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Patient Access Associate Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

PHARMACY/CERTIFIED TECH

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.75/hr

Provide direct patient intervention by providing health and wellness services and experiences ... Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.

PHARMACY/TECHNICIAN

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

Provide direct patient intervention by providing health and wellness services and experiences ... Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.

Are you ready to lead in a progressive pharmacy setting where you can make a real impact on patient ... · Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream · ...

PETCT Technologist

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

With a caring attitude and keen attention to detail, they ensure patient comfort, safety and ... Associate's Degree or equivalent experience preferred. * Certification in Nuclear Medicine by the ...

With a caring attitude and keen attention to detail, they ensure patient comfort, safety and ... Associate's Degree or equivalent experience preferred. * Certification in Nuclear Medicine by the ...

One day you're helping uncover a diagnosis that changes a patient's treatment plan. The next, yo ... Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Vascular Technology or Sonography required

Vascular Technologist

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$50.16 - $75.29/hr

One day you're helping uncover a diagnosis that changes a patient's treatment plan. The next, yo ... Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Vascular Technology or Sonography required

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Patient Access Associate information

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How much do patient access associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient access associate in Bellingham, WA is $20.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient access associate?

Patient Access Associates are healthcare professionals responsible for managing the initial point of contact for patients entering a medical facility. They handle patient registration, verify insurance information, collect payments, and schedule appointments. Their role ensures that patients are accurately and efficiently processed, which is critical for both patient care and the healthcare facility's operations. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for this position.

What does a patient access associate do?

A patient access associate, also known as a patient access representative, is responsible for checking in patients as they come to a doctor’s office, hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility. They typically do not provide any form of medical care. As a patient access associate, you are usually the first person a patient sees when they enter the office or building. Your primary job duties consist of tracking patient visitors, providing billing information to patients, and gathering patient information. You enter this patient information into a computer system so that doctors and nurses can begin the medical examination and treatment process. The qualifications for a career as a patient access associate include communication and computer skills, and most employers prefer candidates with a year of experience working in a medical office or hospital.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient access associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Access Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in healthcare administration. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHR), and insurance verification tools is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively assist patients and coordinate with medical staff. These skills are vital to ensure accurate patient intake, smooth administrative processes, and a positive experience for patients entering the healthcare system.

What are some typical challenges a patient access associate might face during busy periods, and how can they effectively handle them?

During peak times, Patient Access Associates often manage high patient volumes, tight schedules, and urgent requests, which can be stressful. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks quickly, and clear communication with both patients and clinical staff. Utilizing electronic health record systems efficiently and remaining calm under pressure are key to ensuring patients are registered accurately and promptly. Teamwork and a patient-focused attitude also help maintain a positive environment, even during the busiest shifts.

What is the difference between Patient Access Associate vs Medical Secretary?

AspectPatient Access AssociateMedical Secretary
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certification in healthcare accessHigh school diploma; medical office administration certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesMedical offices, clinics, hospitals
Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient registration, insurance verification, appointment schedulingScheduling, correspondence, record management
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare settings for front desk rolesCommon in medical offices for administrative support

The Patient Access Associate and Medical Secretary roles both serve vital administrative functions in healthcare. While the Patient Access Associate primarily handles patient registration and insurance tasks, the Medical Secretary focuses more on scheduling and correspondence. Both roles require strong communication skills and familiarity with healthcare environments, making them closely related but distinct positions within medical facilities.

Is being a patient access associate a stressful job?

Patient Access Associates often work in fast-paced healthcare environments, managing patient check-ins, scheduling, and insurance verification. The job can be stressful during busy periods or when handling difficult patients, but strong organizational skills and attention to detail help manage workload and reduce stress levels.

Is patient access a good career?

A Patient Access Associate plays a key role in healthcare by managing patient registration, insurance verification, and appointment scheduling. It offers opportunities for entry-level employment, customer service skill development, and can lead to advancement within healthcare administration. The job typically requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, with some positions offering certification options to enhance career prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Access jobs in Bellingham, WA?

The most popular types of Patient Access jobs in Bellingham, WA are:

What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Patient Access Associate jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Patient Access Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Access Associate job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,931 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

PHARMACY/CERTIFIED TECH

Fred Meyer

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$18.75 - $22.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Fred Meyer rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 542 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 739 rated retailers


Job description

Provide exceptional customer service to help people live healthier lives by treating our customers/employees in a fair and ethical manner, providing a safe, clean, inclusive environment, being a responsible member of the community, providing the right products, services, and care at the right time with fair and accurate pricing. Provide direct patient intervention by providing health and wellness services and experiences relevant to the patient as allowable by and consistent with state and federal laws. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Fred Meyer merged with The Kroger Company in 1998. Today, we're proudly serving Fred Meyer customers in over 120 stores throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. 
As part of the Kroger family of companies, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That's why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you're seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we've got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our Fred Meyer family! 

What you'll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

  • A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
  • Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
  • Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
  • Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
  • Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
  • Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.
For more information about benefits and eligibility, please visit our Benefits Page

The final rate of pay is determined at store level based on prior equivalent work experience.

To support and reward our hardworking and friendly associates, we offer much more than just a paycheck. We strive to feed your future by offering the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. Our associates receive a full plate of benefits that promote their physical, emotional and financial well-being, including access to competitive health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, mental health resources, associate discounts and opportunities to learn, grow and advance. Our associates also get to help us make a difference in our communities through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste and Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plans. Visit the thekrogerco.com to learn more about our work in the communities we serve and how our associates help us be a good neighbor.

Below is a list of some of the benefits we offer our associates.

Health & Well-being Benefits:

  • Health care benefits
  • Paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
  • Mental and emotional support resources through our Employee Assistance Program

Financial Benefits:

  • Participation in a 401(k) plan and/or participation in a Taft-Hartley pension fund, subject to certain eligibility requirements
  • Group term life insurance eligible, depending on varying criteria by location and subject to certain eligibility requirements
  • Associate discounts

Growth and Development Benefits:

  • Tuition assistance, college scholarships and educational leave of absence, depending on varying criteria by location and subject to certain eligibility requirements
  • Robust internal training and development resources to grow your career

We want the best for associates and our customers, and together, we strive to create a welcoming and engaging environment where you'll love to work. If you are interested in becoming a valued member of our team, apply now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Minimum
- High School Diploma or GED 
- Must be 18 years of age
- Ability to handle highly confidential information
- Completion of national registration, certification or licensure
Desired
- Any previous comparable experience
- Any equivalent experience of a pharmacy technician 
 

- Support company health and wellness initiatives
- Understand and adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and the company's policies regarding the same
- Maintain a current national and/or state registration, certification, or license depending on state requirements
- Assist pharmacist in all responsibilities except those that require a pharmacist s professional judgement
- Provide a stellar customer experience while accurately and efficiently completing all steps of reception, data entry, adjudication, and product dispensing
- Support the continued coaching and training of clerks and/or technicians
- Compound medications according to state and any other regulations
- Perform post fill audits to verify prescription information matches computer records
- Support non-dispensing services through the use of various platforms, resources, and applications
- Complete the all aspects of CLIA-waived screenings consistent with state and federal law as well as company polices
- Provide any additional health and wellness services allowed by state and other regulatory bodies
- Comply with and reinforce all sanitation and safety regulations/guidelines/procedures and programs according to company, local, state, and federal health code regulations; identify unsafe conditions and notify store management
- Comply with local, state and federal regulations; report all illegal activity, including robbery, theft or fraud 
- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
 


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