Dear Cindy – New Grad Coder

How would I go about getting at least an interview with a medical facility as a CPC with little to no experience? I have gone to a medical billing and coding school, and passed the CPC exam, but it seems most providers or medical facilities want at least two years of experience. How do you get the experience if you are changing careers?

Sincerely,

Helpless Coder

I may be incorrect, but I understood that to receive the American Academy of Professional Coders' CPC (Certified Professional Coder) credential, one needed to have two years of experience.* Do you hold a CPC credential (or similar credential) from another body?

First, don't set yourself up for disappointment by applying for advertised jobs that require at least two years of experience. Look for and apply for jobs that will accept new grads or applicants with minimal experience, or which state that experience is preferred, but not required. Also use your network – particularly ask your former coding instructors or clinical placement sites if they know of, or anticipate any vacancies for which you could apply. And don't be afraid to send unsolicited résumés and cover letters to hospitals or clinics that aren't advertising jobs at this time.

Next, it's important that your cover letter and résumé are as strong as possible, stressing:

And if you can provide a strong reference from one of your former instructors, include it with your résumé and cover letter.

Good luck!