What is the NHA? A guide to medical certifications
If you’re exploring a career in healthcare, one organization you’ll likely encounter is the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Understanding what the NHA is and its role in certifying medical professionals can help you see why it holds significant importance within the healthcare industry.
The NHA is a respected national organization that grants certifications to allied health professionals. Established in 1989, the NHA focuses on elevating patient care quality by enforcing rigorous standards and offering credentials recognized throughout the healthcare sector.
In essence, the NHA works to ensure that individuals pursuing positions such as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and billing and coding specialists are thoroughly qualified and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success. By maintaining high standards, the NHA helps build a competent, reliable healthcare workforce.
Why it matters
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., and with that growth comes the need for skilled, credentialed workers. Employers often prefer (and sometimes require) NHA certifications because they:
- Prove that a candidate has met rigorous national standards
- Demonstrate commitment to professionalism and patient safety
- Enhance employability and career opportunities
For many entry-level healthcare workers, earning an NHA certification is a key step in securing a job or advancing in their field.
Certifications offered by the NHA
The NHA offers a wide range of nationally accredited healthcare certifications spanning multiple in-demand medical specialties. Among the most recognized credentials are:
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT): The NHA Pharmacy Technician certification validates fundamental skills and knowledge for pharmacy settings.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): The popular NHA CCMA credential prepares individuals for multi-skilled roles in clinical and administrative medical environments.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT): The CPT certificate ensures high standards for medical professionals who draw blood and handle other biological specimens.
- Certified EKG Technician (CET): Trains and prepares specialists to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) (used to monitor electrical activity of the heart) and analyze data to inform patient decisions.
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS): Certifies a medical professional in proper maintenance, organization, and categorization of patient records and conditions.
- Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A): The CPCT certificate enables holders to support doctors and nurses with a range of healthcare-related tasks.
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA): CMAAs provide critical administrative support in healthcare offices to ensure smooth operations and high patient satisfaction.
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS): Holders of this certificate have demonstrated knowledge in maintaining patient data security, accuracy, and completeness in electronic systems.
Each NHA certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical understanding and hands-on clinical skills. By earning an NHA certification, candidates demonstrate they are fully equipped to excel in real-world healthcare environments.
How it works
- Eligibility: Most exams require either completion of an accredited training program or relevant work experience.
- Exam: Tests are taken online at approved testing centers or through remote proctoring.
- Certification: Upon passing, you’ll receive your official certification, which you can add to your résumé, job applications, and LinkedIn profile.
- Renewal: NHA certifications typically require renewal every two years and require completion of continuing education to remain current.
Benefits of NHA certification
Holding an NHA certification comes with many advantages, including:
- Career advancement: Certified professionals often qualify for better job opportunities and higher pay.
- Industry recognition: Employers trust NHA as a respected name in healthcare certification.
- Confidence and credibility: Holding a nationally recognized certification boosts both professional credibility and personal confidence.
- Flexibility: Because NHA credentials are recognized nationwide, they facilitate easier movement between states or facilities, ideal for travel medical roles.
A certification demonstrates that you possess the expertise and training needed to fulfill the duties of a certain role. In a competitive job market, especially in a highly regulated industry like healthcare, obtaining a certification will increase the likelihood that employers will consider your application.
Who uses NHA certifications?
NHA-certified professionals can be found in hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Employers range from major healthcare systems to local pharmacies and community practices.
Looking at the big picture
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) plays a crucial role in developing a highly skilled healthcare workforce, ensuring that all certified professionals are thoroughly trained and qualified. With millions of individuals earning NHA certifications since its establishment, the NHA is one of the most trusted credentialing organizations in healthcare. Whether you aim to launch your journey as an NHA pharmacy technician, advance your role as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA CCMA), or pursue other vital credentials, holding an NHA certification enhances your professional profile and helps you stand out in today’s healthcare environment.
