What certifications are best for healthcare leadership?
Certification highlights a healthcare leader's commitment to professionalism and continuous improvement. It validates skill and knowledge, supporting industry standards and professional expectations. Some positions require certification, and obtaining certain certifications can help candidates stand out in a competitive market.
Professional organizations set the standards for healthcare leadership certifications, including eligibility requirements, exam oversight, and renewals.
Consider the healthcare leadership certifications that align with your career goals, and compare the requirements and benefits of the certifications below.
Top certifications for healthcare leadership
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
- Professional organization: American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- Cost: $250 nonrefundable application fee and $225 examination fee
- Requirements: Candidates must have a current ACHE membership, a post-baccalaureate degree, a minimum of five years experience in healthcare management, and four volunteer activities, as well as hold an executive-level healthcare management position.
- Renewal requirements: Earn 36 continuing education credits or retake the Board of Governors Exam, complete four volunteer activities, and submit the application with a $200 nonrefundable recertification fee.
Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Professional organization: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Cost: $425 for an initial test and $325 to retake the exam
- Requirements: Candidates must at least be in the last term or a graduate of an accredited clinical nurse leader master's or post-master program, hold an active RN license, and the education documentation form from the education program.
- Renewal requirements: Renewal application, an active RN license number, five-year employment history, and 50 contact hours within the five-year certification period. The renewal fee is $310 or $360 for a late renewal.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
- Professional organization: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
- Cost: $579 for a HIMSS member or $699 for a nonmember, with reimbursement for eligible veterans
- Requirements: There are three ways to qualify: (a) a bachelor's degree with five years of experience in information and management systems, with three years in a healthcare setting; (b) a graduate degree or higher with three years of experience, with two in a healthcare setting; or (c) 10 years of experience, with eight in a healthcare setting.
- Renewal requirements: Renewal is every three years by either earning 45 continuing education units or retaking the examination.
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)
- Professional organization: Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
- Cost: Included with the cost of a student, business partner, or professional membership, ranging from $50 to $525
- Requirements: Candidates must first complete the HFMA Business of Health Care online module covering healthcare finance, accounting, and analysis. The second step is an exam that includes case studies and exercises on applying business tactics to healthcare.
- Renewal requirements: Applicants must be active HFMA members in good standing and complete 60 hours of eligible education every three years for recertification.
Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM)
- Professional organization: American Society for Health Care Risk Management (ASHRM)
- Cost: $275 for ASHRM members and $425 for nonmembers
- Requirements: Candidates must have 3,000 hours of risk management experience within the past three years. They must also meet one of three other criteria to be eligible: (a) a bachelor's degree or higher, plus five years of experience in risk management; (b) an associate degree and seven years of experience in healthcare; or (c) a high school diploma and nine years of experience in a healthcare setting.
- Renewal requirements: Certification renewal occurs every three years and requires 45 qualifying contact hours or retesting. Renewal fees are $135 for ASHRM members and $225 for nonmembers.
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) is a widely recognized certification for healthcare executives, signifying expertise in healthcare management. The FACHE assesses a broad range of competencies, including finance, governance, quality improvement, and health policy.
Applicants can schedule a 15-minute concierge appointment with a FACHE specialist to answer questions before application, certification, or recertification.
To receive an FACHE certification, you must have a minimum of five years of experience, pass the certification exam, and commit to ongoing education. The FACHE certification is highly valued for executives leading organizations within a complex healthcare environment.
The Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) designation is for registered nurses who want to establish professional credentials, play a pivotal role in leadership, and improve quality patient care.
The certification covers a range of skills, including interprofessional team leadership, outcomes management, and risk assessment. It demonstrates expertise in advanced clinical practice, evidenced-based care implementation, and innovation in treatment, as well as an ability to oversee care coordination.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) is a globally recognized healthcare leadership certification designed for information technology (IT) leaders within the healthcare sector. These professionals focus on improving health services using networking, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, and secure electronic data.
The certification primarily focuses on IT strategy, systems integration, data management, and health information governance. Some professionals may also have expertise in software development or hardware management.
The credential validates your position as a leader in the digital healthcare environment and an expert in healthcare information technology. It also demonstrates a commitment to industry best practices in effectively deploying technology solutions.
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a flagship certification from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) that validates expertise in financial management, economics, and risk management of healthcare organizations for healthcare finance leaders. Clinical and nonclinical leaders can benefit from a CHFP certification, which demonstrates a deep understanding of the financial realities in healthcare.
The certification covers a broad range of topics, including financial operations, revenue cycle management, and healthcare policy.
While this certification is primarily designed for financial and operational leaders, clinical professionals — including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and social workers in administrative or leadership roles — can benefit from this certification.
The Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM) certification is for healthcare professionals specializing in risk management, patient safety, and regulatory compliance within healthcare settings. It is commonly pursued by risk managers, safety officers, quality assurance personnel, and healthcare administrators.
This healthcare leadership certification validates knowledge in developing risk management programs, compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, and patient safety improvement. Certification also demonstrates your ability to address complex legal and ethical issues related to risk management and ensure organizational compliance, which makes you an invaluable leader in promoting safer healthcare.