How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Alaska

Many patients require some form of support while receiving their treatment, and this support is provided by specialized personnel called patient access representatives.

These individuals work with both patients and their healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive clear information and proper emotional support.

In this presentation, we will shed light on this occupation and assist you in deciding whether you want to become a patient access representative in Alaska.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Alaska

Just like any other job, the role of a patient access representative has a series of steps to follow if you want to get hired.

So, let’s look at these steps so you can get a better idea.

1. Complete Your Education

To begin, you need a high school diploma or GED. This is the minimum educational requirement for this occupation.

However, if you aspire to have a better income, it is advisable to consider earning an Associate’s Degree as well.

In Alaska, a college degree is not required for this position, but having one will make your resume stand out.

You should know that there is no specialized degree for this type of job.

Your best choices are a healthcare administration degree or an assistance degree. You may notice that some candidates even have a Bachelor’s Degree.

The differences between these diplomas include the time spent studying (ranging from 2 to 4 years), the financial investment in your education, the career advancement opportunities, and the specific career paths available.

2. Become Certified

Currently, Alaska does not have certification or licensing requirements for patient access representatives.

However, at the national level, there are several certifications available for those interested in pursuing this career. Here are some qualifications you can earn:

• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
• Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
• Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)

Any of these certifications will be beneficial for landing the position you want.

The most suitable certification for a patient access representative is the CHAA offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

This certification exam covers topics such as customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers two relevant certifications:

• CMAA
• CEHRS

It’s important to note that these certifications can only be obtained by completing specialized training programs.

3. Gain Job Experience

Having relevant job experience is crucial for securing a position in the medical field.

For this role, it is advantageous for your previous work experience to be somewhat related.

For example, jobs such as record keeping, data entry, medical software, or billing can be considered.

The best way to start gaining experience is by getting hired or volunteering at a local hospital or another healthcare facility.

It’s worth mentioning that this step should ideally begin as early as possible.

Additionally, you can acquire the necessary training through your current job.

Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Alaska

Let’s explore some training options for future patient access representatives in Alaska.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a patient access representative in Alaska, there are a couple of recommended schools and programs you can consider.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster’s Patient Access Representative Career Diploma program is designed to provide learners with the essential skills needed to excel in the role and obtain industry certification.

The program is conducted online and comprises 250-course hours, which can be completed within a timeframe of six to nine months.

Some topics include:

• Medical Terminology
• Medical Coding
• Electronic Medical Records
• Body Systems

Greenways Academy of Alaska

This school offers a very similar program to the one mentioned above.

You will learn everything you need to know about becoming a successful PAR.

The course includes hours of theory and practice that will help you get a job as soon as you get certified.

By enrolling in this program, you’ll have the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and expertise required for a successful career as a patient access representative.

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Alaska

It’s natural to be curious about the potential salary once you are hired for the job you have been preparing for.

In Alaska, the median salary for a patient access representative (PAR) is approximately $55,136 pe year.

This figure can be influenced by factors such as your level of experience, the location of your workplace, your educational background, and other relevant considerations.

For instance, if you live in an urban area, your earnings will be higher.

If you live in a rural area, you might make less as there are fewer job opportunities and the demand is not so high.

However, rest assured you will still be able to cover your costs of living and live a fulfilling life while also having a career in the field.

Here are some cities in Alaska where incomes tend to be higher.

Regional Salary in Alaska

Patient Access Representative by State