How are you supposed to get a job, when they require so many years of experience? You can't get experience unless someone gives you chance. I'm just starting the job hunt and filling out applications and I'm already over it. Should I just apply even if I don't have the years required?
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Wiki How?!?!
- Thread starter nwienke03@gmail.com
- Start date
Hello, I understand what you're going thru, I'm having the same problem. I wish there were more novice positions and/or apprentice opportunities for new coders. Good luck in the job hunt.
Agree! I am finishing up my CPC training next month and have started looking for a coding position…all of them want experience?!! I’m a bit nervous now that I will have a hard time finding anything.
Elsie16
Networker
Getting your foot in the door in any industry is difficult. Coding is no different.
Appying for an HIM Tech position is a good way to start. I started in that position. Scanning (back then it was manually assembling) medical records, doing Release of Informantion, ect. Then if they need any additional coders (or one leaves) they’ll be more apt to give you the position. Most companies love promoting from within rather than going to the outside
Once I got the coding position in my department, years later when I moved 1/2 way across the country for family reasons, that same company liked my work so much that they gave me a coding position at their facility in the state I was moving to.
The key is to pay your dues by working your way up, work hard, be patient, and dedicated to ANY position you hold, whether or not it’s the one you ultimately want.
When you do these things, believe me, the people who can really help you (upper management, CEOs) DO notice, and WILL go to bat for you.
On the flip side, if you don’t give it your all, complain about your work load, show up late, ect....you’ll never get where you want to be because you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons. The people who otherwise would have helped you won’t give you the time of day
Keep applying and stay positive!
Appying for an HIM Tech position is a good way to start. I started in that position. Scanning (back then it was manually assembling) medical records, doing Release of Informantion, ect. Then if they need any additional coders (or one leaves) they’ll be more apt to give you the position. Most companies love promoting from within rather than going to the outside
Once I got the coding position in my department, years later when I moved 1/2 way across the country for family reasons, that same company liked my work so much that they gave me a coding position at their facility in the state I was moving to.
The key is to pay your dues by working your way up, work hard, be patient, and dedicated to ANY position you hold, whether or not it’s the one you ultimately want.
When you do these things, believe me, the people who can really help you (upper management, CEOs) DO notice, and WILL go to bat for you.
On the flip side, if you don’t give it your all, complain about your work load, show up late, ect....you’ll never get where you want to be because you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons. The people who otherwise would have helped you won’t give you the time of day
Keep applying and stay positive!
Even if you don't have the number of years requested it can't hurt to still apply! Sometimes companies are willing to train the right candidate and take a chance even if you don't have the experience. It's frustrating I know I got rejected by over a hundred positions but just keep being persistent and it'll happen!
Same here I'm CPC-A, I've been applying in the DFW area nothing yet, I want give up!
LisaAlonso23
True Blue
You all need to think outside the box. AAPC has Project Xtern. Search for it on this website, print the registration form, and hit the ground running. Contact the facilities/offices listed in your area to see if you may join them to gain experience. If there aren't any in your area, knock on doors, call offices/facilities, and print out a bunch of registration forms to provide. The worst they can say is NO. I started with an externship that led to verifying insurance. That knowledge is used to this day 12 years later.
The job search is humbling but not impossible. It's all up to you. Good luck!
The job search is humbling but not impossible. It's all up to you. Good luck!
jnabiullina
Networker
Agree! I am finishing up my CPC training next month and have started looking for a coding position…all of them want experience?!! I’m a bit nervous now that I will have a hard time finding anything.
I totally hear you—and you're definitely not alone. So many new coders with CPC-A are in the same boat: trained, certified, and eager to work, but stuck in that frustrating loop where every job seems to require “experience.” I have been working with a community college in the area for internship opportunities for Medical Biller/Coder programs, when one of the ladies I know personally reached out to me with the same challenge like you are having. I hired her, trained her and mentored her all the way. The struggle is real.
I wanted to share an opportunity that might help bridge that exact gap, thanks to that coder who's still with me. I am looking to gather a small group, train and hopefully keep!I posted details here: https://www.aapc.com/discuss/thread...-to-cpc-a-removal-and-career-growth-
.205055/Wishing you success on your coding journey! There are people looking to invest in motivated new coders. You've just found one.
Warm regards,
Julia