Online Or Classroom? Medical Billing School Options Fit Your Schedule And Needs
A career in medical billing or records presents an excellent opportunity to further an existing job in healthcare. Medical billing school provides training in coding and prepares students to test for industry certifications. With both online and in-classroom course options, attending class is easy no matter your schedule.
Benefits of medical record careers
A job in medical records or as a health information technician has a positive outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The federal agency sees 13% growth in the field through 2026. Median pay for technicians is $40,350 per year, or $19.40 per hour, as of 2018.
Traditional classroom courses
Technical schools and career academies both offer classroom training for medical records careers. Many schools provide a postsecondary certificate program containing a package of classes needed to sit for national tests. Others offer a full associate's degree. For degree programs, courses focus on coding, medical terminology, health data, patient privacy, and medical software programs.
Online options
These options provide you with the added flexibility of attending class on your schedule. For those with existing careers in healthcare, online classes help you advance while keeping a demanding schedule. Many online classes are certificate programs designed specifically to prepare for national certification tests.
Seek out options with exams designed to prepare you for these tests. For example, future coders need a program tailored for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam and other coding specific tests.
Which option is right for me?
For those with existing degrees and certifications, obtaining an associate's degree may not be a goal. This makes an online degree a solid option for balancing with your career. When you are pursuing higher education for the first time, consider a more ambitious program. A more advanced certification or degree coupled with national certification can provide access to higher wages and advanced opportunities in the workforce.
National certification options
A variety of national certifications exist for medical billing specialists. Your medical billing school will prepare you for the tests. Passing the National Healthcareer Association CEHRS, or electronic health record specialist certification, after completion of your studies helps establish your skills from state-to-state.
The Registered Health Information Technician certification prepares you for a career organizing medical records at a high level. The technician job can then lead to a career as a Registered Health Information Administrator. As your career progresses, you may move through multiple certifications as your role at a hospital or doctor's office expands.