I actually do have a bucket list of sorts and medical coding has been on that list for a year or so now. For most of that time it seemed to be something so far out of reach or something I would do sometime, when I had the time, money and energy. You know... all of those things we think we need to accomplish even the smallest of tasks. There just came a point in my life recently when I decided I can't wait for the perfect time anymore. The perfect time really is now!
There is a training course offered by the college in our area but last time I saw it offered in the paper I just didn't have the cash on hand to sign up. At the time it was rather depressing but I figured I'd catch the next one. Almost a year later and it seems like it was only a once in a while type deal since I hadn't seen it listed again.
Luckily, a co-worker of mine decided to get into medical coding and started the year long online program though Career Step. We got to talking and it sounded like such a great program and much better than anything I'd seen offered in the area.
Career Step is partnered with AHIMA, The American Health Information Management Association, who I would be needing to get certified through to be hired as a medical coder. She highly recommended it so I decided to go for it!
There is a training course offered by the college in our area but last time I saw it offered in the paper I just didn't have the cash on hand to sign up. At the time it was rather depressing but I figured I'd catch the next one. Almost a year later and it seems like it was only a once in a while type deal since I hadn't seen it listed again.
Luckily, a co-worker of mine decided to get into medical coding and started the year long online program though Career Step. We got to talking and it sounded like such a great program and much better than anything I'd seen offered in the area.
Career Step is partnered with AHIMA, The American Health Information Management Association, who I would be needing to get certified through to be hired as a medical coder. She highly recommended it so I decided to go for it!
I am loving the courses so far. There are a total of 16 courses I have to complete and pass tests on before I can move on and ultimately be prepared to pass the certification exam given by AHIMA. Currently I am half way through the second course and I am enjoying it a lot. Right now I am going through material that I have a pretty good handle on already since I do medical billing for a living but I am very optimistic and excited for the future.
It has been quite some time since I had a "Life Plan" for myself so it has really put some color into my hopes and dreams for myself and my family. Speaking of family, I now have one that this will benefit as well. I think that is what excites me the most. I will be able to earn a lot more with a medical coding position especially if it is something that is combined with billing. It is good to know that in the end my family will be able to have everything we need. We will be able to save up for a house, college for the kids, trips, etc. That is a pretty big motivator that I didn't have earlier in life and I am so grateful to have them in it now, not only for that reason but to also share a truly wonderful life together.
It has been quite some time since I had a "Life Plan" for myself so it has really put some color into my hopes and dreams for myself and my family. Speaking of family, I now have one that this will benefit as well. I think that is what excites me the most. I will be able to earn a lot more with a medical coding position especially if it is something that is combined with billing. It is good to know that in the end my family will be able to have everything we need. We will be able to save up for a house, college for the kids, trips, etc. That is a pretty big motivator that I didn't have earlier in life and I am so grateful to have them in it now, not only for that reason but to also share a truly wonderful life together.
Eventually I'll be able to work from home as a remote coder. That would just be the life! I'd be able to be a stay at home mom that works full time! How great would that be? Amazing as far as I'm concerned - Especially if we are able to conceive within the next few years.
If you are thinking about medical coding, or something similar (Career step offers a few other training programs), I highly recommend going through Career Step. It is all done online, there are instructors readily available by phone, chat and email at any time and although the program is designed to be completed in 4 months if you are studying full time, they give you access for a full year so you can work at your own pace and revisit the material over and over again to make sure you are fully prepared for the certification exam. Not to mention the text books are all included and shipped to you free of charge.
If you are thinking about medical coding, or something similar (Career step offers a few other training programs), I highly recommend going through Career Step. It is all done online, there are instructors readily available by phone, chat and email at any time and although the program is designed to be completed in 4 months if you are studying full time, they give you access for a full year so you can work at your own pace and revisit the material over and over again to make sure you are fully prepared for the certification exam. Not to mention the text books are all included and shipped to you free of charge.
Career Step also has a referral program, so if you do decide to enroll PLEASE enter my referral code: ref36375 during your enrollment process (there is a specific spot for it, can't miss it!). It would mean a lot to me and my family as the rewards for referral are pretty terrific!
Below is an info-graphic about it if you are really interested:
Below is an info-graphic about it if you are really interested:
Anyway, I am not trying to sell you on it (completely), I am just really excited for this new chapter in our lives. The kids have been great about it and know that this year they will be helping out with a few extra chores here and there to help Mom out while she studies. I absolutely love my family and I don't think I could have taken this leap without them.
My parents and brother have also been a major support to me and I am so grateful to be part of such a supportive family. I am also overwhelmingly grateful for my grandparents. They left all of us grand kids some money for things like this and I would not have been able to do this debt free without that help. They all have believed in me my entire life and now it is time for me to believe in myself.
Thank you everyone for your support and love you have expressed to me about this. It really is such an encouragement and I can't wait to get finished!
My parents and brother have also been a major support to me and I am so grateful to be part of such a supportive family. I am also overwhelmingly grateful for my grandparents. They left all of us grand kids some money for things like this and I would not have been able to do this debt free without that help. They all have believed in me my entire life and now it is time for me to believe in myself.
Thank you everyone for your support and love you have expressed to me about this. It really is such an encouragement and I can't wait to get finished!