by 
A lot of patients need support during their treatment, which is offered by specialized staff known as patient access representatives.
Patient access representatives work with patients and healthcare providers to provide clear information and emotional support.
In Connecticut, there is a high demand for patient access representatives.
If you feel this is the right path for you, we have brought you an article that will help you learn more about it.
So, what are the steps to becoming a patient access representative in this state?
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Becoming a Patient Access Representative in Connecticut
The path to becoming a patient access representative entails a series of steps that need to be followed.
These steps are detailed below.
1. Completion of Education
The first step towards pursuing a career as a patient access representative in Connecticut is to obtain a high school diploma or GED.
If you have aspirations of earning a higher income and expanding your career opportunities, it is advisable to consider obtaining an Associate’s Degree.
While a college degree is not mandatory for this position in Connecticut, having one can set your resume apart.
Although there is no specialized degree tailored specifically for patient access representatives, there are some recommended options to consider.
A healthcare administration degree or an assistance degree can provide valuable knowledge and skills relevant to the field.
Furthermore, some candidates may even possess a Bachelor’s Degree, which can further enhance their qualifications and open up additional career pathways.
The duration of study for these degrees typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, and the cost of education varies depending on the institution and program.
2. Certification Acquisition
While there are no specific certification or licensing requirements for patient access representatives in Connecticut, there are national certifications available that can enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of securing a desired position.
These are some of the certifications to consider:
- Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)
- Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
- Certified Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)
The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) offers the most relevant certification, the CHAA.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers two relevant certifications, CMAA and CEHRS.
It’s important to note that specialized training programs must be completed to obtain these certifications.
3. Professional Experience
Relevant job experience plays a vital role in securing a position as a patient access representative in Connecticut.
Previous work experience can come from record keeping, data entry, medical software, or billing.
To bolster your chances of success, starting early in gaining experience is highly advisable.
One effective approach is to seek employment or volunteer opportunities at local hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Training Programs for Patient Access Representatives in Connecticut
Connecticut boasts a selection of esteemed local institutions that provide specialized training programs catering to aspiring Patient Access Representatives.
Capital Community College 
This college offers an Associate’s degree in Health Science with a duration of 2 years.
One semester costs $2,278 if you’re a resident of this state and $6,754 if you come from another state.
Grants and financial aid are available for those who need such help.
Some of the topics you’ll study are:
- Intro to Biology
- Intermediate Algebra
- Medical Terms
- General Chemistry
- Health and Aging
Southern Connecticut State University 
If you want to spend more time studying and preparing for a career beyond PAR, then choose the Bachelor’s Degree offered by this university.
The tuition per semester for resident students is $6,664, but additional fees will apply.
Students coming from other states will have to pay $19,940 per semester, as well as additional fees that are the same as for the state’s resident students.
NAHAM 
Its online training program for Patient Access Representatives offers a comprehensive curriculum covering crucial areas such as medical terminology, coding, and other essential skills.
Opting for an online learning platform provides you with the flexibility to customize your education based on your own schedule, enabling you to strike a harmonious balance between your career aspirations and personal life commitments.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Capital Community College | 950 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103 |
| NAHAM | online |
| Southern Connecticut State University | 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355 |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Connecticut
Naturally, one would be interested in understanding the potential salary once employed in their chosen field.
In Connecticut, the median annual salary for a patient access representative is around $54,628.
Experience, education, and other factors will influence this sum.
In the next table are the 10 cities in Connecticut where the income tends to be higher.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fairfield | $57,079 |
| Milford | $57,079 |
| Bridgewater | $55,781 |
| Newtown | $55,781 |
| Kent | $55,614 |
| West Haven | $54,927 |
| Avon | $54,882 |
| Derby | $54,452 |
| Hartford | $54,406 |
| Broad Book | $54,373 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 250 | $61,050 | $29.35 | $80,840 | $45,410 |
| Danbury, CT | 110 | $56,240 | $27.04 | $72,670 | $40,920 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 700 | $60,860 | $29.26 | $76,190 | $42,270 |
| New Haven, CT | 260 | $62,160 | $29.89 | $78,520 | $42,970 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 100 | $64,080 | $30.81 | $87,050 | $40,460 |
| Waterbury, CT | 60 | $51,740 | $24.88 | $71,680 | $35,920 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Connecticut?
These are some of the best skills to have for a PAR job:
- Interpersonal,
- Problem-solving,
- Organization,
- Computer
- General office
Is there room for advancement for a PAR in Connecticut?
Yes!
Patient access representatives can advance to positions such as entry-level managers, coordinators, or trainers.
Even from these positions there is room for advancement, depending on the path you chose.
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State