dcrossman
Networker
- Messages
- 36
- Location
- Brewer, ME
Hello All!
I have recently started teaching a Medical Coding course and my students have lots of questions about getting employed after they get their CPC-A. Most of them have either ZERO experience in a medical field, and a few were either CNA's or MA's several years ago and are just now getting back into the world of medicine.
Obviously, most places want at least 2 years experience. I'm having a hard time keeping them motivated when they think no one will hire them without experience, and they can't get experience without being hired. So I'm trying to gauge what the overall feeling is out there, if you have any suggestions I can pass on to them.
So far, the recommendations I've received has been to have them purchase Practicode through AAPC to remove 1 year from their apprenticeship requirement. Someone suggested they try for positions that would allow them to move laterally (such as billing and then move more into the coding side). I've even been told to have them apply at temp agencies. For those of you who are either in charge of hiring or help with those decisions... is there any advice beyond what I've listed above?
A stellar resume helps but I'm trying to figure out what might get that resume translated into an interview. The reality is they need office/coding experience but I don't know how to help them get that experience.
I don't feel like the market is saturated, but it is hard when the experience factor prevents them from getting experience. I have talked to them about networking and forming friendships in the field that might help if the "friend of a friend" recommendation ever came up, but I'm at a loss. I've given the standard "make sure you link how your skills match the job description" speech.
I just don't know what to tell them... I don't want to discourage them, but I could really use some feedback on what you are seeing out there in the world and any advice or leads you might have.
Additional Note: we are located in Maine and most of my students are looking for remote positions.
Thank you so much in advance, for any suggestions or just general feedback!
I have recently started teaching a Medical Coding course and my students have lots of questions about getting employed after they get their CPC-A. Most of them have either ZERO experience in a medical field, and a few were either CNA's or MA's several years ago and are just now getting back into the world of medicine.
Obviously, most places want at least 2 years experience. I'm having a hard time keeping them motivated when they think no one will hire them without experience, and they can't get experience without being hired. So I'm trying to gauge what the overall feeling is out there, if you have any suggestions I can pass on to them.
So far, the recommendations I've received has been to have them purchase Practicode through AAPC to remove 1 year from their apprenticeship requirement. Someone suggested they try for positions that would allow them to move laterally (such as billing and then move more into the coding side). I've even been told to have them apply at temp agencies. For those of you who are either in charge of hiring or help with those decisions... is there any advice beyond what I've listed above?
A stellar resume helps but I'm trying to figure out what might get that resume translated into an interview. The reality is they need office/coding experience but I don't know how to help them get that experience.
I don't feel like the market is saturated, but it is hard when the experience factor prevents them from getting experience. I have talked to them about networking and forming friendships in the field that might help if the "friend of a friend" recommendation ever came up, but I'm at a loss. I've given the standard "make sure you link how your skills match the job description" speech.
I just don't know what to tell them... I don't want to discourage them, but I could really use some feedback on what you are seeing out there in the world and any advice or leads you might have.
Additional Note: we are located in Maine and most of my students are looking for remote positions.
Thank you so much in advance, for any suggestions or just general feedback!