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Supporting patients during their medical journey is a crucial role, and patient access representatives play a vital part in this process.
These specialized staff members collaborate with both patients and healthcare providers to offer essential information and emotional support.
If you’re considering pursuing this profession, we’ve prepared an informative article to guide you through the steps to become a patient access representative in the state of Colorado.
By following these steps, you can lay the foundation for a successful career in this field.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Colorado
Like any other profession, becoming a patient access representative in Colorado requires following a series of steps to secure employment.
Next is a breakdown of the key steps to becoming a patient access representative in Colorado.
1. Completion of Education
To begin your journey as a patient access representative in Colorado, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
However, if you aim for higher earning potential and increased job prospects, pursuing an Associate’s Degree is advisable.
While a college degree is not mandatory for this position in Colorado, having one can set your resume apart and enhance your qualifications.
Although there is no specialized degree for patient access representatives, there are recommended options to consider.
These include pursuing a healthcare administration degree or an assistance degree.
Some candidates may even hold a Bachelor’s Degree, which can provide additional advantages in terms of career advancement opportunities and specific career paths within the healthcare field.
The duration of study for these degrees typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, and the cost of education may vary depending on the institution and program.
Carefully evaluating the duration, cost, and potential career paths associated with different degrees can help you decide what aligns with your aspirations as a patient access representative in Colorado.
2. Becoming Certified
As of now, there are no specific certification or licensing requirements for patient access representatives in Colorado.
However, at the national level, there are various certifications available for individuals who are aspiring to enter this profession.
These certifications are recognized across the country and can enhance your credentials and chances of securing a desired position.
Some of the national certifications to consider for aspiring patient access representatives include:
- 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)
Earning any of these certifications can significantly improve your prospects of securing a desirable position as a patient access representative.
The Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is particularly relevant to this role.
The CHAA certification exam covers a range of topics including:
- Customer service,
- Patient access services,
- Regulatory standards
Additionally, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers two valuable certifications:
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist
These certifications are nationally recognized and demonstrate proficiency in medical administration and electronic health records, respectively.
It’s important to note that obtaining these certifications requires completion of specialized training programs.
3. Professional Experience
Having relevant job experience is highly advantageous when pursuing a position as a patient access representative in the medical field.
Previous work experience in related roles such as record keeping, data entry, medical software, and billing can provide valuable insights and skills that are transferrable to this role.
One effective approach is to seek employment or volunteer opportunities at local hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
By doing so, you can immerse yourself in the healthcare environment, gain firsthand knowledge of patient care processes, and develop essential skills in communication, organization, and customer service.
Training Programs for Patient Access Representatives in Colorado
There are various training options available for aspiring patient access representatives in Colorado.
Penn Foster Career School 
If you prefer online training, you can explore the approved program offered by a reputable institution.
This comprehensive online training program for patient access representatives covers crucial topics including:
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Coding
- Electronic Medical Records
- Body Systems
The program is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed for this role.
With a duration of approximately 6 to 9 months, it offers flexibility for individuals who prefer online classes.
Western Colorado University 
The program offered by this university has a duration of up to a year, but the 250 hours included can be completed at the student’s pace.
Upon finishing the course you’ll be eligible to sit through the CMAA and CEHRS certification exams.
The tuition for this program is around $2,695 which can be paid in installments through Affirm.
Pima Medical Institute in Denver 
This institute offers an all-encompassing program designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and technical skills required for patient access representatives.
What sets this program apart is its flexibility, offering a range of class schedules including both daytime and evening options.
This allows individuals to choose the class timings that best align with their personal preferences and commitments, ensuring they can pursue their education without compromising their schedule.
Front Range Community College 
Situated in Westminster, this esteemed educational institution stands out as an exceptional provider of a specialized program in medical office technology.
This comprehensive program is carefully designed to equip students with a broad understanding of medical office procedures, health information technology, and the intricacies of medical billing and coding.
By delving into these crucial areas, students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field of medical office technology, preparing them for a successful career in the healthcare industry.
Red Rocks Community College 
Conveniently situated in Lakewood, this reputable college provides a comprehensive Medical Office Technology program.
It is similar to that offered by the previous college, with a distinct emphasis on administrative support within the healthcare industry.
The curriculum is carefully designed to cultivate students’ skills in effectively managing various administrative tasks that are specific to the healthcare field.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Front Range Community College | 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031 |
| Penn Foster Career School | online |
| Pima Medical Institute in Denver | 7475 Dakin St #335, Denver, CO 80221 |
| Red Rocks Community College | 13300 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228 |
| Western Colorado University | 1 Western Way, Gunnison, CO 81231 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Colorado
Naturally, one would be interested in understanding the potential salary once employed in their chosen field.
In Colorado, the median annual salary for a patient access representative is around $51,207.
This table has some cities in Colorado where the salary is higher than in other areas.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aspen | $52,055 |
| Woody Creek | $52,055 |
| Almont | $52,003 |
| Basalt | $51,854 |
| Telluride | $51,552 |
| Ouray | $51,552 |
| Mesa | $51,552 |
| Rangely | $51,354 |
| Breckenridge | $51,314 |
| Phippsburg | $51,155 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 120 | $55,390 | $26.63 | $65,760 | $43,070 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 160 | $53,280 | $25.62 | $72,010 | $38,760 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 940 | $63,670 | $30.61 | $85,890 | $41,470 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 70 | $58,600 | $28.17 | $81,070 | $42,470 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 60 | $51,120 | $24.58 | $68,540 | $36,030 |
| Pueblo, CO | 80 | $54,380 | $26.15 | $77,250 | $39,630 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to work as a PAR in Colorado?
Future PARs in Colorado must be at least 18 years old when applying for a position.
Is there a dress code for PARs in Colorado?
The short answer is “yes.”
The dress code depends on the employers, with some requiring a scrub while others accepting a business-casual type of clothing.
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Colorado?
These are some of the best skills to have for a PAR job:
- Interpersonal
- Problem-solving
- Organization
- Computer
- General office
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State