Towson University’s Continuing and Professional Studies offers certification prep courses designed to address critical skills gaps in high growth industries. One career that is forecast to grow at a rate of 9% over the next 10 years is medical coding. Maryland ranks as one of the top paying states for medical coders with an hourly wage of $21.96 and an annual wage of $45,670; and the Baltimore-Towson area ranks among the highest employment levels in the US.
As a medical coder you will compile, process, and maintain confidential patient medical records for billing. Medical coding professionals work in a variety of settings including: physician offices, nursing homes, ambulatory care centers, surgical centers, urgent care centers, and with additional training, the hospital setting. Many medical coders are also independent contractors and work from home.
Here are the top six reasons why you should consider a career in medical coding
Medical coders are in high demand. We’ve already established that medical coding is a high-demand occupation, and will likely remain that way for the next few decades. But what does that mean for you? Job security for one thing. Competitive pay is a direct result of high demand which in addition to job security makes medical coding a really viable option for career changers.
Short education commitment. While most jobs in the health care industry require years of specialized training, you can be prepared for a career as a medical coder in much less time than other healthcare careers. Towson University’s Continuing and Professional Studies launched a new Certified Professional Medical Coding Course. In just three short months, you will be ready to sit for your exam and enter the job market.
Working in the healthcare industry. Working in medical billing is an excellent way to be a part of the health care field for those who are not necessarily inclined to work directly with patients. You can be proud that you are serving in an industry that helps countless people every day.
Lifelong learning. The complex standards and best practices surrounding insurance billing, Medicare, and Medicaid are constantly changing. While often routine, there are enough regular changes to coding requirements to keep you active and alert in your job. The ability to keep learning is important to long-term job satisfaction and is something you will definitely find in the medical coding profession.
Predictable work schedule. The majority of medical coders work in physician offices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes or for contractors that provide support services for all of these. The advantage of steady work on a predictable schedule, often with good benefits, is appealing to many. While many in the health care industry work long and often unpredictable hours, a medical coder can expect to work a 40 hour work week.
Create a work schedule that fits your life. So, we know that a 9:00 to 5:00 schedule is not for everyone. While most medical coders are employed to work normal business hours, a growing number are self-employed freelancers. The expanding use of internet technologies has made it possible for more medical coding to be done remotely. If you are an entrepreneur at heart or need the flexibility of working from home, working as an independent medical coder may be the perfect option for you.
It’s fast. It’s flexible. And it’s a great foundation for a new career. Medical coding offers many possibilities for someone looking to begin a new career. It is definitely a path worth considering. Want to learn more about Towson University’s Continuing and Professional Studies medical coding program?
