Tessa Quinn
Hospital admissions clerks are the first point of contact for patients and their families as they enter the hospital. They are responsible for all administrative tasks, including registering patients, collecting and verifying their insurance and medical information, and coordinating patient intake and bed assignments. Admissions clerks also provide a human connection, comforting nervous patients and guiding them through the hospital experience. To become a hospital admissions clerk, you'll need a high school diploma or GED certificate, and many hospitals prefer clerks with an associate or bachelor's degree. Admissions clerks can earn certifications like the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) to increase their earning potential, which ranges from $24,000 to $46,000 per year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,864 per year or $15-$17 per hour |
| Salary Range | $24,000-$46,000 per year |
| Educational Qualification | High school diploma or G.E.D certificate |
| Preferred Qualification | Associate degree or Bachelor's degree with a business major |
| Certifications | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) |
| Work Experience | 0-2 years |
| On-the-job Training | 1-3 months |
| Skills | Customer service, administration, knowledge of medical records and procedures |
| Job Responsibilities | Greet patients, manage registration, collect and verify patient information, process insurance and billing information, coordinate with clinical and administrative teams, maintain patient confidentiality |
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![LANGE Instant Access Hospital Admissions Essential Evidence-Based Orders for Common Clinical Conditions by Patel, Anil [McGraw-Hill Professional,2006] [Paperback]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yUXsrn+QL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Educational requirements
To become a hospital admissions clerk, you will need to meet certain educational requirements. These requirements vary depending on the specific job and employer, but there are some commonalities. At a minimum, you will need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Many hospitals and large medical facilities prefer candidates with an associate degree, and some may even require a bachelor's degree, often with a business major.
Additionally, certain certifications can increase your competitiveness as a candidate and your earning potential. The most common certifications for admissions clerks include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM). These certifications demonstrate a level of professionalism and expertise in the field, and they can set you apart from other candidates.
Admissions clerks are often the first point of contact for patients and their loved ones, so possessing excellent customer service skills is crucial. Strong administrative skills and a solid knowledge base of medical records and procedures are also highly valued. Proficiency in data entry, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain patient confidentiality are essential skills for admissions clerks.
While not strictly educational requirements, some admissions clerk positions may prefer candidates with prior experience in a related field. This could include experience in customer service, administration, or healthcare. This experience can often be substituted for advanced educational qualifications, demonstrating your ability to perform the required tasks.
Overall, a combination of education, certifications, and relevant experience will strengthen your application for a hospital admissions clerk role. It is beneficial to review the specific requirements and preferences of the hospitals or medical facilities you are interested in working for and tailor your educational pursuits and experience to align with their expectations.
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Salary expectations
Salary.com reports a different average yearly salary of $31,833, with salaries ranging from $24,000 to $41,000 per year. This equates to approximately $15 per hour.
It is worth noting that hospital admissions clerks with a Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) certification tend to earn higher salaries. Additionally, hospitals and larger medical facilities may prefer their admissions clerks to have an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with a business major.
The career outlook for hospital admissions clerks shows a projected growth of -5% between 2018 and 2028, resulting in an estimated loss of 130,800 job opportunities across the United States. However, this projection may not reflect the most recent labour market trends and should be interpreted with caution.
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On-the-job training
One of the primary responsibilities of a hospital admissions clerk is managing patient information. This includes conducting interviews with incoming patients or their representatives to collect demographic, medical, and financial or insurance information. Admissions clerks must also ensure that they handle patient information in accordance with confidentiality guidelines, such as HIPPA regulations.
Admissions clerks are also often responsible for registering patients, whether they arrive through the emergency room, ambulance, or lobby. They may assist medical staff by paging other personnel and teams, such as stroke, trauma, or radiology teams. Additionally, admissions clerks may be tasked with verifying insurance coverage and processing billing and payment procedures.
To excel in their role, admissions clerks should strive to provide excellent customer service and make patients feel comfortable, particularly those who may be nervous or anxious. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals are also essential for success in this position.
While on-the-job training provides a solid foundation, aspiring admissions clerks can also enhance their resumes by obtaining certifications. Certifications, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) credentials, demonstrate a baseline knowledge of the field and can make candidates more competitive during the hiring process.
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Key responsibilities
The role of a hospital admissions clerk is a varied one, with clerks often acting as the first point of contact for patients and their loved ones. The role involves a multitude of administrative tasks, including taking down patient data, processing insurance information, and managing patient files.
One of the key responsibilities of an admissions clerk is to greet patients, manage their registration, and process their health care forms and documents. This includes collecting personal medical and insurance information, as well as inquiring about their medical history. Admissions clerks are also responsible for updating the office database with new patient information, performing quick assessments to determine if patients require immediate medical attention, and coordinating patient intake and bed assignments with clinical or administrative teams.
Additionally, admissions clerks are responsible for verifying patients' billing information and collecting any necessary co-pays. They also assist doctors and nurses by paging other personnel and teams, such as stroke, trauma, or radiology teams.
Admissions clerks also play a role in patient confidentiality and data security. They are responsible for managing confidential patient information according to HIPPA guidelines and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
In terms of qualifications, a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate is typically required, although many hospitals prefer their admissions clerks to have an associate or bachelor's degree.
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Resume-building
To build a strong resume for a hospital admissions clerk role, you should first ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and experience. Admissions clerks typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate, and many hospitals prefer their admissions clerks to hold an associate degree. Some common certifications for admissions clerks include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM). CMOM certification can lead to higher earnings.
In terms of experience, admissions clerk roles usually require 1-2 years of experience in a similar role. This could include experience in a front-of-house role, customer service, or administrative position. Admissions clerks are often the first point of contact for patients and their families, so it is important to have strong customer service skills and be able to comfort nervous patients.
Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start crafting your resume. Be sure to include any relevant skills, such as administrative skills, knowledge of medical records and procedures, and data entry. You should also list any relevant software or database management skills.
When detailing your work experience, focus on accomplishments and responsibilities that are relevant to the admissions clerk role. For example, if you have experience handling sensitive information, managing databases, or greeting and assisting customers, be sure to include that. Use clear and concise language to describe your duties and highlight any achievements that demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of an admissions clerk.
Remember to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the admissions clerk role you are applying for. Review the job description and highlight any skills, qualifications, or experiences that match the requirements. This will increase your chances of making a strong impression on hiring managers and landing an interview for the position.
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Frequently asked questions
You need a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate. Many hospitals prefer admissions clerks to have an associate degree or bachelor's degree in business. Common certifications for admissions clerks include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM).
Hospital admissions clerks are the first point of contact for patients and their loved ones. They greet patients, manage registration, collect patient information, and process health care forms and insurance information. They also coordinate with clinical and administrative teams and provide excellent customer service.
Hospital admissions clerk salaries in the United States range from $24,000 to $46,000 per year, with an average of around $35,000 per year.
In addition to excellent customer service skills, you need strong administrative skills, knowledge of medical records and procedures, and the ability to manage confidential patient information according to HIPPA guidelines.
