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Andrews School -- job - Jody

Posted: Sep 19, 2012

I am an MT who was laid off from my job and I am seriously considering coding school. So far, I am leaning towards Andrews, they sound the best. My question is, will I be able to find a job that pays well afterwards? I have looked at a few job postings online in my area and it looks like entry level coders are only 10 bucks an hour. This concerns me as I don't want to put out a lot of money for coding school if I am not going to be making much money. Also, so many of the postings say must have at least 3 years experience before they will hire you. I don't want to make a mistake and go into this field if I can't make things better for myself and it is just another dead end. Thanks.

You'll have to work at getting the first job, but you can do it - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
It isn't going to be easy finding the right first coding job. It's going to take some what we used to call 'burning shoe leather' out looking for a job. Now you'll do most of it online, which makes it a lot easier, but still hard work.

Most of the coding jobs include benefits, which is a definite plus that you don't always find with MT.

No matter what job you decide to switch to out of MT, there's probably going to be a stretch of time when you think you made the wrong choice and will never find a job. That's when some people will give up and others won't. You just have to keep analyzing your job search technique until you do find someone who is willing to offer you that first job. If you have a CCS, and maybe a CPC, but definitely a CCS (the CCA isn't helpful and a CPC by itself isn't enough), but if you have those top CCS credentials, that will make finding a job a lot easier. Not easy. Nothing is easy and probably never was. It will save you lots of time and effort because you will have proof that you are a professional coder. You are a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). I think most of Andrews graduates do that right out of school. If they don't, they should. It's the smart thing to do. Graduates of most schools aren't prepared for the CCS test, so since Andrews grads are, they should take advantage of it as soon after graduating as they can. They probably won't find work until they do. Also, you start forgetting some of what you've learned and lose confidence a few months after graduating from any class. Get the best education. Get the credentials. Practice your interview skills. Have a good resume. Apply everywhere. You'll do fine!!! You're already off to a great start with Andrews.

Also - Inquiring minds

[ In Reply To ..]
Keep in mind that even though you may start with a lower paying job, you won't stay there once you become experienced and get your credentials, there are a lot of job opportunities for coders.

Similar Messages:

Nov 13, 2012

This may not be the right board, but I thought I would put it here. I have been interested in taking the coding course through Andrews for over a year now. I was just wondering if that is the way to go or if I should take a different course that they are now offering. They now offer billing and medical management. I know that medical transcription is out because I am already a transcriptionist and that is not going well. Any and all advice is welcome. Thank you. ...

Nov 08, 2013

I need financial aid. Andrews doesn't accept Pell grants. etc. Currently I'm on unemployment. Been unemployed for about 2 months now. Have been an MT for 37 years. I applied for WIA funds (workforce investiment act) and included info about Andrews and medical coding in general, i.e., what it is, etc. They won't pay for Andrews or coding for that matter because they say:(1) Its a work at home job. (2) Its an online program and they ca ...

Feb 12, 2014

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Apr 29, 2014

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Feb 10, 2015

If I could choose a school right now for coding, Andrews would be first choice. I was hoping that someone could share some suggestions for paying for the course. Right now AAPC is having a "sale" on their course which is now 50% off. From my research, though, I think that would not be my first choice, but is muc more affordable than Andrews. Has anyone used any of the Andrews payment plans? How did that work out for you? The cost seems prohibitive to me, but I ...

May 10, 2010

Does the Andrews School curriculum go beyond what the AHIMA teaches? I ask this question with the following (in quotations) in mind. "One common misunderstanding is that you will be ready to take the CCS exam once you complete your academic training and that is incorrect. You will be qualified to sit for the CCA exam upon completing your training program. The CCS and CCS-P are mastery credentials and reflect two to three years of full time coding experience beyond the academic preparatio ...

Jul 13, 2010

Hey everybody, I am having a problem getting onto the Andrews School website. Is anybody else having the same problem? I wanted to check into their coding courses, but every time I go to the website, I get a message telling me that internet explorer could not open the website. I 'm wondering if it's down, or is it something in my computer? Any help would be appreciated! TIA! ...

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Dec 19, 2010

Andrews School of Medical Coding and Transcription........... Just wanted to say a few words about Andrews School of Coding. 3 years ago I finished an AHIMA accredited program for Health Information, going through the program I realized there were some gaps that I needed to fill in on the coding end. I love AHIMA and being part of the organizaiton, and look forward to working in the field for a long time. What I am finding with Andrews is that they offer an indepth, hands on training spe ...

Apr 07, 2011

Looking at coding schools. I saw a few here went to Andrews. Seems to be a thorough course, albeit expensive. Did you get your money's worth? We you able to find a job after getting credentialed and did the course prepare you well for credential testing? Those of you who are MTs, could you opt out of certain classes? What made you choose Andrews? Would it be better to take the course through AHIMA or AAPC, why/why not? How long would it take to go thro ...

Aug 10, 2011

I am wondering if there are any current Andrews grads/students who would be willing to discuss their experiences in and out of the program. I have already spoken with Linda at length, and am now looking for an "in the trenches" perspective. Thanks! ...

May 26, 2012

I've read so much on this forum trying to get some good information on which school to go with, and all I can find is Andrews, Andrews, Andrews! How can it be the only school that anybody seems willing to recommend? Is the forum just overrun with Andrews students or is it truly the only school that anyone knows of that prepares you for the CCS exam upon graduation? How can that be? And believe me, I'm not criticizing the school or anyone for their opinion, I jus ...

Sep 14, 2012

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Aug 03, 2013

I was wondering what the best coding school is, other than Andrews? ...

May 14, 2015

I am an MT. I really want to do the Andrews School, but probably from being an MT, I just feel beaten down and depressed and I am afraid to be taken advantage of. On this site, there are so many people who went to Andrews and got such wonderful jobs and it gets such great reviews. This makes me think, could this really be true???? Or are all these just Andrews School employees? I am so worried to spend the money on it, I am not even sure I can come up ...

Nov 15, 2011

I am looking into moving into Coding as a profession. I will be talking to Interface Computer School this afternoon as they have a billing/coding class (just asking questions right now), but I am hearing so much of Andrews. I know this is an online course. I feel a little nervous about not having a teacher in front of me. Can anyone tell me about Andrews, what to expect, how hard is it really (sounds pretty strict on grades, etc on the web page) how well communication is and if yo ...

Jul 29, 2012

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Nov 20, 2013

Okay -- I think I've made my decision to not go back to my local community college after I finish ICD-9 fall semester. I just don't feel it is giving me what I need, and it is not preparing me to pass anything. Most of the students in my class are taking coding as just another class they have to pass so they can move on to something else. I am paying a lot of money because I'm out of state, and I don't feel like I'm getting value. I've n ...

Jan 27, 2010

Anyone know if Career Step or Andrews is a good school? I'm trying to decide on which one to go to. ...

Sep 04, 2012

Hi. I am very interested in attending Andrews school for coding. The only problem is I may not be able to pay in full at the time of enrollment. Has anyone done the payment option and if so how did it work for you? Thanks. ...

May 09, 2010

For 3800.00 I would think they should be accredited most definitely. ...

May 11, 2010

do they include anatomy? ...

Dec 21, 2011

:) ...

Jun 24, 2014

I was wondering if anyone has ever gone through Allied School in California for billing & coding. If so, how was your experience? Were you able to find work in coding after finishing the course and getting your certification? I have been a medical transcriptionist for the past 10-11 years and am now looking at getting into coding. My best friend and I are going to take a course together. If you wouldn't recommend Allied as a school, who would you reco ...

Sep 22, 2011

I am an MT who is considering going to school for coding. I am thinking about taking the course through Andrews and will probably start next year because I will have to save up some of the money. I am wondering if you think coding may eventually go the way of medical transcription and be outsourced to India. I do not think it will so I just wanted to get the opinions of other coders. I realize it will be a hard course but I think it will be worth the effort. Any thoughts would be appre ...

Jun 03, 2010

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Oct 06, 2012

I'm considering Andrews coding, but would love some feedback for those who enrolled that had no medical or MT background. I have very little medical background and it seems the MT's are favored as they are more familiar with terminology. For those enrolled how do you like the course? Do you find the course interesting? I already know its challenging! Thanks for any info you can provide! ...

Feb 05, 2015

I'm trying to do as much research as possible into changing careers from MT to coding, and I've narrowed down my two choices of schools to Andrews and CCO (CodingCertificate.Org). According to CCO's website, they now offer courses that will prepare you to take the CCS exam. I've heard positive things about CCO, but I've also heard positive things about Andrews, and how thorough it is, but also that it's very difficult. I would love to hear either f ...

May 11, 2010

Okay, so after much debate and research, I enrolled in Andrews course for coding yesterday! :) Now I'm just waiting for my materials to arrive, reading over my 1st set of instructions, and trying to navigate my way through loads of information on the student forum. All I can say is WOW. I think this course is going to be wonderful and very challenging. I'm actually a bit overwhelmed at the moment! LOL! But I'm excited! ...

May 23, 2010

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