You do NOT have to break the bank by attending a university to begin your career.
Vocational School VS University
Have you thought about a career in medical coding? If so, you may have cringed at the idea of going back to school. Surprisingly, you do NOT need a four year university degree. A university is a great option for some. However, it is not the only option, and it is certainly not the cheapest.
Why Study Medical Coding?
The average Medical Coder earns $20 to $25 per hour. There are even opportunities to get time and a half with overtime. Aside from a decent salary, most coders also enjoy working from home with a flexible schedule. Finally, Medical Coders can feel a strong sense of job security because hospitals will always be a necessity.
What Kind Of Certification Do I Need?
To become a Medical Coder, you will need to earn a certification starting out as CPC-A (Certified Professional Coder Apprentice). One must pass the CPC Exam created by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). To become a full CPC, you will need to prove that you have two years of experience. Our 80 credit hour program counts as one year. After you complete our program, we strongly suggest the AAPC Practicode program, which counts as a second year of experience. If you are a student of ours, we will help you throughout the entire process and get you on the right track to land your first Medical Coding job.
Different Schooling Options Offered
Certification Program
Most students complete certificate or diploma programs in 6 months to a year. Our Medical Coding program takes as little as 16 weeks. Vocational trade schools, such as Coding Clarified, offer these certificates. Certification through a vocational trade school is less expensive and less time consuming than a university program. Coding Clarified’s Medical Coding Program is affordable and includes many added extras, books, a test voucher, an internship and a resume. Be sure to find out exactly what the school that you are interested in offers. We even offer scholarships so you can attend for FREE.
Expected cost: $3,000 to $7,000
Associate’s Degree
Associate’s Degree: Associate’s programs take two years to complete. Community colleges offer these programs. In addition, you can usually apply the credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Expected cost: $8,000 to $12,000
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s programs take four years to complete. If you are interested in other careers in the medical field, this may be the best plan for you.
Expected cost: $20,000 to $40,000
If you are looking to get your Medical Coding Certification, Coding Clarified is a perfect option for you. For medical coding, you do not need a university. If you have your heart set on a different medical career, such as a doctor, you will need much more schooling at a university.
If you are ready to get started right away, have an interest in the medical field, prefer to spend less on classes and do not want to wait 2-4 years, a vocational trade school sounds like an amazing choice.
Consider attending Coding Clarified to follow your dreams in becoming a Medical Coder. Apply for a Scholarship TODAY.