Certifications for Healthcare Financial Management Professionals

The HFMA certifies members based upon criteria which requires a certain level of professional experience, education, and participation in the organization. The final requirement for certification is the successful completion of an HFMA Certification Exam.

Completion of HFMA's certification program requirements lead to the designation Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) and Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA). A national survey demonstrated that a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) or a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA) are more likely to be considered qualified for high-level positions in the healthcare finance industry. You will also generally be viewed more favorably for advancement and job retention during downsizing situations.

CORE Certification Coaching Course Offered at the Fall Rural Conference

The Colorado Chapter would like to help you attain your certification. At the Great Fall Rural Conference in Glenwood Springs the chapter is offering a CORE Certification Coaching Course. This course will start you on the journey to become HFMA certified. This course will provide either a preview or a review of the self study material.  You will have the opportunity to network with and capitalize on the knowledge of other course participants.

The Coaching Course will be offered on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:00 am - 12:00 pm based on adequate registration. To register for the Coaching Course you may contact Jim Markuson at 970-384-6630 (markuson@vvh.org). The chapter is providing this course free of charge to members.

Another important component of the certification journey is the self study courses. Study guides may be reserved by contacting Liza Lowe at (970) 384-6604 (llowe@vvh.org). Study guides are available for all HFMA topics (CORE, Accounting and Finance, Managed Care, Patient Financial Services, and Physician Practice Management.) It is highly recommended that a person review the entire study guide prior to testing for any of these areas.

In addition to providing the Coaching Course, the chapter has arranged the opportunity to test on the afternoon of September 22, 2010. If you are interested in testing for any of the exams, contact Jim Markuson at 970-384-6630 (markuson@vvh.org) to reserve a seat. You must pay the appropriate fees to HFMA National before their established deadlines. The deadline for payment by check to National is August 22, 2010 (National must receive the check by August 22, 2010) and the deadline for credit card payment is September 4, 2010. Very few seats are available for testing, so if you are interested please contact Jim immediately.

As indicated above certification exams will be provided prior to the Great Fall Conference and the Annual Meeting. You can also arrange to take an exam during the year at locations convenient for you. Simply contact one of the certified Proctors for Colorado HFMA and arrange a mutually agreeable date/time and location for your exam and then complete an application for the exam. We have a few proctors that are available on both the Eastern and Western slope that currently include:

Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

Enhance your career potential by becoming a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP). HFMA’s certification program provides you an opportunity to earn this designation when you meet the following requirements: VIEW THE CHFP REQUIREMENTS

Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA)

As a CHFP, you are on your way to becoming a Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA). Fellowship is available upon meeting the following requirements: 5 years of total HFMA membership, after meeting the other requirements — be a member of HFMA for a total of 5 years, have a Bachelor's degree or 120 semester hours of college credit, obtain required references, and demonstrate volunteer activity in the healthcare finance field. VIEW THE FHFMA REQUIREMENTS