CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
A healthcare compliance officer ensures that medical facilities comply with federal, state and local policies, rules and regulations.
Career Level
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Consider these careers as well:
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Medical and Health Services Manager/Administrator
- Biomedical Engineer
Salary
National average, per year
$71,531
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
6,608
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Healthcare Compliance Officer Job Description
Healthcare compliance officers have the crucial job of ensuring that healthcare facilities are run legally and ethically. They must have an in-depth understanding of the legal rules and regulations of the healthcare industry. They then interpret these rules and regulations and apply them to their company.
Healthcare compliance officers collaborate with other departments to address compliance issues. They often consult with legal counsel on difficult issues. They are responsible for the proper reporting of violations.
Most importantly, they serve as examples for employees of the company. They must maintain a high level of integrity and be ethical and honest.
Healthcare Compliance Officer Job Responsibilities
Healthcare compliance officers may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Ensures healthcare facilities follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations
- Stays up-to-date with changes in federal rules and regulations
- Serves as a resource person
- Develops, implements and manages the healthcare facility’s compliance program
- Addresses billing, reimbursement and HIPAA compliance
- Collaborates with other departments to address compliance issues
- Consults with legal counsel
- Provides regular compliance reports
- Ensures proper reporting of violations
Healthcare Compliance Officer Salary
The actual salary of the healthcare compliance officer can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $71,531*
National average per hour: $34.39*
- $61,984 per year, $29.80 per hour**
- $67,423 per year, $32.42 per hour***
- $73,969 per year, $35.56 per hour****
- $77,400 per year (average), $37.21 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Healthcare Compliance Officer Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a healthcare compliance officer? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good salary
- Variety of career settings
- Daily work varies
- Ability to work with a team
- Great for people who are results-oriented
Cons
- Daily work can be stressful and busy
- Long work hours
- Difficult to enter job field
- Slower than average career growth
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Healthcare Compliance Officer?
If you are considering a career as a healthcare compliance officer, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as biology, chemistry or health. This typically takes 4 years to complete.
- Gain practical work experience before employers will consider you for a healthcare compliance officer position. You can begin by pursuing an entry-level job in the field of compliance.
- Pass an exam to obtain certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) or the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). Certification is not required by all employers, but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the healthcare compliance officer is in the middle of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Health Information Technician > Healthcare Compliance Officer > Medical and Health Services Manager/Administrator
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field
Typical Work Experience Required
To reach this position, you typically need to have at least 5 years of work experience. You can begin by pursuing entry-level or specialist level jobs in the field of compliance. This will help you acquire practical experience and gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory workings of the industry.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Exceptional communication skills
- Risk assessment skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Strong knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations and standards
- Computer proficiency
- Integrity
- Ability to work with a team
- High degree of attention to detail
Healthcare Compliance Officer Certifications
Certification is voluntary but is highly recommended. These are the certifications that are available:
- CPCO, Certified Professional Compliance Officer (AAPC)
- CHST, Construction Health and Safety Technician (BCSP)
- OHST, Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (BCSP)
- CHC, Certified in Healthcare Compliance (HCCA)
- CHPC, Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (HCCA)
- CHRC, Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (HCCA)
- CHC-F, Certified in Healthcare Compliance – Fellowship (HCCA)
- CCEP, Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (SCCE)
- CCEP-I, Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional – International (SCCE)
- CCEP-F, Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional – Fellowship (SCCE)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Healthcare Compliance Officer Licenses
None
Healthcare Compliance Officer Training and Preparation
After you have earned your bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, you typically need to have practical work experience before employers will consider you for a healthcare compliance officer position. You can begin by pursuing an entry-level job in the field of compliance. This will help you acquire practical experience and gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory workings of the industry.
After you have gained some practical work experience, it is time to consider becoming certified. Although certification is voluntary, becoming certified can take your career to the next level. Employers typically prefer to hire employees who hold one or more certification, as a certification reflects their expertise and advanced skill.
Preparing for the certification exams can be done in many ways. Flashcards and exam prep books are great tools to help you organize and prepare. The AAPC, BCSP, HCCA and SCCE websites have online practice tests, sample questions and other test review materials available. A little self-confidence and some strategic studying and preparation can help ensure your success.
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