Detour to coding or HIT

[Krissiana]

Hey Everyone!

I was working on my pre-reqs for nursing school and due to some medical issues I'm having to take a detour from my path to nursing. I'm so sad about having to shift gears... it's awful. But I also know what I will and won't be capable of physically now.

So... I'm now looking at Medical Coding and Health Information Technology. Specifically, I'm choosing between taking AHIMA's Coding Basics course and going through the local community college to get an Associate's degree in HIT. (The college I'm looking at is accredited by AHIMA). I'm wondering if anyone here might have any advice in this area? I'm having a hard time making a decision.

My goal is to work in medical coding or tumor registry. I have no desire to work my way up into a management position. I already have a BA in another field, so I'm not sure I really want to go for another degree. But I'm wondering if I'll have trouble finding a job if I just go through the AHIMA Coding program. I like AHIMA's program because it is less expensive and more flexible as far as starting the courses...and it will take less time. But the community college course will allow me to sit for the RHIT...and I just don't know if that will really be necessary to have to get a job.

Hmmm... what to do? Anyone out there who can help me with my decision.

[Mijourney]

Getting a job as a coder is difficult if you don't have the experience. If you decide to go for the coding certificate, I would ask AHIMA if they have any extern opportunities so that you can gain real world knowledge and experience as a coder and potentially have an employer who may hire you either during or after your externship. The American Association of Professional Coders, http://www.aapc.com, offers an x-tern program for qualified applicants. I don't know the details of their program, but feel free to check with them. Also, if you decide to go through the AHIMA online coding program, make sure that the courses you take transfer to a college in case you change your mind on down the road and pursue a two year degree to get a RHIT. I personally think with the RHIT, you get the best bang for your buck. You can code and do other things with the RHIT. Of course, if coding expertise is what you are after then the coding certificate should be enough. I would just recommend that you take the CCS exam after you graduate. HIM is an exciting field and it is very akin to nursing. But, it is frequently a hard shell to break. Best wishes!