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?
What Does it Mean to Stack Your Credentials?
Before understanding the value of stacking credentials, you first have to understand what it means. You didn’t learn to run before you could walk, right?
Consider the following example:
John Smith just completed his medial assistant (MA) training program and earned his Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential, but he doesn’t want to stop there. John aspires to also become a Certified EKG Technician (CET) and EKG was part of his MA training and education program. He decides to also take this certification exam and he passes. By acquiring both certifications John has now stacked his credentials.
Why It's Important
It’s great to challenge yourself like John did and earn an additional certification…but why is it so important? Stacking your credentials can increase job opportunities available to you in allied health. By earning more than one credential, you show potential employers you’re willing to go the extra mile. It proves to employers that you’re work-ready in multiple areas, making you a versatile employee and an asset to their organization. You wouldn’t hire a chef that could only cook a single dish. You’d want a chef who is skilled in preparing multiple dishes. Employers in the allied health profession are no different. They are looking for candidates who are skilled in multiple areas and can do more than just one thing.
Certain Credentials Can Make Strong Combinations
At NHA, our certifications are designed to work together. Below are just a couple of credential combinations that can help you succeed in allied health.
Certification combinations for medical assistants
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Certification combinations for medical administrators
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)
There’s no better time than now for you to start climbing your career ladder. Learn more about stacking credentials and increase your opportunities to find the right job for you. Click below to get started today!
