Updated Content 10/16/2024
If you are interested in a healthcare career, choosing a training program that prepares you for industry-specific certification exams is invaluable. Many employers prefer or require potential employees to have earned their associate degrees and certifications to work confidently in the field. 
The most widely recognized certification agency is the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which certifies allied healthcare professionals across eight industries.
Are you looking for a healthcare training program that provides you with marketable hands-on skills, essential knowledge, an externship experience, and preparation for industry-specific certifications? If this sounds like you, East Ohio College (EOC) has training programs for you! Continue reading to learn more about how preparation for National Healthcareer Association certification exams can give you a competitive edge!
What is the National Healthcareer Association?
The National Healthcareer Association is a nationally recognized independent certification agency that has granted over one million certifications to allied healthcare professionals since its establishment in 1989. The NHA provides certification in the following eight industries:
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Electronic Health Records Specialist
- Billing and Coding Specialist
- Patient Care Technician
The National Healthcareer Association’s certification exams prove that the candidate’s skills have met nationally recognized standards for each healthcare industry. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits the NHA’s exams to test candidates’ competence in their certifying field. Because the NHA’s certification exams demonstrate a candidate’s competence in applying their knowledge and skills, 75-93% of employers require or recommend potential employees in specific allied healthcare fields to obtain an NHA certification, according to an industry and outlook trends blog from NHA.
Why are NHA certifications necessary?
Employers widely recognize NHA certifications, so obtaining them with a degree can demonstrate to employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge and can also apply them situationally in the workplace. Moreover, earning a certification for your specific industry can also give you a leg-up in the job hunt process compared to your peers who may have yet to earn a certification.
An industry certification combined with your degree from East Ohio College could provide you with confidence, career opportunities, financial stability, and job security.
How can you prepare for NHA certification exams?
There are many ways to prepare to sit for your certification exam, both during your time as a student and independently. The education experience at EOC is designed to provide students with essential classroom knowledge, hands-on training, and an externship experience to prepare them to sit for industry-specific certification* exams and enter the workforce upon graduation.
The National Healthcareer Association also offers study tactics to help candidates prepare for their exams, including online practice exams and printable study guides. In addition, students who would like extra practice before their exam can download the NHA Mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play to practice material on flashcards and track their content mastery.
How does East Ohio College put you ahead?
East Ohio College’s process will guide students during their educational journey. This process allows students to plan their education, learn valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and then apply their education to a real-world environment during clinical experiences and an externship with a regional healthcare facility.
Students will also work closely with the EOC career management team to assist with placement in an externship, career preparation, academic and personal support, and more. As a result, East Ohio College and OVCT alums have continued access to the career management department and the ability to return to East Ohio for refresher courses^ as their industry evolves at no extra tuition cost to them.
East Ohio College offers online healthcare training programs with virtual classroom instruction and hands-on clinicals at the EOC campus in East Liverpool, Ohio, and at partnering medical facilities. Current healthcare program offerings include Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Office Administration, Medical Coding, and Dental Assisting. Students in these programs can expect to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be prepared to sit for their industry-specific NHA certification exam.
Get started on your career journey today!
Embark on your journey to a rewarding career in healthcare by enrolling in one of East Ohio College’s accelerated programs. Take the first step today!
Contact the EOC admissions team by Requesting Information to get started.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
^Career Management Services are subject to specific conditions and requirements and to continued campus operations.