The Latest from the Allied Health Blog

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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

a healthcare professional uses a clipboard of doctors' notes to code procedures on a keyboard

Professional vs. Facility Coding

ProFee coding and facility coding represent two distinct yet complementary sides of the medical billing process ...
a group of five healthcare students smile down at the camera

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 ...
doctor touches a holographic sign that says electronic health record

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 ...
keyboard with a finger pressing a button that says accuracy & precision

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 ...
a medical billing statement rests on a table underneath a stethoscope

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 ...
a medical coder works at a desktop computer inputting coding modifiers into reimbursement claims

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 ...
doctor in lab coat and blue sanitary gloves holding yellow card with HIPPA written on it

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 ...
medical billers smiles while talking on phone headset and computer

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 ...
picture of stethoscope, alarm clock, and card with text on it reading revenue cycle management

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 ...
a patient communicates with a doctor through a video call on their cell phone

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 ...
laptop screen with medical coding being audited

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. ...
billing sheet with stethoscope and calculator on top of it

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 ...
a pharmacy technician gives a prescription to a customer in a community pharmacy setting

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 ...
a pharmacy technician uses a computer in a pharmacy lab

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 ...
certified pharmacy technician stands in aisle of pharmacy shelves full of medications

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 ...
pharmacy technician stands in front of medication stocked shelves

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 ...
a medical assistant greets and shakes hands with a patient in a wheelchair

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 ...
certified pharmacy technician explains prescription to customer

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 ...
a medical assistant sits down and reviews medical history with a patient

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 ...
a medical assistant smiles and talks with an elderly gentleman patient with a cane

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 ...
a medical assistant greets and shakes hands with a patient in a wheelchair

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 ...
team of medical assistants doing clinical rotations

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. ...
medical assisting student examines x-ray for challenging exam

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 ...
medical assistant prepping a shot

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?

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 ...
a medical assistant student works on her laptop in a library and smiles at the camera

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. ...
a certified medical assistant inputs patient data into an electronic tablet and smiles at the camera

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 ...
medical assistant student studies on her laptop

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. ...
male medical assistant and female licensed practical nurse stand back to back with arms crossed

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.  ...
a medical assistant student studies on a campus lawn

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 ...
medical assistant students study together

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 ...
medical assistant giving female patient botox injection for headaches

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 ...
medical biller sourcing data analytics on laptop

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 ...
medical biller and coder reviews insurance claims and enters codes into computer

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 ...
medical billers sitting in training class for continuing education

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 ...
medical coder works at a computer and bundles medical code reports

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. ...
a medical coder works at a computer in a hospital wing

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 ...
dietitian students writes in notebook while surrounded by healthy produce

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. ...
nutritionist explains healthy eating to teen with eating disorder

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.   ...
nutritionist meets with client over telehealth call

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.   ...
nutrition research intern writes in a notebook and looks at the camera

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 ...
medical coding students practice coding exercises at a table

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. ...
medical coder implements value-based care while inputting codes into computer

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 ...
healthcare manager works remotely at home practicing telemedicine care

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 ...
forensic coder reviews medical billing codes with lawyer

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 ...
medical coder works at a computer and completes clinical documentation

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 ...
healthcare administrators look over agile scrum board to provide lean management

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. ...
healthcare administrators meeting with laptop open and focused on project management

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 billing and coding student gets tips about codes from instructor

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 ...
healthcare student points to clock signifying time management

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. ...
healthcare students taking notes on a lecture in their class

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 ...
medical biller and coder works in hospital with screens of icd codes behind her

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 administrators and public health professionals look at the camera

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. ...
healthcare administrator looks at data files

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 student presents capstone project to class

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. ...
healthcare administration students in class

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 ...
medical biller and coder works at coding medical procedures online

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 ...
a medical coder takes a certification exam

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 ...
a healthcare administration student raises his hand to ask a question during class

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 ...
classroom with different healthcare workers

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 ...
pensive healthcare administrator pondering ethical questions

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 ...
medical coder uses a software program to calculate billing costs

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 ...
a healthcare administrator networks with other industry professionals at an organizational meeting

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 managers and admiinistrators meet to discuss hospital policy

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. ...
group of healthcare students studying together

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 ...
nurse doing course research on laptop

Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs & Education Pathways

Leveling up your education could be your first step toward a new chapter in your allied health career ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
two women discuss food menu for client

Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Despite their surface similarities, nutritionists and dietitians have different educational backgrounds, training, and legal requirements ...
professionals greeting each other at meeting

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 ...
medical assistant taking notes while doctor sees patient

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. ...
healthcare and business professionals attend training class

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 ...
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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 ...
medical assistant helping patient using walker

California Medical Assistant Salaries

Salaries for medical assistants in California are considerably higher than the national average. Find out why they earn more ...
medical professional giving hearing exam to child patient

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 ...
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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 ...
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The Importance of Healthcare School Accreditation

Find out about healthcare school accreditation, and avoid costly mistakes in your choice of schools ...
hospital team confers in corridor

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 ...
two medical professionals discussing a chart

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 ...
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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 and technician looking at prescription order

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 ...
two medical staff look at brain scan of patient laying down

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 ...
professional at home office works on laptop

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 ...
woman taking call and working on transcription at desk

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 ...
women health workers chat at station desk

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 ...
medical professional listens to childs heart with stethoscope

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 ...
two students chatting in windowed hallway

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 ...
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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 ...
US map graphic with six people

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 ...
tech helping patient with mri

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 ...
hands documenting health information in chart

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 workers examining patient in chair

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 helping patient with leg problem

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 ...
medical imaging technician reading brain scan

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? ...
physical therapist helps senior man with walking

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? ...
surgical crew in operating room procedure

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 ...
woman medical tech entering patient data in online health record

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 ...
professional in office holding folder

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 professionals seated in office

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 ...
medical professional walks in hallway with patient

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 ...
medical professional looking out window wearing protective gear

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 ...
medical professional uses blood pressure cuff on patient

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. ...
dental professional shows tools to young patient

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 ...
two medical professionals placing an iv drip on patient

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 ...