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Coder Is Looking for Work

Posted on: June 3, 2009
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I enjoy receiving ADVANCE. The articles are informative and entertaining. I am writing because I am not able to find work as a non-certified medical coder with no experience. I have applied to the hospitals in my city, but they will not hire me because of the lack of experience. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, an associate of arts degree, a certificate of completion for legal assistant studies and a certificate of completion for medical coding from the American Academy of Professional Coders, of which I am also a member.

I decided to become a coder because I was having problems finding work with an English degree. Because there is supposed to be a shortage of workers in the health care field, I thought that after I completed my training, I could secure work. Unfortunately, no such luck. How do I get experience if you are not willing to hire me? I have to pay bills and cannot spend the rest of my life just sitting here hoping someone will take a chance on me. I don't want to waste more money right now becoming certified without a job, but I will become certified after I find work. I would like to move to another state, but can't afford to do so. I just needed to get this off my chest and let others who might be in my situation know that someone understands what they are going through.

Darcetha Manning

Jefferson City, MO


 

Hi. I have read each of your commments, and you do have good points. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have had employers tell me that my resume is impressive, but they don't have a position available for me. And I have posted my resume on Monster, careerbuilder, Hotjobs, etc., and my personal information was compromised on careerbuilder and Monster, therefore my reluctance to repost on those sites. So, as of now, I have decided to go back to school to become an LPN, because my mother is a registered nurse with a Master's degree in nursing, and we both feel that this would be my best chance of getting my foot in the door in the medical field. And I can understand employers being reluctant to hire someone without experience, when it is easier to hire from within, but this is hurting those out there who do not have experience also. Someone is going to have to take a chance on those of us without experience, because having a college degree only gives you knowledge, and the last time I checked, everyone had to be trained at one point in order to do their jobs.

Darcetha  ManningJuly 21, 2009
Jefferson City, MO

Part of the problem may lie in that you do not have a medical background. It could be easier to train a clerk who earned their coding degree then you, as you would be completely new to the medical office environment. Have you thought of volunteering? Even if its for a few hours a week, it would 1) prove you are a good worker 2) give you experience in a medical office 3) get your name out there amongst health information professionals. Its easier to get your foot in the door if your are already inside the door. With the state of the economy, I can't see many places turning down free work. And HI people are the first to know of openings in the area.

As an aside, you might also want to make sure your credentials and schooling are what the field in your area is looking for. I know in our area, a certain school doesn't have the best reputation, and certain offices look at one degree over another. And do you have a good answer for why you are switching careers? As an employer, I would be afraid you'd leave if an English job did open up. It takes a long time to place a coder and get a return on that investment-make sure you let your potential employer know this is the field you'd stick with.

Good luck with your endeavors!


Kathy Lindstrom, RHITJune 25, 2009
MN

I am a corporate recruiter that consults for large companies across the USA; many of my clients are in the healthcare field.

I believe Darcetha has made a very wise decision in diversifying her background and entering the coding field. As a recruiter in H.R. that hires coders as well as many other allied health professionals I think that Darcetha might be losing out on jobs for a number of reasons, perhaps it is because: The resume isn't good, her ability to interview is lacking, the company prefers to hire coders that are certified.

I say, hang in there! The healthcare industry really needs quality coders.

For a very low fee I can review your resume. I have also written a book that I'm sure will be of benefit. Check out my blogs and other information at: www.KellyStaffingExpert.com

Also, I think you should post your resume on Careerbuilder and other boards. I tried to find your resume on Careerbuilder but did not see it, I also couldn't locate your resume on Linkedin.

Best Wishes,
Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith,  Corporate RecruiterJune 19, 2009

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