If you want to fast track your career in health care but don’t have clinical training or years of medical experience, then you need to get a degree in medical billing.
A medical billing degree will help you advance your career in healthcare. Fortunately, there are many online degree programs, making it easier for you to obtain your degree in a couple of months. Below are some of the reasons you may want to consider getting an online degree in medical billing.
The Advantages of a Medical Billing Degree
Medical billing is a good field for anyone who wants to enter the healthcare industry. First of all, it is easy to get started, and more interesting opportunities await you as you gain experience and enhance your skills. When you have a medical billing degree, you will have the chance to enjoy a lot of benefits that come with this amazing job.
Competitive Pay
You will begin to earn a handsome salary as a medical billing expert after some training. Medical billing clerks and health information technicians receive an average salary of $39, 180 – according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Security
After completing your medical billing degree, you will never have to worry about being jobless again. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the field may grow by 13 % through 2026, increasing the total number of jobs to approximately 234,000. With the aging US population, the demand for services offered by medical billing technicians will rise even more in the following years.
Flexibility
If you would like to work in the healthcare field without working several hours as doctors or nurses do, the best thing to do is to get a medical billing degree. Normally, medical billing professionals can work part-time or flexible hours if they like. This implies that you will have a better work-life balance than other professionals in the medical field.
Clinical Work Is Not Required
Like a lot of people, you may also be interested in the medical field but don’t like carrying out medical procedures or working with patients. The interesting thing is, medical billing and coding degree do not require clinical work. So, you will not have to do any medical tasks or witness any procedures.
Start Working Immediately
Unlike other medical degrees that require several years of training and education, beginning a career as a medical billing technician is as simple as completing an online training program.
You may get more options by obtaining an associate degree. Online certificate or diploma programs can be obtained in just one month. And you don’t need to take an exam to receive a license.
A Medical billing career only requires a few months of education
In the time past, people who want to pursue a career in medical billing would need to look for vocational schools and colleges offering relevant training and be there in person. Although on-campus diplomas, certifications, and degree programs are still very much around, many of them are offered online and can be obtained more easily and quickly.
If you want to obtain a medical billing degree or diploma, you only need a couple of months. An online medical billing diploma program takes less than three months to complete, according to Medical Billing & Coding Certification.
You may also decide to get an associate degree once you have completed all the coursework to become a medical billing expert. This normally takes two years, but it will take four years if you want a bachelor’s degree.
Although it is not required by most employers, you can also get certification from a well-known organization, like the American Health and Information Management Association or the American Academy Professional Coders. You will be qualified to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist exam once you have the necessary work experience. This examination will allow you to get a physician-based or hospital-based certification.
Possible Careers in Medical Billing
You have a great career ahead of you once you obtain a degree in medical billing and coding. According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the medical billing field employs more than 206,000 individuals in the United States. This figure may increase to 27,800 within the next six years, which means that demand for medical health specialists will continue to increase in the future.
Here are some of the careers people pursue after getting an online medical billing degree:
Medical Assistant: If you would like to work inpatient care, an online degree in medical billing will allow you to become a medical assistant. Note that you need to undergo a training program that involves clinical and laboratory experiences in order to work as a medical assistant.
Medical Transcriptionist: The job of medical transcriptionists is to transcribe the doctor’s order and notes.
Dental Assistant: Dental Assistants offer patient care, schedule appointments, and handle various aspects of record keeping. You are going to need one year of extra training to do this.
Pharmacy Technician: A lot of people who get started with medical billing switch to the pharmaceutical field later on. Pharmacy technician is a good role you can go for when pursuing an entry-level position.
Medical and Health Services Manager: The job of this professional is to plan, supervise, and coordinate services in various medical settings.
Starting your Medical Billing Carrier
The number step to begin a career of continuous advancements is to get an online degree in medical billing. You may then move to a managerial or administrative role in the future. Alternatively, you may choose to refocus and start working with patients.
No matter what your future goals are, an online degree in medical billing is the first step to take. It will let you know about the healthcare industry, help you build experience, and allow you to gain the relevant skills you will need to climb up the ladder.
If you wish to become a medical billing and coding specialist, it is important that you earn a degree, certificate, or diploma in the field. And online programs are the best options if you are looking for flexibility.
Therefore, it is recommended that you search for online programs offering the degree and diplomas you desire. You can research online to weigh your options and select a program that fits your schedule and availability. You will start applying for medical billing jobs in no time.
It is also good to remain updated about the new trend, and we recommend that you compare a couple of options before making a decision. You need to do research online since it is the simplest and best way to weigh up the available options.
