How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Alabama

Patient access representatives are skilled healthcare professionals who provide high-quality support that guides patients through their treatment.

They work directly with the patient and their healthcare provider to clarify information, give emotional support, and produce a more positive experience.

This job is a promising career option in Alabama because it requires minimal training and can help you make good money surprisingly quickly.

Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Alabama

If you’re interested in becoming a patient access representative in Alabama, there are just a few steps you need to take to stand out.

Typically, this career requires minimal training to begin.

That said, taking a few extra steps (such as earning a college degree) can help you stand out and make it easier to find a job.

Other actions, like volunteering, can help you further.

Step One: Consider an Associate’s Degree

Though Alabama patient access representatives don’t need college experience to begin their careers, earning an associate’s degree may help you find a better position.

While this state doesn’t provide specialized classes for this career, a healthcare administration degree or assistance degree can help you stand out in a field that often has many applicants.

While you can earn a bachelor’s degree in these fields and improve your chances further, that step isn’t strictly necessary.

A bachelor’s degree might take longer than you want to earn (usually up to four years) and cost more than an associate’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree might be a little overkill in a field where a high school diploma is a minimal degree required to start.

Step Two: Earn a Certification

Currently, a few national certifications for patient access representatives may work well for your career.

For example, a Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) or Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) certification can help you stand out further in your field.

You’ll take an in-depth exam highlighting multiple topics and preparing you for your certification process.

You can also get a Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM). Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications as well.

All will help you stand out in this field.

Step Three: Find Early Work

Job experience is so crucial for success as a patient access representative.

As a result, applying to any medical careers you find in your area is important to improve your chances of success.

Even an entry-level job will grant you excellent job training and experience, such as data entry for a hospital or another related career that helps you master the critical skills necessary for this position.

Look for jobs in record-keeping, billing, medical software, and more to get more experience.

If all available positions need more experience than you possess, consider internships, volunteer work, and training programs to advance your career.

Often, these experiences can provide you with the support you need to thrive and get the training necessary to succeed.

Step Four: Create a Great Resume

As you gain experience in this field, continue crafting your resume to highlight your skills and showcase why you’d make a good hire.

Talk about your previous experiences, highlight successful jobs, and get recommendations from your previous co-workers.

Furthermore, make sure that you talk with other experts in your field to learn more about how you can thrive.

Don’t forget to add volunteer positions to your resume to strengthen it further.

These work experiences show a company that you genuinely care about your community and work hard to support it.

Furthermore, they also show you’re willing to work hard even with no pay, which speaks volumes of your dedication and work ethic.

Step Five: Apply for Patient Access Representative Jobs

Now that you’ve earned more experience in this field, you can start applying for patient access representative jobs in Alabama.

While you can also start applying for them the moment you earn your certification, applying after you gain some experience helps you stand out.

For example, some positions may require previous work that you may need to get in internships.

Typically, you’ll find these jobs in Alabama hospitals, making it essential to spread your applications around the state.

Don’t be afraid to look outside the state, if necessary, because your certification is national and not bound to the state.

As a result, you can find a job wherever you want, which is enormous if you’re interested in moving to a different part of the country.

Schools in Alabama

Currently, no schools in Alabama offer patient access representative training.

However, the National Association of Healthcare Access Management provides a Patient Access Certification program that you can use online to earn a certification in this field.

This exam is one of the most trusted in the nation and will give you the support you need to find a job in this competitive field.

Salary

In Alabama, the average patient access representative earns an average of $46,294, with a pay range of $42,125 and $51,747.

Considering the training required for this job and the average salary in Alabama, this high-earning position is more than worth considering.

It’s something you should talk with your family about to ensure that you can take the time needed to train properly for this career.

Regional Salary in Alabama