How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Rhode Island

If you want to become a patient access representative in Rhode Island, you’re in luck.

There are a handful of job openings, and being a patient access representative is a highly rewarding job.

However, if you don’t know where to start, we can help you with our step-by-step guide.

A quick overview of a patient access representative’s job duties includes administrative work, data entry, and communication skills.

Aside from that, they are the first line of contact between patients and the healthcare organization.

So, if you want to learn how to become a patient access representative in Rhode Island, keep reading!

Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Rhode Island

Each state has requirements for working as a patient access representative.

Rhode Island requires federal qualifications and some unique to the state.

Below, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how you can meet all requirements.

Step 1: Have A High School Diploma or GED

Applicants must either have their high school diploma or relevant schooling.

As an alternative, applicants can use the GED to supplement a diploma.

However, if you don’t have either, you will have to undergo a four-year educational program to get one.

Step 2: Get Experience in the Field

Getting relevant experience in the field can help you land a patient access representative job.

In some cases, Rhode Island clinics require that you have prior experience working in a medical office practice or have graduated from a medical secretary program.

So, gaining experience working in those positions first can help boost your application.

Step 3: Meet Job Requirements

Each workplace is different and will have certain requirements that applicants must meet.

A patient access representative will be in charge of similar duties, but their job might require specific knowledge or terminology.

In some cases, applicants will be required to lift up to 50 lbs on the job.

Step 4: Complete Certification or Training

The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is the credentialing body for patient access representatives.

All training and certificates will be accepted in every state.

In Rhode Island, you can complete a certificate program to become a Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), which will help boost your resume and chances of being hired.

Step 5: Network & Volunteer

Volunteering and networking are good ways to build up experience or boost your application without much effort.

Networking allows you to come into contact with professionals in the field.

Here, you can ask them about the ins and outs of the job and gain valuable information that can help land you a job.

In addition, volunteering with a company you want to work for can help set you on the right track and demonstrate that you’re a hard worker.

Step 6: Change Your Resume & Cover Letter

Switching up your resume to what job you’re applying to is always recommended.

As a patient access representative, you must show that you can type fast, work well with people, and be confidential.

Listing any relevant past experience is key to getting hired.

This includes jobs such as data entry, customer service, or medical office work.

Step 7: Practice Interviewing

Patient access representatives will have to tailor themselves to the organization they work for.

So, it’s best to practice for your interview.

Understanding the organization’s goals, mission, and how they operate can help you become a better candidate.

In addition, you can practice skills that are required for the job.

Step 8: Complete an Interview

Once you have made it to the interview stage, it’s time to show the recruiters your qualifications.

They are looking for someone who is dressed professionally but can also be accommodating and polite.

You will be working with many types of individuals, so having good interpersonal skills is something they will be keeping an eye out for.

Following up with the interview after completion can also show you have strong communication skills.

Schools in Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island doesn’t require applicants to have any certifications.

In fact, the most that they require is relevant work experience in a related field.

However, taking a certificate class can help prepare you for the job and show recruiters that you’re ready for an entry-level position.

Community College of Rhode Island

The Community College of Rhode Island provides a patient access representative course.

Here, you will learn skills for working with patients in a medical environment.

It’s a non-clinical position and can prepare students to work as medical administrative assistants, patient service representatives, unit secretaries, medical customer service agents, and more.

Length of Program

The program spans 11 weeks with an eight-week training session from CCRI and Lifespan.

There is also a required three-week internship at Lifespan, which is an organization in Rhode Island.

The program, in total, lasts 22 weeks and will require you to attend in-person classes.

Course Cost

One of the benefits of getting into this program is that it’s entirely free.

Those who qualify will be able to take the entire course for free.

Of course, if you plan to get a certification, you must pay for the exams.

Course Overview

Unfortunately, they don’t list the program online or what it covers.

You will need to contact their program using a Program Inquiry Form for the community college.

Patient Access Representative Schools in Rhode Island – Summary Table

Salary

In Rhode Island, senior patient access representatives will make an annual salary of $52,809.

On the lower end, you can expect to make $48,054.

On the other hand, the lower end will see $59,029.

Regional Salary in Rhode Island