recommend networking
I have been in the medical field for 30 years as an RN, and have been a CPC since last June. I was even able to get the "A" removed from my certification due to my years of diagnosis coding experience as a nurse. What I lack is procedural coding experience, and that is in what employers want you to have 2-3 years of experience. I have been volunteering in the central billing department of a local hospital since last September, and I regularly attend my local chapter's AAPC meetings. I make myself known to the officers (one officer is even one of my coding instructors!), and I send my resume to everyone I know who works in our local hospitals who might be able to get my name out. In 5 months of volunteering I have shadowed a coder only twice for a total of three hours, and the rest of my time has been spent assisting as requested with clerical duties that don't really relate to coding per se, although I like to think that my attitude, dependablilty, perseverance, and efficiency are being noticed and are accounting for something. My advice to anyone is to not expect to be hired outright as a coder merely because you have graduated (even if with a 4.0) with a Medical Billing & Coding diploma , earned your CPC-A or CPC, even if on the first attempt (I passed on only one try, too), or have prior experience other than specifically in coding (both ICD-9 and CPT) that you feel should give you an upper edge. Network, and market yourself. I'm sticking with volunteering for as long as it takes (or until my unemployment runs out!) to keep myself out there and hopefully land a job. The department heads know I'm looking for employment, and I'm showing them what kind of worker I will be by what kind of volunteer I am, and that I don't give up when the going gets tough. It's likely going to be a long and difficult road for many of us who are searching for work, and this poor economy doesn't help. I advise you to do what I am doing - be prepared to wait and gain much experience in being patient, keep the faith, volunteer so potential employers can see you at 'work' even though you're doing it without pay , and network to keep your name out there. I wish all of us the best of luck.