Selecting the right certification agency is vital for advancing your allied health career. With many options available, it can be challenging to find an agency that fits your needs and goals. Certification agencies differ in their standards, processes, and reputations. To make the best choice for your future, ask the right questions when evaluating a provider to ensure it meets your needs.
Selecting the right certification agency is vital for advancing your allied health career. With many options available, it can be challenging to find an agency that fits your needs and goals.
Certification agencies differ in their standards, processes, and reputations. To make the best choice for your future, ask the right questions when evaluating a provider to ensure it meets your needs.
Here are seven important questions to ask when selecting an allied health certification agency.
1. Does the Certification Agency Have a Strong Reputation in the Industry?
A certification is only as valuable as the reputation of the certification agency. When building a career in allied health, earning healthcare credentials recognized by employers nationwide is key.
These credentials demonstrate your knowledge and make you a competitive candidate. American Medical Technologists (AMT) has built credibility and expertise in the field through decades of experience.
Check job boards, state regulations, and employer requirements to see how often they mention an agency's certifications. This will help determine if the credentials are well-regarded. Employers highly value certifications for medical assistants, phlebotomists, dental assistants and medical laboratory scientists when they come from respected agencies like AMT.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the rising demand for certified healthcare professionals. Therefore, it is important to choose a certification from a trusted agency with a good reputation.
2. Does the Agency Have a Mission to Improve Patient Care?
Certifications can advance your career and ensure quality care for patients. An agency that prioritizes patient safety will design its healthcare credentials to reflect high standards.
When evaluating a certification agency, check if its mission aligns with healthcare ethical standards. Non-profit agencies like AMT focus on elevating healthcare standards. Their primary mission is to improve patient outcomes rather than generate profit for shareholders.
Certifications for allied health professionals impact patient care. Selecting a certification provider that prioritizes quality healthcare outcomes is essential.
3. Is the Certification Exam Administered in a Secure Environment?
Certifications for medical assistants, dental assistants, phlebotomists, or medical laboratory scientists play a crucial role in patient safety. Therefore, secure environments should administer these exams to protect their validity.
AMT partners with Pearson VUE, a third-party testing organization known for its secure and reliable testing environments. Pearson VUE conducts all certification exams fairly and securely, ensuring that only qualified candidates earn their credentials. When pursuing an allied health certification, it is crucial to have a secure testing environment.
4. Does the Agency Ensure Certified Individuals Meet the Certification Requirements?
A responsible certification agency verifies that each candidate meets the necessary requirements before they can take the exam. This includes checking their education and validating their relevant work experience.
Some agencies verify only a random sample of applicants. In contrast, AMT thoroughly checks each person’s background to confirm they meet all eligibility criteria. Requirements may include months of full-time work experience or a high school diploma followed by healthcare training.
Thoroughly verifying these criteria helps maintain the integrity of the credential. In high-stakes fields, it's essential to ensure that certified professionals meet these criteria. This helps maintain patient safety.
5. Is the Certification Agency Accredited by a Reputable Organization?
Agencies accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), adhere to strict standards of practice. They are committed to maintaining the highest level of quality. NCCA ensures that the certification agency adheres to a rigorous set of standards recognized by the healthcare industry.
Whether you're pursuing a certification for phlebotomy, medical assisting, dental assisting, medical laboratory science, or another allied health career, ensure the agency's credentials are NCCA-accredited. This will boost the recognition and value of your credential across the healthcare setting.
6. Does the Agency Offer Flexible Routes to Certification?
Healthcare workers come from many different backgrounds, and not everyone takes the same educational route. Choosing a certification agency that offers flexible options for certification is important.
AMT offers multiple routes to certification. This allows candidates to combine relevant education with work experience to meet requirements. This approach helps professionals in the field get the credentials they need to advance their careers.
7. Is the Agency Easy to Work With?
The certification process can be challenging for those balancing work, family, and responsibilities. Choose a certification agency that simplifies the process and offers strong support.
AMT offers a user-friendly certification process. Providing applicants with tools like exam content outlines, practice exams, and flexible testing options. If you're seeking national certification, AMT simplifies the process and helps you stay on top of your certification requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right certification agency is an important decision for your allied health career.
AMT is a non-profit organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). It provides flexible certification routes, secure testing environments, and a user-friendly process. These qualities make AMT a preferred choice for professionals across the United States. This includes those in fields like phlebotomy, medical laboratory science, dental assisting, and medical assisting.
By choosing AMT, you will earn a recognized credential. You will also join a professional community dedicated to improving patient care. Begin your journey today by exploring the AMT certification process and its benefits for your allied health career.