Cbos

Thanks so much for your reply green217! The information you've given helps. I am investigating all the different coding programs and have narrowed it down between my local community college vs AAPC's online program. I am not in any big hurry to get this done....just thinking of future possibilities. I'm thinking if I take the classes at the community college there may be an opportunity for local networking. I'm waiting to hear back on whether or not they have an externship opportunity. I would like to pursue part-time work in billing/coding, locally if possible for experience, and keep working my part-time nursing job. Someone at AAPC did tell me last week that they do have externships available for experience in some areas but would not tell me if the opportunity is available in my area until after I have taken the course and passed the certification exam. Any thoughts on whether a community college or AAPC's online program would be better for someone with no coding background? Thank you and take care!

Hello all! I am an RN interested in the CPC Certification offered by AAPC. I have no experience in coding at all and after researching and speaking with someone at AAPC they said I could take the course, then take the certification exam, then after passing would receive a CPC-A (apprentice) certification. After 2 years experience or virtual experience coding 800 charts with 90% accuracy (through AAPC), I could have the "A" dropped off. I was wondering how others were able to get their experience as an apprentice, or is this new? I have read all of the posts and no one has mentioned it. Any help or guidance would be most appreciated!!! I would love to eventually work out of my home coding for a company like CCS.

To AimeepawsRN: Its so nice to hear that someone loves what they do!! I am an RN and am interested in becoming an RN-Coder so that I can possibly take care of my husbands billing/coding (he is a self-employed NP), after a couple of years of experience. Either that or find part-time employment as a coder, and keep my part-time nursing job. I am considering either my local community college or the AAPC online program for CPC certification. Someone at AAPC told me they do have externships available in some areas but would not tell me if the opportunity is available in my area, until after I have taken their class and passed the exam. I am most concerned about how I will be able to get a job to gain experience. Do you have any thoughts as to which would be best (community college vs AAPC program) considering I have no coding experience? Any suggestions or guidance would be appreciated.