Are you looking to start a rewarding career in the healthcare sector without years of medical training? The Patient Service Representative role is an excellent entry point into the medical field, focusing on the crucial administrative and patient-facing aspects of healthcare facilities. This certificate program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a patient service representative in various healthcare environments.
This proficiency certificate concentrates specifically on the administrative functions within a medical practice. As a Patient Service Representative, you will be the first point of contact for patients and their families, playing a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Your responsibilities will include warmly greeting patients, accurately collecting demographic and insurance details, expertly scheduling appointments according to provider guidelines, managing payments for services, and performing other essential tasks that contribute to delivering timely and effective patient care.
The Patient Service Representative Proficiency Certificate provides a solid foundation in the healthcare delivery system. It’s structured to provide you with the skills necessary to confidently seek employment in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practices and specialized medical centers.
This certificate program offers flexibility, allowing you to complete it as a standalone qualification or as a stepping stone towards an Associate’s Degree in Health Care Studies, should you wish to further your education and career prospects.
Program Learning Outcomes: Skills You Will Gain
Upon successful completion of this certificate program, you will be able to:
- Master Medical Terminology: Accurately use medical terms related to diseases, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatments, ensuring clear and effective communication within the healthcare environment.
- Proficient in Administrative and Financial Procedures: Effectively perform computerized administrative and financial tasks essential for the smooth operation of medical practices, including billing, coding basics, and record management.
- Excel in Front Office Operations: Execute front office administrative and financial procedures with competence, managing patient reception, appointment scheduling, and payment processing in a medical setting.
- Develop Therapeutic Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication techniques to build rapport with patients, address their concerns, and provide empathetic support in a healthcare context.
- Understand Healthcare Ethics and Law: Grasp the fundamental ethical and legal considerations within healthcare, ensuring patient confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with regulations.
Program Entry Requirements: Start Your Journey
This certificate program is accessible to all students who are interested in healthcare administration. Basic placement assessments are required upon admission to ensure you have the foundational skills to succeed in the program. Students who require developmental coursework in English and mathematics will need to complete these prerequisite courses as part of the certificate requirements.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements: Your Course Path
To successfully earn the Patient Service Representative Proficiency Certificate, you must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in each course within the program. Competency is demonstrated through successful completion of assignments, examinations, and active participation in class activities, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of the material.
Course Sequence: Your Semester Breakdown
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AH 103 – Medical Terminology | 3 credits | |
| ENGL 101 – English Composition or ENGL 101H – English Composition I (Honors) | 3 credits | |
| CIS 103 – Introduction to Information Technology | 3 credits | |
| AH 112 – Medical Administrative Procedures | 3 credits |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AH 116 – Interpersonal and Professional Skills in the Health Care Setting | 3 credits | |
| AH 204 – Medical Law and Ethics | ENGL 101 with a grade of “C” or better | 3 credits |
| AH 220 – Information Management Systems in Health Care | CIS 103 with a grade of “C” or better | 3 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate: 21
General Education Requirements: A Well-Rounded Education
The program curriculum incorporates all general education requirements necessary for graduation. Should you wish to substitute any of the indicated general education courses, a course substitution request form is available through the MyCCP portal. Navigate to the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, and click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then select the Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. Further details regarding the College’s general education requirements can be found at more detailed explanation.
For More Information, Contact Us
For further inquiries about the Patient Service Representative Proficiency Certificate program, please contact the Division of Math, Science and Health Careers, Room W1-1, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130. You can reach us by telephone at (215) 751-8430 or via email at health [at] ccp.edu. Start your journey towards a fulfilling career as a Patient Service Representative today!
