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for VA coders - Their

Posted: Jan 18, 2012

requirements say that education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If we did not attend an accredited school, can we still apply? It says applicants must only report attendance or degrees from such. So, don't bother reporting if you didn't attend an accredited school? How's that work?

Go in with a CCS and you are a credentialed coder, which matters - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't think where you got your education matters unless you are without credentials and without experience.

If you have credentials, you are hired because of those credentials. It doesn't matter how you got them or where you went to school. You are a credentialed coder with a CCS, which means you know what you are doing. That is not an easy test and employers are impressed when they see that a coder has accomplished it.

Thanks - So

[ In Reply To ..]
So don't even mention where you got your education? Just list your experience and credentials? It says applicants must only report attendance and degrees from accredited schools. Wouldn't want to blow the application for not following government directions!

See message - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
It sounds like they are talking to new graduates with (attendance and degrees), with nothing to offer except their attendance and degrees.

I would just put a very large section for

CREDENTIALS:

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) through AHIMA, January 2012.

Certified Procedural Coder (CPC) through AAPC, October, 2011.

Then leave the rest, education, etc., for them to talk with you about during the interview. When they talk about "attendance" and degrees, they are talking student or new graduate level. You are a step higher than that. You are a credentialed coder! You are a proven entity. That means they aren't taking much of a chance on you as they might be on a new graduate. You are already a success. You are a credentialed coder, a CCS, and also a CPC. The fact that you have passed those tests, particularly the CCS which is a difficult test, tell the interviewer that you know your stuff.

If you have the CPC alone, my advice would be a little different. You probably need to put a category for EDUCATION and include where you studied for your CPC. As someone wrote earlier, there are courses that have prepared students for a CPC in 5 days, or so they say, which is ridiculous, so you want them to know that you took a course that took you long enough to be taken seriously. Is six months enough? It wouldn't be for me if I were hiring, but it may be for some. It is what it is though, so put where you went to school and leave off how long it took you if it was less than a year. Nobody really learns solid coding in less than a year in my opinion, from what I've seen on the job.

Frustrating, I know, but ... - Explanation

[ In Reply To ..]
This can be confusing. Is this on usajobs?

There will be more than one way to qualify ... experience or education ... or a combination of both. Education will only count if it is in the job field and from an accredited institution. You also have to make sure the school name you give comes up in the search on that agency's website. A college that merged might not come up if you use the old form of its name.

A coding course will not give you enough time or a degree that matters anyway. This should not be a problem. This does not so much affect whether they hire you, but the grade at which you start.

On the actual application list only college work that is from that kind of accredited institution. On your RESUME, describe whatever experience and training you have. That includes credentials. Include previous jobs. If there is any part of a previous job that is relevant give dates so they can total the time.

They have to verify credentials so give the number and dates. Include a copy of the latest renewal showing that it is current.

Your application will not be accepted if it is incomplete, so be very careful. Be very honest, too, because they will terminate you if you are not. They do a complete background check.

There is some amount of bureaucracy, yes, but the complex application process does weed out those who cannot deal with technology. The VA is known for the high quality of its healthcare and health informatics. It is mission-driven with a serious focus on caring for the men and women who risked and sometimes lost to keep us free.

Just to point out, the "Wouldn't want to blow government directions" comment is not something I or anyone I know here would say. It does not fit with the organization. "I want to do this the best way" fits. "I see a way we can make this better" also fits. If you have the idea that this is your father's VA, you might want to learn more about us so that you can revise your opinion. If you do not, it might become obvious to the hiring official, and that would not help you.

Good enough for government work is not ok anymore, thank heaven.

Hmm.. - Thank you

[ In Reply To ..]
That is very good to know "we're not in Kansas anymore" and "this is not my mother's job application." I am glad for the advice.

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