How To Get Certified In Health Care Compliance

Health care is one of the most strictly regulated industries in the United States—and for good reason. A faulty medical device or poor hygiene practices can severely harm patients. Even something as simple as an unlocked laptop can have devastating consequences, such as a data breach.

With so much at stake, health care compliance is a top priority for all medical professionals. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) defines it as “the active, ongoing process to ensure that legal, ethical, and professional standards are met and communicated throughout the entire health care organization.”¹ Compliance covers everything from properly disinfecting medical equipment to securing data.

While compliance is essential for patient safety, it can complicate everyday tasks. Many regulatory agencies oversee different aspects of health care, and laws frequently change. No matter what your role is, getting certified in health care compliance can improve your credibility and help you stay up-to-date with the latest rules.

What Does It Mean To Be Certified in Health Care Compliance? 

A certification in health care compliance demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of industry regulations. It also shows that you’re committed to upholding ethical standards.

Some colleges offer standalone graduate certificate programs. While these university certificate programs are not the same as industry certifications, they can get you up to speed quickly to prepare to sit for industry exams. They’re shorter than degree programs, typically consisting of 12 to 15 credits. Students learn about current issues in health care compliance and apply concepts to real-world challenges and ethical dilemmas.

Getting educated and certified in health care compliance can help you gain your colleagues’ respect and trust. Many employers also recognize the value of educational and industry credentials.

Popular Certification Programs 

Are you wondering how to get certified in health care compliance? There are a few ways you can earn this credential.

The Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) offers several well-known certifications, including the following:

• Certified in Health Care Compliance (CHC): Demonstrates a high level of knowledge of health care regulations and the ability to reduce compliance risks² 
• Certified in Health Care Privacy Compliance (CHPC): Gives you the necessary expertise to protect patient privacy and comply with relevant laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act³ 
• Certified in Health Care Research Compliance (CHRC): Verifies your understanding of research compliance processes in health care⁴ 

Depending on your interests, you may decide to earn specialized credentials from other organizations. For example, the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) offers the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP). It focuses on maintaining integrity and addressing ethical issues in the health care industry.⁵

Steps To Achieve Certification 

Earning a health care compliance certification isn’t as simple as taking a quiz. It’s a rigorous process with several steps.

Before you can apply for certification, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements. You can fulfill these criteria by completing a graduate certificate program accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB).

If you haven’t earned a graduate certificate, you must take a few extra steps to demonstrate that you have the necessary experience for the CHC, including the following:⁶

• Complete at least one year of full-time work experience in a compliance role or 1,500 hours of direct compliance activities
• Earn 20 CCB-approved continuing education units (CEUs) related to compliance, including at least 10 credits from live training sessions
  

Once you’ve satisfied these prerequisites, you’re ready to apply for the CHC exam. You can complete the application and schedule your exam online. Members of the Health Care Compliance Association (HHCA) or Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SSCE) pay $350, while non-members pay $450.⁷

Exam Preparation Techniques 

While a certificate program can give you foundational compliance knowledge, it’s not the same as a focused prep course. Set yourself up for success with the right study materials.

The HHCA website offers plenty of free resources to help you get started. It includes links to various government agencies that regulate health care, such as the following:²

• The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Office for Civil Rights
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    

Spend time reading through their websites to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and laws you’ll need to follow. Once you’ve got a strong grasp of the material, you can take the free CHC Practice Exam to test your knowledge.

Study groups are another fantastic resource. If you’re enrolled in a graduate program, ask your peers if they’d like to prepare with you. Or reach out to your network on LinkedIn or at in-person events to find study partners. Working with others can help you stay accountable and manage your time effectively.

Maintaining Your Certification 

Once you’ve completed your certification, you may feel tempted to relax. But don’t get complacent. Most compliance certifications expire within just a few years, so you’ll need to actively maintain your credentials–or lose them.

If you earned your certification through the HCCA, you’ll need to earn and submit 40 CCB CEUs every two years. At least 20 of these CEUs must take place at live events.⁸ You’ll also need to pay a renewal fee, which is $125 for members and $145 for non-members.⁷

The HCCA also offers many conferences and workshops. These events can help you stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and network with other compliance professionals.

Career Benefits and Opportunities 

Maybe you’ve been wondering how to get into health care compliance, or you’re already working in this area. Either way, a certification can open new career opportunities.

Some certificate holders go on to become health care compliance officers. This role involves identifying compliance risks and helping organizations follow regulations. While salaries can vary by region, this career path can be lucrative. According to Glassdoor data, health care compliance officers earn a median total pay of $92,000.⁹

This certification may also help you pursue leadership roles. For example, you could get promoted to head compliance officer. Their median total pay is $169,000, but top earners may make up to $233,000 per year.¹⁰

Job security is another benefit of health care compliance certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for compliance officers will increase by 5% between 2023 and 2033.¹¹ As the government introduces new regulations, organizations will continue to rely on experts to help them comply.

Strengthen Your Resume as a Certified Compliance Professional

Gain the foundational knowledge you need to get certified in health care compliance. The University of Pittsburgh’s Online Master of Studies in Law will strengthen your understanding of U.S. law and legal procedure. Along with core classes on broad law concepts, you can specialize in health care compliance.

Don’t have time for a full degree? Consider our Health Care Compliance Certificate program. Focused purely on health care compliance, this stand-alone certificate allows you to learn from experienced legal experts.

Ready to become a certified compliance professional? Get started by exploring our admissions criteria, or schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today.