How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Wyoming

Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry?

Becoming a patient access representative could be the rewarding career choice you’ve been looking for.

These professionals play an important role in the healthcare system by offering essential support to patients.

If you’re considering a career as a patient access representative in Wyoming, read the informative article below.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Wyoming

Here is where you start to see if a career as a PAR is a fit for you or not.

Complete Your Education

In the state of Wyoming, you need at least a high school diploma or a GED to get started.

You may also consider getting an Associate’s Degree for better career opportunities, although not required.

Specific degrees created for patient access representatives are not available in this state.

Even so, you can easily choose to get a degree in healthcare administration or a degree in medical assistance.

You may even consider a Bachelor’s Degree, which can offer more benefits to a future patient access representative.

If you are wondering what is the difference between an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree, it comes down to several factors.

Some aspects include the fees you will need to pay and the career paths that you want to take.

Become Certified

Certification is not required for patient access representatives in Wyoming, but getting one will improve your resume.

In Wyoming, you can easily get the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) offered through The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).

Keep in mind that you will need to take and pass an exam in order to receive the certification.

This exam will cover topics like customer service, patient access services, and regulations.

Usually, training classes are very useful in helping you pass the exam.

Here are a few other certifications you can consider:

• 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)

Gain Some Work Experience

Gaining practical experience is essential for patient access representatives.

Working in record-keeping, data entry, medical software utilization, and billing 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 Wyoming

You may want to know what patient access representative program you can get into.

If you live in Wyoming, you have the following options.

Central Wyoming College

You should know that this school offers a few programs that can pave the way for a career in patient access representation.

While there is no specific patient access representative program, the following programs can provide valuable skills:

• Nursing Program:
  • This comprehensive course, with 4 credit hours, covers essential nursing skills and includes a nursing assistant course that allows students to take state certification examinations.
• Medical Assistant Certificate:
  • A 31-32 credit hour program providing training in medical office administrative procedures, clinical roles of medical assistants, pharmacology, and more.
• Administrative Assistant Program:
  • Focused on communication, human relations, office support, and computer technology, this program offers valuable skills applicable to patient access representatives.

The classes for the medical assistant certificate program include:

• Business Math or Problem-Solving
• Interpersonal Communication or Human Relations
• Medical Office Administrative Procedures
• Medical Terminology
• Clinical Role of the Medical Assistant
• Pharmacology for the MA
• Phlebotomy Principles in Practice
• Medical Assistant Practicum
• Human Biology or Human Anatomy

For the administrative assistant program, you need to take the following classes:

• Principles of Accounting I
• Quickbooks Accounting
• Business Math I
• Business Communications
• Business English
• Speed and Accuracy Development
• Word Processing Applications
• Spreadsheet Applications
• Human Relations
• Managing Career Development
• Writing Level I
• American and Wyoming Government

Western Wyoming Community College

This is another institution worth considering when choosing a program.

The available programs offered by this school are:

• Nursing Program:
  • A structured program with prerequisite courses in biology, algebra, composition, and anatomy before proceeding to specialized nursing courses.
• Health Sciences Degree:
  • This versatile program allows you to choose from various healthcare focuses, including dental hygiene, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technician, and more.

Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Wyoming

On average, patient access representatives in Wyoming make an annual salary of $46,620, making it a promising career choice for aspiring individuals.

However, the earning potential may vary based on several factors.

Your level of experience, expertise, and the geographical location of your workplace can influence your income.

Professionals with extensive experience and a strong skill set may command higher salaries, while those working in rural areas may experience different earning potential compared to their counterparts in urban centers.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the salaries for patient access representatives in Wyoming, read the table below.

Regional Salary in Wyoming

Patient Access Representative by State