If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.
Best Clinician Certifications
Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.
We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for clinicians. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.
18 Best Certifications For Clinicians
18 Best Clinician Certifications
1. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)
Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.
Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? No
3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
4. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The CCMHC was launched originally in 1979 by the National Academy for Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors. In 1993, the Academy and NBCC reached an agreement for NBCC to take over administration and testing for the CCMHC certification. Over 1100 NCCs currently hold the CCMHC certification.
The CCMHC was launched originally in 1979 by the National Academy for Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors. In 1993, the Academy and NBCC reached an agreement for NBCC to take over administration and testing for the CCMHC certification. Over 1100 NCCs currently hold the CCMHC certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
5. Certified Clinical Supervisor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)
ASHA offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in two areas: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. All applicants must possess an earned graduate degree (master's or doctoral degree) in order to meet application qualifications.
ASHA offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in two areas: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. All applicants must possess an earned graduate degree (master's or doctoral degree) in order to meet application qualifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Medical Assistant (MA)
A Medical Assistant (MA) is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician office laboratory. The Medical Assistant, also a liaison between the doctor and the patient, is of vital importance to the success of the medical practice.
A Medical Assistant (MA) is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician office laboratory. The Medical Assistant, also a liaison between the doctor and the patient, is of vital importance to the success of the medical practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)
The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.
The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Clinical Research Assistant
1. Completion of an Approved Phlebotomy/EKG/I.V Program 2. Minimum of 80 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Medical Lab or Research Center 4. Minimum of 50 Successful Venipunctures 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
1. Completion of an Approved Phlebotomy/EKG/I.V Program 2. Minimum of 80 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Medical Lab or Research Center 4. Minimum of 50 Successful Venipunctures 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP)
A Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is a clinical mental health professional who meets internationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A CGP is an ethical practitioner who is an expert in group psychotherapy and is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality. The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists offers this certification in group therapy for practicing clinicians.
A Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is a clinical mental health professional who meets internationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A CGP is an ethical practitioner who is an expert in group psychotherapy and is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality. The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists offers this certification in group therapy for practicing clinicians.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) represents the highest level of expertise and excellence for clinical social workers. DCSW credentialed social workers are leaders in the area of clinical social work and hold employment positions in a range of practice settings. Globally recognized and demanded, the DCSW demonstrates that you have exceptional experience, education, competency and dedication to the social work profession.
The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) represents the highest level of expertise and excellence for clinical social workers. DCSW credentialed social workers are leaders in the area of clinical social work and hold employment positions in a range of practice settings. Globally recognized and demanded, the DCSW demonstrates that you have exceptional experience, education, competency and dedication to the social work profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
The ACS credential attests to the educational background, knowledge, skills, and competencies of the approved mental health clinical supervisor.
The ACS credential attests to the educational background, knowledge, skills, and competencies of the approved mental health clinical supervisor.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? No
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
13. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The purpose of the ABPN's initial certification examination is to test the qualifications of candidates in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child and adolescent psychiatry entails having additional skills and training in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders of childhood and adolescence.
The purpose of the ABPN's initial certification examination is to test the qualifications of candidates in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child and adolescent psychiatry entails having additional skills and training in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders of childhood and adolescence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 10 year(s)
14. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? No
- Renewal Required?
15. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)
NBNSC certification provides an avenue to demonstrate that you have attained the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality nutrition support care. We have determined the body of knowledge needed to have an understanding of nutrition support and developed a fair and valid means to test care providers including physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, physician assistants, and nurses.
NBNSC certification provides an avenue to demonstrate that you have attained the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality nutrition support care. We have determined the body of knowledge needed to have an understanding of nutrition support and developed a fair and valid means to test care providers including physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, physician assistants, and nurses.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
16. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is an established certification board that has provided a respected credential to over three thousand of your colleagues. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is unique in providing certification and networking opportunities to professionals from all mental health and medical disciplines who meet the Board's standards. Six certification categories are provided: 1) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). 2) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public Service (NBCCH-PS). 3) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCDCH). 4) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCDCH-PS). 5) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCFCH). 6) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCFCH-PS).
The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is an established certification board that has provided a respected credential to over three thousand of your colleagues. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is unique in providing certification and networking opportunities to professionals from all mental health and medical disciplines who meet the Board's standards. Six certification categories are provided: 1) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). 2) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public Service (NBCCH-PS). 3) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCDCH). 4) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCDCH-PS). 5) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCFCH). 6) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCFCH-PS).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? No
- Renewal Required? No
17. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
As of January 1, 2005, individuals applying for certification in speech-language pathology must have completed a course in each of the following areas: biological science, physical science, mathematics, and behavioral/social sciences.
As of January 1, 2005, individuals applying for certification in speech-language pathology must have completed a course in each of the following areas: biological science, physical science, mathematics, and behavioral/social sciences.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
18. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) come from a wide variety of backgrounds. CRPs may have backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, business administration, health record maintenance, statistics, biology, teaching, or in other areas. CRPs work in various settings such as cooperative research groups; academic and private institutions; private offices; pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies; Clinical Research Organizations (CROs); Site Management Organizations (SMOs); independent research and development organizations; or organizations involved in the management of clinical trials. These varying backgrounds and settings contribute to the unique knowledge and diverse expertise of CRPs.
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) come from a wide variety of backgrounds. CRPs may have backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, business administration, health record maintenance, statistics, biology, teaching, or in other areas. CRPs work in various settings such as cooperative research groups; academic and private institutions; private offices; pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies; Clinical Research Organizations (CROs); Site Management Organizations (SMOs); independent research and development organizations; or organizations involved in the management of clinical trials. These varying backgrounds and settings contribute to the unique knowledge and diverse expertise of CRPs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Clinician Jobs
What is the best certification for a Clinician?
The Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) certification is most common among clinicians. This certification is awarded by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation. To become a certified clinician with Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI), you need to pass the exam. Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 5 year.
What are Some of the Most In-Demand Certifications For Clinicians?
We analyzed online job postings to determine the most commonly asked-for certifications. The most popular certification requirement is Board Certified Behavior Analyst. By holding this certification, you will gain a more-competitive resume that will look impressive to potential employers.
What Certifications Can Impact a Clinician Career and Salary?
Clinicians are most often promoted to a psychotherapist position. A psychotherapist average salary is $63,125 whereas clinicians make an average salary of $60,150. The Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential certification could help you to get a psychotherapist position in your career path.
Clinicians are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
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Senior And Mid Level Jobs For Clinician
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