How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Colorado

If you want to become a patient access representative in Colorado, look no further.

The state of Colorado needs patient access representatives.

This is an excellent career path, with more job positions growing yearly.

A patient access representative (PAR) is responsible for various healthcare duties.

This includes collecting patient information, booking appointments, and double-checking insurance policies.

In addition, the position calls for data entry, strong interpersonal skills, and a friendly demeanor.

Below, we’ll cover how you can become a PAR in Colorado.

Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Colorado

If you don’t know how to become a patient access representative in Colorado, don’t worry.

There are specific steps one needs to take to qualify for the position.

Below, we will explain a step-by-step guide on how to become a PAR in Colorado.

Step 1: Obtain High School Diploma or GED

A PAR position requires a high school diploma or GED in Colorado.

Potential candidates can still be in high school at the time of them studying for a PAR position.

However, they will need a completed certificate by the time they are hired.

Step 2: Gain Experience in the Field

In Colorado, it’s required that applicants have a minimum of one year of experience in the field before applying.

This includes working in a medical office or doing administrative work.

If you don’t have any experience, you may supplement this by having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Step 3: Research Qualifications & Requirements

All applicants need to be over the age of 18 and have proficient job experience.

This includes data entry, strong written and verbal skills, and excellent time management.

In addition, applicants need to be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

This includes the use of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Some jobs might require small physical demands, such as lifting or carrying beyond 25-50 lbs.

Step 4: Gain Certifications

Certification is unnecessary for this position, as most applicants can supplement education with on-the-job experience.

However, a Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) certificate can boost your hiring chances.

In addition, those who gain certification under the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) will be highly sought after.

Step 5: Network & Attend Job Fairs

While getting a PAR job in Colorado is not hard, it’s still good to network.

The field has many job openings, and clinics constantly look for candidates.

Community involvement and networking can help you find a job position faster.

Attending job fairs and volunteering can help you get experience and connect with those in the field.

Step 6: Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter

Tailoring your resume and cover letter to match the job is always a good idea.

Not only does it help sort out relevant job information, but it also lets the recruiter know your skills.

If you’re applying for a PAR position, you should include certain work on your resume.

This includes highlighting previous healthcare administrative work.

You should also include customer service and data management jobs.

Step 7: Practice Interviewing

The art of interviewing is key to getting any position.

Spend time practicing job-related questions.

Different job openings will ask varying questions about related work.

You should look into the organization and understand what the position requires.

Good places to start are reading the organization’s website and mission and talking to other employees.

Step 8: Interview

When interviewing, be sure to dress to impress.

This includes wearing a nice, professional outfit.

During the interview, answer questions and be polite.

You will want to demonstrate your interpersonal skills with the recruiter.

Aside from that, tell them about any relevant job experience or education you have.

Schools in Colorado

PAR jobs in Colorado generally require that you either have one year of experience or a degree.

In most cases, you can supplement one for the other.

If you don’t have experience or find it hard to gather some, you can take a course to prepare you for the job.

Below, we’ll give you a breakdown of the schools available in Colorado.

Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University offers a patient access representative course with vouchers included.

Here, you can learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a PAR that understands real-world situations.

You will become prepared for the CMAA and CEHRS certification exams after taking this prep course.

Length of Program

Students will have to take 250-course self-paced hours.

The class lasts 12 months, but students can complete it sooner if needed.

The course must be submitted before the 12 months is up.

Otherwise, it will not be counted, and you will have failed the course.

Course Cost

Enrolling in the course requires a payment of $2,695.

Luckily, the website allows potential students to pay using Affirm.

Affirm is a payment plan that can help reduce costs to smaller, more manageable payments.

Some payments can be as low as $131, depending on a few personal factors.

Course Overview

The program introduces students to the major components of a PAR job.

This includes skills in data management, interpersonal skills, and learning to communicate with stakeholders.

In addition, students will be taught to comply with HIPAA rules and regulations, preparing them for the real world.

If students lack data management skills, they will learn how to use Microsoft programs.

This includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Students will have programs to practice filling out the information, and they will understand what to do once hired.

Once the program is completed, students can sit for the CMAA and CEDHRS certificate exams.

Patient Access Representative Schools in Colorado – Summary Table

Salary

Patient access representatives make an average of $50,154 in Colorado.

In most cases, annual salaries will fall anywhere between $45,638 to $56,061.

You can expect the lower end if you’re just entering the field.

However, if you have previous experience, you can expect to get paid on the higher end.

Regional Salary in Colorado