Healthcare Training vs. Certification: What Students Should Know About NHA Credentials

NHA certification is one of the most common credentials students hear about when they look at healthcare careers. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume that finishing a training program automatically earns a professional credential. In most cases, it does not.

Training and certification are two different steps. Training teaches you the knowledge and skills for a role. Certification is an external credential, awarded after you meet eligibility rules and pass an exam. This guide explains the difference, how NHA certification generally works, and what to do after healthcare training.

Training vs. Certification: What Is the Difference?

Here is a simple way to separate them.

• Training or course completion means you finished a program. A school or training provider confirms that you completed the curriculum.
• Professional certification means an outside organization confirms you met its standards, usually by passing an exam.

These can be connected, but they are not the same thing. A training program may prepare you for a certification exam. Completing the program does not by itself grant the credential. And some roles are governed by a different system altogether, such as a state board or licensing agency.

Therefore, the right question is not only “Which course should I take?” It is also “Which credential, if any, applies to this career, and who issues it?”

What Is NHA Certification?

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a national organization that offers certification exams for allied health roles. According to NHA’s website, its current credentials include:

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified EKG Technician (CET)
• Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)

NHA states that its exams are NCCA-accredited. You can review the full list on the NHA certification page.

NHA certification is a credential you earn by applying, meeting eligibility requirements, and passing an exam. It is not something a school awards on your behalf.

How Does NHA Certification Work?

Each credential has its own rules, so always check the exam you want. As an example, NHA’s page for the CCMA describes a general process:

1. Check eligibility. Candidates generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus either completion of a training program within a set recent period or supervised work experience.
2. Apply for your exam. You create an NHA account and submit an application.
3. Schedule your exam. You choose a date and a format. NHA lists options such as testing at your school, at a testing center, or through live remote proctoring.
4. Prepare. NHA offers study guides and practice tests. It notes that buying them is not required to sit for an exam.
5. Take the exam and get results.

Notice that training appears as one possible eligibility path, not as the credential itself. Eligibility windows and pathways differ by credential and can change, so review NHA’s Candidate Handbook and use its eligibility tool before you apply.

Do I Need NHA Certification?

It depends on three things: your career, your state, and your employer.

• Your career. Some roles have NHA credentials. Others do not. For example, a Certified Home Health Aide in New Jersey is certified through the New Jersey Board of Nursing, not through NHA.
• Your state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that states may require phlebotomists to complete an accredited program or hold a license or certification. Requirements vary, so check with your state agency.
• Your employer. BLS also notes that employers may prefer candidates with professional certification. In practice, many job postings list a credential as preferred or required.

So, NHA certification is not mandatory for every healthcare job. It can, however, strengthen your application for roles where employers value it. Always read job postings in your area and confirm what employers expect.

Why Do Some Students Pursue Certification After Training?

Students choose certification for practical reasons:

• Employer expectations. Some employers prefer or require a recognized credential.
• A standard measure of knowledge. An exam gives employers a consistent benchmark.
• Career direction. A credential tied to a specific role can support your next step, such as moving into a related position.
• Professional growth. Certification often requires ongoing learning to stay current.

On that last point, NHA’s CCMA page says certifications must be renewed every two years, with 10 continuing education credits and a renewal fee, and that an expired credential can be reinstated within one year. Other credentials may differ, so confirm the details for yours.

What Happens After Healthcare Training?

After you finish a program, your next steps depend on your career path. A practical sequence looks like this:

1. Confirm the credential for your role. Find out whether an NHA credential, a state certification, a license, or nothing external applies.
2. Check eligibility. Match your training and experience to the credential’s requirements, including timing.
3. Ask your school what it provides. Ask whether the program aligns with a credential, and what the school does and does not handle.
4. Plan your exam. Choose a date, study with the official resources, and understand the format.
5. Keep your records. Save your certificate of completion and any documents you may need to prove eligibility.
6. Plan for renewal. Know the requirements for keeping the credential current.

Finally, remember that completing a course should never be presented as automatically granting an NHA credential. The credential comes from meeting the certifying organization’s requirements.

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll in Any Program

Use these questions to protect your time and money:

• Which job title am I preparing for?
• Is there an external certification or license for this role?
• Who issues it: NHA, another organization, or a state board?
• What are the eligibility requirements, and how do training dates affect them?
• What does the program include, and what is a separate step I handle myself?
• What are the exam and renewal requirements?
• What do employers in my area ask for?

Start With the Career, Then Ask About the Steps

The best first step is to decide which healthcare career you want. Once you know the role, you can learn which training fits it and which certification steps may apply afterward.

E&S Academy offers healthcare training programs across several career paths. If you are comparing options, Request Information Today to understand the training program you are considering and what certification steps may apply after you finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About NHA Certification

What is NHA certification?

It is a credential offered by the National Healthcare Association for allied health roles such as medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, EKG technician, and billing and coding specialist. You earn it by meeting eligibility requirements and passing an exam.

Is finishing a training program the same as being certified?

No. Training shows you completed a program. Certification is an external credential you earn through the certifying organization’s process.

Do I need NHA certification to work in healthcare?

Not for every role. It depends on your career, your state, and your employer. Some employers prefer or require a credential, and some roles are certified through other agencies.

What happens after healthcare training?

You confirm which credential applies, check eligibility, apply for the exam if you pursue one, and plan for renewal. Your school can explain what it provides and what steps remain your responsibility.

Does NHA certification expire?

NHA’s CCMA page states that certification must be renewed every two years, with continuing education and a fee. Check your specific credential for current rules.