The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for medical billing and coding specialists to increase by 15% from 2014 to 2024. The medical field is one of the most stagnant fields, even in times of high unemployment rates. People will always require medical care and services, making a medical administration degree a great educational option. If you are thinking about going back to school to further your career, you will find the medical industry to be a very fulfilling and successful choice.
What do medical workers do?
The specific day to day of your job upon graduation will depend on many factors, including type of degree, level of medical assistant training, and the specific medical program you enrolled in. For example, medical billing and coding specialists will spend a lot of their work day coding insurance companies and collecting payment from patients. They will learn about different medical coverages and specific state codes, including medical billing and coding requirements in Florida. The specific medical billing and coding requirements in Florida will differ from other states, making a state specific program important.
Additionally, your work environment will also depend on the type of medical industry you pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 60% of medical assistants work in doctors? offices. You may also notice a lot of cross over between the different medical specialties. For example, a medical assistant may also be expected to understand the specific medical billing and coding requirements in Florida.
How much school is required?
The amount of school required will also depend on the same factors that dictate your day to day in the industry. Medical billing and coding schools often have curriculums that provide certification. This differs from a traditional four year college program in a couple ways. You will not obtain a degree, but instead a certification. However, you will not be required to take irrelevant classes and much of your academic work will be hands on experiences.
These experiences tend to better prepare you for the day to day tasks of the medical biller and coder. You will also save a ton of money by only taking classes that are relevant for your expected career in the medical industry. The average trade school degree costs $33,000, while a bachelor?s degree can cost around $127,000. That is a savings of $94,000!
What if I cannot find a job?
Attending college does not always guarantee that you will find employment immediately upon graduation. However, it does improve your chances and it makes you more competitive against other candidates. Some employment positions require a minimum degree or certification to even be considered. Medical billing schools provide you with much more than the education you need. They also provide you with networking assistance and employment assistance. If you still find it difficult to land a job, it may be helpful to expand your networking abilities and take advantage of interview coaching services. There are jobs out there, you just have to know how to find them.
The medical industry is steadily increasing in terms of employment opportunities. It is a great career field to consider. Finding employment in the medical industry as a medical assistant or medical billing and coder does not require obtaining a medical degree. In fact, the certification can be completed in just a couple of years. Medical coding programs teach you state specific requirements, such as the medical billing and coding requirements in Florida to ensure that you are well informed. Medical industry workers have a variety of job options and job environments to choose from, and these options will only continue to increase as the medical field rapidly grows.
