Interested in a healthcare career, but don’t see yourself as a doctor or nurse? Allied health might be the right fit for you! This area covers many jobs that support patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in healthcare.
If you’re just starting out or aiming to move up, you’ll soon realize that certifications really matter. They prove that you have specific skills, build your reputation, and can lead to new job opportunities.
When you look at allied health jobs, you’ll notice that employers often prefer or require certain certifications because they know these show extra training or commitment.
So, what are these certifications, why are they important, and which ones can help your career the most?
Read on to find out how getting certified in your area can help you move forward and succeed in this fast-changing field.
What Are Allied Health Certifications and Why Are They Important?
An allied health certification is official proof from a professional group that you meet certain standards in a specific job or skill. It’s similar to an official license that shows you have what it takes to do certain healthcare tasks safely and correctly.
Most certifications require you to complete a training program or have work experience, and then pass an exam.
Because healthcare is so important and patient safety cannot be compromised, making sure workers are well-trained is a must. Certifications show employers and patients alike that you know how to do the job well. They set a basic standard for everyone.
Certifications also often need to be renewed over time, which pushes you to keep learning and stay up to date with changes in healthcare.
How Do Certifications Help You Move Up in Allied Health?
Getting certified can quickly boost your chances to get hired or promoted in allied health. If you have the right certification, it shows you are serious, skilled, and reliable. Your application is more likely to get noticed compared to someone who isn’t certified.
Certifications can also help you earn more money, since they show you have special skills and training. Some advanced or leadership jobs need certain certifications before you can apply.
Overall, having a certification shows you care about your work and want to be the best you can be — qualities that most healthcare employers value a lot.
Are Certifications Required or Optional in Allied Health?
The need for certification depends on the job and location. Some allied health jobs legally require a certification.
For instance, many states say you must have certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Medical Laboratory Scientists often need certification too, usually from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Other jobs, like medical billing and coding, might not require it by law but almost every employer prefers or expects it.
Even when it’s not required, having a certification increases your job chances and helps you show your skills. It’s always best to research what’s expected for the job and state you want to work in.
Top Certifications for Advancing in Allied Health
There are many certifications in allied health, so it’s smart to look at your interests and long-term goals before choosing one. Some, however, are known for helping people get ahead.
Here are some of the best:
Physician Assistant (PA)
To become a certified Physician Assistant (PA), candidates must pass the PANCE exam, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). This rigorous exam assesses clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and treatment protocols, ensuring PAs are well-prepared for medical practice. Earning the PA-C credential is essential for state licensure and allows PAs to work in various specialties, including primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Given by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), this credential shows you can handle both patient care and administrative tasks. With this certification, you’re able to work in clinics, doctor’s offices, and hospitals, and you can earn more or move into higher positions. This job is in high demand, with a strong growth outlook.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
This certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) has a strong focus on patient care and clinical skills. Employers respect CCMA holders because the certification proves advanced competence in medical assistant tasks.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A CNA certificate, offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is needed to work in many facilities. CNAs provide basic care under nurse supervision, and it’s an important entry point for those who want to get experience before possibly moving into nursing later.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
Phlebotomy certification from groups like the NHA shows you’re trained to draw blood safely and interact well with patients. It can be a great way into healthcare, and the demand for phlebotomists is especially strong.
Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers this certification. PCTs provide important hands-on support for patients and are often required to be certified. This is a valuable credential for anyone interested in direct patient care.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
From the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the CPC certification shows you know how to code medical records correctly. It’s a key asset for administrative healthcare roles, with very strong job prospects, even allowing for work-from-home possibilities in some cases.
Medical Coding Specialist (CCS-P)
Offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), this certification is focused on doctor’s office coding. It’s in high demand in the growing field of medical billing and coding.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Provided by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), the CHES certification marks you as an expert in health education. It’s recognized in community health, public programs, and wellness jobs, helping you take on roles in health promotion and education.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
This certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is often required for work as an OTA. It proves you can help patients improve their daily living skills and increases both job chances and pay potential.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Given by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), this certification qualifies you to help deliver behavior plans, mostly for clients with autism or developmental disabilities. There are many openings for RBTs, and the credential can help you move into even more skilled positions.
Physical Therapy Specialty Certifications
If you’re already a physical therapist, specialties offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) let you focus on areas like orthopedics or geriatrics. These certifications show advanced expertise and often bring higher pay and more recognition in your area.
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Lab scientists need a bachelor’s degree and clinical training, plus certification from groups like ASCP. The certification is needed for many jobs, helps you advance, and can lead to higher pay or leadership roles in lab work.
EKG Technician (CET)
The National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) CET certification lets you show skill in running EKG tests, which are key for heart health. The need for EKG techs is expected to increase in coming years.
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
As healthcare goes digital, the demand grows for those who can handle electronic records. The NHA’s CEHRS certification prepares you for these roles and may help you earn more or find steady, reliable work.
Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), this credential is needed or strongly desired for many pharmacy tech jobs. It shows you can safely handle medications and support pharmacists, and while job growth is steady, it’s an important support role in healthcare.
