Medical Front Office & Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Mental Health Support Professional Online Certification Training—Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Records Managers, otherwise known as Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records Specialists, are responsible for handling patient data, direct contact with patients, basic coding, filing medical records and many other front of office tasks.

The job outlook for medical records specialists is projected to grow by 8% from now until the end of 2033, a rate that is considered faster than average. This growth is driven by the increasing need for skilled professionals to manage and organize health information efficiently in a variety of healthcare settings.

The average starting salary for medical records managers is $36,000. Salaries can vary based on location, experience and the specific setting in which they work.

To become a Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records Specialist, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training through an institution such as MedCerts. Then, you will qualify for two certification exams through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) – Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS).

In the online Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records program, you’ll learn: 

  • Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
  • HIPAA/HITECH, OSHA, CMS and other healthcare regulations and laws
  • Obtaining Patient Information, Verifying Insurance Coverage and Reporting
  • Electronic Health Record and Related Practice Management Applications
  • Use of Diagnosis and Procedure Codes in the Medical Record

To enroll in the Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records Specialist program, you will need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with internet connection and course registration & payment.

The cost of the program is $4,000. The cost includes all of your materials and certification exam fees for the CMAA and CEHRS examinations.

MedCerts offers various payment options for the Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records program, including monthly payments as low as $346 or the option to utilize government grant funding.

While MedCerts does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:

MyCAA

Army Credentialing Assistance

Coast Guard COOL

Air Force COOL

GI Bill®

Workforce Funding (including WIOA)

The total duration of MedCerts’ EHR program is 19 weeks if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.

MedCerts’ certification programs are fully online and designed for remote learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The instructional design incorporates interactive elements, simulations and expert instruction.

Required courses for this program include Professionalism in Allied Health, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, Microsoft Office Basics, Medical Office Procedures and Administration and Electronic Health Records.

MedCerts includes exam fees and preparation materials in the program cost. The courses are designed to prepare students to take and pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS). Additionally, MedCerts students are provided access to a Student Success Advisor team, Subject Matter Experts and Career Coaches to assist with exam prep.

The program includes expert-led video training, eBooks and competency assessments. MedCerts-covered materials also include the cost of the national certification exam. Students get access to additional services like dedicated advisors and tailored support as well.

Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.

We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authority, the National Healthcareer Association. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.

There are no clinical requirements for the CMAA or CEHRS certifications.