7 Affordable Entry-Level Healthcare Certifications

Tired of staring at your computer screen, wondering what’s next? Does your career feel like a dead end? In a job market where security feels like a distant dream, it’s time to make a bold move. 

The demand for healthcare workers is surging—and now is your chance to step into a stable, rewarding career.

But navigating a career in healthcare can be challenging, especially when you’re looking for certifications that are both affordable and offer high earning potential. 

So, if you’re seeking a cost-effective way to start or advance your healthcare career, these entry-level healthcare certifications can be your ticket to a rewarding job without breaking the bank.

Why Get an Entry-Level Healthcare Certification?

Unlike other industries, which have seen a decline as society and technology evolve, the healthcare field is booming, with jobs expected to grow by 13% by 2031. Entry-level healthcare certifications can be your ticket to snagging those in-demand roles! 

They offer a cost-effective way to step into stable, high-demand positions and set you up for even more career opportunities down the road. 

Long story short, it’s worth the investment. With great earning potential and job stability, the cost of certification is often quickly offset by the higher salaries and career advancements you’ll enjoy. 

How to Choose the Right Entry-Level Healthcare Certification

Feeling stuck and itching for a change? Here’s how to pick a certification that’s gonna get you pumped and pay you well:

What are your interests?

Do you love helping people directly or do you get a kick out of working behind the scenes in a lab? Pinpoint what gets you excited and choose a certification that aligns with those interests. This way, you’ll be more engaged and motivated as you work towards your new career.

Be realistic about your timeframe and commitment. 

How much time can you realistically set aside for studying? Some certifications require a deep dive with lots of study hours, while others are more straightforward and quicker to complete. 

Consider your current job and lifestyle—can you balance your new study goals with your existing commitments?

Pick a certification with growth potential. 

Start with a certification that opens doors and sets you up for future success. As you gain experience, you can add more certifications to climb the career ladder. 

Choose certifications that are in high demand now to ensure you’re landing a great job and paving the way for future advancement.

7 Most Affordable Entry-Level Healthcare Certifications

So what are the most affordable healthcare certifications? Let’s check out the highest opportunity entry-level certifications so you can find the best fit for your career goals. 

1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

If the idea of running the show and keeping the wheels turning excites you, this is the certification for you! This certification prepares you for managing the behind-the-scenes action in healthcare facilities, from handling patient records to coordinating office operations and overseeing front-office tasks.

Potential Careers and Salaries: 

• Patient Services Representative ($24,000-$48,000 per year)

• Medical Reception and Receptionist ($21,000-$28,000 per year)

• Health and Medical Administrative Services ($24,000-$66,000 per year)

How to Prepare: 

The best way to increase your chances of passing the CMAA certification exam is to sign up for a reputable prep course, such as MedCerts’ Healthcare Administrative Professional online certification training. The course costs $5,000, which includes national certification exam fees, and is 25 weeks in length. 

2. Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC)

If you’re the kind of person who thrives in a dynamic environment, balancing patient care with office duties, this role is for you! This certification blends skills for assisting in physical therapy settings with administrative tasks, ideal for those who enjoy a mix of patient interaction and office management.

Potential Careers and Salaries:

• Physical Therapy Aid ($27,000-$46,000 per year)
• Physical Therapy Assistant ($49,000-$60,000 per year)
• Rehabilitation Aide ($30,000-$45,000 per year)

How to Prepare: 

To get your PTTC certification you’ll need to pass an exam. The best way to prepare for passing that exam is to enroll in a prep course, like MedCerts Physical Therapy Aid and Administrative Specialist Course. This course costs $4,000, which includes the exam fees, and is 18 weeks in length. 

3. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) 

Love the idea of jumping between patient care and office work? This certification lets you do both! As a Medical Assistant, you’ll handle clinical and administrative tasks, like taking patient histories, preparing exam rooms and performing basic lab procedures.

Potential Careers and Salaries:

• Clinical Medical Assistant ($24,000-$46,000 per year)
• Doctor’s Assistant ($20,000-$40,000 per year)
• Medical Office Assistant ($21,000-$42,000 per year)

How to Prepare: 

You will need to pass the CCMA certification exam in order to obtain this certification. Your best chance at passing the exam the first time is to prepare with a course like MedCerts Medical Assistant Certification Course. This course is $4,000 and lasts for 28 weeks. 

4. Medical Coder & Biller Certification (MCBC)

If managing the heartbeat of a medical office sounds exciting, this certification is your ticket to getting started! This role emphasizes administrative skills for overseeing medical office management, including handling patient records, billing, and coordinating office functions.

Potential Careers and Salaries:

• Medical Billing Specialist ($27,000-$51,000 per year)
• Medical Reception and Receptionist ($21,000-$28,000 per year)
• Medical Reimbursement Specialist ($29,000-$79,000 per year)

How to Prepare: 

To get your MCBC certification you will need to pass an examination. Enrolling in an excellent prep course, like MedCerts Medical Front Office Assistant and Administration Specialist, will increase your chances of success. This course is $4,000 and lasts for 21 weeks. 

5. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CERHS)

If you’re tech-savvy and love organizing, this certification lets you manage both front-office tasks and electronic health records (EHRs)! Combining front-office administration with expertise in EHRs is crucial for modern healthcare facilities, making this role highly valuable.

Potential Careers and Salaries:

• Electronic Health Records Specialist ($25,000-$63,000 per year)
• EMR and EHR Assistant ($35,000-$74,000 per year)
• Records Documentation Specialist ($32,000-$69,000 per year)

How to Prepare: 

A CERHS certification requires you to pass an exam. The best way to pass the exam on the first try is to sign up for a prep course, like  MedCerts Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records. This course is $4,000 and lasts for 19 weeks. 

6. Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional (AMSP)

Enjoy the mix of medical documentation and administrative support? This role is perfect for you! The Medical Scribe certification trains you to assist with medical documentation and support various administrative tasks, making it ideal for those who enjoy both patient care and office work.

Potential Careers and Salaries:

• Medical Administrative and Medical Secretary ($24,000-$49,000 per year)
• Medical Office Assistant ($21,000-$42,000 per year)
• Medical Scribe ($27,300-$33,150 per year)

How to Prepare: 

The AMSP certification is obtained by passing an examination. To pass this exam, it’s recommended to enroll in a certification course, like MedCerts Medical Scribe and Administrative Professional. This course is $4,000 and lasts for 20 weeks. 

7. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Excited to get hands-on with patient care while backing up healthcare teams? With this cert, you’ll be on the front lines, helping with patient care, performing medical procedures, and working alongside healthcare professionals in a dynamic clinical environment.

Potential Careers and Salaries:

• Clinical Medical Assistant ($24,000-$46,000 per year)
• Laboratory Assistant ($26,000-$49,000 per year)
• Medical Technologist ($36,000-$64,000 per year)

How to Prepare: 

The CPT certification requires an examination. In order to pass the exam, it is recommended to take a comprehensive course, such as the MedCerts Clinical Medical Professional. This course is $6,000 and lasts for 36 weeks. 

Next Level Learning: Why MedCerts Offers the Best Online Certification Courses

MedCerts isn’t just another certification option—it’s the option. Here’s why:

Flexible Payment Plans

We get it—affording a new certification can sometimes be a stretch. That’s why MedCerts offers flexible payment plans to fit your budget. Some classes start at just $150/mo. 

Real Instructors and Coaches

You’re not just getting a course; you’re getting access to real, experienced instructors and coaches who are there to support you every step of the way. you’ll have direct access to a student advisor to guide you through the process and ensure you stay on track.

Comprehensive Course Offerings

MedCerts courses are packed with everything you need to succeed from interactive learning modules and hands-on practice to detailed study guides and real-world simulations. With courses available on your own schedule, you can learn at your own pace anytime, anywhere.

Career Support

MedCerts provides career coaching and job placement assistance to help you land the role you’re aiming for so that your new certification translates into a real career. Their dedicated career support team ensures you’re prepared for job interviews and connects you with potential employers in your field.

MedCerts is here to help you achieve your healthcare certification goals and step confidently into your new career. 

Affordable Healthcare Certifications: Frequently Asked Questions

What healthcare certifications pay the most?

Certifications in specialized areas like Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) generally offer the highest salaries.

What is the easiest healthcare certification to get?

Certifications such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Medical Front Office Assistant tend to have the most straightforward requirements.

Are healthcare certifications worth it?

Yes, healthcare certifications are often worth it as they can significantly boost your job prospects and earning potential in the healthcare industry.

What is the shortest medical tech program?

Programs like Medical Front Office Assistant or Medical Scribe usually have the shortest durations, often ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

Enroll in an Entry-Level Healthcare Certification Course with MedCerts

Tired of the daily grind and dreaming of a job that excites you? Stop putting off your career change—enroll with MedCerts today and shake off that workday dread! 

Our flexible, online courses fit into your busy life, with expert instructors, 24/7 resources, and payment plans that won’t break the bank. It’s about time you took control of your career!