Hospital Patient Registration Specialist Programs

<p>Hospital patient registration specialists, also known as patient access specialists/associates or medical administrative assistants, are a type of medical professional who primarily deals with clerical and administrative duties. They take information from patients who are visiting hospitals, clinics, or doctors' offices for the first time to ensure the doctor has all relevant information before seeing the patient. Patient registration specialists also deal extensively with insurance and billing, essentially acting as the customer service face for medical organizations. Programs designed to train patient registration specialists generally lead to certificates or diplomas, and are highly focused on building relevant skills. While certification is not required in most states, some employers may require that applicants for patient registration specialist positions possess at least one of the relevant certifications. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Patient Registration Specialist</b></td><td> Medical administrative professional dealing with patients, billing, and insurance</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Requirements</b></td><td> High school diploma or equivalent, computer competency; background check, drug screenings, health physical, and up-to-date vaccinations may be required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical ethics</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> CHAA credential through NAHAM, or CMAA credential through NHA; while not typically required, certification may be preferred by employers</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatDoHospitalPatientRegistrationSpecialistProgramsRequireOfStudents">What Do Hospital Patient Registration Specialist Programs Require of Students?</h3> <p>At minimum, patient registration specialist programs require that students hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with computers and common programs such as word processors, as well as competency as a typist, is often required, although not usually through formal, documented coursework. Students may need to submit to a health physical, drug screening, and a background check, as well as provide a record of up-to-date immunizations. As most patient registration specialist programs include some form of externship or job shadowing experience, reliable transportation may also be needed. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesAreCoveredInHospitalPatientRegistrationSpecialistPrograms">What Courses Are Covered in Hospital Patient Registration Specialist Programs?</h3> <p>Patient registration specialist programs are designed to move through the knowledge needed quickly. Courses on topics such as medical terminology and anatomy and physiology provide a familiarity with the basics of medicine, enabling registration specialists to communicate effectively with both doctors and patients. Courses on computers, professionalism, medical ethics, and customer service fill in basic skills needed for the job. More specialized topics such as medical billing, insurance plans, and government regulations teach the key skills that registration specialists must possess. Most classroom-based programs end with a brief externship or job shadowing opportunity, providing real-world experience before completion. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCertificationsShouldILookAtAfterCompletingAHospitalPatientRegistrationSpecialistProgram">What Certifications Should I Look at After Completing a Hospital Patient Registration Specialist Program?</h3> <p>Although certification is not a legal requirement to work as a registration specialist in most states, certification can help you to get ahead of the competition, and some employers may require that you hold a certification or obtain one after being hired. There are two primary certifications available, and programs for patient registration specialists will usually be aimed towards one or the other. The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) offers the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) credential, the exam for which is offered 4 times per year; this credential requires 1 year of experience and at least 30 contact hours earned in the last 2 years. The National Healthcareer Association offers the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential, which requires completion of a medical administrative program in the last 5 years and a high school diploma or equivalent. Which certification is pursued is largely up to personal preference, although each organization has other, differing certifications available, which may factor into your decision should you wish to advance your career or pursue another career within the healthcare field in the future.</p>