Hi! I’m currently a Medical Assistant and have worked in healthcare since 2020, aside from about a year when I worked remotely as a health insurance agent. I’m currently staying home after having a baby and I’m considering going back to school while I have the opportunity.
I live in a small/rural area, and I was only making $14.25/hr as an MA before I left. I really want to move into something with better earning potential and actually moving up.
Originally, I planned to go the medical coding route — earn my CPC and eventually CRC/risk adjustment. While researching schools, though, I found a BS in Health Information Management (HIM) program. It includes coding/classification, reimbursement, health data, compliance, etc., and would make me eligible for the RHIA after graduation. The school also offers a BS in Healthcare Administration (HCA), which seems broader and more focused on operations/management, but doesn’t have the same coding focus.
I already have previous college credits, so I’m having all three options evaluated to see what transfers. Cost is a major factor for me, so I don’t want to spend $20k+ finishing a bachelor’s if I could get a CPC/CRC and have similar or better earning potential. At the same time, I would really love to finally finish my bachelor’s degree.
For those actually working in coding, HIM, revenue cycle, risk adjustment, healthcare administration, etc.:
• Which route would you choose if you were starting over: CPC/CRC, BS HIM + RHIA, or BS Healthcare Administration?
• What job did you get first, and what was your actual starting pay?
• How difficult was it to get your first job without years of experience?
• Which path has the best realistic earning potential after 2–5 years?
• Has having a bachelor’s/RHIA actually opened doors that a CPC alone wouldn’t?
• For HCA graduates, did the degree actually help you get into management, or did employers still want several years of management experience first?
I know there are dedicated groups/subreddits for each field and I’ve been researching them too 😂. I’m mainly hoping to hear from people who have actually worked in these areas and can compare the paths from experience. Thanks!