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Expert opinions on online schools please - Kelly

Posted: Jan 07, 2015

I need some expert opinions please on online schools for both coding and billing courses for my daughter. She is looking into Andrews, Keiser, Rasmussen and Ashworth. We do understand these are separate courses, billing and coding. She is leaning toward Keiser University because they offer financial aid and assistance, however it is expensive. We have read the excellent reviews about Andrews but worry about no financial aid such as grants or student loans. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Question - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
You are comparing a Harry and David Ambrosia apple, two mealy red delicious, and a moldy lemon wedge.

Personally, I think you should be thrilled beyond belief that Andrews has no financial aid. It is an honest school. It does not exist to saddle your daughter with loans that will destroy her life and which can never be repaid. If you are not aware of the federal investigation into schools and loans, you need to do some googling.

Andrews does offer a 2-year payment plan, and that is a lot better deal than you think. The training is excellent and job-focused.

It might help if you explain what your daughter wants to do. How old is she, how mature, and are you doing this because she can't hold a job or has other problems? I ask that because 3 of the programs are go-to choices for troubled students who cannot get accepted to regular community colleges. If immaturity or emotional problems were an issue, it would have a bearing on her ability to succeed at Andrews, and, indeed, in coding.

Question reply - Kelly

[ In Reply To ..]
All I can say is wow to your reply. I just asked for an opinion about schools, didn't know I had to give a life history about my daughter. Obviously Andrews is the best choice. By the way there are no emotional problems or behavior problems here, just a mature young woman looking to further advance her knowledge in her career. Thanks for your info.

Why is she not doing her own research? - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
.

Why we asked about your daughter - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
We asked about your daughter because we might have recommended a different school or career. One size does not fit all.

Coding - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
Go directly to AAPC.com or AHIMA.com. for coding training. These two governing bodies both administer certification testing (which is requirement for coders along with CEUs). You will be cutting out the "middle man" (school), and getting your training direct. AAPC offers a 4-month course for coding (can be extended extra 2 months free of charge). I received my CPC and CPC-H through AAPC and was very happy with their course.

Coding- Coder - Kelly

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you very much for the info about the AAPC.com and AHIMA.com. I gave my daughter your message and she is going to check into this. I truly appreciate your advice.

Neither of those courses qualifies for the - CCS

[ In Reply To ..]
They aren't bad courses by any means, but you should be aware that neither has instructors and neither will qualify you to take the CCS exam. You will not meet the prerequisites.

The last AAPC survey showed that it might be getting easier to get a job with just the CPC-A. There had been a 25% unemployment rate with it. If it is getting better, it might not matter.

Be aware that all coding courses are not the same. Just to be clear, Andrews is not a "middleman" reselling either the AAPC or the AHIMA program. They teach their own. It includes all types of coding, including the CCS, not just CPC, CPC-H, or CCA.

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