Updated Content 11/08/2023
Are you looking for a healthcare training program that provides you with valuable hands-on skills, classroom development, an externship, and preparation for industry-specific certification* exams? The United Career Institute has programs that fit your needs!
Continue reading to learn why a healthcare program that prepares you to sit for National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification* exams should be important to you!
What is the National Healthcareer Association?
The National Healthcareer Association is a nationally recognized third-party certification agency granting allied healthcare professionals certifications since 1989. The NHA has awarded over one million certifications to professionals 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 are accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which proves that the certification exams have met nationally recognized standards for each specific healthcare industry. Because NHA exams demonstrate a candidate’s competence and skill level, 75-93% of employers require or encourage potential employees in certain allied healthcare fields to obtain an NHA certification.
Why are NHA certifications important?
Because employers widely recognize NHA certifications, obtaining them along with your diploma or degree shows employers that you possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform your job competently and confidently. Earning industry-specific certifications can also give you a leg-up in hiring compared to your peers who may have yet to earn a certification.
An industry certification combined with your degree or diploma could provide you with career opportunities, financial stability, and job security.
How to prepare for NHA certification exams
There are many ways to prepare for your certification exam, both during your training at United Career Institute and independently. Your education at UCI has been developed to provide you with classroom instruction, hands-on training, and externship experience to prepare you to sit for your industry-specific certification* exam and enter the workforce upon graduation.
The National Healthcareer Association also offers online practice exams and study guides to simulate the actual exam. In addition, students looking to get extra preparation before their exam can download the NHA Mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play to practice flashcards and track their content mastery.
How United Career Institute can put you ahead
Students at United Career Institute will be guided through their educational journey using UCI’s process. This process allows students to plan their education, learn valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and then apply their education in a real-world environment through clinical experiences and an externship.
UCI students will also work hand-in-hand with our skilled career management department to assist with landing an externship, career preparation, support, and more. United Career Institute alums will have continued access to the career management team, as well as the ability to return to UCI for refresher courses as their industry evolves at no extra tuition cost.
United Career Institute currently offers programs in healthcare, both online and campus-based, at our location in Irwin, Pennsylvania. Students who prefer to take classes online benefit from our Online Clinical Medical Assistant, Online Medical Coding, and Online Medical Office Administration programs. In contrast, students who prefer face-to-face instruction have access to our Phlebotomy and Practical Nursing programs. Additionally, United Career Institute offers an accelerated, career-in-a-year option that allows students to earn a diploma in Medical Assisting or Medical Billing/Administration online. Whether the program you choose is virtual or in-person, all students can expect to be prepared to sit for NHA certifications and complete clinical experiences and an externship.
Get started on your career journey today!
The first step toward a better future starts with requesting information for one of United Career Institute’s accelerated healthcare programs!
Contact our admissions team by calling 724-515-2440 or requesting information.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.