Wiki How is it possible to get hired as a coder when they require coding experience as a prerequisite????

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Hi all,
I am currently studying at AAPC for my CPC certification.
I recently spoke with an HR recruiter at NYU in New York and explained my situation, that I am looking for work in the revenue cycle while studying for my CPC certification at AAPC.
Surprisingly, the conversation left me a bit unsettled and discouraged. I am actually not sure whether I am wasting my time studying for my CPC certification.

The NYU recruiter told me a few things that were very concerning and she asked me to ask the school a few questions.
1) She said AI will be taking over most of medical coding, so I should be careful about pursuing jobs that may be obsolete in the near future. Is this true?????
2) She said although the school will provide a certification and 'say that I have two years experience in coding' , most employers are looking for actual work experience in the field.
So I would need to acquire that work experience somehow.
3) The recruiter advised that I look at job postings for Medical Coder, see what requirements they ask for, and make sure that I will be ready to hit the ground running with those requirements after I get my CPC certification.

Now, I ask, how the hec are you supposed to acquire experience when every job post REQUIRES EXPERIENCE!!

AAPC Customer Service responded to me in an email:
"The CPC course gives you a solid foundation for entry-level coding jobs. After passing the CPC exam, you’ll receive the CPC-A (Apprentice) credential. To remove the “A” and become a full CPC, you must have two years of professional coding experience, including two years of coding in a job setting. This experience must be verified with official documentation."

My question to all....
In my research and conversations with recruiters and hiring managers in the healthcare field, there is no such thing as an 'entry level coding position'.
This makes it extremely difficult to compete with other applicants who have work experience in various specialties, especially in a highly competitive area like New York City.
Furthermore, I am finding it almost impossible to get my 'no-experience-resume' past ATS systems and in front of a 'live person' for consideration, let alone an interview.

The impression was made to me prior to enrollment that the CPC course, along with Practicum course, will be viewed by employers as equivalent to two years working experience in coding.
Is this no longer the case? What changed?

Now AAPC is telling me that I need an additional two years actual job setting experience as a coder in order to land a job coding?
How is it possible to get hired as a coder when they require coding experience as a prerequisite???? Makes no sense.

I am getting the feeling like this is becoming an impossible persuit.
Why am I getting conflicting information?
I need to find work that will prepare me and acclimate me into the healthcare revenue cycle so I can transition into coding when I become certified. Please advise on how to do this.
Unfortunately, I am hearing from too many AAPC students and graduates that they are still looking for work after they've earned their CPC certification.
Please help!

Thank you!
Enrico
 
There are entry level coding jobs but I think for most organizations, coding is not an entry level position. With Practicode, I think it is pretty clear that it counted as work experience towards removing the "A" and that employers may not consider that to be work experience.

This is just my opinion - entry level coding positions are the most at risk of being lost to AI. For some organizations AI is already doing the initial coding to be reviewed by experienced coders and auditors. Experienced coders will be needed to give feedback to "teach" the AI. I think it will be years before it completely replaces coders. That being said, I think it would be wise for coders to try think one step ahead of it and work towards that next step. Coders can hone their skills to become auditors for example. Roles will evolve and new roles will be created. The people who will be left behind are those who are not willing to roll with the changes. Again, this is my opinion.

I think working with a recruiter is a good idea because you can avoid the HR algorithms that look for anything that will automatically disqualify you. You may need to work with several recruiters. It might be helpful for you to look beyond coding and talk to the recruiter about jobs that require coding knowledge or something similar. Get a start in billing. That will expose you to codes and help with the work requirement for coding jobs. I got my dream job thru a recruiter because of my billing and coding background. I work in IT, I don't code or bill for this job, but I understand the revenue cycle and I can "speak the language". There are opportunities for aspiring coders who are not dead set on being traditional coders.
 
I'm having the same exact problem here in central VA. Everything I did to prepare for earning my certification oversold how "simple and easy" it would be to find employment. I can't find anything at all, and I have invested so much money into this. Frustrated, and not sure where to turn....
 
I'm having the same exact problem here in central VA. Everything I did to prepare for earning my certification oversold how "simple and easy" it would be to find employment. I can't find anything at all, and I have invested so much money into this. Frustrated, and not sure where to turn....
Yep, same story. I've written to the school several times to get their input and assistance. The 'sell' was that the healthcare industry is BOOMING at 11%/year and Coders are in much need by everyone. In fact, there are not enough to go around because of all the new patients, and doctors cannot keep up. That was the pitch. I just started the Coding course. Passed Anatomy. Now looking to get entry level work in the revenue cycle to prep me for when I earn my CPC certification. Well, after talking to some Recruiters as wellas to students and grad here, I am getting a bad feeling about this path.
And all you have to do is a little google searching about how AI is taking over everything in almost every industry! I am on the fence now on how to proceed. I need a job so I am still looking. Just not sure if I will waste my time pursuing this CPC certification. Waiting for the school to respond. I may just ask for my money back!
 
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