Why is Certification Important in Healthcare?
Aug 09, 2017
In the healthcare industry, certifications are highly valued. But have you ever wondered why they are so important? What difference does it make if a healthcare professional is certified or not?
Certification is crucial in the healthcare field for several reasons. It not only ensures that healthcare professionals are up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices but also provides reassurance to patients and employers that they are receiving quality care. In this article, we will explore the importance of certification in healthcare and its impact on patient safety and overall healthcare delivery.
Benefits of certification for healthcare professionals
- Improve patient care
Certification in healthcare is important for improving patient care because it demonstrates a healthcare professional’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. It requires a healthcare worker to complete additional training and demonstrate their competency in order to obtain an advanced certification. By obtaining this specialized knowledge, healthcare professionals can provide higher quality care that meets current standards and evidence-based practices. The certification process also ensures that they are
- Stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge and practices
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and staying up to date on the latest medical knowledge and practices is essential for healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care. Certification is an important way of keeping up with these advancements. Certification ensures that healthcare professionals are knowledgeable in their field and have the skills needed to practice safely and effectively.
- Boost professional development
Certification is an important part of professional development for healthcare professionals. It allows them to demonstrate their specialized knowledge, skill set, and experience in a particular field or specialty.
- Increase earning potential
Having a certification in healthcare can increase earning potential by opening up the opportunity for promotions and higher-paying positions. With a certification, employers are more likely to trust that an individual has the knowledge and experience needed to handle the job. Furthermore, having a certification allows individuals to demonstrate their expertise and credibility in a particular field or specialty of healthcare.
- Advance careers
Certification in healthcare is important for advancing one's career. It proves that a person has the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. Certified healthcare professionals are more likely to have better job security and higher salaries than those without certification. Certification also shows employers that an individual is dedicated to their profession and capable of meeting the demands of the job.
Types of Certifications for Healthcare Professionals
> Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is a foundational credential for individuals aspiring to work in direct patient care. CNAs provide crucial support to registered nurses and doctors by assisting with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. The importance of CNA certification lies in its ability to ensure that those in this role possess the necessary skills to offer compassionate and safe patient care. CNAs with certification are equipped to handle diverse patient needs and contribute to maintaining a comfortable healthcare environment.
> Certified Nurses vs. Non-Certified Nurses
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> Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
CCMA certification is essential to validate the proficiency of medical assistants in a range of responsibilities. It demonstrates their ability to contribute to efficient healthcare delivery and ensures that medical offices and clinics maintain a high standard of care.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam. The CCMA exam is a multiple-choice exam that covers a variety of topics related to medical assisting, such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and laboratory procedures. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.
To be eligible to take the CCMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program. You can find a list of accredited programs on the NHA website.
> Certified EKG Technician (CET)
CET certification holds significance because it ensures that technicians are skilled in operating EKG equipment accurately and in interpreting the resulting data. This certification is vital for maintaining the accuracy of cardiac diagnoses and providing timely intervention for patients with heart-related concerns.
> Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
CPT certification guarantees that phlebotomy technicians are well-trained in proper techniques, infection control, and patient interaction. It reinforces the importance of accuracy and patient-centered care in the critical field of diagnostic testing.
Importance of certifications in healthcare FAQs
In the medical field, certification and licensure are two distinct processes that healthcare professionals need to go through in order to practice legally. Certification typically refers to the process of obtaining a credential that demonstrates a certain level of expertise or competency in a specific area of practice. This is usually voluntary and can be obtained through professional organizations or certifying bodies. On the other hand, licensure is a mandatory process that grants legal permission to practice a specific healthcare profession. It is typically regulated by state or national government agencies and requires meeting specific educational, training, and examination requirements. Licensure ensures that healthcare professionals meet the minimum standards of competency and ethical conduct necessary to protect the public's health and safety.
In the healthcare industry, there are several specific roles that require certification. These roles include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory technicians, radiologic technologists, and medical coders. Certification ensures that these professionals have met specific educational and training requirements, and have demonstrated their competence in their respective fields. This is crucial in healthcare, as it ensures that patients receive quality care and that the professionals are up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in their areas of expertise. Certification also provides a level of standardization and credibility within the healthcare industry.
> What advantages do certified healthcare professionals gain?
Certified healthcare professionals gain several advantages. Firstly, certification validates their skills and knowledge, providing them with credibility and recognition within their field. This can lead to increased job opportunities and higher earning potential. Secondly, certification often requires ongoing education and training, ensuring that healthcare professionals stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in their field. This not only enhances their expertise but also improves the quality of care they provide to patients. Additionally, certification can provide healthcare professionals with a sense of personal fulfillment and pride, knowing that they have met rigorous standards and are part of a respected community of professionals. Overall, certification brings numerous benefits to healthcare professionals, both personally and professionally.
