It’s a common concern for those venturing into medical coding: who actually gets jobs after taking the career step of medical coding certification? Many aspiring medical coders invest time and resources into certifications, like the CPC-A, hoping it will be their ticket to a stable career. The truth is, while certification is crucial, it’s not an automatic guarantee. However, numerous individuals successfully navigate the job market and build fulfilling careers after gaining their credentials.
One certified coder recounts their experience: “I earned my CPC-A in December 2018. It wasn’t instant, but through strategic networking, a well-crafted resume, and casting a wide net in my job search, I landed that crucial first coding role. Now, recruiters reach out to me regularly with new opportunities.” This story highlights that perseverance and a proactive approach are key. Earning your certification is indeed the foundational first step, but strategic job searching is what turns that certification into a career.
If you are currently certified and looking for opportunities within a hospital system where you have experience, consider taking the advice of industry professionals. While the CPC is not specifically for inpatient facility coding, your CPC credential can certainly be valuable for physician groups affiliated with that hospital. Explore profee coding positions; your existing healthcare knowledge combined with your CPC can be a strong asset.
Another often-underestimated element in the job search is your resume. Investing in a professionally written resume, especially one tailored for the medical coding field, can significantly enhance your prospects. There are resume writers who specialize in coding and healthcare, and their expertise can help you present your skills and experience in the best possible light. They can effectively frame your existing healthcare background to appeal to potential employers in medical coding.
Furthermore, be open to exploring diverse avenues within medical coding. Beyond the traditional facility and profee coding roles, fields like risk adjustment offer substantial opportunities. Many risk adjustment positions are open to training CPC-A certified individuals, providing a pathway to gain experience and grow your career. Risk adjustment coding can also be financially rewarding, with experienced coders earning competitive hourly rates. As one coder shared, “I do remote risk adjustment coding projects part-time and typically earn between $25-$30 per hour.”
For anyone actively job searching in medical coding, remember that success is attainable. Certification opens doors, and with a strategic approach encompassing networking, a strong resume, and an open mind to different coding specializations, you can absolutely build a thriving career in medical coding.
