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This is a great question and one I'd like to see answered as well. I am wondering the same thing, as I am just finishing up section 8.  I know I have read somewhere on here before that they do not recommend it because they want you to be able to devote time to finishing up module IV.  In my case, I currently work about 60 hours a week, so finding a coding position working 40 hours a week would actually give me more time to study and finish up module IV.  I'm dying to get away from these 12-hour days, so I want to start coding ASAP.  I can't imagine what life will be like working a 40-hour week again!

If I may add to your question, I am curious what the difference would be in pay and if that would change once you got your CCS.  Let's say you accept a job when you get your CPC.  First of all, is that going to make a difference in pay for a newbie and if so how much compared to if you had your CPC and CCS?  Second of all, would you be throwing away your chance to get a raise once you obtain your CCS?  Are you going to be able to say 6-8 months later, "Hey I have my CCS now too.  Please move me to inpatient coding and pay me more."  I'm thinking not likely.  Would it be smarter to wait until you have your CCS for that reason alone? I want to start working as a coder as soon as I can, but I don't want to ruin my chances for a higher paying position if that is a factor. Since I haven't gotten into module IV yet I don't know if I will enjoy outpatient or inpatient coding more, but I have a feeling I am going to love inpatient coding, which would mean I would have to wait. 

Looking forward to hearing opinions on this one!

I'm not planning to go job hunting until I have the CCS.  It is very important to me that I work from home.  I have seen job offers for newbies that allow remote but they want you in the office for a few months prior to releasing to remote.  That's not really an option for me.  So my thinking, not based on anything I have read - but just based on hope, is that if I have both credentials I will stand a better chance at being able to start from home.  

A comment about the pay difference if you start a job with CPC and then get your CCS, and if you aren't paid up to your qualifications, you can start looking for another job with better pay, plus you will have the work experience to add to your resume.

It would be interesting to hear what others say.

Donna G

I am with Donna.  I am a little more than halfway through Module IV, have my CPC-A, but am waiting until I have the CCS to look for a job for several reasons.  My husband travels a lot for work and already works long hours away from home.  I really want to work from home (I will work in office though if I have to) and want to focus on that CCS.  I think I'd have a hard time working and studying right now - there are only so many hours in the day, and I have three busy, young kids.  Also, I have a strong interest in possibly doing inpatient coding (although I will take any job that comes my way ;-), therefore I need that CCS! :-)

There are folks that do it both ways.  I had asked Linda about this very thing,  I think it comes down to knowing what you can personally handle in your life right now.  Working & school?  Or just school?

I certainly understand the anxiousness to work and to get your new career started.  It has motivated me to pick it up in Module IV (Module III was slow for me).

All the best,

Nicki

I am part way through Module IV and have been going back and forth with that same question. In general, I enjoy inpatient coding A LOT more than outpatient coding. However, I really would like experience in both. With a CPC-A and because this school offers the hours needed, you can have your A taken off CPC after 1 year of employement.

I would think if you worked for a company that had Outpatient and Inpatient coding you would be able to put in for the switch from Outpt to Inpt. That is really what I am shooting for at the moment. Also one thing to consider is that once you have completed Andrews courses the graduate section opens up and I believe they post job listings on there as well. 

As far as pay, either way I would assume you would be starting as a newbie so I am not looking to make the top pay for Outpt or Inpt right away. Most listings I see in my area post Outpatient as a salary of 50-60,000 a year, but that is with experience. I really haven't seen anything for inpatient. Although I do remember on an earlier forum that Linda posted about a former graduate who got to (I believe it was) $75,000 only after 1 year on the job. I really don't know what area of coding that was for though. 

I wish some graduates would chime in though. I would like to hear about their experience. 

I appreciate all the replies so far!  Thank you for taking a moment to chime in.  I know we are all so busy with life.  I see the advantages and disadvantages of looking at the situation both ways.  In my situation, I feel it would be best to start job hunting as soon as I get the CPC-A.  I am already working and doing school so that really wouldn't change and I would be prefer to be making a "coder's salary" than what I am making now.   Looking forward to hearing from those who have graduated as to what you may have done and the reasons behind those choices.  Thanks!

Our graduates tend to be working and not visiting the forum as much. Sometimes you can find them  on our Facebook forum, Medical Coding Forum. I run that one. Send me your e-mail address, the one you use for your Facebook account, and I can send an invitation to join it.  Then you can ask your questions and even TAG some of them. You can see who they are by scrolling way down the page.

Linda, I would love an invite to join.  carolcgdvm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Carol

Thank you Linda!  I am already on that one!  When I get a minute I will ask over there, again, thank you so much!