Healthcare Management Certification
Several certification options are available for those looking for more credentialing in health care management. Many of the options once attain require recertification over a period of time, but they can increase your salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those in health care management are relied upon to make good decisions and must therefore be very open to suggestions and analytical.
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Background
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Certifications in health care management are available for people seeking additional credentialing in health care management, however many of them typically have a college degree. According to the BLS, a bachelor's degree is adequate for positions available in smaller facilities while larger ones typically employ health care management professionals who have a master's degree in the field. Though beneficial, certification in health care management is purely optional.
CPHM Basics
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The Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHM) is geared toward health care professionals who aim to further understand the "value, challenges, history, legal aspects and recent trends in health care management," according to McKesson. It covers the U.S. health care system, health economics and strategies, both legal and ethical issues in the field, national health care policies, and leadership and management in health care.
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Recertification
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You must apply for recertification every two years, according to McKesson. You can do so either by taking continuing education credits or by taking another exam. For the continuing education (CE) path, you must have and demonstrate at least at 30 hours through courses, workshops, conferences, and home study. You can also review and summarize health care articles for CE hours. If you choose to take the test, you must go to a CPHM program in your area and then take the test. Or you can do an independent study and take the exam afterward.
Salary Potential
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CPHMs have a great salary potential. Within this potential, salaries vary based on the CPHM's skill or specialty area. According to PayScale.com, CPHMs who specialize in case management have some of the highest reported salaries with a median of $72,300 as of April 2010. CPHMs specializing in acute care have a reported median salary of $61,100 and those specializing in medicine or surgery have a reported median salary of $58,900.
Another Option
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Another certification in health care management is the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). This certification is offered through the American Health Information Management Association is open to individuals who have completed a program in Health Information Management. Like the CPHM, you must meet all eligibility requirements before you are able to take the test. Once deemed eligible, the four-hour test for the RHIA consists of 180 multiple choice questions. According to PayScale.com, the salary potential for individuals who pass the test and become a RHIA is good. With less than one year of experience, the median salary for RHIAs is $36,800. The median salary jumps to $74,300 for those with more than 20 years of experience.
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References
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