How to Start a Career in Medical Billing

By Nicki Howell

Overview

If you have experience in the medical industry, medical billing can be a good career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for medical billing is projected to grow faster then average. And even if you're new to the medical profession, there are many programs that offer courses to quickly get you up to speed. Once you complete your education, you can either launch your own medical billing business or work for a medical office or hospital.

Step 1

Choose a medical billing training course. Penn Foster Career Schools offers accredited programs that can be completed online. Students finish courses at their own pace and receive a certificate of completion when finished with the program.
Step 2

Seek on-site experience in a medical practice. If you complete your training online, it's helpful to have on-site experience to network with individuals in the industry. This will provide hands-on training, and an opportunity to possibility secure employment pending graduation.

Step 3

Once you complete your program, determine if you want to launch your own business. Starting your own medical billing business will allow you more flexibility in your schedule and will allow you to work from home. You can find jobs at bidding sites such as Guru, which allows you to bid on projects in your local area for free. You can also contact local hospitals and medical practices and offer to handle overflow medical billing work. Apply for a business license. If you will be launching your own business, apply for a business license with your city's business department. Applications can often be completed online, and expect to pay a processing fee of about $50.
Step 4

If you prefer more stability, consider seeking a position with a medical office or hospital. These positions can be found at job sites such as HotJobs, Monster or on Craigslist under the medical category. Also, your community newspaper is a great resource for jobs; make sure to check their website too.

Skill: Moderate
Tip: Don't forget to update your resume. Before launching your own medical billing business or applying for in-house positions, update your resume with your education and internship experience. Sample resumes for medical billing can be found at Tele-Work Recruiting (see Resources).
Warning:
Save all of your pay stubs and receipts for business expenses. You will need these documents during tax time if you open your own business.

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