Are healthcare certifications worth it? Let’s dig into what healthcare certifications are all about, who they’re for, what they cost, and what kind of jobs you can land with one.
What Is a Healthcare Certification?
Not everyone has the time, money, or desire to go to college for 4+ years just to get into healthcare. That’s where healthcare certifications come in.
A healthcare certification is a credential that proves you have specific skills needed for a certain job in the medical or health field. Unlike a college degree, which takes years and covers a broad range of topics, certifications are focused, skill-based programs you can often complete in a few months.
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To earn your certificate, you usually have to pass a final exam or complete hands-on training. Depending on the job, you might also need to keep it current with continuing education.
How is it different from a degree?
- Time: Certifications take weeks to months. A degree? You’re looking at 2 to 4+ years.
- Cost: Big difference here. Certifications are way cheaper—some are under $1,000. College can cost tens of thousands.
- Focus: Degrees cover general subjects like math, science, and writing. Certifications skip the fluff and go straight to the skills you need to do the job.
Who typically gets healthcare certifications?
Honestly, all kinds of people go for healthcare certifications. It’s a super flexible option that fits different life situations. For example:
- High school grads who want to jump straight into a career without spending years in college.
- People changing careers—maybe they’re burned out in their current jobs and looking for something more meaningful or stable.
- Healthcare workers who are already in the field but want to move up, boost their pay, or take on new roles.
- Stay-at-home parents who seek to rejoin the workforce and want a career that’s both flexible and in demand.
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Why Do People Get Certified in Healthcare?
Are healthcare certifications worth it? Absolutely! If they weren’t, there wouldn’t be so many people pursuing them.
Certifications and leadership programs look good on your resume—but they’re more than just fancy titles. They show you’re serious about growing in your career and making a real impact where you work.
Let’s break down the benefits of healthcare certifications:
- Career Boost: Healthcare employers love seeing candidates who go the extra mile to upskill. It shows you’re not just coasting—you’re driven, committed, and ready to grow. And in a competitive job market? That can make all the difference whether you’re just starting or have years of experience.
- Career Change: Maybe you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t pay well or doesn’t feel meaningful. Healthcare certifications give you a path into a more stable, higher-paying, and often more rewarding field.
- Skill Upgrading: Already working in healthcare? Certifications can help you advance or specialize in a new area. For example, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) might get certified in phlebotomy to expand their job options.
- Better Pay: Certifications can lead to bigger paychecks. In fact, healthcare admins with top credentials can earn up to $40K more per year than those without them. Why? Because hospitals and healthcare systems value the extra skills and knowledge you bring to the table—and they’re willing to pay for it.
- Real-World Skills You’ll Actually Use: These programs aren’t just about theory. You’ll pick up practical, hands-on skills directly tied to your job—like managing healthcare systems, handling regulations, dealing with budgets, and leading teams. Stuff you can actually apply right away, not just textbook fluff.
- It Shows You’re All In: Going after certifications shows you care. It tells your team and your employer that you’re serious about being your best and constantly improving. That kind of mindset stands out and helps build trust, respect, and a strong professional reputation.
Are Healthcare Certifications Worth the Money?
Let’s first discuss how much they cost. Here’s a general idea of how much healthcare certifications cost:
- Low-Cost Options: $100 – $500
- These are usually short, entry-level programs you can find online or through community colleges. Think medical billing, EKG tech, or CPR certification. It is ideal if you’re just dipping your toes into the healthcare field.
- Mid-Range: $500 – $2,000
- This is the sweet spot for many popular certifications like:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
- These might include in-person classes, labs, and exam fees. Certain programs offer payment plans or financial aid program aid.
- This is the sweet spot for many popular certifications like:
- Higher-End: $2,000 – $5,000+
- These are more advanced or specialized certifications, especially in leadership or administration roles. For example:
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM)
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
- These programs may include extra materials, prep courses, or membership dues.
- These are more advanced or specialized certifications, especially in leadership or administration roles. For example:
Are they worth it? Short answer: For a lot of people, yes.
Say you spend $1,200 on a 4-month program to become a certified pharmacy technician. Entry-level jobs pay around $35,000 per year. You’ll earn back your investment within a few months of working. Not bad.
Other programs, like medical billing and coding, might cost $2,000 to $4,000. However, certified coders can earn anywhere from $45,000 to $65,000+, depending on experience and location.
A phlebotomy course might cost $800, and you could start working in 3 months, pulling in $35,000+ a year. That’s a great return on investment, especially when compared to a degree that could cost tens of thousands.
So, while there is an upfront cost, many people quickly see a solid return on their investment. Plus, a lot of affordable healthcare certifications offer payment plans, and some programs qualify for financial aid or workforce development grants. Some employers will even reimburse the cost of certification after you get hired.
Jobs You Can Get With a Healthcare Certification
Here are a few in-demand jobs you can land with healthcare certification programs:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNA is among the best healthcare certifications for starter roles. You’ll help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. It’s hands-on and people-focused.
- Time to complete: 4–12 weeks
- Average salary: $30,000–$38,000/year
Phlebotomist
Not squeamish around blood? You’ll be the go-to for drawing blood for tests and donations. Hospitals, labs, and blood banks are always hiring.
- Time to complete: 2–6 months
- Average salary: $35,000–$45,000/year
Medical Assistant
This one’s a mix of clinical and admin work. You might take vitals one minute and handle paperwork the next.
- Time to complete: 6–12 months
- Average salary: $36,000–$50,000/year
Pharmacy Technician
You’ll help pharmacists fill prescriptions and assist customers. Great if you like details and don’t mind standing most of the day.
- Time to complete: 4–6 months
- Average salary: $35,000–$45,000/year
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
This job is all about turning patient info into standardized codes for billing and insurance. Many roles are remote!
- Time to complete: 6–12 months
- Average salary: $45,000–$65,000/year
EKG Technician
You’ll use equipment to measure heart activity. It’s a short program and perfect for people who want to work in hospitals or cardiology offices.
- Time to complete: 3–6 months
- Average salary: $40,000–$50,000/year
Dental Assistant
Help dentists with procedures, prep patients, and handle sterilization and x-rays. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and don’t mind mouths — this one’s for you.
- Time to complete: 6–9 months
- Average salary: $38,000–$50,000/year
Affordable or Free Certification Options
The majority of students ask, “How much do healthcare certifications cost?” before signing up—totally normal! And the good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started.
In fact, there are plenty of affordable and even free options out there if you know where to look.
- Community Colleges
- Often have low-cost and fast healthcare certifications for local residents.
- Financial aid and scholarships may be available.
- Many also partner with hospitals or clinics for on-the-job training.
- Online Platforms
- Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn offer affordable healthcare courses, some with certificates.
- Many allow you to audit courses for free if you don’t need a certificate right away.
- Nonprofits and Workforce Centers
- Some organizations offer free training for low-income students or career changers—especially for in-demand jobs like home health aide, pharmacy tech, or CNA.
- Check your local job center or state workforce development office.
- Hospital Programs
- Some hospitals or clinics offer free training in exchange for a work commitment.
- For example, you train as a CNA and agree to work at the hospital for a year after finishing.
- Employer-Sponsored Programs
- Many employers offer financial aid for healthcare certifications, especially for roles they’re actively hiring for or ones that help you grow within the company.
- Some even offer tuition reimbursement or internal training programs.
- Apprenticeships
- Some states and healthcare providers offer paid apprenticeships that include classroom and on-the-job training.
Examples of Free or Very Low-Cost Healthcare Certifications
- CPR and First Aid Certification: Usually free or under $100 through organizations like the Red Cross or local community centers. Great for basic emergency skills.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Some community colleges or workforce programs offer free or heavily subsidized CNA training if you qualify.
- Phlebotomy Technician: Look for nonprofit programs or hospital-run training that waive tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
- Medical Billing and Coding: Free introductory courses are available on platforms like Coursera or Alison; full certification may have a small fee.
- Home Health Aide (HHA): Often free through state-funded workforce programs or nonprofits focusing on elder care.
- Healthcare IT Fundamentals: Free courses on platforms like edX or FutureLearn, good for entry-level roles in health informatics.
Should You Get a Certification or a Degree?
Now, let’s compare healthcare certifications vs. degrees.
| Certification | Degree | |
| Time | Weeks to months | 2-4+ years |
| Cost | • $100 – $5,000 (most common range: $500 – $2,000) • Some affordable/free options available through community colleges, nonprofits, or employer programs. | • $20,000 – $100,000+ (tuition, fees, books) • Financial aid is available, but overall, there is a much higher upfront investment. |
| Depth | Focused, job-ready skills | Broader education, theory-based |
| Earning Potential | Moderate | Higher long-term |
| Career Growth | Quick entry, some advancement | More leadership roles are possible |
| Flexibility | Often online or part-time | Usually full-time, more structured |
If you want to start working ASAP and keep costs low, certification is a great option. If you’re thinking about long-term leadership roles, advanced practice, or specific fields (like nursing, physical therapy, or healthcare admin), a degree might be worth it.
Some people even start with a certification to get their foot in the door, then use that experience (and paycheck!) to help fund a degree later. That way, you’re earning while you learn and not drowning in debt.
It’s also worth noting that many healthcare roles allow for laddering. For example:
- Start as a CNA → become an LPN → then an RN
- Start as a medical assistant → move into health office management
- Start in billing → become a coding supervisor or compliance officer
Final Thoughts: Is a Healthcare Certification Right for You?
Healthcare certifications can be really worth it—if they match your goals.
If you:
- Want to work in healthcare but don’t want to spend years in school
- Need a stable job with decent pay
- Are ready to switch careers or rejoin the workforce
- Prefer hands-on, job-ready training
Then, a healthcare certification could be a smart, affordable way to start.
Just make sure you do your homework. Choose accredited programs, compare prices, and check job demand in your area. Talk to people already working in the field if you can. And think about whether you want to use your certification as a stepping stone or a long-term path.
If you’re too busy, you can check out online healthcare certification programs like Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn.