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Stepping into the role of a patient access representative can be a fulfilling and impactful career choice.
These compassionate professionals play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential support to patients.
If you are considering a career as a patient access representative in Wisconsin, there are various aspects to explore and understand about this path.
Check out the article below for more info!
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Wisconsin
All jobs have some requirements you must meet before getting hired, and here’s what you need to do before applying for a PAR position!
Complete Your Education
To start a career as a patient access representative, meeting the educational requirement of a high school diploma or GED is essential.
However, for those seeking higher income potential and increased career opportunities, getting an Associate’s Degree is a better choice.
While a college degree is not obligatory for patient access representatives in Wisconsin, obtaining one can help you stand out.
In Wisconsin, degrees designed for patient access representatives are not available.
Nevertheless, aspiring professionals can choose from pursuing a degree in healthcare administration or medical assistance.
Some candidates may get a Bachelor’s Degree, which can provide additional advantages.
Become Certified
While certification is not mandatory for patient access representatives in Wisconsin, obtaining one can help your career prospects.
For those seeking to stand out in the job market, nationally recognized certifications are a great choice.
Consider the following certifications:
- 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)
Among the options available, the CHAA certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) stands out.
This exam evaluates essential skills, including customer service, patient access services, and adherence to regulations.
Future patient access representatives can explore other reputable certifications provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), such as CMAA and CEHRS.
Gain Some Work Experience
Gaining practical experience is essential for patient access representatives.
Working in record-keeping, data entry, and billing and coding tasks, will help you learn more about the healthcare environment.
Taking up employment or volunteering at a local healthcare facility can also offer hands-on experience.
This in return will increase your chances for career advancement.
Training Schools for Patient Access Representatives in Wisconsin
There are several patient access programs available in Wisconsin.
Let’s have a look at these programs now!
Gateway Technical College 
The school provides a medical assistant technical diploma program for aspiring patient access representatives.
Students undergo hands-on learning, gaining practical experience in medical records management and patient access duties, preparing them for their future roles in hospitals and clinical settings.
The classes include:
- Phlebotomy,
- Electronic Records Management,
- Medical Assistant Admin Procedures,
- Medical Office Insurance and Finance,
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
It offers a medical assistant technical diploma program geared towards patient access representative training.
Students learn crucial patient care skills, administrative tasks, and medical records management to excel in their roles.
The curriculum comprises courses such as:
- Med Office Insurance and Finance,
- Medical Law
- Ethics
- Professionalism,
- Medical Assistant Practicum,
- Contemporary Health Care Practices,
- Pharmacology
Madison Area Technical College
It provides a medical assistant program designed to prepare students for careers as patient access representatives and medical records specialists in Wisconsin.
The program covers patient registration, medical records management, and other essential skills.
The courses are:
- Medical Assistant Administrative Assistant,
- Human Body in Health and Disease,
- Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures,
- Exam Room Procedures,
- Pharmacology
Blackhawk Technical College
The school incorporates the medical assistant technical diploma into its health sciences program.
Students can complete the 32-credit-hour program in under a year, thanks to the hybrid approach that combines hands-on learning, laboratory skills, and online options.
Courses include:
- Front Desk Procedures,
- Laboratory Procedures,
- Exam Room Practicum,
- Medical Billing and Insurance,
- Vital Signs for Patient Care.
Waukesha County Technical College
The institution offers both certificate and medical assistant diploma programs, focusing on patient access representative duties.
Students can complete the program within a year, and the college provides flexible options.
Key courses include:
- Digital Literacy Healthcare,
- Medical Terminology,
- Contemporary Healthcare Practices,
- Pharmacology for Allied Health,
- Medical Assistant Lab Procedures.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Blackhawk Technical College | 6004 S County Rd G, Janesville, WI 53546 |
| Gateway Technical College | 1001 S, Main St, Racine, WI 53403 |
| Madison Area Technical College | 1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704 |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809 |
| Waukesha County Technical College | 327 E Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Wisconsin
Patient access representatives are highly valued for their essential contributions, and their dedication is well-reflected in their earning potential.
On average, these professionals in Wisconsin enjoy an impressive salary of $49,925 per year.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that various factors come into play when determining individual earnings.
Your level of experience, expertise, and the specific geographic location of your workplace can influence your income trajectory.
For more insight into the salaries of patient access representatives in Wisconsin, refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wheeler | $53,080 |
| Amery | $53,080 |
| Alma | $50,355 |
| Weyerhaeuser | $50,369 |
| Milwaukee | $50,162 |
| Kenosha | $49,792 |
| Racine | $49,792 |
| West Bend | $49,757 |
| Madison | $49,663 |
| Oshkosh | $48,318 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 100 | $57,270 | $27.54 | $69,360 | $46,210 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 130 | $53,180 | $25.57 | $67,500 | $36,980 |
| Green Bay, WI | 450 | $46,900 | $22.55 | $60,980 | $37,560 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 120 | $55,910 | $26.88 | $65,060 | $47,770 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 150 | $52,060 | $25.03 | $62,160 | $37,270 |
| Madison, WI | 620 | $56,630 | $27.23 | $76,720 | $38,570 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 1,140 | $56,970 | $27.39 | $74,280 | $39,700 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 80 | $54,400 | $26.15 | $62,160 | $44,480 |
| Racine, WI | 30 | $52,400 | $25.19 | $62,240 | $41,400 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 80 | $53,640 | $25.79 | $66,550 | $42,420 |
| Wausau, WI | 70 | $53,240 | $25.6 | $64,130 | $43,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Wisconsin?
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
How does my salary as a PAR in Wisconsin compare to other states?
In Wisconsin, PARs earn about as much as the majority of PARs across the nation.
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State