Ever since my son was born a year ago, I've been looking for a way to earn some decent money from home. We are just barely scraping by on one income, and though I could return to the job I had prior to taking maternity leave, the cost of daycare would just eat through my paycheck anyway. The best option is for me to continue staying home and to look for something I can do online. After doing some checking, I think getting a medical coding certificate is the way to go.
A medical coding certificate would allow me to perform data entry related to the health care industry. This would mostly consist of billing, which requires that I know the special codes and shorthand widely used in the profession. I can only get this through formal training, which is why I'm researching how to get a medical coding certificate.
The first step is to find an accredited school that teaches the skills I'll need in this kind of job. There are lots of schools that offer certification, but prospective students should beware of imposters that only want to take your money. From what I've read, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a terrific place to start, but it's not the only place to earn a medical coding certificate. I just have to make sure whichever school I choose prepares me for the actual exam I'll need to pass.
There are other considerations when choosing a medical coding certificate college. For instance, I want to be able to study at my own pace instead of on someone else's schedule. I still have a very young child to take care of, so I can't be sure that I'll be available for classes or exams at specific times throughout the day. I need the flexibility to work on my courses when I have free time and when it's convenient for me.
Besides accreditation and flexibility, I want to make sure that the medical coding certificate program I sign up for provides job placement services once I pass the coding exam. I know that ultimately I have to be the one to secure a paying gig based on my skills and credentials, but it doesn't hurt to get a recommendation from a respected institution. In this kind of tight job market, anything that gives me an edge over other candidates for the same position is an advantage I can't afford to pass up.
The more I read about the career possibilities that will be open to me once I earn a medical coding certificate, the more I'm convinced that this is something I need to do for myself and my family. My immediate goals now are to find an affordable training program, enroll, and complete the courses as quickly as possible so I can start earning a great salary from home. I can't wait to begin!