Many healthcare organizations are currently pushing to implement Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in order to take advantage of the incentive programs offered by the Affordable Care Act. However, not all have the tools or manpower to facilitate the change without causing considerable disruption to workflow, so they are turning to Information Technology professionals to help make this transition easier. As a result, if you’re a health IT professional looking to diversify your expertise, or an IT professional in a different specialty seeking to expand into the healthcare industry, an EMR certification may be beneficial for you. There are a number currently available, and they’re opening up a lot of job opportunities in the healthcare IT field.

From security to implementation to workflow assistance, there is a certification for each corner of the EMR process to encourage a smooth transition from paper to electronic records. The following are five certifications currently on the market that can help set you apart as an experienced EMR implementation specialist.

1. Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS): With this certification, IT professionals master the security aspect of patient records and information. They can perform a number of related tasks such as protecting privacy of confidential records, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, overseeing and processing release forms, ensuring the completion of records, and collecting and organizing patient data for insurance and demographic purposes. These skills are in demand, as privacy is a big concern while personal information is migrated to electronic databases.
2. Certified Professional in Health Information Technology (CPHIT): A professional holding this certification is proven to have mastered the common body of knowledge concerning planning, managing, and using EMRs. He or she will be able to research new technologies, standards, and requirements to improve security and implementation of Health IT (HIT); lead projects regarding planning and managing systems and system selection; and support the implementation process.
3. Certified Professional in Electronic Health Records (CPEHR): Maintenance is the focus of this certification, allowing its holder to lead maintenance of the systems, oversee quality management, and monitor and implement quality improvement efforts. He or she is also capable of applying electronic document/content management technologies to help support and maintain the EMR system.
4. Certified Professional in Health Information Exchange (CPHIE): Should you chose the CPHIE route, you will eventually master the information architecture aspect of EMRs, telehealth technologies, and home monitoring. The professional with this certification will facilitate the secure integration and exchange of patient data and will be able to help set goals for implementation, oversee exchanges, and assist in improving the quality of HIT practices and software.
5. Certified Professional in Operating Rules Administration (CPORA): This certification is especially helpful for organizations dealing with workflow issues. The CPORA IT professional specializes in EMR implementation and workflow assistance, allowing organizations to continue to run smoothly during the change. Not only can the CPORA aid organizations in the present, they can prepare for future changes and plan accordingly as well.

Which track you take is up to you, but each of these certifications can greatly improve your credentials and open up numerous new opportunities for employment. With the right preparation, any IT professional can take and pass the exams. While some prior healthcare experience is helpful, it is not required. Many can be well on their way to becoming certified health IT professionals and taking advantage of the market’s demands.