Are you considering a career in the healthcare industry but not sure if college is the right path for you? Look no further than becoming a certified medical billing and coding specialist! This lucrative field offers numerous benefits, including job stability, flexibility, and high earning potential.
In this post, we'll break down why pursuing certification as a medical billing and coding specialist may be a smarter choice than a traditional college education. Get ready to discover an exciting new career path that can lead to financial security and professional fulfillment.
Introduction – Overview of Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certification
Medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand due to the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare industry. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, there has been an increased need for qualified medical billing and coding specialists who can navigate the new laws and regulations.
A medical billing and coding specialist certification can be obtained through many different avenues, but going to college is not always the best option. Here are some reasons why a medical billing and coding specialist certification may be a better option than going to college:
1. You can complete a medical billing and coding specialist certification in a fraction of the time it would take to complete a college degree.
2. The cost of obtaining a medical billing and coding specialist certification is often much less than the cost of attending college.
3. You can begin working as a medical billing and coding specialist immediately after completing your certification, while you would likely have to wait until you graduated from college before beginning your career.
4. Many employers prefer to hire certified medical billing and coding specialists over those without a certification.
5. A medical billing and coding specialist certification will give you the specific skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field, while a college degree may not provide you with the same level of training.
Benefits of Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certification Over College
There are many benefits of medical billing and coding specialist certification over college. For one, certification can be obtained in a fraction of the time and cost of a college degree. Certification programs also provide more focused training in medical billing and coding, which can lead to better job prospects and higher earnings. In addition, certified medical billing and coding specialists may be eligible for membership in professional organizations, which can offer networking opportunities and access to industry news and resources.
- Time Savings
There are many benefits to attaining a medical billing and coding specialist certification over going to college. One of the most significant benefits is time savings.
It takes the average college student four years to complete an undergraduate degree. However, it takes only six to twelve months to earn a medical billing and coding specialist certification. This means that you can start working in your chosen field much sooner than if you had gone to college.
In addition, you can save money by pursuing a medical billing and coding specialist certification. College tuition and fees have been rising steadily for years, making it increasingly difficult for students to finance their education. Certification programs are much more affordable, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue certifications.
So if you're looking for a way to get started in your career quickly and without incurring a lot of debt, consider earning a medical billing and coding specialist certification instead of going to college.
- Cost Savings
There are many benefits to attaining a medical billing and coding specialist certification over going to college. One of the biggest benefits is cost savings. The cost of tuition for a medical billing and coding program is a fraction of the cost of tuition for a traditional college education.
In addition, there are many other associated costs that are significantly lower for medical billing and coding programs. For example, the cost of books and materials is typically much lower. And, since most programs can be completed in less than two years, the overall opportunity cost is also much lower.
Of course, the biggest potential cost savings comes from the fact that you can avoid incurring student loan debt. College graduates often leave school with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. By contrast, those who complete a medical billing and coding program may only incur a few thousand dollars in debt, if any at all.
So, if you’re looking to save money on your education, getting a medical billing and coding specialist certification is definitely the way to go!
- Job Opportunities
Medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand across the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were over 439,000 medical billing and coding jobs in 2016, and the demand is only expected to grow in the coming years.
There are many reasons why pursuing a medical billing and coding specialist certification is a great option for those looking for a new career. For one, it can be completed in as little as 12 weeks. That’s a fraction of the time it takes to earn a traditional four-year degree.
Additionally, certification programs are typically much less expensive than college. And, because medical billing and coding specialists are in such high demand, many employers are willing to reimburse employees for the cost of their certification program.
Having a medical billing and coding specialist certification gives you the opportunity to work from home or remotely from anywhere in the world. This is perfect for those who want the flexibility to set their own hours or who need to balance work with other commitments.
Types of Certifications Available
There are many different types of medical billing and coding specialist certifications available, each with its own set of benefits. The most common certification is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, which is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC credential is the gold standard in medical billing and coding, and it is widely recognized by employers. Other popular certifications include the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) credential, offered by the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA), and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Each of these certifications has its own unique benefits that can help you in your career as a medical billing and coding specialist. The CPC credential, for example, provides you with a comprehensive understanding of medical coding principles and practices. It also gives you access to exclusive resources, such as the AAPC's online code library. The CMRS credential focuses on giving you a deep knowledge of Medicare reimbursement policies and procedures. And the RHIT credential covers all aspects of health information management, from electronic health records to data analytics.
No matter which certification you choose, pursuing one will give you a competitive edge in the job market and help you advance your career. With so many options available, there's no reason not to get certified today!
Choosing the Right Certification Program
There are a few different things to consider when choosing the right certification program for you. The first is whether you want to attend an online or offline program. There are pros and cons to both options. Online programs tend to be more flexible and affordable, but they may not offer the same level of support and hands-on learning opportunities as offline programs.
The second thing to consider is the length of the program. Some programs can be completed in as little as six months, while others may take up to two years. Consider your own schedule and commitment level when making your decision.
Research the accreditation of any potential program. Only programs that have been accredited by a reputable organization will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the medical billing and coding field.
Getting Started – How to Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
If you're considering a career in medical billing and coding, you may be wondering whether it's better to get a certification or go to college. Here's a breakdown of the benefits of becoming a certified medical billing and coding specialist:
1. You can complete your training in a shorter amount of time.
It typically takes about one year to earn your certification as a medical billing and coding specialist. This is much shorter than the four years it takes to earn a bachelor's degree.
2. You'll save money on tuition.
The cost of certification programs varies, but it is generally much cheaper to earn your certification than it is to go to college. This is especially true if you choose an online or self-paced program.
3. You can get started in your career sooner.
Because you can complete your training in a shorter amount of time, you can start working sooner and begin earning an income. If you choose to go to college, you'll likely have to take out student loans and won't start earning an income until after you graduate.
4. You'll have less competition for jobs.
In many cases, employers prefer candidates who are certified over those who have a college degree but no certification. This is because certified professionals have the specific skills and knowledge that employers are looking for in their employees.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to attaining a medical billing and coding specialist certification over going to college. The process is relatively quick and easy, and the job prospects for those who are certified are outstanding. Also, with the cost of tuition rising each year in traditional universities, it's no wonder why many people are choosing to pursue their certifications instead. If you're looking for a stable career that will provide you with financial security and job satisfaction, becoming a medical billing and coding specialist may be right up your alley!