Hailey Tran
Hospital admissions clerks are the first point of contact for patients and their families as they enter a healthcare facility. They are responsible for greeting patients, managing their registration, collecting their personal and medical information, and processing their insurance and billing details. Admissions clerks also perform quick assessments of patients to determine whether they require immediate medical attention. The role requires excellent customer service skills, administrative skills, and a knowledge of medical records and procedures. To become a hospital admissions clerk, you typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate, and many hospitals prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree. Admissions clerks can also pursue certifications such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) to enhance their qualifications and earning potential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average salary | $30,864 per year ($15-$17 per hour) |
| Salary range | $24,000-$46,000 per year |
| Typical qualifications | High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate; associate degree |
| Preferred qualifications | Bachelor's degree with a business major |
| Certifications | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA); Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) |
| Experience | 0-2 years |
| Training | 1-3 months |
| Responsibilities | Greeting patients; managing registration; collecting patient information; updating databases; managing patient files; performing quick assessments; verifying billing information; reviewing insurance cards; collecting co-pays; managing confidential patient information; assisting with paging |
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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
Education and qualifications
To become a hospital admissions clerk, you will need a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate. Many hospitals and large medical facilities prefer candidates with an associate degree, and the most common degree is a bachelor's degree with a business major. Admissions clerks often have certifications such as Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM). Those with a CMOM certification can expect to earn a higher salary.
Admissions clerks are the first point of contact for patients and their loved ones, so excellent customer service skills are essential. They also need strong administrative skills and a knowledge of medical records and procedures. They greet patients, manage their registration, collect patient information, and perform quick assessments to determine whether patients need immediate medical attention. They also verify billing and insurance information and manage patient files.
Admissions clerks must be able to work under the close direction of senior personnel and may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Post-employment, on-the-job training is also common, with new clerks spending 1-3 months learning the skills and techniques required for the role.
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Experience
While no specific educational requirements are needed to become a hospital admissions clerk, experience in office environments is beneficial. This role is ideal for those with strong administrative skills and excellent customer service skills. Admissions clerks are responsible for all administrative aspects of entering a hospital, including taking down patient data, processing insurance information, and comforting nervous patients.
Most of the skills required for this role can be learned on the job, and new clerks will receive one-to-three months of on-the-job training. During this time, new clerks will learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer.
Admissions clerks are also responsible for managing confidential patient information according to HIPPA guidelines. They assist patients with benefit verification, including Medicare and Medicaid, and perform online verification of Medicaid and Medicare admissions to ensure eligibility. They also schedule patients for special procedures and radiology exams, obtaining prior authorizations and referrals.
Admissions clerk certifications can also be obtained to show employers a baseline of knowledge for the position and to make your application more competitive. The most common certifications include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).
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Salary
The salary of a hospital admissions clerk varies depending on the source and geographical location. According to Zippia, the average yearly salary for a hospital admissions clerk is $30,864. However, another source from Zippia mentions the average yearly salary to be $35,437 or $17 per hour. This role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some sources suggesting a bachelor's degree with a business major is preferred. Hospital admissions clerks with a Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) certification tend to earn a higher salary.
In terms of career growth, the role of a hospital admissions clerk is expected to have varying levels of growth across the United States. One source mentions a -5% growth rate and 130,800 job opportunities, while another source predicts a 0% growth rate and 5,200 job opportunities across the country between 2018 and 2028.
The salary range for hospital admissions clerk positions falls between $27,000 and $46,000 per year. This range may be influenced by factors such as experience, certifications, and geographical location. It is always a good idea to research the specific salary expectations for the location and type of healthcare facility you are interested in working in.
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Job responsibilities
An admissions clerk is often the first point of contact for patients and their families as they enter a hospital or other medical facility. They are responsible for all the administrative aspects of patient admissions, including taking down patient data, processing insurance information, and collecting co-pays.
Admissions clerks greet patients, manage their registration, and process their health care forms and documents. They collect patient information, including demographic data, medical history, and insurance or financial information. They are also responsible for updating the office database with new patient information and managing patient files. Admissions clerks may also be required to perform quick assessments of patients to determine whether they need immediate medical attention.
Admissions clerks also coordinate with clinical and administrative teams to manage patient intake and bed assignments. They follow established policies and standards to maintain patient confidentiality, ensure data security, and comply with all relevant regulations. This includes managing confidential patient information according to HIPPA guidelines.
Admissions clerks may also assist patients with benefit verification, including Medicare and Medicaid, and perform online verification of Medicaid and Medicare admissions to ensure eligibility. They may also schedule patients for special procedures and radiology exams, obtaining prior authorizations and referrals.
Excellent customer service skills, administrative skills, and a knowledge of medical records and procedures are essential for admissions clerks. They should also be comfortable using computers and other technology to input and manage patient data.
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Resume and job application
To apply for a role as a hospital admissions clerk, you will need a strong background in administrative work, customer service, and knowledge of medical records and procedures. Admissions clerks are the first point of contact for patients and their families, so excellent customer service skills are a must.
The most common qualifications for admissions clerks are a high school diploma or GED certificate, with many hospitals preferring candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree, often in a business-related field. Admissions clerk roles often require 1-2 years of general work experience, and some hospitals prefer candidates with a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) certification. These certifications can increase your salary.
When writing your resume, be sure to include any relevant experience in administration, customer service, or healthcare. Highlight your customer service skills, your ability to work with confidential information, and your knowledge of medical records and procedures. Use examples from your work history to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.
In your job application, be sure to include a tailored cover letter that outlines your relevant experience and skills, and provides specific examples of how you have successfully applied these in previous roles. Emphasize your ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and provide excellent customer service in a healthcare setting.
When applying for admissions clerk roles, it is important to review the job description carefully and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the specific skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. This attention to detail will help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
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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 or bachelor's degree. Common certifications 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 manage front office check-in, collect personal and medical information, process insurance and billing information, and assist nurses and doctors with paging.
Salaries range from $24,000 to $46,000 per year, with an average of around $35,000 per year.
Excellent customer service skills, administrative skills, and a knowledge of medical records and procedures are essential.
