Medical careers in North Carolina include many fascinating job options.
For example, a patient access representative requires minimal college training and makes a competitive wage.
Even better, this field is growing by 7% in the next 10 years.
Are you interested in this field?
Read on to learn more about how to become a patient access rep (PAR).
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Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in North Carolina
Becoming a PAR isn’t a challenging process.
While it does require some training, it’s typically something you can learn to do in a few months.
Will you get a job right after finishing your certification?
Not necessarily.
Often, you need to get paid training to start this career.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure you start this job properly.
Step One: Get Your High School Degree
When checking certification programs, you’ll find they want a high school degree or an equivalent.
As a result, anyone interested in this field must complete their high school education.
What equivalents are accepted/ the GED is the most common option.
Where can you earn a GED?
Typically, you earn one by attending adult-education classes or even alternative high schools.
These facilities usually provide guided support to make earning these degrees easier.
Will you get discriminated against if you have a GED?
Not at all.
Step Two: Complete a Certification Program
Though not all PAR positions require certification, it’s best to get one.
Why?
It proves that you understand your job roles.
It also highlights your skills and gives your employer a better understanding of your abilities.
Where can you get a certificate?
You can choose from multiple national certification groups.
For example, the National Association of Healthcare Access Management provides CHAA and CHAM exams.
The first is good for beginner-level jobs, while the second helps with management positions.
Step Three: Take the Certificate Exam
After completing your certification training, you can take the qualifying exam.
This test gauges your PAR knowledge.
It covers multiple subjects, including paperwork and patient management.
How long is it?
Just a few hours.
Did you find a training program that offers vouchers?
These typically cover your first exam’s cost, saving you a little money.
Will they cover any extra tests?
No:
if you fail your test and must retake it, your vouchers can’t be used again.
Step Four: Develop Your Resume
Are you sick of looking at job listings that demand five years of experience for entry-level jobs?
Improve your resume with internships and volunteering positions.
Internships provide hands-on experience.
Will you get paid?
Sometimes.
Check the job listing before applying.
Volunteering is typically unpaid but provides many benefits.
First, there’s a high demand, so you should find a position quickly.
Secondly, it’s a great way to expand your resume.
Thankfully, you should find volunteer options reasonably easily.
Step Five: Find Jobs
Now comes the fun part:
applying for jobs!
It’s hair-raising but more than worth it.
Note:
you typically start with a 1-3 year training period with most PAR jobs.
This training can take the place of your internship or volunteering.
Is it available for all jobs?
No, which is why internships and volunteering are essential.
Where can you find PAR jobs in North Carolina?
Look at hospitals, emergency rooms, and dental facilities.
Note:
some employers may list this job as a “medical assistant.”
While there are differences between these two jobs, they do cover similar territory.
Schools in North Carolina
North Carolina doesn’t have any PAR-specific training programs available at the moment.
However, there are several national training groups you may consider.
Do they provide online support?
Absolutely and it’s an excellent option for anyone who needs help learning.
Penn Foster for Organizations 
Penn Foster is a career training facility that provides unique educational opportunities across the nation.
For example, they provide online training for patient access representatives.
Are their programs available in North Carolina?
Absolutely.
It’ll help prepare you for the CMAA and CEHRS exams.
What are these certifications?
They’re PAR-specific certs that are similar to the options offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management.
Does it matter which I get?
Only if the hospital wants a specific type.
Patient Access Representative Schools in North Carolina – Summary Table
Top 1 Schools in North Carolina
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster for Organizations | Student Services Center, P.O. Box 1900, Scranton, PA 18501, USA |
Salary
How much will you make on average as a PAR in North Carolina?
Expect at least $48,375 annually on average.
That’s a significant wage considering that you don’t need a college education to begin.
Even better, you’ll get paid training for many PAR positions.
Are better PAR jobs available in North Carolina?
Yes.
Advancement opportunities include management positions and travel jobs.
Though rare, travel PAR positions make more money to compensate for frequent relocation.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Patient Access Representatives in North Carolina
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $49,226 |
| Raleigh | $49,116 |
| Greensboro | $48,158 |
| Durham | $48,823 |
| Winston-Salem | $48,325 |
| Fayetteville | $46,238 |
| Cary | $49,116 |
| High Point | $48,446 |
| Wilmington | $46,415 |
| Asheville | $46,321 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 250 | $43,370 | $20.85 | $58,140 | $30,240 |
| Burlington, NC | 40 | $39,770 | $19.12 | $51,790 | $30,790 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 1,120 | $49,490 | $23.8 | $67,420 | $34,050 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 490 | $50,820 | $24.43 | $65,840 | $35,230 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 250 | $48,430 | $23.29 | $67,020 | $29,810 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 60 | $44,830 | $21.55 | $65,420 | $27,940 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 350 | $41,600 | $20 | $57,500 | $30,730 |
| Greenville, NC | 310 | $49,000 | $23.56 | $59,710 | $35,340 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 200 | $42,720 | $20.54 | $62,980 | $29,440 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 70 | $49,910 | $23.99 | $65,110 | $35,300 |
| New Bern, NC | 60 | $39,940 | $19.2 | $63,870 | $28,310 |
| Raleigh, NC | 550 | $48,750 | $23.44 | $67,700 | $32,970 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 50 | $46,500 | $22.35 | $68,600 | $31,030 |
| Wilmington, NC | 200 | $37,270 | $17.92 | $52,690 | $22,960 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 490 | $54,240 | $26.08 | $74,980 | $33,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew?
Most certifications last at least three years.
Some may even last four:
it all depends on what you earn.
Do any need yearly renewal?
Rarely.
The certifications we discussed in this article all last 3-4 years.
Is another test necessary?
Yes, but you don’t need all-new training.
Where can I find a job?
North Carolina has many acclaimed hospitals where you can find PAR work.
These include Duke University Hospital and UNC Hospitals across the state.
Atrium Health is another popular option.
Do all these hospitals provide training?
That depends on the facility.
Is this a well-paying job?
Making an average of $48,375 as a PAR compares favorably to North Carolina’s average of $54,845.
In fact, high-end earners may make closer to $54,073.
That puts this job close to the state average.
Even better:
you won’t have extensive college debt.
Can I work in other states?
Thankfully, yes, you can move out of North Carolina and find PAR jobs in other states.
Why?
Your cert is not state-based, meaning you can use it across the nation.
Why would you move?
To earn more money or find a better position.
