Graduate Experiences
Career Step graduates get jobs! Read what some of our graduates are saying:
(Penny, Commerce City, CO) - I have to give the course the credit. The AAPC test was tough, but not as tough as the final test of the course. When I was called in to test for a position, I was very well qualified to take [their pre-employment] test and did get the first job I was called in for. My employers are very satisfied with my level of knowledge, especially considering, I had never been a "coder" before. I learned so much in the course and all of it has served me well. I tell anyone that is interested in becoming a coder to check into the course!
(Rachel, Stilesville, IN) - I currently work for a national healthcare consulting company and thanks to the Career Step program my career is advancing very rapidly... I am taking the AAPC exam in the next few weeks and I feel very comfortable thanks to the Career Step program. Without Career Step I never would have been ready for the national exam. The setup of the program was very user friendly and if I ever had a question it was answered in a very prompt manner. I have referred others to the program... THANK YOU CAREER STEP!!!!
(Nancy, Arvada, CO) - I was very fortunate to be hired as a coder just as I was finishing up the course and before I passed my certification exam. I have worked for Ameripath, a pathology lab for almost 18 months now as a medical coder.
(Stephen, Smithfield, RI) - I am working as a Coding Tech at Rhode Island Hospital. The experience with Career Step was a wonderful one. I was working two jobs and raising my newborn son while taking these courses, and the program is so convenient that even I was able to find the appropriate time. [My questions] always received a prompt response from Randy Johnson and [the rest of the staff], and I'd like to thank them for that.
(Sadie, Arvada, CO) - I appreciate all that Career Step did for me to accomplish my goal [to become] a coder.
Chris Foster, a Manager for EGOS, a Career Step Academic Partner that offers our Medical Coding Program through their school related this information about his students and graduates:
"I am getting VERY positive feedback... Grads from other programs are unable to sit for the certification test and are told by their schools to go out and TRY to get a job, work for a year or two, and then take the test. Their programs are 6 months, in classrooms, and cost between $9,500 and $10,000. SHAME ON THEM!! My grads have said that those students don't have a clue about what to do on the job and are frustrated and unhappy. My [Career Step] grads feel good about the education they got and are happy with their jobs!
More excellent news! Kaiser Medical visited EGOS in the Spring to do some mock interviewing. They kept resumes for all our students they interviewed with and called to offer ALL of them jobs.
Employers Hire Our Graduates
Medical Coding & Billing Career Path
Within medical coding there are two distinct career paths: outpatient and inpatient. Both inpatient and outpatient medical coding are promising fields in the growing healthcare industry. Career Step has two distinct training programs
- Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Coding and Billing
- Outpatient Medical Coding and Billing
These programs have been specifically tailored to each career path to ensure that you are well prepared for the field that fits your preferences and career goals.
The following side-by-side comparison will help you discover which career path and program is right for you.
| What is the difference between the fields? | |
|---|---|
Inpatient coding:Inpatient coders use different coding guidelines and separate sets of procedural codes to code records for longer inpatient visits. These records are generally more complex than outpatient records, increasing the time spent on each report. |
Outpatient coding:Outpatient coders use different procedural codes and usually code short-visit medical records. Coding these records is often faster paced and increases the number of reports the coder can work on in a day. |
| Do I have to be certified? | |
|---|---|
Inpatient coding:Inpatient coders are primarily certified by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and, with very few exceptions, employers require certification. Career Step's program prepares students to take the CCA exam. Graduates may also sit for the CCS exam (AHIMA recommends on-the-job coding experience before taking this exam). |
Outpatient coding:Outpatient coders are primarily certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). According to a 2008 AAPC survey, only about half of outpatient coders are certified, but this percentage is increasing every year. Career Step's program prepares students to take the CPC exam, which is one of the most common outpatient certifications. |
| How much can I expect to make? | |
|---|---|
Inpatient coding:CCA certified coders (entry-level exam): $36,900* annually CCS certified coders: $57,900* annually *From 2008 AHIMA salary survey |
Outpatient coding:Entry-level coders: $30,600* annually CPC certified coders: $43,100* annually *From 2008 AAPC salary survey |
| Are there a lot of job opportunities? | |
|---|---|
Inpatient coding:Hospitals nationwide have demand for inpatient coders. A 2006 AHIMA study reported that over half of coding employers had open coding positions in the previous year. |
Outpatient coding:The larger outpatient coding market has created a variety of work opportunities in physician practices, hospitals, government facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, billing companies, and a variety of other healthcare facilities. |
| Are there opportunities for career advancement? | |
|---|---|
Inpatient coding:Inpatient coders have opportunities for advancement to medical records management and supervisory positions in hospitals, insurance companies, and various other healthcare facilities. |
Outpatient coding:Outpatient coders have opportunities to advance within clinics, physician practices, and other outpatient facilities. |
