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Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)

Healthcare access services professionals are integral in providing billing, insurance, and financial services and support procedures to patients, providers, and payers through the entirety of the healthcare experience.

This NAHAM-accredited, two-class program is designed to prepare students to earn certification as a Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) or Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM) through the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). This program will also prepare individuals not in the healthcare field with the knowledge and skills for entry-level positions.

Students will learn the principles of medical billing and insurance, and the skills and knowledge required to provide outstanding service in all areas of the healthcare process.

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“My husband and I completed CHAA certification courses with you at CFCC in 2020 and I have been meaning to reach out to say hello! Since our time together, you have often crossed my mind and I sincerely hope this email finds you and your family well! After finishing classes with you, Tim and I both went on to pursue our associate degrees. Tim also earned his certification in cancer tumor registry. We both work for New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Tim is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), and I work in the Health Information Management (HIM) department at NHRMC. I will be sitting for the RHIT exam this summer. We are both continuing our education this fall.

I share this with you because I am extremely grateful for the foundation that you set for us to be successful as returning/adult students. We not only achieved our CHAA certification goals, but developed the confidence necessary to continue to pursue higher education at this stage of our life. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the students and team members lucky enough to have you as their teacher. We certainly wouldn’t be where we are without you and the continuing education classes offered through the community. Best wishes for continued success in all that you do!”

— Jeanette & Tim Buchanan

Curriculum: Two Classes

Wilmington Campus only

  • It is recommended that classes are taken in sequence.
  • Students register and pay for one class at a time.
Medical Admin Assistant

(Online and Seated)
This 96-hour course is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as medical office receptionists, medical billing clerks, medical records clerks and other administrative positions in a variety of settings. Through the program, students gain knowledge of medical terminology, basic anatomy, general medical office procedures and acquire the skills necessary to deliver effective customer service and perform important administrative duties. Courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed to develop and maintain patient files and records. Additionally, students become familiar with basic procedural and diagnostic coding systems and processes, medical records management, coding applications, reimbursement, medical ethics and compliance and HIPAA rules and regulations related to the privacy and security of patient information. Upon completion, the student will have the knowledge to sit for industry-recognized certifications to include: CHAA, CHAM, and CPC).

Hours: 96
Registration Fee: $190
Location: Blended to include online class assignments.
Book: Language of Medicine, 13th Edition (No access code)

Sign Up for Medical Admin Assistant


Healthcare Access Principles

The Healthcare Access Principles course provides an intense focus on insurance/billing and patient access, transitioning into a detailed exploration of medical office billing and administration principles. It’s recommended before enrolling in the ICD 10 series for medical coding.

Upon completion, students can take the CHAA (Certified Healthcare Access Associate) exam by NAHAM. Success in CHAA also qualifies students for CHAM (Certified Healthcare Access Manager) by NAHAM and CPC (Certified Professional Coder) with American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Hours: 96
Term: Spring / Fall
Registration Fee: $190 plus textbooks
Textbooks: Medical Office 16th Ed & 9780323795364 and Fordney’s Medical Insurance Workbook 16th Ed. 9780323795357

Sign Up for Healthcare Access Principles

CHAA certification Exam

To complete your CHAA certification, a fee of $255 is required for the exam. This fee should be paid directly to the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) through their website: www.NAHAM.org .

Please ensure that you register for the exam at least 45 days prior to the exam date to secure your spot and enable smooth processing.

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The NAHAM Accredited Academic Program in Patient Access is a partnership between NAHAM and community colleges or adult continuing education programs to prepare students for a future in the patient access profession. Accredited academic programs meet the standards outlined in the NAHAM certification policy for accredited courses in healthcare, and require sitting for the CHAA examination by students for successful completion of their program. Students enrolled in the NAHAM Accredited Academic Program in Patient Access will be eligible to sit for the CHAA exam. The CHAA examination must be proctored by the sponsoring institution.

Join the following accredited schools in our program:

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