2026-2027 Course Catalog
Patient Access Specialist, Certificate
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
The Patient Access Specialist is the initial point of contact for registering patients who are entering a health care facility and serve as an advocate for both the patient and the organization. This certificate program prepares students for work in a variety of healthcare settings. The certificate program is designed for individuals with no prior health care experience providing students with learning opportunities in the online learning platform with the option to attend courses at the Ankeny campus as well. To successfully complete this program, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
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Locations: Ankeny, Online
Students may start this program any semester
Program Graduation Requirements
To earn a Patient Access Specialist certificate, a student must earn a minimum grade of a “C” in all required HSC, MAP, and HIT courses. Option 1 - Select 3 Credits
Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 17
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | | Books (approximate) | 500 | 300 | | Supplies | 15 | 15 |
Approximate total cost for the program: $4,485**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Competency in keyboarding, English, grammar, spelling and proofreading.
- Computer skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Excellent communications skills (written and verbal).
- Attention to detail.
What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?
Program Competencies
- Explain the importance of the role of a patient access specialist in today’s healthcare setting
- Use medical terminology appropriately
- Apply medical insurance guidelines and practices
- Utilize specific hardware and software applicable to the healthcare setting
- Communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills
- Deliver customer service in the healthcare setting
- Demonstrate knowledge of medical law and ethics including HIPAA training
- Develop administrative skills for the healthcare setting
- Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the field
Competencies revised date
FY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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