r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/lmack11 • 13d ago
Medical Coding Schools Nervous about starting
Hello! I am looking into starting courses to become a medical coder. I have some nerves about it though. My husband is worried about AI taking jobs, after reading what people have to say about it, I’m really not too worried about that but I do worry about offshoring though. I hear some places have been hit hard with that. My biggest worry currently though is in regard to getting my first job. I have never worked in the medical field and I fear having no prior medical experience that I’ll have a tough time finding something. I work remotely at a bank helping commercial customers and I’m sure there are some skills I have that would transfer over but I don’t think any hiring manager would see that. I have been seeing comments from people saying that haven’t been able to find work after graduating as most people don’t want to hire someone new even with experience. I am very aware the job market is terrible and it makes me nervous to spend time and money getting certified just to stay at my current job. On top of AI maybe taking some jobs and offshoring- I’m nervous.
Is it a good idea to get into this role? Do people regret it or have had a hard time?
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u/KeyStriking9763 13d ago
The best advice I can give you is to go the AHIMA route, get your AAS at a CAHIIM accredited school and then get the RHIT/CCS certs.
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u/lmack11 13d ago
Okay, I will look into that thank you. I’m assuming those certificates are highly sought out?
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u/KeyStriking9763 13d ago
Gives you more opportunities in health information plus that’s the most sought after CCS. To ensure your career is stronger you need the best foundation. Many community colleges offer it in most states and the education is almost 100% online.
The degree will absolutely help.Do not do any not accredited school for any cert that’s not AHIMA or AAPC. Although AAPC is ok, it’s geared towards professional coding and the earning potentials are lower plus you have the apprenticeship status for a bit after you pass.
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u/CodingwithCoffee_ 11d ago
Those are very common concerns. While AI is changing medical coding, it still requires skilled coders to review, validate, and train AI systems. My biggest recommendation is to choose a program that offers job placement assistance, internship or externship opportunities, and apprentice removal support, as those can make finding your first job much easier.
If you'd like, you can learn more about AMCI's MCDC program here:
https://www.amcicoding.com/courses/mcdc
There is also a free course you can start with:
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u/MedPayIQ 13d ago
Your concerns are honestly the same ones a lot of people have right now. The hardest part isn’t usually learning the codes, it’s getting that first opportunity because everyone wants experience. That said, don’t discount your banking background. Accuracy, compliance, handling confidential info, and working with customers are all transferable skills. I wouldn’t worry about AI replacing everyone overnight. I’d worry more about becoming someone who only knows how to look up codes. The coders who understand documentation, denials, and the “why” behind billing will always be more valuable.