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CCS Without RHIT (Considering Andrews) - MT2Coder
Posted: Feb 26, 2011
Coders: In a situation where a new graduate of a program has the CCS but not the RHIT, do you believe this would be an obstacle to finding employment? I notice some jobs say CCS or RHIT and some want both.
I am weighing the pros and cons between attending a program that I know will prepare me to pass the CCS (Andrews) versus a program to earn a degree that will make me eligible to take the RHIT and, hopefully, pass the CCS.
For background, I am a medical transcriptionist and also will graduate with a bachelor's degree in behavioral science and health later this year. The degree prepares you to do nothing other than to go on to more specialized training at a graduate level. I am just returning to finish what I started in my 20s with that degree but do not have the delusion it prepares me with marketable skills. It will, however, look nice on my resume.
With a CCS alone, will I be marketable? I would especially value any input from "RedPen" but appreciate anyone's time in giving me a straightforward answer.
depends on what you want to do - CCS
[ In Reply To ..]RHIT prepares you for a wide range of duties in a medical records department. CCS is coding. I have seen coding jobs that require a CCS also, even if you have an RHIT. Some say CCS or RHIT. Some say RHIT required, but I believe those would be for more duties than just coding alone. It all depends on what you want to do. If you want to go into coding, I would go with the CCS and/or CPC. With a CCS alone, yes you will be marketable if you can get experience in, because that is what they want. Read down through this thread, there are a lot of discussions on this. Also, do you know what coding entails? Make sure it is something you want to do!
Thanks - MT2Coder
[ In Reply To ..]Thanks so much. Yes, I am quite familiar with what coding entails.
I was fortunate as an MT and found a good job right after graduation but I have a lot of friends who went to different schools and were not so lucky so I am being extremely cautions about not making that mistake with coding; attending school, getting the certification (yes, I know the difference in certification and a certificate)and not being able to get a job because I do not have the experience. I want to set myself up for success and not for being a CCS and still working as an MT. Long term, I want to earn the RHIA.
My absolute ideal scenario would be to complete a coding program while still working as an MT, earn the CCS, work as a coder while completeing a bachelor's and preparing to pass the RHIA.
What it really boils down to right now is that I cannot support my family on an MT salary. MT is great as a secondary income but not for supporting a big family. Working my behind off and being on food stamps and medicaid is not how I want to live. I am educated and smart and can do a heck of a lot better than this, I just need to make some wise decisions to make that happen.
sounds - jm
[ In Reply To ..]Sounds like you have a great plan. Just need to make the decision of how. Good luck! Please let us know the route you decide to go in the end!
Answer - Redpen
[ In Reply To ..]MT2Coder, I emailed you with a response. This is the response I received from you: "I refuse to read any of the trash coming to an e-mail account I created several years ago. If you're e-mail has arrived here, it will not be read."
Well now, isn't that embarrassing. - MT2Coder
[ In Reply To ..]I am so sorry, RedPen. That was a rude reply and I so sincerely apologize. I also want you to know it was an automated reply. I created that e-mail account at least 3 years ago to ask a few questions anonymously on boards like this. I got some extremely nasty replies to that e-mail account for asking questions about the state of the MT industry and such (I was contemplating leaving school). I created an automated reply and never checked that e-mail again. I used it here because it was already a confirmed e-mail. Again, I am so embarrased and truly sorry. Even if it was automated and not personal to you, you're such a wonderful and helpful person in our industry and I am absolutely MORTIFIED you received something rude from me. If you'll excuse me I am going to go hide in my corner now.
Many of us have had similar situations - Emphathizing with you
[ In Reply To ..]I'm not Redpen, but I sure understand your automated message. I want to put one on my telephone that tells people what I think when they call me uninvited. For example this week I got a phone directory, which I didn't want. Then I got a phone call telling me to press #1 if I got it, #2 if I didn't get it, #3 if I didn't get the extra ads. Finally, I hit #1 just to get rid of them. Then another message started, "If your directory was in good condition, press..." and I just hung up.
I don't like getting sales calls and/or sales e-mail unless I requested them. Don't even get me started on the topic of abuse of e-mail, message boards, and telephones.
So, did you get the email? - Redpen
[ In Reply To ..]Well, it was a bit of a shock so early in the morning, but it happens! Better to find out now than to have an employer find it for you!
So, were you able to retrieve my email from that funky account? Let me know. I don't want it to go to waste. You'll definitely find the information in it useful.
No - jm
[ In Reply To ..]No, it would not be an obstacle at all. Yes, with a CCS alone you will be marketable. I also came from MT and went on to coding. I have a CCS and CPC-H. I was lucky enough to get work at the same place I was MTng but have since applied to other jobs and was always offered a position. No RHIT needed to be marketable for most coding positions.
Glad to hear it. Thanks! - nm
[ In Reply To ..]nm
That's good to know. Thanks for posting! - nm
[ In Reply To ..]nm
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