Care + Career

In the allied health professions there is a continuous trend of professionals stacking, or obtaining more than one credentials. Medical assistants getting their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential and stack it with a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential. Medical administrators, get both credentials as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). But, what is the value of stacking credentials for allied health professionals?

Choosing an allied health certification provider is a decision that should be made carefully and with intention. After all, it is your career you are talking about. As you research your options, use these seven criteria to give you a clear picture of which provider may be best for you.

1. Accreditation: Certifications should be recognized and respected by an
accrediting body, not just a certificate of program completion. Look for the stamp of approval from a national accreditor such as The National Commission for Certified Agencies (NCCA). It sets standards to ensure that certification programs and their exams meet national industry expectations.

February is CTE (Career and Technical Education) Month®, a time to celebrate the achievements of CTE professionals and programs throughout the country.