If you’ve ever been interested in becoming a patient access representative, you’re in luck.
Alaska has many patient-access representative jobs, so they are in high demand.
Plus, job security is high, as the healthcare system constantly seeks more help.
A patient access representative plays a crucial role in the hospital.
Job requirements include collecting patient information, booking appointments, and communicating with insurance.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then let’s explore how to become a patient access representative in Alaska.
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Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Alaska
Becoming a patient access representative in Alaska might seem complicated.
However, the process is fairly simple.
Below, we’ve listed step-by-step instructions on how you can set yourself on the path to becoming a patient access representative in Alaska.
Step 1: Obtain High School Diploma or GED
Completing a high school diploma or GED program is required before you apply to become a patient access representative.
You may still study to become a patient access representative, but you will need a high school diploma or a GED to work as one.
Step 2: Gain Experience in the Field
If you want a competitive edge, you can gain experience in the field.
Completing customer service or healthcare administration work is a good way to qualify for a patient access representative job.
Some jobs require previous experience in these fields, while others do not.
In Alaska, it is not required but is welcomed if you have extra experience before applying.
Step 3: Research Qualifications & Requirements
Most patient access representatives require that applicants have skills in data entry, time management, and strong written and verbal skills.
This includes proficiency in Microsoft Office Products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Representatives must also have good communication skills and should be able to lift or pull up to 25 lbs.
Step 4: Gain Certifications
While certification is not necessary, it does help provide your proficiency in the job.
The Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) certification is one certificate that can help persuade potential recruiters.
Applicants can get their certification through the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM).
Step 5: Network & Attend Job Fairs
It’s difficult to get a job in the field if you don’t have prior experience.
If that’s the case, networking is the second best way to get a job as a patient access representative.
Attending job fairs and gatherings and volunteering in healthcare activities can connect you with the right people.
Step 6: Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter
While you might have experience in other fields, the healthcare professions mainly care about certain skills.
Tailoring your resume and cover letter to match a patient access representative position can help boost your chances.
Include relevant experience or jobs.
Mainly list anything related to service or data management, healthcare administration positions, or customer service.
Step 7: Practice Interviewing
Not all patient access representatives have the same job.
Different healthcare organizations will have varying tasks that need to be completed.
To prepare for the interview, research what the position calls for.
This might include checking their mission, understanding what skills they are looking for, and practicing strong interpersonal skills.
Step 8: Interview
Once you’ve done all of the above, you can interview for the position.
Be sure to dress appropriately, which is generally casual businesswear.
Be sure to use strong communication and demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
Also, follow up with the recruiter after the interview, which means you’re serious about the position.
Schools in Alaska
Most jobs require you to have field experience but not schooling.
However, some healthcare organizations may require that you complete a certificate program to demonstrate that you know the skills.
In Alaska, you’re not required to have any extra schooling, but there is an online course that can help boost you ahead of other applicants.
Greenways Academy of Alaska
Greenways Academy of Alaska offers a patient access representative course with vouchers included.
Here, you can learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a patient access representative.
You will become prepared for the CMAA and CEHRS certification exams.
Length of Program
The length of program consists of 250-course hours taken online.
The self-paced class can be completed in as little as six months.
However, students will have up to 12 months to complete the course.
Course Cost
The course costs $2,695, but students can apply for Affirm, allowing them to make monthly payments.
Affirm can help provide low monthly payments, such as $131.
The course is not a degree program so it wouldn’t qualify for student financial aid.
Course Overview
The course includes knowledge on how to navigate systems for healthcare positions.
This includes working with technology, such as Excel and Microsoft Word.
The program also teaches important ethics and laws surrounding HIPAA compliance and how to communicate properly with clients.
In addition, students will learn how to explain financial responsibilities to patients and receive real-world experience using EHR simulators.
This can help simulate working on the job.
Lastly, students will become prepped to sit for the CMAA and CEHRS certificate exams.
Patient Access Representative Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
Top 1 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Greenways Academy of Alaska | 7010 Gibbs Hill Circle Anchorage, AK 99504 |
Salary
Senior patient access representative salaries in Alaska average around $56,045 annually.
The typical wage falls between $50,998 and $62,646 for 2023.
Those new to the field may have a lower salary but can work up to a senior position within a few years.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Patient Access Representatives in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $37,836 |
| Juneau | $37,499 |
| Fairbanks | $37,679 |
| Sitka | $36,989 |
| Ketchikan | $36,989 |
| Kenai | $37,325 |
| Wasilla | $37,768 |
| Kodiak | $37,325 |
| Bethel | $37,325 |
| Palmer | $37,325 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 850 | $55,830 | $26.84 | $77,810 | $40,440 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 220 | $52,660 | $25.32 | $64,160 | $40,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being a patient access representative difficult in Alaska?
Yes, being a patient access representative can be difficult, depending on where you work in Alaska.
Representatives will need to be courteous but clear with patients and clinical staff.
In addition, the job is high-paced and requires you to have excellent interpersonal skills and organization.
What do patient access representatives need to wear in Alaska?
In Alaska, all patient access representatives will be required to wear scrubs.
Some employers may allow a collared shirt with slacks or dress shoes.
However, the job requires that you look friendly and professional.
What is the highest-paying city for patient access representatives in Alaska?
The highest-paying city for patient access representatives in Alaska is the Knik-Fairview area.
Wasilla and Lakes are also great paying areas.
They average 7% higher pay than other towns.
However, they are also in a remote location.
Are patient access representative jobs in demand in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska needs patient access representatives.
Around 1,000 openings for the 2023 year need to be filled.
The job is also constantly growing and requires more people each year.
