AAPC is set to host a groundbreaking virtual career fair, designed to bridge the gap between skilled medical coding professionals and leading healthcare employers. This online event offers a unique platform for job seekers to connect directly with companies actively hiring in medical billing, coding, auditing, compliance, and practice management.
Scheduled for October 27, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT, this virtual career fair is an invaluable opportunity for AAPC members at all career stages. Whether you are a student eager to enter the healthcare business, a newly certified coder seeking your first role, or an experienced professional looking for new horizons, this event is tailored for you.
“This virtual career fair is truly designed for our entire membership,” emphasized Brian Van Norman, AAPC Executive Director of Membership, Chapters, and Events. During a Facebook Live session on October 6, he highlighted the event’s core objective: “We aim to unite recruiters and our members, fostering meaningful connections and career advancements.”
Diverse group of professionals at a medical coding career fair, engaging with virtual booths and exploring job opportunities.
What Awaits You at the Virtual Medical Coding Career Fair
Participating in AAPC’s Medical Coding Career Fair begins with a simple online registration. The registration process allows you to create a professional profile by uploading a photo, detailing your AAPC certifications and expertise areas, and submitting your resume. You have the flexibility to complete your profile fully at registration or return later to add details.
The virtual career fair will feature interactive employer booths, where attendees can explore opportunities and engage with recruiters. Employers will also have the capability to schedule virtual interviews with registered candidates directly through the platform.
Adding to the event’s value, AAPC’s National Advisory Board Career Development Committee will be present to offer personalized advice, resources, and essential tools for job seekers. Furthermore, Project Resume, a coder-operated service, will provide affordable resume reviews, a dedicated career fair guide, and productivity tools to help you maximize your job search efforts.
Brian Van Norman advises treating the virtual career fair with the same seriousness as an in-person interview: “Come prepared, be professional, and be ready to showcase your skills.” Even if you cannot attend live, registering and submitting your resume is beneficial, as employers will retain candidate profiles for future openings.
Leading Healthcare Companies Participating in the Career Fair
As of the article’s writing, ten prominent companies were confirmed participants, actively seeking to fill positions with AAPC-certified professionals. These companies include:
- Aston Carter
- AQuity Solutions
- Change Healthcare
- Cotiviti
- CSI Companies
- Enhanced Medical Revenue
- Guidehouse
- Optum
- The Coding Network
- United Healthcare Group
For employers interested in participating in future AAPC career fairs, or similar events, reaching out to AAPC Advertising and Events Account Executive Michelle Miller at [email protected] is the first step to get involved.
The Edge: Direct Access to Employers, Bypassing AI Screening
A significant advantage of this AAPC virtual career fair, as highlighted by AAPC member Grabiela Juarez, COC, CPC, CPMA, is the elimination of AI resume screening. “It’s great because there’s no AI filtering resumes. You get direct access to employers,” she noted during the Facebook Live announcement.
Juarez points to the common frustration with automated resume screening tools used by platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. These AI systems often inadvertently filter out highly qualified candidates due to a lack of specific keywords, creating a disconnect between employers and potential hires.
Michelle Miller confirmed this employer frustration: “Employers are equally frustrated with the hiring process through platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn.” She further mentioned the high demand in the field, stating, “There are over 2,000 active positions for coding, billing, and related roles. CSI Companies alone has over a thousand positions specifically for CPC-As.”
This career fair directly addresses the “experience paradox” – the challenge of needing experience to get a job, but needing a job to gain experience. Miller emphasized that participating companies are actively seeking entry-level and apprentice-level coders and billers. Even those who have not yet taken their certification exam are encouraged to attend and explore opportunities.
AAPC Membership: Your Career Advantage
AAPC membership extends beyond career fairs, offering numerous benefits to support professional growth in medical coding. These resources include Project Xtern, a practical experience program, the AAPC Job Search tool, the comprehensive annual Salary Survey, and a valuable Mentorship Program.
“Everything we do is centered around our members,” Brian Van Norman reiterated. “We are committed to continuously enhancing the value of AAPC membership.”
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Managing Editor at AAPC
Renee Dustman, BS, AAPC MACRA Proficient, is the Managing Editor – Content & Editorial at AAPC. With over 30 years of experience in journalism, print production, graphic design, and content management, Renee brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. Follow her insights on Twitter @dustman_aapc.
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