To begin your career as a patient access representative, you must first earn a high school diploma.
This will allow you to apply for training programs where you will gain a foundation for the healthcare industry, terminology, and the basics of becoming a patient access representative.
Many online vocational schools and some community colleges in Maryland offer diploma and certificate programs, so it’s essential to understand your educational and career goals before selecting an institution.
Keep reading to learn more about the steps to becoming a patient access representative in Maryland!
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- Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Maryland
- Schools in Maryland
- Patient Access Representative Schools in Maryland – Summary Table
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the biggest factor someone considering becoming a Maryland patient access representative should know?
- What requirements does Maryland enforce for patient access representatives?
- Are internships required in Maryland patient access representative training programs?
- What are the daily duties of a Maryland patient access representative?
Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Maryland
Step One: Apply for a Patient Access Representative Program
Experts advise seniors who know this is their career path to apply for schools before graduation.
That way, enrollment is completed early, and you can participate in the more desirable programs.
Applying for patient access representative training requires plenty of research, so it’s best to speak to your high school guidance counselor or a college advisor (or both) to determine your future goals.
Step Two: Complete an Internship
While internships aren’t likely required for certificate or diploma programs, potential employers note that those with some healthcare experience, especially in their field of study, are more desirable than those without experience.
In addition, completing an internship will help you be more marketable to potential employers because you have laid the foundation for your career with classroom and firsthand experience.
Step Three: Graduate from the Program
Once the classroom and internship are complete, you are ready to graduate.
While a national certification is not required, it is another highly beneficial achievement that can differentiate you from other candidates.
To earn the certification, you must pass an exam that all training programs prepare you for, so it’s essential to take immediately after graduation.
Step Four: Find a Job
The final step is to find a job at a hospital, surgery center, dentist’s office, clinic, or other medical facility.
The good news is that all medical professionals, including patient access representatives, are in demand, so finding a job may be easier than in other fields.
However, you should still prepare and act professionally, as several candidates may be vying for the same position.
Schools in Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
The Loyola University Maryland patient access representative training program prepares students for an entry-level position in the medical industry and the CEHRS and CMAA certification exams.
The cost of the 12-month program is just under $2,700 and includes all books, fees, and tuition.
Within the 12 months, students will learn medical terminology for each bodily system, law and ethics, HIPAA requirements, billing and coding language, telecommunications, patient communication, improving communication and managing stress, the EHR framework, revenue cycle management, and daily financial practices.
Also, part of the training focuses on the certification exams to help students better prepare.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster is an online vocational school with a patient access representative training program.
Students enrolled in this program have the flexibility to complete the curriculum in six-to-nine months.
Courses include an introduction to Allied Health, electronic medical records, health insurance and medical billing, medical terminology, body systems 1 and 2, medical office procedures, confidentiality, ethics, and law within the Allied Health system.
This accredited program aims to provide students with enough foundational knowledge to complete the national certification exams and succeed in an entry-level position.
Patient Access Representative Schools in Maryland – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Maryland
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Loyola University Maryland | 4501 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States |
| Penn Foster | 14300 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 125. Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States |
Salary
The average U.S. patient access representative salary is $50,300 annually, with the low end of the pay range at $45,800 and the high end at $56,300.
In Maryland, the annual average salary is just under $52,000, with pay ranging from $47,200 to $58,100.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Patient Access Representatives in Maryland
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $51,802 |
| Frederick | $54,126 |
| Gaithersburg | $55,944 |
| Bowie | $55,977 |
| Rockville | $56,027 |
| Hagerstown | $51,217 |
| Annapolis | $53,395 |
| College Park | $56,095 |
| Salisbury | $53,570 |
| Cumberland | $46,238 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 1,610 | $63,190 | $30.38 | $84,430 | $39,110 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 30 | $55,230 | $26.55 | $71,450 | $38,020 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 40 | $50,200 | $24.13 | $64,330 | $36,880 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 130 | $57,430 | $27.61 | $88,060 | $37,140 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 150 | $50,290 | $24.18 | $72,520 | $33,170 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest factor someone considering becoming a Maryland patient access representative should know?
While the job duties of a patient access representative are primarily administrative, the job is difficult as you must be prepared to multitask constantly in dealing with existing and new patients while entering essential data and information.
Ther in addition, there are many situations that those in a patient access role cannot impact, so it’s critical to accept the circumstances and move on to the next task.
What requirements does Maryland enforce for patient access representatives?
The State of Maryland has no requirements for patient access representatives.
However, potential employers all require at least a certificate in the field to prove competency and professionalism.
Enrolling beyond the minimum educational requirements is always recommended so you’re a more marketable candidate.
Other competencies include Microsoft Office proficiency and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Those with previous medical experience are more favorable to potential employers, but this is not a requirement.
Are internships required in Maryland patient access representative training programs?
Although internship requirements vary based on the school, one will likely be optional at the basic level.
However, professionals always advise students to intern to gain firsthand experience with those in patient access roles.
In addition, the more experience a graduate has when searching for a job, the more marketable they are and could earn a higher starting salary.
What are the daily duties of a Maryland patient access representative?
A day in the life of a patient access representative varies greatly from entering data and information into the system to checking in and helping new patients.
Since patient access roles are client-facing, customer service is the most critical skill that is used daily.
No patient wants to go to a medical facility, so maintaining professionalism throughout the process, regardless of the patient’s difficulty level, is impeccable.
