The Latest from the Allied Health Blog

Featured: Which Allied Health Careers are Booming?
While the demand for some jobs fluctuates with the state of the economy, careers in healthcare have typically held steady. People consistently need the attention of healthcare professionals, no matter how healthy or anemic the stock market may be. In recent years, however, the need for healthcare providers across the board has grown, fueled by an aging population and their reliance on healthcare services. Read more…
Beyond the Basics: Tips, Trends and Ideas for Your Future
Professional vs. Facility Coding
ProFee coding and facility coding represent two distinct yet complementary sides of the medical billing process ...
Why Medical Billing and Coding Students Should Join Professional Associations
While membership in a respected professional association signals a student’s commitment to the medical billing and coding field, it’s much more than just a resume booster ...
Navigating the EHR: The Medical Biller’s Role in a Digital Health Record System
Electronic health records (EHRs) are the primary means of managing clinical documentation, care coordination and revenue cycle management in contemporary healthcare ...
How a Medical Coder’s Accuracy Impacts a Practice’s Revenue
Accurate coding allows the medical claims process to proceed smoothly and improves cash flow within a medical practice ...
The Fine Line Between Error and Fraud: A Guide to Upcoding, Unbundling and Phantom Billing
Taking the time to understand some of the more common forms of healthcare fraud can help medical billers and coders avoid these costly pitfalls ...
Advanced Coding with Modifiers: A Deep Dive into Complex Billing Scenarios
Understanding how to use coding modifiers correctly is key for coders aiming to uphold accuracy and protect a practice’s financial stability ...
What Every Medical Biller and Coder Must Know About Patient Privacy
The law legally and ethically obligates every medical biller and coder to comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as HIPAA ...
The Role of a Medical Biller in Patient Financial Counseling
Medical billers' level of patient interaction can vary—some work mainly with insurers, while others take on customer service roles ...
Demystifying the Revenue Cycle: A Guide to Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Software
At its simplest, RCM is the process of tracking a patient's experience from the moment they make an appointment to the time the provider receives the final payment ...
Billing for Telehealth: A Guide to The New Frontier of Medical Services
Telehealth is here to stay, and billing for virtual care has become a standard part of
healthcare administration ...
The Role of Auditing in Medical Coding: What Students Need to Know
At its core, a medical coding audit is a quality check. It's a deliberate review of the
codes applied to patient records to make sure they match the documentation and
meet regulatory standards. ...
The Coder-Physician Partnership: How to Improve Clinical Documentation for Accurate Billing
Physicians capture the clinical story, and coders translate that story into precise, billable data. Yet, too often, these two roles operate in silos ...
Community vs. Hospital vs. Specialty Pharmacy Settings
Understanding how community, hospital and specialty pharmacies differ, as well as the ways a pharmacy technician’s role can vary in each work environment, can help you make informed decisions about your professional path in this field ...
The Evolving Role of Technology in Pharmacy Technician Work
For pharmacy technicians, technology offers advancements that support the delivery of safer, faster and more efficient patient care ...
How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
When compared to other pharmacy technicians, a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) has demonstrated a higher level of competency and knowledge ...
Medication Safety Tips for Pharmacy Technicians
Understanding how the PTCE and ExCPT pharmacy tech certification exams differ can help you choose the one that most closely aligns with your professional goals and interests ...
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Medical Assisting Programs: Which Study Pace Fits Your Life?
Choosing a medical assistant program is an almost entirely personal choice based upon your financial situation and commitments. Good news is, there are several different study paced programs out there ...
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) vs. ExCPT
Understanding how the PTCE and ExCPT pharmacy tech certification exams differ can help you choose the one that most closely aligns with your professional goals and interests ...
Is Medical Assisting a Good Career Fit for You? Analyzing Pros, Cons, Salary & Job Satisfaction
A medical assisting career may be a fantastic option for people who want a relatively quick entry into the healthcare field, career mobility and the chance to make a difference in peoples’ lives ...
The Growing Role of MAs in Geriatric Care
Until state laws change to allow medical assistants to work in long-term care, medical assistants can work with elderly populations in a variety of other settings like family practices and outpatient clinics ...
What to Expect During Your Medical Assistant Clinical Externship
The clinical externship is a hands-on training period within medical assistant programs where students get to practice what they’re learning in real-world healthcare settings ...
How Clinical Rotations Prepare You for a Medical Assisting Career
Clinical rotations are a key aspect of education for many healthcare professions and hold the same value for medical assistants as they do for all professionals. ...
Common Challenges Medical Assistant Students Face and How to Overcome Them
Learn about some proven strategies that can support your academic and personal success as a medical assistant student ...
Fear of Needles? How to Succeed in Your MA Clinical Rotations
If you’re a medical assistant student with a fear of needles, the prospect of administering shots might leave you rethinking your choice of profession ...
Career Growth Pathways: What’s Next After Becoming a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are in an ideal position to pivot to a variety of other roles in allied healthcare, nursing, healthcare administration and more ...
Medical Assistant Online Programs: Can You Get Certified Online?
Medical assisting is a hands-on profession. While you can certainly complete much of your coursework online, certain aspects of your training can only be done in-person. ...
Can You Become a Certified Medical Assistant Without Going to School?
Some organizations allow sufficient work experience, military training and other alternatives to postsecondary education to qualify for their medical assistant certifications ...
How Long Does Medical Assistant Training Actually Take?
Numerous factors affect how long medical assistant training may take for you. Read on to learn more. ...
Medical Assistant (MA) vs. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Key Differences Explained
While MAs and LPNs may appear similar and have fewer educational requirements compared to more advanced roles, these two careers do vary significantly. ...
Can You Work While Attending Medical Assisting School?
Working while attending medical assisting school can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. With the right strategies, you can make it more manageable ...
Effective Study Techniques for Medical Assistant Program Success
If you're wondering how to succeed without drowning in flashcards or pulling all-nighters, here are seven study techniques every medical assistant student should know ...
Can Medical Assistants Give Botox Injections? What Students Should Know
Even though medical assistants can't administer Botox to patients, they can still seek out employment opportunities at plastic surgery clinics and dermatology clinics ...
The Role of Big Data Analytics in Enhancing Medical Billing Accuracy
The increasing use of big data analytics can enhance medical billing accuracy in many ways, offering significant benefits to medical practices ...
Soft Skills and Habits of Successful Medical Billers and Coders
Education can provide medical billers and coders with a solid foundation, but they also need certain key soft skills and habits to successfully adapt to changes in the field ...
The Importance of Continuing Education in Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Once you’re working as a medical biller or coder, your education doesn’t stop, especially with all the changes in technologies occurring in the medical industry ...
Understanding Code Bundling: Simplifying Complex Procedures in Medical Coding
Medical coders must learn how to bundle and unbundle codes to ensure that patients are properly billed for the services, procedures and treatments they receive. ...
Will AI Replace Medical Coders? The Future of Coding in the Age of Automation
AI tools have the potential to transform the medical coding field for the better, but it may lead to a shift in a medical coder's role ...
What to Expect in a Clinical Nutrition Master’s Program
A master's degree in clinical nutrition is a popular pathway for aspiring dietitians to get the education and experience they need to start their careers. ...
The Role of Nutritionists in Eating Disorder Recovery
Nutritionists and dietitians bring a host of specialized skills to the table that can be beneficial for folks dealing with an eating disorder and help set them on a path to recovery. ...
Telehealth and Nutrition: The Future of Dietetic Consultations
Telehealth can increase access to care, provide a new level of flexibility and provide several other advantages for nutritionists, dietitians and their clients. ...
The Role of Research Internships in Shaping Your Nutrition Career
Nutrition and dietetics internships are structured, supervised practice experiences that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application ...
Decoding Medical Reports: Practical Exercises for Aspiring Medical Coders
Medical coding exercises are indispensable in bridging the gap between classroom-based theoretical knowledge and real-world application. ...
The Impact of Value-Based Care on Medical Coding: What Students Need to Know
Medical coders can contribute to value-base care programs to help improve care quality, enhance coordination and ensure accurate reimbursement ...
Exploring Telemedicine Administration: Preparing for Remote Healthcare Management
Prepare yourself for a remote healthcare management job by understanding what kinds of roles are more conducive to remote work ...
Exploring Forensic Medical Coding: A Niche Career Path for Aspiring Coders
Forensic medical coders are experienced medical coders who use their expertise to help legal teams with coding and billing issues ...
The Role of Medical Coders in Clinical Documentation Improvement
Medical coders play a vital role in implementing CDI by bridging the gap between clinical data and standardized coding, reducing errors and supporting value-based care initiatives ...
Lean Management in Healthcare: Principles for Future Administrators
In healthcare, lean management—which emphasizes curtailing waste—can be an incredibly valuable approach to doing business. ...
Developing Project Management Skills: A Must for Healthcare Administrators
Project management is a must-have skill for students and professionals within the field of healthcare administration and management as it helps improve patient outcomes. ...
Medical Coding Bootcamps vs. Traditional Programs: Which is Right for You?
To become a medical biller or coder, you can choose from different educational pathways, such as bootcamps or traditional college programs, that can support your professional goals ...
Time Management Strategies for Healthcare Students with Part-Time Jobs
Future healthcare administrators will need to apply data analytics skills to advance meaningful change through precision and personalized medicine. ...
Effective Note-Taking Strategies for Healthcare Lectures and Seminars
When attending a live or online seminar, consider some of these tried-and-true note-taking strategies so that you can get the most out of your experience ...
A Day in the Life of a Medical Billing & Coding Student: What to Expect
A look at how a medical billing & coding student spends the day can help answer any questions you have and give you an idea of what to expect in your education program. ...
Healthcare Administration vs. Public Health
Healthcare administration and public health are closely related fields, but they are distinct disciplines which generally prepare students for different healthcare careers. ...
The Importance of Data Analytics Skills for Future Healthcare Administrators
Future healthcare administrators will need to apply data analytics skills to advance meaningful change through precision and personalized medicine. ...
Healthcare Administration Capstone Projects
The capstone is a huge part of any healthcare administration master's degree. We've compiled a list of ideas, examples and tips to help you get started. ...
Balancing Work and Study: Tips for Healthcare Administration Students
You’re not alone if you’re straining to juggle professional duties and your education.
Here’s how to strike a successful balance between work and study as a student in healthcare administration or management ...
From Classroom to Career: Transitioning as a New Medical Billing and Coding Graduate
If you've just graduated from a medical billing & coding program and you’re wondering what to do next, here are some tips to help smooth the transition from pupil to professional ...
Studying For Your Medical Coding Certification Exam
Certifications are valuable assets for medical billers and coders, but you have to pass an exam to earn these credentials. Here are 11 tips to help you get started ...
Essential Courses for Healthcare Administration Students
While all healthcare administration classes are important, these may be the most vital components of your program's curriculum ...
Dual Specialization: Combining Medical Billing and Coding with Other Healthcare Fields
Some may prefer to work as a generalist, but medical billers and coders can choose to specialize in certain healthcare fields, and it can be a worthwhile option for many ...
Navigating Ethics Courses in Healthcare Administration Programs
Ethics courses are designed to teach future healthcare administrators about the ethical and legal standards of their profession and how to navigate complex issues when they inevitably arise ...
Technology in Medical Billing and Coding Education
In order to be successful in their role, medical billers and coders must be prepared to use numerous different technological tools. Here are the most popular ...
Healthcare Administration Student Organizations and Networking
Healthcare administration and management may seem like different ways of saying the same thing, but there are a few key differences between the two. ...
Healthcare Administration vs Healthcare Management
Healthcare administration and management may seem like different ways of saying the same thing, but there are a few key differences between the two. ...
Back-to-School Guide for Adult Healthcare Students
The idea of going back to school as an adult can be intimidating, but you can earn a degree in healthcare no matter how long it’s been since you were in a classroom ...
Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs & Education Pathways
Leveling up your education could be your first step toward a new chapter in your allied health career ...
How to Pay for Your Allied Health Education
There are a variety of ways to pay for your allied health education, helping you achieve your career goals ...
How to Set Goals and Achieve Your Healthcare Career Dreams in 2025
We asked some allied health professionals how they reached their career goals. Though their paths to success were different they agreed on many things ...
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
Despite their surface similarities, nutritionists and dietitians have different educational backgrounds, training, and legal requirements ...
What Can I Do with a Master of Public Health Degree?
Public health careers don't focus on one patient at a time. Instead, they look at broader issues that affect the health of people in their local area, their state, their county, or even around the world ...
Skills for a Successful Medical Assistant
Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare settings, with several kinds of skills being crucial to their success. ...
Reasons to Pursue a Health Management Degree
There are a multitude of careers you can pursue if you are interested in business or management as a healthcare career path ...
Your Questions about Medical Billing and Coding, Answered
Medical billing and coding are popular careers where you can begin work without years of higher education. These are answers to some of the most common questions about the field ...
California Medical Assistant Salaries
Salaries for medical assistants in California are considerably higher than the national average. Find out why they earn more ...
Your Guide to Allied Health Educational Programs and Careers
Many professions exist in the field of allied health, such as nurses, administrators, pharmacists, and technicians—all doing their best to use evidence-based practices to help patients ...
Salary Guide for Allied Health Careers
While your career focus may be the biggest factor in your expected earnings, it’s certainly not the only one. Factors that help shape healthcare salaries include job title, employer, education, location, and experience ...
The Importance of Healthcare School Accreditation
Find out about healthcare school accreditation, and avoid costly mistakes in your choice of schools ...
10 Jobs You Can Get with a Healthcare Administrator Degree
Today's healthcare delivery system faces enormous challenges. Here are 10 healthcare admin jobs that focus on skills and education to keep things running smoothly ...
Learn What Sets Medical Assistants Apart from CNAs
Both CNAs and medical assistants take on support roles that help their healthcare facilities run smoothly, but they're supporting different healthcare professionals ...
How to Get Into Healthcare with a Business Degree
Want to use your business degree in a healthcare setting? Here are opportunities beyond patient care that will put your business skills to work ...
Pharmacist vs. Pharmacy Technician
Despite working side by side, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have different education backgrounds, job responsibilities, and salaries. Here's how they differ ...
Radiology Technologist vs Ultrasound Technician: What’s the Difference?
Radiology technicians and ultrasound technicians both work in high-touch, high-technology fields with a growing demand, but there are some key differences ...
Tips for Building a Successful Medical Billing Business at Home
If you are interested in doing medical billing at home, here are some steps you can take to get your business up and running ...
7 Reasons to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Healthcare organizations are always in need of billers & coders who can adapt. Here are 7 good reasons the field is in such demand in the industry ...
Medical Assistant vs. Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical assistants and medical administrative assistants both work with patients and ensure that a medical facility runs smoothly, but there is a significant difference between the two ...
What’s the Difference Between a Certified Medical Assistant and a Registered Medical Assistant?
A CMA and an RMA perform the same duties and can apply for the same roles. The biggest difference is the educational background and training each require ...
Proper Preparation: New Legislation Makes it Easier to Pick the Right Program
A new federal regulation requires schools to tell you whether their program will qualify you to work in the state you live in ...
What are the Best States for Medical Billers and Coders?
Billers and coders are in high demand nationally, but some states are expected to experience much higher growth rates than others ...
What are the Best States for Pharmacy Techs?
These are the best states for pharmacy technicians, taking into account the most jobs, the highest median wages, and lowest cost of living ...
What’s the Difference Between Radiologic & Nuclear Medicine Technologists?
What's the Difference Between Radiologic & Nuclear Medicine Technologists? Compare two popular medical imaging roles and learn which is for ...
Health Information Management vs. Health Informatics
Health informatics is a career where technology can improve the way health data is collected, stored, processed and communicated ...
Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a breakdown of some key differences between dental assistants vs. dental hygienists ...
Physical Therapist vs. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants perform many of the same basic responsibilities but some key characteristics set them apart ...
Explore Medical Imaging Career Paths
Medical imaging technology plays an important role in today’s health care system, but what is it and what roles does it encompass? ...
OT vs PT: What’s the Difference?
Both occupational therapists and physical therapists do vital hands-on rehabilitative work to help patients with injuries or disabilities that limit how they’re able to move and function in daily life. Which is right for you? ...
What’s the Difference Between a Surgical Assistant & Technician?
Although the titles of surgical technologist and surgical assistant are sometimes used interchangeably, there are significant differences between them ...
Techs vs Technologists: What’s the Difference?
Here's a rundown on healthcare technician and technologist roles, how they differ, and how they are similar. For sure, you have many career options to choose from ...
Medical Biller and Coder vs. Medical Transcriptionist
Here's how medical transcriptionists and medical billers & coders play a vital role in keeping the health care system running smoothly ...
Medical Assistant vs. Physician Assistant: What’s the Difference?
Short and sweet, a medical assistant is more of an entry- to-mid level role, while a physician assistant performs advanced duties with a practicing physician ...
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
If you're just starting out, or thinking about a career change, here are five good reasons to consider becoming a medical assistant ...
Which Allied Health Careers are Booming?
Some jobs in the allied health field are taking off faster than others. Find out which ones—and what it takes to become one ...
What’s a Certified Nursing Assistant? Top 6 Duties of a CNA
As a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, you'll work under the supervision of nurses to deliver high quality care to patients. ...
Here Are the Top 5 Reasons to Become a Dental Hygienist
If you've thought about becoming a dental hygienist, here are five reasons to reap the rewards of the profession ...
12-Month Healthcare Programs
If you've got a year or less and are looking to start a new healthcare career, we've got some options for you ...