadership role.
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, MGMA requires 50 continuing education (CE) hours to maintain ACMPE credentials and retain CMPE certification.
Price: $265 (member)
Who It’s For: Medical practice administrators, office managers, and healthcare professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations, financial management, and compliance of solo or small-group physician practices.
5. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — Best for quality assurance in healthcare
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a recognized credential that signifies expertise in healthcare quality management. It is the only accredited certification in the field of healthcare quality, emphasizing a professional's competence in quality assurance, improvement, leadership, and information management. The certification is designed to promote excellence and professionalism among healthcare quality professionals and is widely acknowledged across the healthcare industry.
Issued by: National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
Focus:
- Organizational leadership
- Performance and process improvement
- Health data analytics
- Patient safety
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes
Who It’s For: Healthcare risk managers, patient safety officers, and compliance professionals are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within healthcare organizations.
6. Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) — Best for executive roles in healthcare management
The Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) certification is a prestigious credential that recognizes leaders in healthcare management. The certification process includes application submission, obtaining references, and passing the Board of Governors Exam. Those who achieve this credential are acknowledged at the annual Convocation Ceremony. The FACHE credential represents a commitment to excellence and ongoing improvement in healthcare management.
Issued by: American College of Healthcare Executives
Focus:
- Healthcare management competency
- Leadership in healthcare settings
- Commitment to healthcare excellence
- Continuous professional development
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- Must have a master's or post-baccalaureate degree and provide a copy of the diploma or final transcript
- Complete at least 36 continuing education credits within the three years prior to applying, including:
- A minimum of 12 credits from ACHE In-Person Education
- Up to 24 credits from ACHE Virtual Interactive Education
- Up to 12 credits from Qualifying Education
- Work Experience: Hold an executive healthcare management position with at least five years of healthcare management experience
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
- Others:
- Maintain active membership for at least one year as an ACHE Member, Faculty Associate, or International Associate. Time spent as a Student Associate does not contribute to tenure.
- Secure two professional references.
- Complete four volunteer activities within three years before applying, including two community/civic and two healthcare-related activities.
Renewability: Yes, it requires 36 continuing education credits, including 12 ACHE in-person, 12 virtual interactive, and up to 12 qualifying education credits. It is renewable every three years.
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.
7. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) — Best for risk management in healthcare environments
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) certification is a prominent credential within the healthcare risk management sector. Administered by the American Hospital Association Certification Center, it requires candidates to pass an exam that encompasses five essential domains. This certification is integral for career advancement in healthcare risk management, often serving as a prerequisite for senior roles in the field.
Issued by: American Hospital Association Certification Center
Focus:
- Clinical/patient safety
- Risk financing
- Legal and regulatory
- Health care operations
- Claims and litigation
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Must meet one of the following:
- Baccalaureate degree or higher +5 years of healthcare experience
- Associate degree or equivalent +7 years of healthcare experience
- High school diploma or equivalent +9 years of healthcare experience
- 3,000 hours or 50% of full-time duties in the last three years in healthcare risk management within 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: Professionals in healthcare risk management, including risk managers, patient safety officers, and compliance officers responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in healthcare organizations.
8. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Best for managing patient health information and medical records
The RHIA certification is a recognized credential for professionals in health information management, enhancing career prospects and demonstrating expertise in managing patient health information. RHIAs oversee the creation and analysis of patient data, manage operational units, and collaborate with healthcare staff across various settings, including hospitals and government agencies. They are knowledgeable about ethical and legal healthcare requirements, particularly regarding patient privacy.
Issued by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Focus:
- Information governance
- Compliance with Protected Health Information (PHI)
- Data analytics and informatics
- Revenue management
- Management and leadership
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must meet one of AHIMA's eligibility requirements:
- Complete a Baccalaureate-level HIM program accredited by CAHIIM
- Complete a Master’s-level HIM program accredited by CAHIIM
- Complete a post-baccalaureate HIM certificate program approved by CAHIIM
- Graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association with an AHIMA reciprocity agreement
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Hold the RHIT certification and meet the conditions set by the 2017 Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)
Renewability: No
Price:
- Exam Cost:
- Premier members: $217.55
- Standard members: $229
- Non-members: $299
Who It’s For: Professionals aiming to manage patient data, ensure security, and improve healthcare outcomes through effective information management.
9. Certified Medical Manager (CMM) — Best for managing small to medium medical practices
The Certified Medical Manager (CMM) certification, offered by PAHCOM, validates expertise in managing medical practices within a complex regulatory environment. It assures stakeholders of a manager's competence in healthcare administration, covering the nine domains of medical practice administration. The certification is particularly focused on practice management for small physician practices, being the only nationally accredited certification of its kind.
Issued by: PAHCOM
Focus:
- Regulatory environment management
- Healthcare administration
- Medical practice management
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Candidates are required to fulfill or surpass the following:
- Minimum 2 years in the healthcare industry supporting patient care; management experience is 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 and no formal education also qualify.
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: 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: Professionals responsible for managing physician practices and ambulatory service centers.
10. Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) — Best for revenue cycle management in healthcare
The Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) certification is a professional credential offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). This certification focuses on the patient-centric revenue cycle and equips learners with the necessary knowledge to enhance performance and improve patient experiences. It covers various aspects of the revenue cycle, including patient access, billing, coding, claims management, denial management, collections, compliance, and financial reporting. The program provides a comprehensive framework for setting performance standards and building technical expertise across the entire revenue cycle.
Issued by: Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Focus:
- Patient access
- Billing and coding
- Claims management
- Denial management
- Collections
- Compliance
- Financial reporting
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Experience in revenue cycle operations, including patient access, registration, billing, claims management, and financial discussions, with at least one year recommended.
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, renew every two years by completing a 50-question online assessment; with a maintenance fee of $100 for non-members, free for HFMA members.
Price: $399
Who It’s For: Healthcare financial management professionals aiming to validate their expertise in the revenue cycle process.
11. Certified Healthcare Compliance (CHC) — Best for ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations
The Certified Healthcare Compliance (CHC) certification is ideal for professionals working in healthcare facilities who want to demonstrate their expertise in compliance. This certification validates a specialization in navigating regulatory frameworks and implementing effective compliance programs. It also includes specific education requirements to ensure professionals are well-equipped to uphold ethical and legal standards in the healthcare industry.
Issued by: Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
Focus:
- Understanding of healthcare regulations and laws
- Development and implementation of compliance programs
- Risk assessment and management
- Internal and external auditing procedures
- Compliance investigations and corrective actions
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: Professionals responsible for ensuring that healthcare organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations.
12. Health Informatics Certification (AMIA) — Best for health informatics expertise
The AMIA Health Informatics Certification (AHIC) is designed for professionals in the medical field who integrate information technology into healthcare. It provides a credentialing process for those, including health information technicians, who apply informatics to solve complex healthcare challenges. The certification includes eligibility criteria, a competency exam, and recertification requirements, ensuring high standards through an independent commission. Successful candidates earn the title of AMIA Certified Health Informatics Professional (ACHIP™).
Issued by: American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
Focus:
- Health informatics principles
- Application of informatics in healthcare delivery
- Public health informatics
- Complex healthcare challenges
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience:
- A master's or doctoral degree in health informatics or a related field from an accredited institution +4 years of experience in the past six years; OR
- A master's or doctoral degree in health informatics or a related field from an accredited institution +6 years of experience in the past eight years; OR
- A baccalaureate degree in health informatics or a related field from an accredited institution, +8 years of experience in the past 10 years
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, the certified individuals must meet ongoing requirements to maintain competence and renew their certification.
Price: Exam fees:
- Member: $996
- Non-member: $1,322
Who It’s For: Professionals in healthcare, public health, and informatics who apply informatics concepts to solve complex problems, improve systems, and manage projects, teams, or policies.
13. Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) — Best for analyzing healthcare data
The Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) certification is a credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) that validates professionals' skills in health data analysis. This certification recognizes expertise in health data reporting, business needs assessment, and the ability to analyze healthcare data effectively. The certification process involves passing an exam that consists of 142 questions, and it can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or online.
Issued by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Focus:
- Health data analysis
- Reporting
- Business needs assessment
Prerequisites:
- Education: To qualify, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Possess an RHIT® or RHIA® certification
- Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Work Experience: The following are recommended but not mandatory:
- At least three years of experience working with healthcare data
- Familiarity with data acquisition, analysis, management, interpretation, reporting, and governance
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Hold an RHIT® or RHIA® credential
Renewability: Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.
Price:
- Non-Member: $329
- Member: $259
Who It’s For: Professionals who specialize in data management, analysis, and reporting, including health data analysts, clinical data managers, healthcare informaticists, quality improvement specialists, and professionals involved in healthcare data governance and decision-making.
14. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) — Best for managing electronic health records
The Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification is a valuable credential for those pursuing a career in the healthcare field. It validates expertise in managing electronic health records while ensuring data accuracy and security. Strong communication skills are essential for CEHRS professionals, as they collaborate with healthcare providers and insurance professionals. This certification, along with other medical certifications, prepares individuals to handle key tasks such as auditing patient records, submitting reimbursement claims, and processing medical information requests.
Issued by: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Focus:
- Electronic documentation of patient care
- Auditing patient records
- Compliance with government or insurance requirements
- Handling patient requests for medical information
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Candidate must possess one of the following:
- Have a high school diploma or GED or will earn one within the next 12 months plus completed an electronic health records specialist program in the past 5 years; OR
- Have a high school diploma or GED or equivalent plus 1 year of supervised experience in electronic health records within the past 3 or 2 years within the past five years
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, every two years.
Who It’s For: Medical assistants, medical administrative assistants, and billing and coding specialists who manage patient health information, audit records, abstract clinical data, perform basic coding, process release of information requests, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
15. Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) — Best for medical billing and reimbursement processes
The Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) certification is a valuable credential for those pursuing a healthcare career in medical billing. It validates expertise in managing healthcare jobs related to insurance claims, coding, and compliance. This training program ensures professionals develop the necessary skills to handle complex billing and reimbursement tasks efficiently.
Issued by: American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
Focus:
- ICD9, CPT4, and HCPCS coding
- Medical terminology
- Insurance claims and billing
- Appeals and denials
- Fraud and abuse
- HIPAA and OIG compliance
- Reimbursement processes
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Should have experience in medical billing or a strong foundational knowledge of medical billing concepts
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Yes, it requires annual renewal with 15 CEUs, at least 50% from AMBA, and an active AMBA membership.
Price:
- CMRS Exam: $325
- Study Guide: $199
- Membership Fee: $99
Who It’s For: Medical billing professionals who handle healthcare claims, reimbursement processes, coding, billing, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
FAQs About Non-Clinical Healthcare Certifications
What are non-clinical healthcare certifications?
Non-clinical healthcare certifications are credentials that validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who work in healthcare settings but do not provide direct patient care. These certifications cover areas such as healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, health informatics, and healthcare management.
Why are non-clinical healthcare certifications important?
Non-clinical healthcare certifications are important because they demonstrate a professional's expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards in their field. They can enhance job prospects, provide opportunities for career advancement, and ensure that individuals have up-to-date knowledge of industry practices and regulations.
How can one obtain a non-clinical healthcare certification?
To obtain a non-clinical healthcare certification, individuals typically need to complete a specific educational program or course, followed by passing a certification exam. Requirements vary depending on the certification and the issuing organization, so it's important to research the specific prerequisites and steps involved.
Are there online options for non-clinical healthcare certifications?
Yes, many organizations offer online courses and examinations for non-clinical healthcare certifications. These online options provide flexibility for working professionals and allow individuals to complete coursework and assessments at their own pace.
What are some popular non-clinical healthcare certifications?
Some popular non-clinical healthcare certifications include Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP), and Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA). Each certification focuses on different aspects of healthcare administration and management.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
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