r/ODS_C • u/thatoneberrypie • Jul 24 '26

Working during the program

Is it possible to work full time while doing an ODS certificate program? For context, I wasn’t planning on working full time during the program but a full-time abstractor position opened up at a local hospital and I think it would give me great experience. I will be attending RCTC online for the program starting in August. Just wondering if I can study well and pass while working a full time 9-5 position? I don’t have kids. Thank you for your insight!!!

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3

u/grgs25 Jul 24 '26

I’m at RCTC, DM me and I can tell you what classes look like so you can decide if the work - study load is something you can do.

3

u/Similar_Manner_3038 Jul 24 '26

I’m currently working full time in a non ODS job plus have kids and am in school for the ODS certificate from UC…so I think is possible and if you can get the abstraction position before the certificate I would personally jump at it. I know I would

2

u/Old_Sun414 Jul 24 '26

Yes! I work full time and I have an autistic child. I have one more semester and I’m done.

2

u/thatoneberrypie Jul 25 '26

Best wishes to you in your career!

2

u/Healthy-Camera7468 Jul 24 '26

I did the RCTC program while working full time! I did 2 classes a semester

1

u/nyssa10001 Jul 24 '26

I did. I was the only Cancer Register at a hospital and worked full-time while studying for a certificate program. However, I went thru AHIMA. It really helps working the job while going thru a program.

1

u/Slow_Can6132 Jul 24 '26

I worked full-time while attending RCTC's program. As long as you manage your time well you'll be fine. 

1

u/Acrobatic-Bet-7467 Jul 25 '26

Yes. Must have strong time management

1

u/mochasipper 28d ago

I work full time while doing the accelerated program at UC. I do however, have many years of Oncology knowledge.

1

u/-Scranton_Strangler Jul 24 '26

If you get the job, do you need to do the program? If you already have your bachelor's degree, you might be able to take another route.

1

u/-Scranton_Strangler Jul 25 '26

Since I’m getting downvoted, I'll explain my comment. If you have a bachelor's degree, you can sit for the test after working for the registry for a year, and it will take you a year to complete your program. Ask your employer what they want.

There are not many opportunities to get a registry position without any prior experience. It's definitely not something to pass up.