Why? - Coder Posted: Aug 9th, 2015 - 7:30 pm In Reply to: EHR classes - SmallMT
Why do you think that you would have trouble getting a job in coding as an "older person"?
I think getting a job in coding is a lot easier than getting a job in other fields. The average age of students in coding and HIM is higher than other fields. Maturity is valued, there are no issues related to physical stamina, few employers care about looks (and you would not want to work for the ones that do!!!), and there are remote jobs available where no one sees you.
I know lots of coders in their 60s and 70s. No one cares if you can do the job. There aren't a lot of young chicks around to snag the jobs first, because coding is too introverted to be appealing as a young person's career, and it is too difficult for people who do not already have medical background like yours.
With ICD-10, the shortage of coders is worsening, particularly for AHIMA-credentialed coders.
That is not to say that getting a coding job will be easy. You will need good preparation from a course that qualifies for the AHIMA exams and offers enough material for you to pass the CCS if you want a good shot at a remote job. There are companies that are hiring newly credentialed CCS coders from one school (and not into a training program or internship). They are not interested if you only have a CCA, and many employers will not hire inexperienced CPCs, either.
This might be more than you planned to invest in a new career, but it is a way to change careers without dealing with ageism. It also might appeal to others here.
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