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If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider becoming a patient access representative.
These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in the healthcare landscape, offering vital support and ensuring effective communication between patients and medical practitioners.
If you feel working as a patient access representative in West Virginia is the right choice, let’s learn more about it.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in West Virginia
Below you can find out how you can start a new career path as a patient access representative in West Virginia.
Complete Your Education
To start a career as a patient access representative, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
However, if you aim for better income opportunities, pursuing an Associate’s Degree is a better choice.
While the role of a patient access representative in West Virginia does not mandate a college degree, obtaining one can enhance your resume and set you apart from other candidates.
In this state, there are no specialized degrees for this job.
Nonetheless, you have two promising alternatives: pursuing a degree in healthcare administration or medical assistance.
Some candidates may even hold a Bachelor’s Degree, which can offer additional advantages in the competitive job market.
The key distinctions between these degrees lie in the duration of the study, ranging from 2 to 4 years, the total fees you need to pay, as well as your career options.
Become Certified
In the state of West Virginia, patient access representatives are not legally required to obtain certification.
However, obtaining a certification can significantly enhance your chances of securing the desired position.
When considering certifications, it is recommended to opt for nationally recognized ones, and there are several reputable options available.
Some certifications worth checking out include:
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)
- Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
- Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
Gaining certifications can significantly impact your healthcare career, showcasing your expertise and setting you apart in the competitive job market.
Among the top-notch choices is the CHAA certification provided by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).
This comprehensive exam assesses essential skills, including customer service, patient access services, and adherence to regulatory standards.
Moreover, you can explore certifications offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), like CMAA and CEHRS.
You will need to enroll in one of the available training programs to meet the criteria for any of these certifications.
Gain Some Work Experience
Gaining practical experience is an essential aspect when pursuing a career as a patient access representative in the healthcare industry.
Working in areas such as record-keeping, data entry, medical software utilization, and billing tasks, will help you learn more about the healthcare environment.
Furthermore, taking up employment or volunteering at a local healthcare facility can offer valuable hands-on experience.
This in return will increase your chances for career advancement.
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in West Virginia
Have a look at the training program available in this state.
Penn Foster 
This online school offers a patient access representative program that allows you to learn at your own pace.
When the program is over, you will be ready to take and pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam and the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists (CEHRS) exam.
This program lasts between six and nine months.
Because the program is online, it leaves you plenty of free time for other activities or even employment.
Some of the subjects you will learn about are:
- Allied Health
- Medical Office Procedures
- Body Systems and Medical Terminology
- Pathology and Pharmacology
- Electronic Medical Records
- Medical Billing and Health Insurance
- Law, Ethics, and Confidentiality
Mountwest Community & Technical College
This college offers a Health Information Technology program that is suitable for future patient access representatives.
The course includes all the topics you need to know to take a national exam and find your first job.
This institution can also offer financial aid under certain circumstances, which is worth looking into.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mountwest Community and Technical College | 1 Mountwest Way, Huntington, WV 25701 |
| Penn Foster | online |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in West Virginia
Patient access representatives in the state are highly valued for their contributions, and they are rewarded accordingly.
On average, these dedicated professionals earn an impressive annual salary of $45,641 per year.
It’s important to keep in mind that individual earnings in this role can vary based on several factors.
Your level of experience, expertise, and the specific geographic location of your workplace can all influence your income.
Professionals with extensive experience and a strong skill set may command higher salaries, while those in more rural areas may have different earning potential compared to their counterparts in urban centers.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the salaries for patient access representatives in West Virginia, refer to the informative table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Martinsburg | $56,169 |
| Delray | $50,894 |
| Wheeling | $49,621 |
| Morgantown | $49,621 |
| Fairmont | $49,621 |
| Weirton | $49,412 |
| Cameron | $49,191 |
| Albright | $48,065 |
| Charleston | $46,169 |
| Beckley | $45,763 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 90 | $41,230 | $19.82 | $61,660 | $28,070 |
| Charleston, WV | 130 | $42,160 | $20.27 | $59,720 | $28,920 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 490 | $50,250 | $24.16 | $68,260 | $32,290 |
| Morgantown, WV | 110 | $44,680 | $21.48 | $62,710 | $29,910 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 40 | $35,390 | $17.01 | $47,360 | $21,880 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 80 | $47,400 | $22.79 | $60,770 | $33,590 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 70 | $40,210 | $19.33 | $55,970 | $29,100 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
How does my salary as a PAR in West Virginiacompare to other states?
In West Virginia, PARs earn less compared to the median salary at the national level.
Despite all this, patient access representatives hold entry-level jobs and earn more than other professionals with similar jobs.
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in West Virginia?
These are some of the best skills to have for a PAR job:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Problem-solving,
- Organization,
- Computer
- General office
- Being calm
- Accuracy
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State