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I started out in a Medical Billing and Coding course, while in school I applied for a billing position at a pediatrics and got it. I had no previous medical experience to speak of and was only in school for 3 months when I applied. I sat for my CPC 6 months later and attained my CPC-A.

It doesn't always happen like that tho. Most of my peers in school waited a year before they were able to land a position and some gave up after much time. But there are many success stories out there. You just have to have the determination to get what you want. It's a saturated field at the moment... it's going to take time. My recommendation, start now. Even if you're still in school, start looking for a position. Doesn't matter what it is as long as its medical. It's never too soon. If you need to complete an in/externship start there, do not rely on your school to get you one.
 
Expierenced Biller that wants to turn Coder

I've had 11 years billing experience but want to get into coding. I just passed my test and beginning the search. I started billing with no experience but want to move to another city to advance my career into coding. I'm burned out from billing and don't want to do it anymore. It is very discouraging to see all this 3 years of experience required. Doesn't my experience in billing count for anything? :confused:
 
Finding a Job without Experience

I completed coding classes at a local community college back in 2003. I was fortunate in the fact that I was selected from my class to participate in an internship at a major local hospital. Upon completion, I was offered a job there and had another offer from a Medical Billing Company. I opted for the Medical Billng Company and worked there for 5 years. I was again made an offer from the hospital and accepted. I was at the hospital for almost 3 years and worked from home. After my son left for college, working at home wasn't as appealing to me any longer and I opted to return to my previous place of employment. I am currently researching denial and assisting fellow coders. I absolutely LOVE my job. So, technically I didn't have any REAL experience other than school and about a month as an intern. There are jobs out there. I am receiving email alerts from "Simply Hired Alerts" and I often see coding jobs available.

Good luck to all of you who are searching.
 
Same Boat Recent Grad getting ready for CPC exam with no experience

I appreciate the encouragement as well. I just graduated about a week ago and intend to sit for my CPC exam in December I am looking for a job now and so many want experience and at least the certification and don't seem wiling to give someone a chance with no experience. But I am fortunate to be in a city that is very healthcare oriented and there are a lot of dr's practices here too. It is good to know that hiring does happen without the experience I just have to stay persistant
 
Just a bump!

The last post from this thread was in September 2011. I'm hoping this bump will succeed in more responses to this inquiry.
 
As an instructor I assist my students with placement. Our current placement rate is 88%, and we are very pleased with that. You have to be willing to take an entry level position, and then work very hard to prove/improve yourself. I can't say enough how important it is to not underestimate the soft skills that get you noticed like: dressing professionally, maintaining a high level of professionalism at work, having a very positive attitude, and being willing to assist anyone at any time, in any way!
 
As an instructor I assist my students with placement. Our current placement rate is 88%, and we are very pleased with that. You have to be willing to take an entry level position, and then work very hard to prove/improve yourself. I can't say enough how important it is to not underestimate the soft skills that get you noticed like: dressing professionally, maintaining a high level of professionalism at work, having a very positive attitude, and being willing to assist anyone at any time, in any way!

Lashel Church, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC
 
I too am nervous. I went to a local community college about 4 years ago and got my medical/billing coding certificate along with my Medical Office administration certificate. I had a baby right after that and never went after the CPC. Since then, I have been with a health insurance compnay for over 4 years. I deal with CPT's, ICD-9 and HCPC all day long. The pay is "decent" which is why I am scared to take an entry level position or un-paid externship. I need a full time job to pay the bills and daycare. I sit for the CPC exam on 8/25. Hopefully, I will pass the first time around. After that, I will be hoping and praying that I am still able to find a coding postion and not have to take a huge paycut so I am still able to stay ahead......We will see!
 
genjer712 said:
I too am nervous. I went to a local community college about 4 years ago and got my medical/billing coding certificate along with my Medical Office administration certificate. I had a baby right after that and never went after the CPC. Since then, I have been with a health insurance compnay for over 4 years. I deal with CPT's, ICD-9 and HCPC all day long. The pay is "decent" which is why I am scared to take an entry level position or un-paid externship. I need a full time job to pay the bills and daycare. I sit for the CPC exam on 8/25. Hopefully, I will pass the first time around. After that, I will be hoping and praying that I am still able to find a coding postion and not have to take a huge paycut so I am still able to stay ahead......We will see!
Click to expand...

Genjer, good luck with the test...I'm certain that you will pass. What have you been doing with the health insurance company? I think that because of your exposure, I don't think that you, specifically, would need to start at the bottom...get involved with your local chapter and see if you can get a mentor that will help you put your resume in the best possible light. The knowledge that you have received being on the payor's side could be very valuable to any future provider.

Kris
 
Lashel said:
As an instructor I assist my students with placement. Our current placement rate is 88%, and we are very pleased with that. You have to be willing to take an entry level position, and then work very hard to prove/improve yourself. I can't say enough how important it is to not underestimate the soft skills that get you noticed like: dressing professionally, maintaining a high level of professionalism at work, having a very positive attitude, and being willing to assist anyone at any time, in any way!

Lashel Church, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC
Click to expand...

Lashel, your students are very lucky for your involvement. I also think you are spot on with your comments on the "soft skills" needed to succeed. I start a MBC course in August and hope I am lucky enough to have an instructor such as yourself! One that cares for the success of their students.

Kris
 
Hi Adam,
I have to say I like your post and giving credit where credit is due. I went to school through an online course and graduated in Aug 2010 and was working as a coder/auditor by Oct 2010. I am working for the same company I did my internship at. It is only by the grace of God that I have the job I do.
It can be done!!!!!! Keep the Faith!!!
Thanks, Dave
 
Thanks Kris for your confidence! It is greatly appreciated. I work in customer service. I am dedicated to only one account-(this account is the largest account for our company), so we handle all questions pertaining to medical, dental, vision, life, etc. it is like a one-stop-shop for our customers! Not a bad job, but I am ready to move on to something else where I will feel satisfied. I too feel as if my experiene will be a "plus" when posting for jobs and I am hoping that I do not have to start at the bottom. But-like many people... if it has to be done, then that is the way it is. I will defintely start looking to getting in the meetings in my local chapter and hopefully that will help boost my self-confidence about my future!! :)

Gena
 
genjer712 said:
Thanks Kris for your confidence! It is greatly appreciated. I work in customer service. I am dedicated to only one account-(this account is the largest account for our company), so we handle all questions pertaining to medical, dental, vision, life, etc. it is like a one-stop-shop for our customers! Not a bad job, but I am ready to move on to something else where I will feel satisfied. I too feel as if my experiene will be a "plus" when posting for jobs and I am hoping that I do not have to start at the bottom. But-like many people... if it has to be done, then that is the way it is. I will defintely start looking to getting in the meetings in my local chapter and hopefully that will help boost my self-confidence about my future!! :)

Gena
Click to expand...

Hi Gena, even if you have to start at an entry position, I can't see you staying there long. I actually see a lot of pros at starting in the front office and working you way inside. Even though I have a good foundation in the sciences (anatomy, pathophysiology, etc), I think that what you can bring to coding is so much more than if you just start right at coding. I think you need to know the "why" as much as you need to know the "how."

What part of the US are you? I'm in rainy/windy Florida...getting way tired of TS Debby!

Kris
 
I got a job in Medical Billing Co. as a Data Coordinator 3 months ago. I am still looking for a coding position. Hopefully someday my prayers will be heard. There is a job somewhere we have to be at the right place at the right time.
 
I got a job as a biller with a third party billing company two months after passing the exam. I now bill for a large hospital system. I passed my exam in 2010. I am glad I got coding AND billing education because it seems to be easier to get a billing job than a coding job.
 
i worked in the front office of our radiology department in our hospital and while i was going to school for coding i was offered the IR coding job. the hospital paid for all of my IR training and i passed the CIRCC exam 8 months after my training was complete. i have been their IR coder for 4 years now. right place at the right time!
 
I want to let you all know that these posts are very encouraging...I worked in a Medical office for 14 years doing everything but the billing. That job has currently "run its course" and I find myself in school full time taking the Billing and Coding course (to beef up my resume). I plan on taking the CPC this December (and WILL pass it on the first try!) One of my instructors also said it is worth it to apply to those positions looking for experience. I am going to give it my best shot! I am very hopeful after reading all these positive posts. Thanks to all.
 
Worked up to my position

I started right out of highschool in 1996 working a 10:00-7:00 shift at minimum wage as the evening cashier/receptionist for a family practice group and that gradually evolved into posting charges and patient payments. One and half years later I moved into a day time cashier position which included posting/coding of additional charges, from there management offered me a full time coding position.

In 2003 I discovered the existence of coding certification and approached the office manager, the company was on board and paid for a week long bootcamp and my certification testing. We have continued to grow over the years due to our partnership with our local hospital to include, ortho, gynecology, general surgery, and outreach clinics for rheumatology, dermatology, and pulmonology and all coding and billing is done through our original billing department. I am currently the billing supervisor as well as the primary coder for all speciatly clinics.

My personal experience has been that hard work and drive to succeed pay off. Through our practice growth I have been given an opportunity to expand my knowledge and I continue to be challenged by new coding experiences.
 
Thanks so much for all the encouraging posts. I just graduated college this month and I was kind of discouraged about finding a job in the medical coding and billing field because every time I look a job posting they want people with experience. I have no experience at all and I take my CPC exam in December. A lot people have told me to just start handing my resume out to doctor offices and different places so I can get my foot in the door. I have faith and I pray that someone will call me to give me a chance. They have to realize they people with no experience has to start somewhere to get experience.
 
Hi, I have recently completed a CPC course. It's difficult to find anything here in VA beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake. Have you had any luck yet?
 
We hired a person with CPC-A without any medical background experience and I gave him 6 months training and he is working in our facility as outpatient coder.

The effort should come from both employer and the coder

Good luck
 
From Retail to Healthcare...

I left retail in 2007 and became a Coders assistant in the billing dept of a large hospital. I did the data entry for an inpt/outpt multispecialty coder. She had 20 yrs experience. I had none. I didn't even know the difference between Medicaid and Medicare at the time. I was 23! :) 6 months later she got the fabulous idea to start training me on the job to become a coder myself. 2 yrs after that I gained my CPC on the first try and was later promoted up to coder within the hospitals residency program. That was 7 yrs ago. I have since moved to a medium sized billing company as an Emergency Room Coder as well as doing Contract coding on the side remotely. I also carry CEDC specialty credentials.

So yes, it is possible to gain employment with NO experience. But sometimes you have to really be willing to work from the ground up!
 
I took a part time job as a receptionist in a busy pediatrics practice just to get my foot in the door. I made a point of letting the billing manager know that I was interested in moving to a coding/billing position when a job became available and gave her my resume. In the meantime, I tried to learn as much as I could about the receptionist position and volunteered to take on extra projects that weren't necessarily a receptionist's responsibility. It wasn't long before I was promoted to a full time job as a coder/billing specialist. Be willing to take an entry level job and go above and beyond. Your efforts will definitely be noticed!
 
I had applied for a position in Patient Registration. During the interview, we discussed my desire to become a coder. I was not offered the position because they were not looking for someone who wanted to 'get their foot in the door.' Hiring and training employees is very expensive for employers.

That being said, a few weeks later, I recived a call for a temporary position in Medical Records. I was qualified for the position with my prior office experience (non-medical) and Associates Degree in Medical Administration. Less than 4 months into my 5 month committment to Medical Records, a CPT coding poistion opened. Yes, the preference was for someone with experience and CPC credential. I had neither. I had also made a commitment which conflicted with the desired start date. I interviewed and took the test. I was not the first to be offered the position. (That person told her employer she was leaving and they made her an offer she couldn't refuse.) After a second conversation with the coding supervisor, I was offered the position.

The advantage I had was I was already familiar with the software programs the hospital uses, and had already proven myself as a dedicated, consciencious, responsible employee. Had I been hired for Patient Registration I would not have been eligible for a transfer to another postion for 1 year (per hospital policy) and would have missed out on this opportunity.

My advise, apply for every position you are qualified for, but be honest with the interviewer. If your ultimate goal is coding, let them know that. You may not get the position you applied for, but your phone just might ring for something better!
 
Hope for the discouraged.

I started out as Indexing Tech in HIM for a large medical group that included
four hospitals. I went to medical coding school for a year and was hired as a
coder I with no experience. I was actually still in school. Looking on a
local hospitals job site...find entry level clerical/support positions just to get your foot in the door. Maintain your coding skills and/or get your certifications
while working these positions. Once you have "your foot in the door" so to speak, apply for coding positions that will be posted. As a "current" employee
you will have better chance of getting the position before it is externally
posted. In other words they offer the jobs to those who are already "In"
the system before they take outside applications.
You just need to be patient and willing to do an entry level job and do it very well, so that you will be recognized as a valuable asset to the organization.


April Sanchez CPC
 
I got a Job with No Experiance. I did the whole putting my Resume in every place.

And i put it in for other states , Not just My area.

I had to move from Missouri to North Carolina to get my foot in the door.
Well that was in 2006.

I now work on contract with the Military working from home.

Good Luck !
 
Thank you for posting this thread. It is very frustrating to find a job whgen you don't have experience. You see job postings saying one year or two years experience and you say HOW IN THE WORLD IS SOMEONE LIKE ME SUPPOSED TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IF I AM NOT GIVEN A CHANCE TO DO SO?!!! This was very encouraging to me that I have work even harder at networking and sometimes work my way up. Thanks again. :D
 
I graduated in May and obtained employment in June doing nothing but coding. I got hired on as a full time coder with the option to code from home in about a year or when I had accomplished certain milestones. By December I had accomplished those milestones and I began coding from home in January. It can be done.
 
I got a coding job without experience - although it was while I was studying for my RHIT. Part of that program is practical professional experience and while I was doing that, the mentor/HIM Director liked my work enough that she offered me a part-time position coding outpatient surgery cases. It just grew from there.
 
Recently got hired

I took a coding course through a local adult education program and was certified in June. I have worked in a convenience store since I graduated high school and I was hired by Verisk Health last week with no hands on experience at all. :D
My advice, keep looking, don't get discouraged, and go to your local chaper meetings and network there. My chapter was instrumental in finding my job and that was my first meeting. Also, don't turn down a part time or as needed position. It might not be ideal but it gets you that much closer!
 
I started working in the ER doing registration while finishing my coding courses. I was constantly e-mailing the coding dept. asking about coding advice and also talking to the HR dept. letting them know I was interested in a career with the hospital doing coding. When a coding position opened up, I was offered a interview and I ended up with the position. Make yourself known and people will remember you.

Goodluck,
 
I had no medical office experience and took my classes thru a votech program. I kept applying to anything in a 2 hour radius. Finally landed a job at a smaller hospital as a full time coder 1. Determination and flexibility were very important for me on my journey. I was a waitress and in less than 2 years I am CPC certified and employed in my chosen profession. Most college graduates cant say that!
 
I became a coder with no experience and no certifications. :D

I was sent by my "temp" agency to fill in some summer hours at a local hospital - doing filing for the medical records department. They were pleased with me and offered a full time job as a Medical Records Tech. I'd been doing that for a year or so when the coding manager asked me if I'd be interested in training to code outpatient charts. Within six months, I was a Coder I, auditing the work of an outside contractor who was doing the ERs. A few more months, and I was coding them myself as I was more accurate than the contractor. Two years later I got my CPC and became a Coder II. Same year, I took and passed the CEDC. Two years after that, I took and passed the CPMA.

The initial full time job offer was because I was fast and accurate at filing, general office work, and computers. The coding offer came about because I also had Medical Terminology and some billing experience from a chiropractic office (also a temp job).

Previous to coming here as a temp, I had never worked in a Hospital and my only "medical office" experience was a 2 month assignment at the front desk of a chiropractic office. I had just been laid off from a purchasing job in a manufacturing plant...
 
I got hired on after graduating (billing/coding program) at a doctors office in billing. I was certified through a company which no one really recongnizes straight from graduating (which was much similar to the CPC exam but not as difficult) ... My externship site wasn't hiring at the time but really liked that I picked up quickly with no experience and kept my information if they had an opening. I worked for 6 months at the doctors office and my externship site (large mutli specialty billing company) called me and offered me a position in collections/appeals! I worked there for 3 years until I received an offer closer to home at small billing comany which is where I am now working insurance collections/appeals (over 2 years). I just took my CPC (6/22) as I stated before no one accepts the coding certification I curently have. I asked my current employer if I took the CPC would they allow me to work with the current coder to remove the "A" and they said yes! I probably would not have taken the CPC exam if they would have said no :confused: Still waiting for results ... It seems really hard to get in as a coder without being in the medical field already. Wishing everyone the best of luck !!!
 
I started off in 1990 as a nursing assistant in training at a local nursing home, dud that for a few months then transferred to the receptionist position in the same facility. This was a 7 day in 7 day off position. One of the gals in the Business Office went out on maternity leave, I was asked if I wanted to pick up some more hours and help that dept out. Being a 19 yr old I said sure, because I like to buy clothes and shoes!

I never intended on getting ino this field, I fell into it and just worked my way up, I even took a break from the medical field in 1993 to be a Boat and RV loan processor, I decided I missed the medical field and got back into it as a medical biller for a large IM practice, that was where I really learned billing. We had an intern who told me about AAPC, I checked out their website in 2004, took the ISP independent study program and passed the CPC exam.

It wasn't until 2010 that I actually got a shot at utilizing my coding skills when I was hired by University of MD in the compliance dept to code E/M encounters.

Now I'm the supervisor of the coding and compliance dept at a very large hospital system! It took me 5 yrs after being certified to be a true coder in the sense of doing the work and I'm thrilled at how my career has evolved, you really do have to be patient and keep plugging away....
 
Being older..

Not sure if I am too old to pursue coding (57). Have worked in the healthcare field for decades and just got my coding certification 2 yrs ago. I see how many employers want experience and I get a little discouraged. I am a narrative coder at a local hospital-based lab and now the lab part is getting sold, so I will be out of a job. But the new buyer will need new people and I am the only certified coder. Still want to get a real coding job. All kinds of people are telling they see internal coding positions available in the hospital and tell me to apply. I feel like I don't have the experience. I need to brush up on my A & P for ICD 10 also. Will anyone take me on? I think at this point I should take a CPT coding class to get more exposure and experience. I passed my CPC-H without having any real experience. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!!
 
no experience when hired

When I started out in the medical billing field 13 years ago, I had no experience at all. My previous job was at a fast food restaurant. I was able to get my foot in the door by accepting a part-time temporary job doing sorting and data entry while someone was out on pregnancy leave. My boss was impressed by my work and hired me on full time. After that I just worked really hard and whenever someone would leave I would ask to be considered for a promotion. I began coding after working for my employer for five years. My employer then paid for me to test for the CPC. I obtained the CPC with flying colors and am now our lead coder. If you are looking for a job in the medical field, my suggestion is to take whatever job you can in the field just to get your foot in the door. Employers will train and promote within the office first and then as a last resort hire outside the company. I have heard a lot of people obtaining the CPC-A and expecting to get a job coding which is extremely hard. There are many different aspects to working in billing and I think starting from the bottom and learning the ins and outs first before coding will make you a better coder in the long run.
 
Cpc-a

I passed the CPC exam in May of 2011. Shortly after, I began to apply for coding jobs in the area but had no luck. I ended up taking a Health Tech job @ the local hospital. When they had a coding job open I applied and received an interview but was not offered the job. A few months after being turned down, a coding position at a different facility became available and I applied. Of course, knowing that I had no experience I wasnt expecting much out of it but after a three step interview process I was offered the job. There are places out there willing to take chances on people who have little to no experience. I had applied at this same place three times before and never got as much as a phone call! Don't give up or get discouraged. It took me two years but it was well worth it! Keep your certification current and keep plugging away!
 
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I started out in recruiting many years ago and did not return to school until 2009. I got my Associates in Health Information Technology, I went full-time until I was finished. Unfortunately I wasn't able to be hired on by the places that I did my internship. Fortunately I found my first position at a surgical center doing radiololgy coding. After that I was hired by a doctor's office doing office visits and surgeries. Now I am working for a billing company doing coding for radiology, labs and pain management.
 
I graduated in January 2011 with a CPC-A. I didn't think getting a job as a coder would be hard..well I was wrong. I was working for a medical collection company and when I had to renew my certificate I was mad that I was paying for something that I would be using. I went to the local hospital web site and there was a coder job posted. I put in for it. On my interview I told them that I had no experience but was a quick learner and that I just needed someone to open the door and let me in. I also told them that I was frustrated because I took 2 yrs of college, passed my certification and no one would give me a chance. Well the next day I got a call and she hired me:) I code ancillary for the hospital for over a year and a half and my supervisor sees that I want to learn more so she has started me coding ER and wound care. I am very excited to learn more and thankful that she gave me the chance and opened the door.
 
I wanted to encourage others a well. I have several years of experience and we recently hired a new coder ( who actually took an online course). She had her CPC and had looked for 6 months. I found her resume on here (AAPC). I prefer to hire someone who is "new" and does not have bad habits.

We have someone at our office, who has coded for "forever" and is not certified. She continues to "code" and I'm still finding incorrect coding when I look at her work. We are very pleased with our new CPC-A. Hang in there and I would suggest getting the foot in the door anyway you can.
 
Thank you

Thank you all for posting their stories to encourage new coders like us. I'm still tagging an "A" after my name. I got a job as HCC coder even before I graduated. after 3 months I jumped to different company, still coding HCC. I really worry that I'd be stuck here forever with HCC since I almost forgot all my CPT. Btw thanks to my employer, I have learned a lot about ICD 9. Most of my co workers they willing to do HCC for the rest of their life. I do like coding HCC too, somehow I still miss my traditional coding. My goal is to aim for CPC-H after I got off my A so that I can at least open my door for ED or OP. Pleas wish me luck.

P.S I have seen many work from home jobs for ED/Op and inpatient. Do they have WFH for HCC ?
 
No experience, but landed a job

At the age of 44, I went back to school to learn the coding field. I was new to the medical filed, never worked in the medical field. I graduated in 2012, earned my CPC-A and six months later I was in tears because everybody wanted someone with experience. My teacher, Darcy Roy always told us to put ourselves OUT THERE. I did make it known wherever I went that I was seeking employment in the medical field. Lo and behold, my granddaughters daycare contacted me and said one of their moms was looking for coders. I did the interview and three weeks later, I was employed as a customer account rep with an Oncology Company. Still here and loving it.

My advise---PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE! EVERYWHERE!
 
Got a Coding Job with Nearly No Experience

I just wanted to share my story here to encourage aspiring coders. I got hired as the Patient Financial Manager for a solo OB-GYN practice less than a month after completing the CPC exam with only a year of billing-coding school and a CPC-A certification. Our instructor sent us the information about the job openig, and I was the only one to apply! The only experience I had in the medical field was a summer of volunteer work in the employee records office of a local medical center. I did, however, have management experience from working at Wal-mart. Out of about 14 in my class, only two of us have found jobs as far as I know. At the interview, I had to convince my now manager that I could handle the job. My age was against me as well--I was only 21 when I got hired. I just got my "A" removed in May, and have been at this job for a little over a year now. I am definitely so very thankful after reading many new coders' unsuccessful job hunting stories on this site that I was able to find a job so quickly. I know that I'm definitely not the norm, but I still want to encourage those still looking not to give up and say that it IS possible to find a job as a new coder. "Just keep swimming!" --Dory from "Finding Nemo"
 
Work without experience

Everyone keeps saying take an office job etc. I have applied for these positions without luck. Everyone wants some type of experience in a medical setting. I have 20 years of customer service. I was a bartender/restaurant manger. Just a different kind of service. I am BRAND new to the industry. With the exception of school I don't have ANY relevant experience. I certified magna cum laude. I thought that would be worth something but it is not. No one wants to hire an apprentice. I am trying not to be discouraged but after working so hard for the last two years I thought getting a job would have been easier. Especially since we are suppose to be in such demand. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
I myself have became extremely discouraged on having no experience in the coding field and take my CPC in less than a month. I greatly appreciated finding this thread and reading everyone's stories. Thank you all for the words of encouragement!
 
I found work after a year

A lot depends on where you live. While living in the middle of no-where, I took an on line coding and billing course and got my CPC-A. I could not find a local job. The one hospital out sourced its medical coding and the other hospital I really felt I needed to know someone to get my foot in the door. The local community college had a coding course so there was a lot of competition. I had a great opportunity at a hospital a hour away that I received by being treasurer of the local AAPC, but I flunked the test they gave me. YIKES! We recently moved out of state for my husband's job and found a job at a billing company 1 mile from my house! They were just looking for someone smart that they could train. Actually, they said that it was easier for them to hire someone without experience so I wouldn't have any habits to change. The pay is horrible, but the experience is priceless. At one point I thought I had wasted my time and money. But here I am with a job. My advice, keep learning, looking, volunteer at your AAPC local chapter. Also, I believe Jesus worked out hiring details that was beyond me. Thanks for letting my share.
 
Coding Job With No Experience

I think the coding world is a little different now but 14 years ago I was hired as a coder with a Emergency Physician billing company with no experience at all. After a year or so later I studied and passed the CPC exam. I encourage everyone to keep at it. There are jobs out there, I personally think it's all about timing. I do think with ICD-10 there will be more coding positions available.
 
Landing first job

After I finish the medical billing and coding program at the local community college I started looking for a coding job, soon I learned that would be almost impossible to break into the field. Since I had no experience in medical office, I decided to apply for any job at a hospital, clinic, or medical office that the description mentioned knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, icd9, and cpt code. After 4 months and 15 interviews, I finally got hired as a medical Biller . It has being very difficult, but I have learned so much. The doctors from my company are expected to code their staff, however I have been able to code for things they can't figure out. At the end I am doing both. So, my advise is : apply for as many jobs as you can find, show motivation, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn in your interview . IT WILL HAPPEN!:):
 
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Hired without experience

I received my first job as a coder with no experience.
I quit my job (not related to the medical field) and went back to school to get my coding diploma. I studied my butt off from morning until the late hours of the night and most hours of every weekend for both inpatient and outpatient coding. I took my coding final and also that same weekend sat for the CPC test. I found out I passed the CPC before I found out I graduated with honors. Still with no job, I took the CCA and passed in August. I finally had "THE" interview in August and passed the coding test with 100% beating out both a RHIT and RHIA for my present coding job.
After 7 months coding pathology and laboratory charges I started entering and coding the professional charges for anesthesia at our facility.
1 year after becoming a coder I sat for the second time to take the CANPC and passed. 1 year and 2 months after becoming a coder I sat and passed the CHONC.
Currently at 1 year 6 months to date and am studying for my next specialty - which is coming up very soon.
My advice is to keep learning and study ALL the time while you are interviewing and no matter what - DON'T GIVE UP!
Take the time to have a new set of eyes look - I MEAN really look at your resume. There is always room for improvement. Are you involved with your local AAPC chapter? Are you networking?
 
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