Is Education or Experience More Important for New Medical Coders?

“Education is most important.”

“No, experience is!”

This conversation could apply to any industry, really. But today, we’re going to focus on this discuss as it pertains to medical coding.

There’s a big debate about which is a bigger deal, but the truth is that it is an individual experience.

While education might be the best route for one aspiring medical coder, another might find the most success with quickly gaining experience.

Still others choose to do both, getting real-world experience while continuing education.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each option and why both can make sense.

Medical Coding Education: Pros and Cons

You can’t do what you haven’t learned. That’s the philosophy with education in general, anyway.

It’s true for medical coding, though, in that this is a very complex industry that requires significant amounts of knowledge, memory and expertise.

That being said, here are some of the pros of a medical coding education for new coders:

• You gain medical coding knowledge
• You learn enough to pass the exam, which is a great barometer for success as a medical coder
• You enhance your resume and job prospects
• You connect with fellow aspiring coders for networking and support

And here are some of the cons of a medical coding education for new coders:

• It costs money
• A college or university education can take years
• Some educational company credentials are questionable

Medical Coding Experience: Pros and Cons

There are also advantages and disadvantages to directly jumping in with a healthcare company or medical practice as a coder, however.

The biggest is “imposter syndrome,” as you likely won’t know what you’re doing without prior experience or thorough training.

Here are some of the pros of medical coding experience for new coders:

• You immediately start gaining income
• You start building your resume and gaining connections
• You get quicker opportunities for advancement

And here are some of the cons of medical coding education for new coders:

• You may not know what you’re doing at first
• There is a steep learning curve if you don’t get proper training
• You won’t have a passing exam or credentials on your resume
• You may limit your long-term earning potential
• It’s difficult to find time for education while working

Why Not Both?

While we’ll usually recommend getting your medical coding education first, there are some exceptions.

If you’re a particularly ambitious and organized student, you may be able to handle it very well and start earning income while protecting your long-term potential.

Or, if you already have a job and are looking to expand your career or earning potential, another degree via additional education could be a great route.

Whatever you do, choose a path that you feel comfortable with. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy the world of medical coding!

If you’re interested in getting the best medical coding education to enhance your experience, visit the official MCA Online website today!