Even if you found a good job immediately out of high school, it’s never too late to further your education as not all college students are just out of high school anymore. Today, higher education is full of more options than ever before and attracts people in all phases of life.

Why head back to school? Below are a few reasons why.

There are many alternatives to the traditional four-year college A growing number of college students are over the age of 25 – many of them with families and part or full-time jobs. Between 2000 and 2010, this demographic increased by 42 percent,¹  and it’s expected to continue growing.

Part of the reason why so many new college students chose not to attend traditional four year colleges immediately out of high school is the growth in popularity of two-year colleges; many of which offer training in careers such as nursing or medical billing and coding.  Some may refer to two-year colleges as career colleges or vocational schools.

If you want to return to school, four-year universities aren’t the only option. Even if a bachelor’s degree in nursing is your end goal, you can get a head start with a diploma or associate degree in nursing (ADN), which may give you a foot in the door before you further your education.

Raising your earning potential A degree may increase your chances of a steady paycheck. A study by the Nexus Research and Policy Center and the American Institutes for Research²  recently asked the question, “What’s the value of an associate degree?” It found that in California, graduates with associate degrees individually ended up earning an average of $352,011 more over the course of a 40-year career than an individual with a high school diploma. At a third of a million dollars, that may be worth a few years of education to you!

Earning potential is especially high for those seeking careers in healthcare. According to Forbes magazine, you don’t need to spend eight years in school or go $150,000 into debt for a medical career. Registered nurses, physical therapy assistants and radiologic and X-ray technicians all earn around $50,000 annually or sometimes more. Dental hygienists have great earning potential, too, with two-year degrees offering jobs paying as much as $57,000 a year.³

You widen your scope of career opportunities Of course, getting a degree isn’t just about finding a job with higher pay, it’s also about expanding your opportunities. In healthcare, those opportunities are numerous and often diverse.

At allied healthcare schools, you can earn associate degrees in medical billing and coding, health IT, health and human services, healthcare management or nursing, all of which are only the first step in moving forward. For instance, a diploma program could qualify you for a job as a nursing assistant which in turn is a great stepping stone toward seeking your associate or bachelor’s degree.

You open the door to a field with rising employment rates Healthcare is a rapidly growing field. Healthcare occupations have some of the fastest growing job outlooks in the U.S. right now.⁴ This is partly due to the coverage expansion brought on by healthcare reform, which means the demand for most positions will only grow in the coming years.

Some programs offer you real-world experiences and contacts

Going back to school isn’t always about just earning a degree. Part of the benefit of higher education is an expanding network of contacts. Another major advantage is the real-world experience you can earn while attending externship or clinicals at sites such as hospitals, medical clinics or doctors’ offices and talking with medical professionals. These are opportunities you can’t find inside the classroom, which can make them all the more valuable.

Take advantage of grants and scholarships Many students don’t take advantage of the numerous grants and scholarships available to them if they qualify, and we recommend that you don’t make the same mistake. Figure out what you qualify for in federal financial aid then seek out as much supplementary funding from other sources that you can qualify for. Look to local and national organizations, community groups or even the school itself. If you take out loans, consider subsidized federal loans. The government will pay the interest on these loans while you’re in school.

¹http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=98

² http://edsource.org/today/wp-content/uploads/Value_of_an_Associate_Degree_10.13.pdf

³http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2012/01/23/highest-paying-2-year-degree-jobs-in-the-us/

⁴http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/

As electronic billing systems become the industry standard, demand for medical billing and coding specialists increases. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 22% employment growth for health information technicians, including medical billers and coders, between 2012 and 2022.¹ Due to aging baby boomers,  job opportunities in the healthcare field are expanding, and will continue to do so in the coming years. Gaining an education at a medical billing and coding school can prepare you to enter the allied health field with fundamental medical records management and insurance processing skills.  Here are four important things to consider before choosing a Medical Billing and Coding school.

1. Completion Time

One of the attractive aspects of a Medical Billing and Coding diploma program is that some programs may be completed in 10 months or less. A Medical Billing and Coding diploma is special since it can be completed relatively quickly and helps to prepare you for a career in the expanding healthcare field.  If you are able to invest more time in your education, consider an Associate of Science in Medical Billing and Coding, which can be completed in about 17 months. An associate program covers the same topics as a diploma program as well as essential business, communication and healthcare topics. Upon graduation from either a diploma or associate program, you are ready to pursue entry-level medical billing and coding job.

2. Career Training

After completing a Medical Billing and Coding program, you are prepared to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This industry-recognized certification demonstrates coding skills and accuracy to potential employers.  Look for a school that helps students prepare for the certification examination plus career services.  A career services department can provide advice and guidance and assist you in your job search, which  makes your life a lot easier and less stressful at graduation time.

3. School Location

School location is often a top priority. If the school is close to your home or office, it fits more easily into your schedule and makes continuing your education easier on you and your family. Courses can be taken on campus, or you can choose online courses.  If you already have a busy life, full of work and family responsibilities, you may decide that online education is the best fit for you.

4. Financial Investment

Cost varies by school.  Colleges may charge per credit hour or one flat rate.  Expect a Medical Billing and Coding diploma program to be 39 or more credits. Each course is typically worth three to six credits.  Diploma tuition (including books) at UMA is $15,550 as of June 25, 2014.

It is important to evaluate all your education options. Many medical billing and coding schools have financial aid advisors who are available to answer your questions. Whether you plan to pay your tuition upfront or get a loan, be sure to inquire about financial aid.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians,

on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (visited June 25, 2014).

Pharmacy technician education programs may offer one-year diploma programs, two-year associate degree programs, or both. Some of the topics commonly taught can include:  Medication dispensing, maintenance of written and      computerized patient medication record, billing and insurance processes, pharmacy law and maintaining patient profiles.²

Evaluating Pharmacy Technician Programs

It is possible to finish a pharmacy technician program in as few as 11 months*. However, earning a speedy diploma or associate degree shouldn’t be your only educational goal. Whether you are looking for a one- or two-year program, search for a program that will prepare you to seek employment in settings such as: acute care, home care, ambulatory clinics with infusion services, community or outpatient pharmacies, or mail order or home delivery services. This type of instruction will give you real-world experience to prepare you to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.

*Individual completion rates may vary.

Real-World Experience

Some pharmacy technician programs offer students real-world experience in the form of externships. During your externship, you might be assigned to a retail pharmacy like Walgreens, CVS, or Target to receive hands-on training and guidance in areas such as drug inventory management, filing and measuring prescriptions under supervision of a pharmacist and maintaining patient records. Externship programs allow pharmacy technician students to benefit by:

Gaining experience on-the-job in a pharmacy to build their resumes

Learning about the daily routine and expectations for pharmacy technicians

Making professional contacts within the field

Getting the opportunity to secure professional references or seek permanent positions from their externship sponsors

Certification Preparation

Research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job growth for Pharmacy Technicians is excellent, especially for job candidates with formal training.³ Some states and employers actually require that their pharmacy technicians to be certified.⁴ A good pharmacy technician program will offer its students the level of experience and education they need to sit for the certification exam, as well as exam preparation assistance.

Online and On-Campus Options

Online education options are attractive to students whose busy lives and many commitments may prevent them from attending traditional on-campus courses. Other students prefer the familiar environment of the physical classroom. Some schools offer both options. If you’re interested in pursuing a pharmacy technician program online, look for a school with an online program that includes the same level of academic rigor and support as its on-campus program.

What Else Should I Consider?

The quality and experience of the instructors, career placement assistance and statistics on graduation and placement rates are other factors to consider when evaluating pharmacy technician programs.

The BLS says that the job market for those interested in a career as a certified pharmacy technician is growing at a much-faster-than-average rate.¹ Enrolling in a pharmacy technician program that offers hands-on experience through externships, preparation to become certified, and online and on-campus options is a way to enter this growing field.

For more information on student graduation rates, retention and placement rates and student financial obligations, visit http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/consumerinfo.pdf.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians,

on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm (visited June 20 2014).

² http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/programs/pharmacy-technician

³ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-6

⁴ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-4

What to Look for When Considering a Local Educational Program

Chances are you were taught in a traditional classroom environment. In the past, going back to school for job or career training was often impractical. Adults who wanted to pursue an education could not easily afford to take time from work and travel to more distant universities, colleges or training institutes. In many ways, individuals interested in advanced education with home or local responsibilities had to forgo opportunities to advance a career or try something different because course times were not flexible and there  wasn’t a  local education option available.

There is good news, however, for individuals considering going back to school and who wish to stay close to home while still engaging in an on-campus education. There are educational organizations to satisfy the education and training desires of residents in small, localized areas like Clearwater, Florida. There has been a marked increase in demand for communities to attract and provide local education options to individuals who are unable to invest the time and energy needed to attend a geographically distant program. Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), for instance, has a campus located in Clearwater, Florida, that offers education for local residents who may not have the opportunity to travel to UMA’s Tampa Campus.

When you consider education options in your community, there are seven key benefits that a local education program should provide:

A convenient location that is close to home, that doesn’t require an extended commute.

Excellent onsite support staff that know the community and understand how to provide specialized support to its residents who are enrolled in the program.

A learning environment with opportunity for hands-on experience.

Day and evening schedules for those who work or need to devote time to important personal or family responsibilities.

Trained instructors who have work or education experience in the local community.

Career networking opportunities like local externship programs.

An active career services department with local connections and established local partnerships.

At UMA’s Clearwater campus, for example, students have the opportunity to use UMA’s on campus laboratories to support hands-on practice and engage in a more tangible, realistic learning experience.

In terms of career services and local externships that can potentially provide employment opportunities down the road, UMA’s Clearwater Campus has established partnerships with local providers, such as:

Walgreens and Take Care Clinics^SM at select Walgreens

Doctor’s^TM Weight Loss Clinics

Baycare and Morton Plant Mease Primary Care Clinics

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

In addition to these factors, many students find that by attending a local campus they feel more connected with their peers and instructors due to the more intimate setting provided by a physical campus that is so close to home.

If you are thinking about going back to school for continuing education, to change your career or to re-enter the workforce, look for Clearwater Florida schools that embrace the program components listed above. Schools in Clearwater that provide these benefits can accommodate your learning style and your schedule, thereby giving you an opportunity to meet your career goals in a comforting, supportive environment.

Health Career Options for Local Clearwater Residents

The Clearwater, Florida region is home to many hospitals, healthcare facilities, and physician and dental offices. Some of the more prominent healthcare providers that operate in the Clearwater area are listed below:

Bayfront Medical Center

Sabal Palms Healthcare

Bright Now Dental

St Petersburg Pediatrics

Individuals who are interested in pursuing healthcare career training with an organization that also provides job search assistance should look into which local schools have established relationships with some of these Clearwater area providers.

In the Clearwater, Florida region in particular, there are a few key healthcare positions that are currently in demand, such as:

Medical Assistants

Nursing Aids and Nursing Assistants

Healthcare Information Technology Managers

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists

In addition to these potential career opportunities, the Clearwater area offers certification programs for career seekers and current healthcare professionals. These are provided by local educators, like UMA, and certifying boards as well as local community healthcare groups that are intended to bring like-minded healthcare workers together for collaboration and peer appreciation.

What Does a Healthcare Career Local to Clearwater Have to Offer?

Advances in technology, increases in patient load, sophisticated tools used for tracking patient records, and advances in medical care impact the healthcare industry and the demand for healthcare workers in your local area. In general, work in the healthcare industry has the potential to offer you:

A Variety of Career Choices

Flexibility

Potential Career Stability

Career Mobility

In this day and age of uncertainty in our economy, these qualities give you flexibility for career options. If you aim to work locally in the Clearwater, Florida region after completing a local education program, you may have the added advantage of having made network connections through your local college that can potentially provide more valuable career opportunities.

When evaluating your options, look for Clearwater, Florida schools that give you program choices and learning options that fit your needs, a solid educational foundation, real-life training opportunities to prepare you for a healthcare career and continuing education opportunities to enhance your employment options.

What You Learn in Phlebotomy Courses

Today, phlebotomy encompasses more than just drawing blood. In phlebotomy courses, you learn how to minimize pain during a blood draw, how to preserve samples for testing and how to perform basic laboratory tests. At Ultimate Medical Academy, your course list includes:

Aseptic Concepts and Infection Control

CPR and First Aid for Healthcare Providers

Anatomy and Physiology of the Circulatory System

Basic Equipment Operation

Clinical Techniques

In as few as 12 weeks, you could be prepared to sit for exams for national certification as a phlebotomy technician from American Medical Technologists.

A Day in the Life of a Phlebotomy Technician

After completing phlebotomy courses and receiving certification, you are prepared to enter the work force. Each day as a phlebotomy technician offers new challenges and an opportunity to meet a variety of people. As part of the blood drawing process, you will identify the patient, locate the vein, place a tourniquet, apply antiseptic, ensure supplies are ready and insert the needle.  A mislabeled sample could have potentially lethal results, so paying attention to detail is a priority. Communication is another important part of phlebotomy. You need to be able to draw patients into conversation, explaining the process and reassuring them to lessen any tension they might have. You also need to communicate clearly with other medical professionals like doctors and nurses. Phlebotomy technicians perform a critical service in the healthcare industry.

Choosing the Right Course

As an entry way to the healthcare industry, phlebotomy courses offer a fast career change or addition to your existing skill set. In as few as 12 weeks you can complete necessary coursework. When choosing phlebotomy schools, be sure to find one that offers hands-on education, beyond clinical work. An externship gives you the opportunity to put your newly learned skills to work in a professional environment. Seek programs that combine academics with real life experience to give you the confidence you need to be a phlebotomy technician.

What is a Federal Student Loan?

A loan is borrowed funds that you must be repaid with interest. A federal student loan allows students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for school through loan programs supported by the federal government. Federal student loans usually offer borrowers lower interest rates and have more flexible repayment terms and options than private student loans.

Should I Take Out a Federal Student Loan?

Federal student loans are an investment in your future. You should not be afraid to take out federal student loans, but you should be smart about it.  Federal student loans offer many benefits compared to other options you may consider when paying for school:

• The interest rate on federal student loans is almost always lower than that on private loans—and much lower than most credit cards.
• You don’t need a credit check or a cosigner to get most federal student loans.
• You don’t have to begin repaying your federal student loans until after you leave school or drop below half-time.
• If you demonstrate financial need, you can qualify to have the government pay your interest while you are in school.
• Federal student loans offer flexible repayment plans and options to postpone your loan payments if you’re having trouble making payments.
• If you work in certain jobs, you may be eligible to have a portion of your federal student loans forgiven if you meet certain conditions.

What Types of Loans are there?¹

Federal student loans come in several different varieties, including federal subsidized, federal unsubsidized and PLUS loans (for parents).

Direct Subsidized Loans²

A direct subsidized loan is for undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time and demonstrate financial need.  The rate is 4.66% for loans first disbursed between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.  This loan is beneficial because the student is not charged interest while enrolled in school at least half-time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans²

A direct unsubsidized loan is for undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. The rate is 4.66% for loans first disbursed between July 4, 2014 and June 30, 2015.  The student is responsible for paying interest during all periods.

Direct PLUS Loans²

A PLUS loan is specifically for parents of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate or professional students; financial need is not required.  The interest rate is 7.21% for loans first disbursed between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.

How Do You Apply for Student Loans?

1. Fill out your FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the application for both grants and federal loans. The website is FAFSA.ed.gov.
2. Complete the loan entrance counseling. This document is sent by your school’s financial aid advisor directly to you via your email. It ensures that you understand your obligation to repay the loan.
3. Complete the master promissory note on studentloans.gov and agree to the terms of the loan.

We recommend you visit the Federal Student Aid website to read more about loans and check current federal loan interest rates .

¹ Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education, https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans

2 Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education, https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/interest-rates

 [JW1]Link to https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/interest-rates

The job prospects for the healthcare industry are good, but they are especially positive for people working in health information technology and management positions.  Job growth for health information technicians is estimated to go up by 22 percent between 2012 and 2022; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹ Major legislative healthcare changes and general reform are making a difference in the rise of job growth.

Healthcare reform is also contributing to a major change in the way that medical records and health information technicians perform their jobs. Electronic health records (EHR) are becoming a new industry standard, replacing previously kept paper files and offering doctors a more accessible and coordinated way to store and share patient information. EHRs carry their own learning curve, which some of tomorrow’s technicians are learning about today in school.

Thinking of a career in medical records and health information? Consider this article as a handy primer to help you on your way.

1. What is an EHR? An EHR is the same as a patient’s paper chart, but is kept digitally. There, they can be edited in real time, accessed from either dedicated workstations or – in the case of secure Internet-based servers – from personal computers or even tablets and smartphones.

An EHR may contain information such as a patient’s medical history, a current list of medications, diagnoses and treatment plans, a list of allergies, immunizations, radiology images such as X-rays, and any lab or test results. This establishes a broad clinical view of a patient.

Software can be equipped with alerts that offer physicians reminders about immunization dates or treatments. Evidence-based tools can also be utilized to help a practitioner choose the best treatment plan for the patient.

EHRs are also part of a bigger health information technology initiative – creating a larger health information infrastructure that will allow doctors, no matter where they are located, to access a patient’s information and provide more coordinated care.

Eventually, nationwide health information exchanges (HIE) will allow patients and providers – including specialists, pharmacy technicians, radiology departments, emergency room departments, labs and primary care physicians – easy access to the appropriate information they need at a given time.

2. What benefits do EHRs offer patients? Plenty of patients will be happy about the fact that EHRs and HIEs will cut down on paperwork. That clipboard of forms and the new patient questionnaire won’t disappear immediately, but as information is accumulated and shared, it will lessen and lessen.

Another benefit of EHRs for patients is that his or her doctor will have the necessary medical information handy when and where it’s needed. This reduces mistakes, cuts down on unnecessary or repeat tests and allows for smarter, more informed prescriptions.

On the same note, EHRs could save patients – as well as insurers – money. Repeat tests and procedures are too common, too wasteful and too inconvenient. Whether it’s a routine blood test or an MRI that may cost up to thousands of dollars, patients prefer not to have larger bills and insurance premiums.

3. How about doctors?

EHRs may offer perks for primary care physicians and specialists as well as the patient.

EHRs are easier to update and access than paper records.  Some practices may provide tablets that are easily portable.  Sharing is simplified through the Internet. EHRs can help with diagnosis, while reducing the risk of medical errors – and, as a result, malpractice. EHRs are often more legible than paper records resulting in a reduction in errors.  And, physicians can transcribe their notes directly into some EHRs.

For many doctors, EHRs can also improve revenue through greater efficiency. EHRs provide more immediate financial bonuses as stated in the next paragraph, thanks to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) EHR incentives programs.

4. What are these incentives? CMS has been allocated federal funding to provide incentive payments to providers who can show that they’re meaningfully using EHR software to provide care for Medicare or Medicaid patients. The Medicare program provides doctors with up to $44,000 in incentive payments, while the Medicaid program offers up to $63,750.² Attesting to meaningful use requires a knowledgeable health information technician.

Call Ultimate Medical Academy today at 888-216-8745 to discuss how to get started in a Health Information Technology Associate Degree program. You could be on your way toward a new career with your associate degree in as few as 17 months!*

For more information on student graduation rates, retention and placement rates and student financial obligations, visit http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/consumerinfo.pdf.

^{*Individual completion rates may vary.}

¹ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm

²  http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/EHRIncentivePrograms/index.html

Save time Some people don’t have the same freedom as others to go to college. It’s possible they have a family and need to be working full-time to provide for them.  Even on a personal readiness level, people may not be prepared to attend physical classes on a campus. Whatever the reason may be, taking courses online may save you time when you have little of it to spare. Since you access coursework from the Internet, you have the ability to “attend” class whenever you’re able. No more alarm clocks for early morning lectures or late dinners due to evening sessions. This flexibility is extremely beneficial and lets people plan out their own schedules to get the work done on time.

Personal accountability Some of the greatest skills a person can hone through online education are self-discipline and accountability.  Choosing to earn your degree online may mean you’re ready to be in charge of your future. It teaches you not only responsibility but also accountability. It’s up to you to finish reading and assignments by their due dates.

Cut costs One of the benefits associated with online classes is possibly reducing the cost of education. Some students, even with the help of financial aid, can invest thousands of dollars when they attend school on-campus. Not only are they paying for tuition, but there may also be room and board, meal plans, parking fees and transportation expenses that can drive up the price for higher education. Completing your degree online cuts out the costs for classroom supplies and commuting as you can study on your computer from anywhere. You can complete work from the comfort of your home, wearing pajamas with a coffee in hand. Additionally online classes can, in some instances, do away with high-priced physical textbooks by providing web-based (electronic) materials that may be more affordable.

No more classrooms The online class completely eliminates the need for sitting in a cramped classroom or large lecture hall. Many students can lose focus in a class because they are tired or distracted by others around them. Sitting in a quiet apartment, library or cafe can mean the difference in bettering your education. If you’re working full-time or raising a family, not having to commute to a campus can make life and focusing on your education a lot easier. You won’t miss out on family time or have to skip out on work early in order to be at class.

Specialized programs Whether you want to learn how to become a pharmacy technician or are looking for a career in healthcare management, online courses can offer specialized programs for students. Typically, earning a two year associate or four-year bachelor’s degree requires you to take electives, such as history or English, that aren’t necessarily related to your major or desired career path but round out your learning. With online diplomas, electives aren’t required courses so diplomas can usually be completed faster.  Students take just those courses which train them specifically for a job.  If you’re looking to centralize your learning in one area, signing up for web-based classes may be the solution for you.

Unfettered access One of the benefits of online courses is the unrestricted access to education. If you live in a rural area, there may only be a few trade schools in your region with limited healthcare diploma or degree programs. Taking classes online gives you the freedom to attend college wherever you have Internet access.

In addition to geographical advantages, the ability to access your education from anywhere means you can easily review lectures and course materials as soon as you receive your logon credentials. No longer would you experience the panic of missing a class or review session and being unprepared for an exam. You’re able to access and learn the material on your own.

The growth of online education has led to much advancement. It’s an option that you should consider when choosing a programs and school.

Good studying methods don’t only help you pass a test, they should reinforce knowledge for long-term learning. Over the course of your schooling and career, you’ll need to reflect on the facts, techniques and strategies you’ve learned from books, lectures and notes.

Try out these eight study tips that may help you succeed.

1. Have a designated study area Some people may carry their books and notes with them wherever they go, studying during available times such as before appointments, on the commute to work or during lunch. Though these times may be helpful, many people need to have a dedicated space where they can sit down and fully devote themselves to studying.

The type of space that works well for you may differ from your classmate, but it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable and not too cozy.  For example, if you like to spread out your study materials and stay in bed, get a back pillow that keeps you seated rather than lying down.

2. Have an emergency study area For many people taking online courses or going to school on campus, it can be difficult to find an always-reliable study spot. In cases like these, it’s important to have a backup space. Libraries, coffee shops or even nearby parks are all options.
3. Find your best study time When it comes to personal schedules, people fall into far more categories than just morning people and night owls. Some people find themselves most attentive right after they wake up. Others are best following lunch time or once most of the household is asleep.

Find your ideal study time and stick to it. It’s important that you don’t simply choose a late hour because it’s the most convenient – generally speaking, most people do their best work when their minds are alert and fresh.

4. Work together While much of your studying will be done solitarily, it’s also a good idea to utilize your fellow classmates. While you may have different goals (i.e. phlebotomist jobs as opposed to nursing positions), there’s a lot to learn from one another even if it’s just casually discussing your classes.

Study groups don’t only reinforce learning actively through quizzing one another or group study sessions but they may have a passive beneficial effect on your education as well. You can socialize and relax with a group of people who share your interests and career goals which could help you stay focused, motivated and on-track.

5. Test yourself before the test One great option for work groups is to create tests for one another. Those who study solo can also find tests online or in the backs of some their assigned packets or workbooks.

Testing yourself goes back to the old concept of homework. In grade school and high school, you didn’t just go home and review what was learned in class or read new material – you completed exercises that tested your proficiency. Often, a good way to learn is by being proactive and doing rather than reviewing.

6. Use active study techniques for note-taking Have you heard of “active study” or perhaps “active learning?” The concept is that you can’t just reread the same information over and over again. You need to engage in it. Taking tests is one form of active studying and taking notes is another. The kind of notes you take is essential for better results. (HAILEY, considering linking to Active Studying article and vice versa.)

In class, it is suggested to take basic notes, but once you’re studying at home, don’t just review them. Combine them with highlights from your text and diagram them appropriately. According to Dartmouth University, diagrammatic forms reinforce learning especially when you’re tasked with creating them.  1

At the very least, always rewrite your notes while studying at home. The very act of transcribing – if not diagramming – can help reinforce everything you’ve learned.

7. Develop and hone time management skills Studying takes time, and if you’re a parent with kids and a job, it can be impossible to imagine where the time to go to class, much less study, comes from.

The time is there; however, it’s just a matter of finding it. What many busy students need most are time management skills. If you’re a parent and a part- or full-time employee, you’ve probably got the work ethic for school already, but you need to figure out how to fit it in.

Basic time management skills such as creating a calendar, remaining organized and coordinating your schedule with everyone in your life, even the kids, may help immensely. Emergencies will arise, and you may have to give up a lot of your leisure time but the long-term rewards you may reap from a dynamic and rewarding new career are immeasurable.

8. Always, always go to class Compared to actual hands-on field work or the other great learning school’s offer, regular classes may not feel dynamic enough. The importance of going to class cannot be stressed enough: Class is where the foundation for all your learning is done. Whether you’re on campus or logging into an online course, make sure you’re there every day and ready to learn. That means you’re equipped to take notes and have done the appropriate preparation the day before. This makes your class time far more engaging, and in turn, it may make studying a whole lot easier, too!

Studying is just one facet of your new school experience, but it may just be the key to the career path you want most.

1  http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/study.html

High demand Right now, medical billing and coding specialists are high demand. With the growing popularity of electronic health records (EHR) and the aging of the U.S. population, jobs for billers/coders will continue to increase. This reported growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that medical records and health information technician positions, such as medical billing and coding, are increasing faster than many other occupations.  1

Work from home Medical coders with experience can consider work from home opportunities.  Working from home is attractive for many reasons.  Some lack transportation or live in an area with few employers.  Some don’t have access to childcare. Others feel that they are more productive when working from home.  Given that medical billing/coding can be done remotely, it’s not entirely necessary for you to be in an office or hospital to carry out your responsibilities. The ability to telecommute can free you up to be a stay-at-home parent or caregiver for your family. This allows you to cut costs on expenses such parking and gas.

Be your own boss Branching off the advantage of working from home, the beauty of being an independent billing and coding specialist means you can pursue freelance positions that allow you to choose who you work for. You may not be required to work the traditional nine-to-five schedule that most people do in the professional world. You dictate your work flow and time management contributing to your success as a coder. There may even be an opportunity to start your own coding company and become a small business owner. This can make you both helpful and influential in your community.

Long term satisfaction Healthcare is an industry that is always changing and evolving. As medical advancements and innovations are released, the standards and practices of medical billing/coding must shift as well. Although these new requirements may be alterations to your daily work load, they can keep you alert and actively learning on the job. Adapting to a changing environment is a key aspect to being satisfied with your job for a long period of time. The changes in medical coding and billing can keep you on your toes, which for some, is essential to enjoying what they do.

Opening other doors Very few people want to be working in the same job forever. Many want to grow and be promoted thus earning more money and bettering their career. Beginning as a medical coder can start you on the path to pursue more prestigious administrative positions in healthcare. Some entry-level positions can expose you to the many facets of how a business works.  You can leverage your skills over the years to earn positions of more and more responsibility.   Down the road, the skills you gained you as an entry-level coder may come back to help you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical billing jobs are expected to increase by 22 percent through 2022.  This equates to over 41,000 new jobs. With these kinds of numbers in mind, it’s definitely worth considering a career in medical billing and coding by looking into diploma or associate degree education.

1   http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm

2  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-1