A certified medical coder is a very hot commodity in hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab clinics and physicians’ offices today. By acquiring medical coding certification, you give yourself a much better opportunity to land a coveted, high-paying job in the thriving healthcare industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of health information technicians will skyrocket by 21 percent by the year 2020, meaning earning medical coding certification is more valuable now than ever before.
The following article examines what it takes to get medical coding certification, what the advantages are to becoming a certified medical coder, and what a medical coding certificate can mean for you.
Medical Coding Certification Courses
Obtaining medical coding certification is possible through attending school. There are still physical classroom courses available nationwide, but most choose to begin the process of becoming a certified medical coder by attending courses online.
Previous training is not required to take the first step in earning medical coding certification. The price of medical coding certification classes ranges anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.
The time it will take to complete medical coding certification classes depend on a number of factors, including how much previous knowledge you have and what type of course you are taking. It can take as little as a few months or as long as a year to become a certified medial coder.
Advantages of Medical Coding Certification
There are several advantages that come along with attaining medical coding certification. If you have yet to break into the healthcare field, walking in to your first interview as a certified medical coder will set you apart from the rest.
If you already are a healthcare professional, acquiring a medical coding certificate can still boost your resume and give you more options and opportunities in the future.
Collecting medical coding certification can open many doors in the healthcare industry. With a medical coding certificate, you can show potential employers that you are educated, you are versatile and you can be a valuable member of the team.
It takes time, money and effort to earn a medical coding certificate. The reward for obtaining medical code certification likely will be more job offers, more opportunities, and perhaps most important of all, more money!