How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Arkansas

Many patients require support while undergoing treatment.

This support is provided by specialized professionals known as patient access representatives.

These individuals collaborate with patients and healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive accurate information and the necessary emotional support.

Through this presentation, I aim to shed light on this occupation and assist you in deciding if you want to pursue a career as a patient access representative in Arkansas.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Arkansas

Similar to any other profession, becoming a patient access representative involves a series of steps to follow to secure employment.

Let’s take a closer look at these steps!

Complete Your Education

To begin, you will need a high school diploma or GED.

This serves as the minimum educational requirement for this occupation.

However, if you aspire to earn a higher income, which we will discuss later, you should also consider obtaining an Associate’s Degree.

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

Unfortunately, there are no specialized degrees tailored specifically for this job.

Your best options would be pursuing a degree in healthcare administration or medical assistance.

You may notice that some candidates even hold a Bachelor’s Degree.

The differences between these diploma types include:

• The duration of study required can range from 2 to 4 years
• The financial investment in your education
• The potential for career advancement and the specific career paths available

Obtain a Certification

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

However, at the national level, there are several certifications available for individuals interested in pursuing this career path.

Here are some of the certifications you can pursue:

• 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 would be valuable in securing the position you desire.

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

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

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers two other certifications, CMAA and CEHRS.

One advantage of all the certifications mentioned above is that they are recognized nationwide.

Please note that these certifications can only be obtained by individuals who have completed specialized training programs.

Gain Work Experience

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

For the role of a patient access representative, it is beneficial for your prior work experience to be somehow related to the field.

For example, you could consider roles in record keeping, data entry, medical software, or billing.

A great way to start building experience is by getting hired or volunteering at local hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

It is important to begin this step as early as possible.

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

Training Programs for Patient Access Representatives in Arkansas

Let’s explore the training options available for aspiring patient access representatives in Arkansas.

Some reputable training providers in Arkansas include Penn Foster and NAHAM.

Penn Foster

For instance, Penn Foster offers a Patient Access Representative Career Diploma program, which can be completed within 6-9 months and provides essential skills and certification preparation.

Some of the subjects include:

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

In addition to the structured online courses, you can also access recorded webinars and other digital resources to further enhance your learning experience.

With the convenience of online training, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home, ensuring you acquire the required knowledge and skills to become a competent Patient Access Representative.

For those who prefer a hands-on learning experience, Arkansas also offers in-person training opportunities.

National Association of Healthcare Access Management

NAHAM provides a comprehensive program exclusively designed for Patient Access Representative Training in the state.

This program covers various aspects of patient access, including customer service, compliance with healthcare regulations, and administrative duties.

By participating in in-person training, you not only acquire valuable knowledge and skills but also have the chance to connect with fellow professionals in the field, building a strong network of like-minded individuals.

They will provide detailed information and guide you through the training process.

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Arkansas

It is natural to be curious about the potential salary once you secure a job in your chosen field.

In Arkansas, the median annual salary for a patient access representative is about $46,055.

This figure can be influenced by factors such as your level of experience, location of employment, education level, and other related factors.

Here are some cities in Arkansas where income tends to be higher.

Regional Salary in Arkansas

Patient Access Representative by State