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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?
I am curious. How valuable is the CCA? Do employers frown on it over the RHIT?