A person who would like to become a patient service representative should begin by earning a high school diploma or an equivalent certification, such as a General Equivalency Degree (GED). While it often is not required of aspiring patient service representatives to have college degrees, many professionals in this field find that it is easier to get a job with this qualification. A college education also can be valuable for learning communication and computer skills that are essential for any person who would like to become a patient service representative. Once you have prepared yourself by learning the necessary skills, it often is advisable to sign up for the proper training needed to earn patient service representative certification.
Patient service representatives are health professionals who specialize in helping patients and health providers with tasks such as preparing medical records, communicating with patients and patients' loved ones, and performing some receptionist duties. Professionals in this field tend to have an aptitude for communication and for performing basic administrative tasks. As with most health professionals, patient service representatives tend to enjoy caring for others.
To become a patient service representative, it is usually essential to earn official certification. This certification normally is offered by recognized medical institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic in the United States. To qualify for a certification program, it often is necessary that you have a high school diploma or GED.
Many people who enter certification programs do not have college degrees, though you can benefit from some continuing education. Some necessary skill sets, such as being comfortable learning new computer programs, can be acquired in colleges and vocational programs. It also can be helpful if you have received some instruction in professional or medical communication.
Costs of tuition vary among certification programs. To become a patient service representative, however, it often is necessary to have some money saved. In some cases, you might be eligible to take out loans to pay for tuition. Some programs do offer tuition assistance for certification candidates who have financial difficulties.
In some cases, an individual who would like to become a patient service representative can enter into a training program that guarantees him or her employment at an institution where certification is earned. Some professionals might receive certification from independent organizations and must then complete resumes that they distribute to potential employers. The path you take might depend on your access to a hospital or clinic.