How to Become a Patient Access Representative in Oklahoma

Do you want a career in the medical field with minimal training?

Consider becoming a patient access representative.

Why?

They not only require little to no college education but get strong pay.

Furthermore, this position is growing at a 7% rate across the nation.

For an Oklahoma resident, that’s a huge benefit that makes this an excellent job.

Steps to Become a Patient Access Representative in Oklahoma

What are the job duties of a patient access representative?

They help patients access medical care and process records.

If this job sounds interesting to you, the following training path should help you start this career more quickly.

Step One: Finish Your High School Education

While you don’t need a college degree for this job path, a high school degree is critical.

Why?

It shows your employer that you have a basic knowledge level.

What if you quit school?

You can earn your GED.

Most hospitals will accept a GED instead of a high school diploma.

Where can you earn this degree?

Try adult education centers near you.

Alternative high schools also have GED programs you can attend.

These self-directed glasses help you earn your GED quickly and streamline this process to make it more effective.

Step Two: Complete Your Certification

Earning a National Association of Healthcare Access Management certification can help you find a career in this field.

What do they cover?

You’ll learn how to provide better information, solve your patients’ problems, and understand proper medical terminology.

These include Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) or a Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM).

What’s the difference between them? Not much.

The first lets you start entry-level jobs:

the second helps with management positions.

Step Three: Volunteer for More Experience

Volunteering helps you learn more about this career before you apply for jobs.

Often, volunteering provides the best chance to get experience early in your career.

Why?

Many hospitals only hire people with experience.

It’s the age-old dilemma:

how do you get experience without working?

Why by volunteering, of course!

Where can you volunteer for this experience?

Any hospital or medical facility should work well.

Talk to hospitals around you to apply.

Often, they’ll let you pick where you want to work.

Step Four: Find an Internship

Seek patient access representative internships in your area to earn more experience.

What do you do in an internship?

Learn new skills.

For example, you’ll work with experts who can help you better understand this career and its unique demands.

Will you get paid?

Ah, now that’s the tricky thing about this job.

Yes, some interns receive a steady income.

It’s not huge, but it’s better than nothing.

Unfortunately, not all interns receive an income.

Can you work while completing an internship?

Yes.

Step Five: Complete Your Paid Training

Hospitals often provide paid training for patient access representatives.

This hands-on experience lasts 1-3 years and covers all your job duties.

Is this like an internship?

Yes, but you get consistent pay.

Sometimes, internships transition to this unique setup.

Where are these jobs available?

Typically, hospitals provide paid training for patient access representatives.

Setup includes working directly with a trainer through this process.

Are you guaranteed a full-time job with this hospital after finishing?

Not always.

Step Six: Find Full-Time Jobs

Once you complete your paid 1-3 years of training, start applying for jobs.

Typically, you’ll find listings on job boards or on a hospital’s website.

How do you apply?

Most jobs want a resume with your education, job experience, skills, and volunteer work listed.

Create a one-page document that highlights these facts.

Print out multiple copies and give one to your potential employer.

Do you need a cover letter for these jobs?

Typically, only need a cover letter when the hospital asks for one.

However, writing one may help you stand out.

Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has limited patient access representative training options.

Most include national certification programs that help you pass your cert exam.

However, there’s one school that provides a class that can help you start this career.

Oklahoma State University

OSU provides a patient access representative program for $2,695.00.

During this course, you’ll learn front- and back-office support.

What skills will you learn?

Record keeping billing, tech use, and equipment maintenance.

What’s the learning format?

Online.

Do you get any other support?

Yes.

OSU provides vouchers for your national certification exam.

This exam is the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) CEHRS certification test.

It covers things like patient anatomy, empathetic care, and proper office maintenance.

Patient Access Representative Schools in Oklahoma – Summary Table

Salary

Patient access reps earn $46,592 on average and up to $52,079.

What’s the lowest reported pay in Oklahoma? $42,396.

That’s a $10,000 difference between the lowest and highest pay.

Why do such drastic differences exist in pay across the state?

Typically, busier cities like Tulsa have larger hospitals with more funding.

As a result, they usually pay more than smaller medical facilities.

What about advancement?

Well, you can become a senior patient access representative to earn more.

Regional Salary in Oklahoma