Online Medical Billing and Coding
Explore the growing medical coding career field, find out what medical coding certifications you need to earn a higher salary, and learn how to find the best medical coding school and medical coding training.
Medical Billing and Coding Program
Medical Coding Employment Growth
As the largest industry in the nation, healthcare is one of the best places to be if you’re looking for job security and growth. In particular, medical coding has gotten a lot of attention as people have been looking for specific careers with lots of opportunities.
Thousands of new jobs are expected in the medical coding field. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% increase in new jobs by 2024, which means tens of thousands of new jobs all over the country. There will also be additional opportunities as those professionals currently in the field retire.
In addition, there is already a shortage of medical coders. This shortage is estimated to be about 30% and is expected to increase to at least 53% with the industry’s shift from ICD-9 to ICD-10.
All of this growth and turnover in the field positively affect job prospects for medical coding careers. The Department of Labor reports that the area is growing faster than average. With all of the open positions (from both the new jobs and those available due to retiring professionals), those entering the field will have many opportunities.
Medical Billing and Coding Training
With the increased attention on the medical coding field’s growth and growth opportunities, there has been an explosion of medical coding training programs. When choosing the formal training program to get you started toward your medical coding career, there are many things to keep in mind:
- How to Choose the Best Medical Coding Training?
- Types of Medical Coding Training Programs
- Industry Approval and Accreditation
Medical coding training is just the first step toward your medical coding career (learn more about medical coding careers). Medical coding certifications also play an important role.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this growth, you need formal medical coding and billing training. Many employers are also most interested in applicants with medical coding certifications. Both of these considerations can significantly increase your success in the job market and your earning potential.
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Types of Medical Coding Training Programs
As in many fields, there are several training options for medical coding careers. Choosing which option is best depends on your personal and career goals.
Certificate or Degree
When you’re searching for medical coding training, the first decision is whether you’ll choose a certificate program or one that results in a degree. Certificate programs are significantly shorter and are generally more focused just on coding skills.
Degree programs usually are broader—for example, associates or bachelors in Health Information Management are the degrees that cover medical coding offered at many colleges and universities.
Deciding whether you should invest in a certificate or a degree program should be based on your career goals. Several certifications require a degree through an approved institution (e.g., AHIMA’s RHIA or RHIT credentials).
Professionals with these credentials typically have an edge when applying for more advanced positions like department manager. However, if you’re interested in getting into the field quickly, a certificate program like Career Steps is the best choice.
Online or On-Campus
Another important consideration is whether you want to train online or on-campus. Online training offers the flexibility to study on your schedule and often at your own pace, whereas on-campus learning offers the traditional classroom support structure.
Many adult students find that online training is the best option because they’re training around work and other responsibilities. However, many students are hesitant to choose an online program because they think they won’t have access to instructors or the support they need throughout the learning process.
Quality online medical coding programs are available, though. For example, Career Step’s Medical Coding training program includes access to certified and experienced medical coders by phone, email, and live chat throughout the course and even after graduation.
Whether you choose to pursue a certificate or a degree online or on-campus, it’s important to choose a quality training program as you start preparing for your medical coding career.
Southern California Health Institute
Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) is a leading medical coding school that offers the comprehensive, hands-on training you need for medical coding careers.
Florida Technical College
- Orlando, FL 32826, USA
- ftccollege.edu
FTC was founded in 1982 to provide post-secondary training in specialized business fields. Florida Technical College programs are exciting and dynamic, evolving over the years to meet the needs of students and the job marketplace
New York Institute of Career
NYICD offers nationally-accredited online career courses that conveniently fit your busy schedule. Get certified in a new field in a matter of months and start the new career you deserve.
Career Quest
Career Quest is career courage, confidence, creativity—so don’t wait any longer to take the first step to leveling up your professional life.
Healthcare Training Institute
As a medical technical school in NJ, Healthcare Training Institute provides career training for some of the most in-demand healthcare professions.
