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Medical Coding Training Programs: Which One Is Right For You?

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To get into medical coding or to advance your career as a medical coder it is imperative that you improve your skills as a coder and obtain the highest level of training and credentials as possible.

Despite the fact that you are not required to be certified to work as a medical coder does not mean that you can skip this step.

Below I've outlined a few of the most common types of medical coder training programs and career paths available. Some require more time than others and some requires more financial investment than others.

Medical Coder Degree Programs

There are two main types of degree program paths. You can:

  • get a medical coder's certificate from a trade school or
  • you can get an Associates degree in Medical Billing & Coding from an accredited University.

Both of these options will get you in the door and both will make you look like an attractive candidate to prospective employers but neither come with a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation.

After completing either program you may still want or need to take the CPC Exam to get fully certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This will ensure you have the best chances of scoring the best of all medical coding jobs available.

Training For A Medical Coding Certificate

If you choose to train for a Medical Coding certificate your educational path will be much shorter. You do not need these certificates to work in the industry and you don't need a certificate to test for your CPC credential but you do need to show prospective employers that you have some educational background in the industry.

Most certificate programs are short and sweet and provide students a quick and easy process for learning the basics of coding and billing and working in a medical setting. The certificates do not cost as much to obtain either so they are excellent options for people looking for a quick change in careers or for those who need to get working as soon as possible.

Training For A Medical Coding Degree

If however you are fine with a bit more of an investment in time and money you can really set yourself up nicely for a career in coding by enrolling in a 18-24 month medical coding degree program. These programs are much more extensive and show employers that you have a much superior knowledge of the job.

Credentials from AHIMA such as the RHIA or RHIT credentials cannot be obtained by someone who has not obtained a medical coding degree. If you want or need to get credentialed by AHIMA then these classes will have to be taken.

Even though the AAPC doesn't require a medical coder's degree to take the CPC exam doesn't mean this is not a good option for them either. Like all other jobs having the degree makes a huge difference to employers looking for new talent in the coding and billing office.

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Make sure to take a CPC certification practice exam before taking the real test. Practice tests will help you pass on your first try.

Click here to see the practice exams or to view the additional CPC exam study guides click here.

Click here for information on getting medical coding training, degrees, and/or certificates.

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