Earning a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is a significant step towards a career in medical coding. However, many aspiring coders find that obtaining the certification doesn’t guarantee immediate employment. This article explores effective strategies to leverage your CPC certification and land a coding job.
Beyond Certification: Landing Your First Coding Job
While a CPC certification is highly valued in the medical coding industry, it’s not the sole determinant of success. A multi-pronged approach, combining networking, a strong resume, and a comprehensive job search, is crucial.
Networking: Tap into Your Connections
Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and potential job leads. Connect with coders, hiring managers, and industry experts through online platforms like LinkedIn, attend industry events, and reach out to your local AAPC chapter. Building relationships can open doors to unadvertised opportunities and provide valuable mentorship.
Resume Refinement: Highlight Relevant Skills
A well-crafted resume is essential for showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. Consider consulting a professional resume writer specializing in medical coding. They can help you tailor your resume to emphasize relevant experience and highlight transferable skills from previous healthcare roles.
Broaden Your Job Search: Explore Diverse Opportunities
While inpatient facility coding might require specific credentials beyond the CPC, numerous other avenues exist. Consider exploring profee coding positions within physician groups affiliated with hospital systems. These roles often utilize the CPC credential.
Consider Risk Adjustment Coding: An Alternative Path
Risk adjustment coding presents another viable option, particularly for entry-level coders. Many risk adjustment positions welcome CPC-A certified individuals and provide on-the-job training. This field often offers competitive salaries and potential for remote work, with experienced coders earning $25-$30 per hour or more.
Finding the Right Fit: Aligning Your Skills and Goals
If you’re aiming for a specific hospital system, heed feedback from their coding department managers. While the CPC might not be directly applicable to inpatient coding, it can be valuable for other roles within the organization.
Persistence and Patience: Keys to Success
Landing your first coding job requires persistence and a proactive approach. Leverage your CPC certification, network strategically, refine your resume, and explore diverse opportunities within the medical coding field. By combining these strategies, you’ll significantly increase your chances of finding the right coding position. Remember, obtaining the CPC is just the first step; continued effort and a strategic approach are essential for achieving your career goals.
