{"id":139056,"date":"2026-10-31T14:14:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T21:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=139056"},"modified":"2026-11-06T10:41:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T18:41:26","slug":"best-certifications-for-entry-level-healthcare-careers-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-certifications-for-entry-level-healthcare-careers-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Certifications for Entry-Level Healthcare Careers in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthcare remains one of the strongest areas of the U.S. job market\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/a> projects healthcare occupations to grow much faster than average from 2025 to 2035, with about 1.9 million openings a year. Many entry-level healthcare careers now ask for professional certifications rather than traditional four-year degrees. In 2026, healthcare certifications can help people gain job-ready skills, improve employment opportunities, and enter the workforce quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you want to work directly with patients or pursue an administrative healthcare role, earning a healthcare certification can be a smart first step toward building a long-term career in medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the best certifications for entry-level healthcare careers in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-entry-level-healthcare-certifications-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Entry-Level Healthcare Certifications at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Certification<\/th><th>Career (BLS occupation)<\/th><th>Median pay (May 2025)<\/th><th>Typical entry-level education<\/th><th>Projected growth (2025\u201335)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>CMA<\/td><td>Medical assistants<\/td><td>$45,690<\/td><td>Postsecondary nondegree award<\/td><td>13%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CPC<\/td><td>Medical records specialists<\/td><td>$51,140<\/td><td>Postsecondary nondegree award<\/td><td>8%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CNA<\/td><td>Nursing assistants<\/td><td>$42,260<\/td><td>State-approved training program and competency exam<\/td><td>3%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CPhT<\/td><td>Pharmacy technicians<\/td><td>$45,750<\/td><td>High school diploma plus on-the-job training<\/td><td>6%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Phlebotomy<\/td><td>Phlebotomists<\/td><td>$45,230<\/td><td>Postsecondary nondegree award<\/td><td>7%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EKG<\/td><td>Cardiovascular technologists and technicians*<\/td><td>$74,310<\/td><td>Associate\u2019s degree (EKG techs may qualify with a high school diploma)<\/td><td>4%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>RHIT<\/td><td>Medical records specialists<\/td><td>$51,140<\/td><td>Postsecondary nondegree award (RHIT requires an associate degree)<\/td><td>8%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>*The BLS groups EKG technicians with cardiovascular technologists, who typically have more training, so EKG technicians generally earn less than this median.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/medical-assistants.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Medical Assistants<\/em><\/a><em>;<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Medical Records Specialists<\/em><\/a><em>;<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nursing-assistants.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Nursing Assistants and Orderlies<\/em><\/a><em>;<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/pharmacy-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Pharmacy Technicians<\/em><\/a><em>;<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/phlebotomists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Phlebotomists<\/em><\/a><em>;<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/cardiovascular-technologists-and-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians<\/em><\/a><em>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-1-certified-medical-assistant-cma\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aama-ntl.org\/certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)<\/a> is one of the most recognized certifications for medical assistants. The standard route to the exam is graduating from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Taking patient vital signs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scheduling appointments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Updating medical records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assisting physicians during exams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong job demand\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/medical-assistants.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">BLS<\/a> projects 13% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 109,700 openings a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fast training programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunities for patient interaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Widely recognized certification that many employers prefer or require<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medical assistants earned a median of $45,690 in May 2025. Many CMA programs can be completed in less than two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-2-certified-professional-coder-cpc\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/certifications\/cpc-and-cpb\/taking-the-cpc-and-cpb-exams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">AAPC<\/a> is popular among medical billing and coding specialists. AAPC describes the exam as 100 multiple-choice questions testing medical coding proficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professionals in this field handle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Insurance claims<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical coding systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patient documentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healthcare billing processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remote work opportunities with some employers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing demand\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">BLS<\/a> projects 8% growth for medical records specialists from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong earning potential with experience\u2014a $51,140 median in May 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $81,150<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medical billing and coding is especially attractive for people interested in healthcare careers without direct patient care. The BLS does note that AI tools that make coding more efficient may affect demand for these workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-3-certified-nursing-assistant-cna\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Responsibilities often include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assisting patients with daily activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring patient conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting nurses and healthcare teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of the quickest healthcare credentials to earn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steady openings\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nursing-assistants.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">BLS<\/a> projects 3% growth (about average) but about 203,300 openings a year for nursing assistants and orderlies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent entry point into nursing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nursing assistants earned a median of $42,260 in May 2025. They typically complete a state-approved program and pass a state competency exam to be placed on the state registry. Many CNA programs can be completed in just a few weeks or months. The work is physical: the BLS reports one of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-4-certified-pharmacy-technician-cpht\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by preparing medications and managing prescriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Retail and hospital job opportunities\u2014hospitals pay a higher median ($50,760) than pharmacies and drug retailers ($39,240), according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/pharmacy-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">BLS<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short certification timelines\u2014certificate programs often take one year or less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stable demand, with 6% projected growth from 2025 to 2035 and about 44,700 openings a year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pharmacy technicians earned a median of $45,750 in May 2025. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, and some states and employers require certification. The CPhT from the <a href=\"https:\/\/ptcb.org\/credentials\/certification\/certified-pharmacy-technician\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)<\/a> requires a PTCB-recognized training program or at least 500 hours of work experience, and a 90-question exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-5-phlebotomy-technician-certification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Phlebotomy Technician Certification<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phlebotomists specialize in collecting blood samples for medical testing and donations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Quick training programs\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/phlebotomists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">BLS<\/a> says most take less than a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hands-on patient care experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing diagnostic demand, with 7% projected growth from 2025 to 2035\u2014much faster than average<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phlebotomists earned a median of $45,230 in May 2025. Some states require certification or a license. The <a href=\"https:\/\/knowledge.nhanow.com\/what-are-the-requirements-to-take-an-nha-exam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Healthcareer Association (NHA)<\/a> Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam requires training or supervised work experience plus at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on live individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-6-ekg-technician-certification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. EKG Technician Certification<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EKG technicians perform heart monitoring tests using specialized diagnostic equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable-4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specialized cardiovascular training\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/cardiovascular-technologists-and-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">BLS<\/a> notes EKG certificate programs are generally completed in under a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steady demand, with 4% projected growth for cardiovascular technologists and technicians (about average)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunities in hospitals and clinics\u201477% of this group works in hospitals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The BLS median for the group ($74,310) includes technologists with associate degrees. For EKG technicians specifically, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Electrocardiogram_(EKG)_Technician\/Hourly_Rate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Payscale<\/a> reports an average of $19.53 per hour, with most earning $15.20 to $26.88.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The NHA\u2019s Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam requires training or work experience plus at least 10 EKGs performed on live individuals. This certification can help students enter diagnostic healthcare careers quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7-registered-health-information-technician-rhit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Health information technicians manage electronic medical records and healthcare data systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-it-s-valuable-5\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Valuable:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Technology-focused healthcare role<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing demand for health records management, with 8% projected growth for medical records specialists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong administrative career path\u2014medical records specialists in hospitals earned a median of $59,120<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike most certifications here, the RHIT requires a degree: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahima.org\/certification-careers\/certifications-overview\/rhit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">AHIMA<\/a> requires candidates to complete a CAHIIM-accredited health information management associate program. This certification may appeal to individuals with interests in healthcare technology and data management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-do-healthcare-certifications-matter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do Healthcare Certifications Matter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthcare certifications help employers verify that candidates have the technical skills and industry knowledge needed for patient care and healthcare operations. For medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, and medical records specialists, the BLS notes that employers may prefer or require certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benefits of healthcare certifications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Faster workforce entry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased job opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher earning potential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional credibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Career advancement opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many healthcare certifications also provide pathways into more advanced healthcare careers later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-do-i-know-a-healthcare-certification-is-right-for-me\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do I know a Healthcare Certification is Right for me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before enrolling in a certification program, students should consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Career goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training timeline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost of education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patient interaction preferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Online vs.\u00a0in-person learning options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certification exam requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cost varies by school type: <a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/ipeds\/search\/viewtable?tableId=36538\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">NCES<\/a> data shows average tuition and fees of about $4,200 a year at public two-year colleges (in-district) in 2024\u201325, versus about $17,000 at private for-profit two-year schools. Choosing an accredited training program can also improve job prospects\u2014and for the CMA and RHIT, it determines exam eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-the-best-entry-level-healthcare-career-option\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the best Entry-Level Healthcare Career Option?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthcare certifications remain one of the fastest ways into the medical field, but the payoff varies by credential. Here\u2019s what the data shows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Healthcare hiring is strong.<\/strong> The BLS projects about 1.9 million healthcare openings a year from 2025 to 2035.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical assisting leads on growth.<\/strong> Jobs are projected to grow 13%, with about 109,700 openings a year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Records and coding pay more.<\/strong> Medical records specialists earned a median of $51,140\u2014the highest median on this list outside the cardiovascular technologist group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CNA is fastest to start but pays less.<\/strong> Nursing assistants earned a median of $42,260, though about 203,300 openings are expected each year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Requirements differ.<\/strong> The CPhT needs a recognized program or 500 hours of experience; the RHIT requires an accredited associate degree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For students and career changers, an accredited program tied to a recognized certification is one of the smartest first steps into a stable healthcare career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-related-career-karma-guides\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Career Karma Guides<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/jobs-that-only-require-a-certificate\">Jobs that only require a certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/non-customer-service-jobs-without-a-degree\">Jobs without a degree that aren\u2019t in customer service<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/community-colleges-that-dont-require-high-school-diploma\">Community colleges that don\u2019t require a high school diploma<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Healthcare Occupations<\/a> (projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/medical-assistants.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Medical Assistants<\/a> (pay data May 2025; projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Medical Records Specialists<\/a> (pay data May 2025; projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/nursing-assistants.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Nursing Assistants and Orderlies<\/a> (pay data May 2025; projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/pharmacy-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pharmacy Technicians<\/a> (pay data May 2025; projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/phlebotomists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Phlebotomists<\/a> (pay data May 2025; projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/cardiovascular-technologists-and-technicians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians<\/a> (pay data May 2025; projections 2025\u201335)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payscale: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Electrocardiogram_(EKG)_Technician\/Hourly_Rate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician Hourly Pay in 2026<\/a> (updated July 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS: <a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/ipeds\/search\/viewtable?tableId=36538\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Average costs of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduates, 2022\u201323 and 2024\u201325<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American Association of Medical Assistants: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aama-ntl.org\/certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">CMA (AAMA) Certification<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AAPC: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/certifications\/cpc-and-cpb\/taking-the-cpc-and-cpb-exams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Taking the CPC and CPB Exams<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pharmacy Technician Certification Board: <a href=\"https:\/\/ptcb.org\/credentials\/certification\/certified-pharmacy-technician\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Healthcareer Association: <a href=\"https:\/\/knowledge.nhanow.com\/what-are-the-requirements-to-take-an-nha-exam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Take an NHA Exam?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AHIMA: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahima.org\/certification-careers\/certifications-overview\/rhit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Healthcare remains one of the strongest areas of the U.S. job market\u2014the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects healthcare occupations to grow much faster than average from 2025 to 2035, with about 1.9 million openings a year. Many entry-level healthcare careers now ask for professional certifications rather than traditional four-year degrees. In 2026, healthcare certifications&hellip;","protected":false},"author":256,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40977,50489],"tags":[50494,50490,50505,50504],"class_list":["post-139056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-certifications","category-healthcare","tag-certification","tag-healthcare","tag-medical-assistant","tag-nursing"],"acf":{"post_sub_title":"","sprint_id":"","query_class":"","school_sft":"","parent_sft":"","school_privacy_policy":"","has_review":"","is_sponser_post":"","is_guest_post":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best Certifications for Entry-Level Healthcare Careers in 2026 %<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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