Utilizing the MSP Certification Toolkit to Promote Your Certification

by Natalie Rose

Certification is a message to others that you’re an expert in your field. Even those who may not be familiar with our field know that letters after your name are hard-earned and indicate expertise and experience. Certification may pave a path to advancement opportunities or allow space for a career path you haven’t even thought of yet. Even if you don’t anticipate a career change, it’s an indicator to your leaders, physicians, and peers that you’ve mastered credentialing – you’re a reliable source of information and can help shape decisions. They’ll notice. It’s likely they’ve done something similar and know what it takes to get it and what it represents.

First step is to decide to do it. I often hear from MSPs that they want to become certified, but don’t know where to start or are worried about not being successful – and they get stuck in the hesitation. Best way to hold yourself accountable: tell people you’re going to become certified. My study buddy and I had decided to become certified and wanted to start studying - but hadn’t.  As we left a meeting, I announced to a respected leader, “We’re going to get certified.” We looked at each other – no turning back now! Give yourself a timeline and plenty of time to prepare to be successful – you don’t need to rush it. If 2023 is your year, check out the registration deadlines and testing windows here . Let’s talk about if you don’t pass… what will happen? You’ll find out that the people rooting for you are still rooting for you. They don’t think any differently of you. Everybody has tried something and needed to try again before succeeding. When you learn about somebody’s stumble, does it change your perception of them? Probably not. Best step toward success – a study buddy or study group.

Second step is to obtain support from your leader. I want to pause here because I know some organizations have reduced funding for education-type expenses. This is an investment in your professional development – you may want to consider absorbing the cost yourself, if needed. You won’t regret it. Don’t shy away from talking with your manager, though. One of the responsibilities of managers is to have these conversations – it’s part of the job and you’re not asking for anything unusual. Your leader will need you to help connect the value of certification to your day-to-day work. The Candidate Handbook nicely delineates exam content and can be used to point out how it relates to your responsibilities.

Once you’re certified, share it proudly. NAMSS has provided some great ideas to communicate your accomplishment and continue promoting certification as a MSP in the MSP Certification Toolkit Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to share with your leadership a PowerPoint Presentation to showcase the value of Medical Services Professionals in an organization. Regardless of how you choose to communicate and promote your certification, be proud of yourself for your dedication to yourself and the profession. 

Natalie Rose, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS is the director of the Trinity Health CVO. She is the chair of Certification Commission of NAMSS (CCN) and active in her state association. Natalie enjoys educating, professional development, championing certification, and process improvement.