How can I get into Medical Coding as an RN with a Bachelor's Degree

[Nat706]

Hello,

A little background info: I graduated from nursing school with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree in May 2013 and got a job working in a Labor and Delivery unit after passing NCLEX. Unfortunately, I underwent spinal infusion surgery to correct my 80 degree Scoliosis curvature at the age of 12 (I'm 27 now). As a result of this, I injured my back on the job given how physically intensive inpatient nursing is and ended up unemployed and on bed rest. Given that I had no medical insurance until now, I finally was able to go to the doctor and he recommends a desk job.

You can imagine how stressful it is to be told that after studying nursing for the past 4 years and all of the student loan debt I've accumulated after attending a private school with no financial assistance from my family.

Fortunately, I am married now and my back has healed but I am still unemployed. I applied to research assistant jobs but no luck and going back to school is out of the question for me give how much debt I have and I need a job ASAP before I get behind on my student loans again.

I was digging through the Occupational Outlook Handbook and discovered Medical Coding and Healthcare Information Technology.

I am based in the city of Chicago and was wondering if anyone can give me advice on how to go about beginning a career in these areas given my background.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

I think you might consider starting out at an insurance company, Liberty Mutual and BC/BS are two that treat their RNs well, and building on what you learn there along with using their tuition assistance to finance the continuing education for the AHIMA certified coder credential.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

How about telephonic nursing, methadone Clinic, or MDS coordinator jobs ? Sorry you are going

through this.

[NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN]

I would suggest case management, or working for an insurance like Cigna. I know there are many others. Maybe even an instructor for a simulation lab.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

A lot of coding is out sourced these days...