I am currently trying to decide between a career in Nursing or becoming an RHIT.  I was wondering if there are opportunities as a telecommuting (working from home on computer) RHIT.  Is it a good career choice?  What is the salary, and what type of job opportunities would I have... 

 

I would definitely go for the nursing career. I have my RHIT credentials, diplomas in transcription and coding, and a degree in health information. I have yet to find a job in the field. I graduated in 2006 and passed the RHIT exam in 2006. I have applied numerous places, had a few interviews, but no luck at being hired. Most often it is because I do not have experience. It is hard to get experience unless you get hired. Good luck on your choice of careers and finding the ultimate job.

Getting experience is the hardest part, I worked through several temp agencies as a biller/ receptionist in physician offices.  I also worked with my colleges' hiring program to get job opportunities.  Working as a biller is a good entry level postion that will lead to a coding position.  Working from home will mean that you will probably have to supply all the technical equipment yourself, it will depend on the service.  Un fortunately from the current results of salary surveys, the mean average salary ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 nationwide.  You would have to research out what the national rate is for the levels of nursing.  Since nursing is in high demand, a lot of facilities offer sigh on bonuses.       

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Beth Greenfield

HI Connie,

Same boat here, I graduated with my HIT 2006 and received my RHIT May 2006 but until now not lucky to find a job. What is very disappointing was I even applied for a Medical Records Clerk position and hospitals that I applied said that I am not qualified. Now, I am taking my Nursing pre-req (Microbiology) and hopefully get into the program by January 2010. Good luck to all those people taking up the HIT program.

 

HIM is a great profession. However, it is also very hard to get your foot in the door. I didn't land my first job until 9 months post graduation from a coding program. I would recommend trying alternate avenues. Attend seminars and meetings from your local AHIMA and AAPC chapters. Networking is key to this industry. The more professional contacts you can get, the better your chances. Look for jobs through all resources (newspapers, online, friends, etc.) Continue your education through pursing advanced degrees and getting more technical training. The most difficult part, is biting the bullet when getting your first job.  This ranges from a drastic cut in pay and benefits, to driving great distances. I've made plenty of sacrifices to get my experience in coding. It has been worth the sacrifices. I always look at it as benefiting my future. I hope you guys find this helpful. I wish you all luck in getting employment in this field.

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Kevin P. Honig, CPC
Coding Analyst, HIM Student
Kevinph84@msn.com