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Supporting patients during their treatment is a vital responsibility fulfilled by patient access representatives, who work closely with both patients and healthcare providers to provide crucial information and emotional support.
Delaware is experiencing a high demand for patient access representatives, making it an attractive field to explore.
If you’re considering this career path, we’ve compiled a comprehensive article that delves deeper into the profession, offering valuable insights.
First, let’s explore the steps to becoming a patient access representative in Delaware!
Article Table of Contents
1. Education Completion
To embark on this journey, obtaining a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement.
However, for better income prospects, pursuing an Associate’s Degree is recommended.
While a college degree is not obligatory in Delaware, having one can give your resume a competitive edge.
Popular options include a degree in healthcare administration or medical assistance.
Some individuals may even hold a Bachelor’s Degree.
Each degree varies in duration (typically from 2 to 4 years), cost, and career advancement opportunities.
2. Certification Acquisition
Currently, Delaware does not mandate any certifications or licenses for patient access representatives.
However, several national certifications are available for aspiring professionals.
Consider certifications such as:
- 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).
Obtaining these certifications enhances your chances of securing desired positions.
The CHAA certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is particularly relevant for patient access representatives.
It covers topics like customer service, patient access services, and regulatory standards.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers two certifications: CMAA and CEHRS.
Remember that completing specialized training programs is necessary to obtain these certifications.
3. Professional Experience
Relevant job experience plays a vital role in securing a position in the medical field, and having prior experience related to the patient access representative role is beneficial.
Examples of relevant jobs include record keeping, data entry, medical software, and billing.
Starting early to gain experience is advisable, and you can initiate this process by seeking employment or volunteering at local hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Alternatively, you can acquire the necessary training while working in your current job.
By following these steps and acquiring the required education, certifications, and professional experience, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful patient access representative in Delaware.
Training Programs for Patient Access Representatives in Delaware
Delaware takes pride in its esteemed local institutions that offer specialized training programs designed to cater to aspiring Patient Access Representatives.
Let’s explore some of these institutions.
Penn Foster Career School 
Penn Foster Career School provides an approved online training program tailored for patient access representatives.
This comprehensive program covers essential subjects such as Medical Terminology, Medical Coding, Electronic Medical Records, and Body Systems, among others.
With a duration of approximately 6 to 9 months, this program is ideal for individuals who prefer the flexibility of online classes.
NAHAM 
NAHAM offers an online training program specifically designed for Patient Access Representatives.
Their comprehensive curriculum encompasses vital areas such as medical terminology, coding, and other essential skills.
Opting for an online learning platform allows you to customize your education according to your schedule, striking a harmonious balance between your career aspirations and personal commitments.
Delaware Technical Community College 
Delaware Technical Community College provides in-person healthcare training classes tailored specifically for aspiring patient access representatives within the state.
The curriculum covers vital subjects including medical terminology, medical coding, medical billing, and patient access.
Opting for in-person courses offers advantages such as learning directly from experienced instructors, engaging in practical training exercises, and interacting with fellow healthcare professionals.
These classes are not only comprehensive but also offered free of charge.
Another plus is the class that teaches students how to find a job in this industry.
Furthermore, the certification exam preparation section is also very helpful.
Delaware Community College 
Delaware Community College is located just across the state line in Pennsylvania.
It offers a certified medical administrative assistant program that will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a patient access representative.
The program costs approximately $3,500 and the classes must be attended in person.
Some of the topics you’ll learn about include:
- Legal and ethical issues,
- HIPAA requirements,
- Overview of Insurance
- Medical billing and coding,
- Medical terminology.
Students enrolled in this in-class program can expect to complete the program within approximately a year.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware Community College | 901 Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063 |
| Delaware Technical Community College | 400 Stanton Christiana Rd d201, Newark, DE 19713 |
| NAHAM | online |
| Penn Foster Career School | online |
Salaries for Patient Access Representatives in Delaware
In Delaware, the median annual salary for patient access representatives is influenced by various factors, including experience level, location of employment, educational background, and other relevant considerations.
On average, these professionals earn around $51,775 per year.
Here are some cities in Delaware where patient access representatives may find higher-income prospects.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bethany Beach | $53,834 |
| Lewes | $53,630 |
| Greenwood | $53,531 |
| Selbyville | $53,368 |
| Smyrna | $53,241 |
| Middletown | $53,186 |
| Ellendale | $53,165 |
| Bear | $53,158 |
| Viola | $53,024 |
| Wilmington | $52,758 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 80 | $37,700 | $18.13 | $49,630 | $30,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to work as a patient access representative in Delaware?
These are some of the best skills to have for a PAR job:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Problem-solving,
- Organization,
- Computer
- General office
- Being calm
- Accuracy
Does my certification need renewal?
Nationally-recognized certifications usually need renewal.
How often this must be done depends on the institution issuing the certification.
Are there benefits for becoming a PAR in Delaware?
Yes!
The most important one is that you get to help others and thus feel needed if this is something important to you.
Another benefit is that this entry-level job pays much more than many others.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Access Representative
Patient Access Representative by State