Career Development and Certification

Avenues for career advancement in medical billing and coding. You’ll learn about professional certifications, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and their significance in the industry. We’ll also explore opportunities for specialization and offer guidance on networking, job searching, and resume building to help you embark on a successful career in medical billing and coding.

Certifications are designated credentials earned by an individual to verify their legitimacy and competence to perform a job. Your certification is typically displayed as a document stating that as a professional, you’ve been trained, educated and are prepared to meet a specific set of criteria for your role. This statement is awarded only after you’ve passed the proper assessments administered by a recognized third-party credentialing institution.

Certifications vs. licensure

Professional certifications are typically earned through a professional organization or educational institution. If you find that credentialing is required by law before practicing your job, this is called licensure. Licensure is different than professional certification in that for one, it’s required by law, as stated above, and it’s also obtained through a state agency. In many cases, the processes to become certified strongly resemble the processes of becoming licensed, often only differing only in terms of legality.

The importance of choosing a trustworthy-credentialing body

Credentials are often treated as currency in that they can be used to gain favor among clients or prospective employers and can be built upon for exponential growth. For credentials to be taken at face value, the credentialing institutions from which they’re acquired must be a universally-trusted body.

Employers must be able to trust that credentialing materials remain accurate and up to date, and use top-quality content. These institutions are trusted to set the standards of an industry and develop the necessary training to prepare individuals to enter or advance in the field of work they’re trained in.

Certification as a complement to education

Professional certification is not a replacement for accredited degree work, but instead is supposed to complement your education or professional experience in your field. Once you’ve earned a certification, you are given a designation that you can use after your name as a way to distinguish certified professionals from their uncertified peers.

To keep your certification, the administering organization will ask for proof that you’ve obtained the required continuing education periodically (typically one to five years, depending on the certification) before you are allowed to renew your certification.

Benefits of certification

Obtaining professional certification displays your dedication to your profession and provides verification that you’re well-trained to effectively use the tools of your industry. Taking the time and effort to obtain these certifications can show potential employers that you are a valuable contributor to your profession and help you gain recognition for your commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.

The top advantages of becoming certified in your profession, the tools of your industry or within your company include:

• Competitive advantage
• Efficiency
• Earning potential
• Expand knowledge and skills
• Professional credibility

Competitive advantage

When you pursue professional certifications in your field, you are giving yourself a head start that your competition may not have. This can make you stand out among other applicants when looking for a job, and even be the determining factor in getting promoted over someone else.

It’s important to seize every available advantage in today’s competitive market, so be sure to keep yourself up to date on advancements in tools of your profession to stay ahead of your competition.

Efficiency

Beginning your career with the foundation that professional certifications provide means that you’re already ahead. The extra training, exclusive information and advanced knowledge gained from the additional training can ensure that you’re ready for employment and require less training than other recruits.

Employers appreciate this efficiency and forethought, as it saves them money and valuable resources. Overall, earning professional certifications helps you to maximize your efficiency and effectiveness from day one.