How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Connecticut

When you go to the doctor, urgent care, health clinic, or hospital, the patient access representative is your first point of contact.

It’s their job to collect patient information, insurance information and verify patient insurance.

They also answer the phones, schedule appointments and answer patient questions.

They also handle the paperwork for hospital admissions.

If you like working with the public and enjoy helping people, you’ll enjoy a career in the medical field.

If you prefer administrative work rather than clinical, a career as a patient access representative could be a perfect fit.

How To Become a Patient Access Representative In Connecticut

All healthcare facilities require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent and a college degree.

Some employers will accept applications from applicants with associate degrees in business or health care administration, and some will only hire applicants with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or health sciences.

If you want a better chance of landing a good job, a bachelor’s degree is best, but it isn’t required.

If you want to start working as a patient access rep quickly, an Associate’s Degree will be enough to find a job, and you can always continue your education later to earn your Bachelor’s Degree.

Schools In Connecticut

If you want to pursue a career as a patient access representative, you can find a school in Connecticut to earn your associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

You can also learn online at a Connecticut school if you don’t have time to attend classes.

Southern Connecticut State University- Bachelor’s Degree:

This school has a Bachelor’s in Health Science program that prepares you for a career as a patient access representative and other administrative roles in the medical field.

All programs at the university include liberal education and writing course requirements, and you must pass the following courses to earn your degree:

• Biology I
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• General Chemistry I
• General Chemistry II
• Healthcare Professions and Medical Terminology
• Healthcare Systems, Policy, and Billing
• Exercise Physiology I
• General Medical Perspectives
• Interprofessional Perspectives
• Intro to Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Disabilities in Society
• Evidence-Based Practice and Research
• Principals of Medical Documentation
• Elementary Statistics

This is a four-year program, and the tuition depends on whether you’re a Connecticut resident or an out-of-state or international student.

Connecticut Residents

• Tuition: $6,664
• University fee: $1,024
• University general fee: $4,850
• Student activity fee: $140
• Media fee: $30
• Writing Center fee: $40
• Transportation fee: $80. Total for commuting students per semester: $12,828

Out-Of-State and International Students

The tuition per semester is $19,940, and the additional fees are the same as for Connecticut residents, and the total per semester is $26,104.

Capital Community College- Associates Degree:

 This school has an Associate in Health Science program to prepare you for a career as a patient access representative.

This two-year program is designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly and don’t want to spend four years in college.

The degree can also be used as a pathway if you continue your education later and earn your Bachelor’s degree.

The program is divided into four semesters, and you must pass the following courses to earn your degree.

Semester 1

• Intro to Biology
• General Biology
• Intermediate Algebra
• Composition
• Medical Terminology

Semester 2

• Principles of Sociology
• Literature and Composition
• Concepts of Chemistry
• General Chemistry
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Humanities Elective

Semester 3

• Introduction to Patient Skills
• Introduction to Healthcare Systems
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to the Mental Health System
• Lifespan Development

Semester 4

• Anatomy and Physiology II or Free Elective
• Fine Arts Elective
• Health and Aging
• Health Science Capstone

Tuition for Connecticut residents is $2,278.00 per semester, and tuition for out-of-state students is $6,754.00.

Students can apply for grants and financial aid if necessary.

Patient Access Representative Schools in Connecticut – Summary Table

Average Salary for Patient Access Representatives In Connecticut

The average salary for a patient access representative is between $45,853 and $56,326 per year, and your salary depends on your level of education, experience, and the healthcare facility you work for.

For example, if you’ve worked in the medical field, you could be paid more than someone without real-world experience.

Also, you could make more if you hold a Bachelor’s Degree, but this isn’t always the case, and some employers want their employees to have a degree.

Regional Salary in Connecticut