If you’re thinking about a career in medical coding, you probably have a lot of questions about the job itself and the benefits it might have. A medical coding career can be a doorway to a lot of great opportunities within the healthcare industry. Getting started requires a certificate in medical coding, but you can learn medical coding online through schools like Allied Prep.
Here are the top ten reasons to consider a career in medical coding:
1. Medical coders are in demand
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical coders are in high demand. The number of positions for medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2024. That’s much faster than other types of work.
2. Medical coders make good money
Depending upon where you live in your level of experience, you can make between $12 and $24 an hour as a medical coder, according to PayScale.com. Annually, that works out to up to $50,000 a year.
3. Getting started only requires a certificate
Medical coding is a skilled position, but you don’t have to go to a four-year college in order to get started in this field. Instead, you can complete a medical coder certification course in order to gain the knowledge necessary to pass the AACP — the nationally recognized medical coding certification exam.
4. You can learn medical coding quickly
At Allied Prep, our medical coding program is only 18 weeks long. That means that in just a few months you could be starting a new career as a medical coder.
5. You can learn medical coding online or in classrooms
Allied Prep offers both options. Both the online course in the in-class option take 18 weeks to complete and should leave you fully prepared to pass your medical coding certification exam.
6. Medical coders work regular, stable hours
The vast majority of medical coders work 40-hour work weeks. Even in an entry-level position, you can expect to work from 9 to 5, which is ideal for many people, especially people with families.
7. There opportunities to earn overtime
Depending on where you work, you could have a lot of opportunities to work overtime. Your overtime rate, according to PayScale.com, could be anywhere from $15 to $36 an hour.
8. You can work anywhere in the country
The AACP certification is nationally recognized. That means that you could become a medical coder anywhere in the country. Medical coders are needed all over. They can work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and private healthcare facilities.
9. Medical coding is a great steppingstone into other healthcare careers
As a medical coder, you’ll work with people who handle the operation and management of healthcare facilities. Your experience as a coder could help you move up into other types of healthcare management.
10. You’ll make a positive difference
Medical coders are truly an integral part of the healthcare system. You’ll be responsible for maintaining patient records and data, coding each patient’s diagnosis, handle insurance issues, and more. This back office functions are important and, with your help, healthcare professionals will have practices that run smoother.
Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a medical coder by contacting Allied Prep today.
