In a world that runs on information, the need for qualified IT techs has been growing rapidly. Demand will continue to expand, making IT services an attractive career for anyone looking to succeed in the new economy. There are numerous benefits to getting an IT degree. It’s also possible to earn your degree online. This means that you can work at your own pace, develop your skills and find a job that lets you command the lifestyle you want for yourself and your family. Information technology careers can repay the hard work you put in with sound skills and well paying jobs.
Benefits of getting an IT degree
As our reliance on computers grows, so does the importance of information technology careers. The share of IT workers in the economy is growing rapidly, going from a mere 2% of the workforce to a significant 15% by 2010. The demand for quaffed computer technicians and network administrators will continue to increase.
This means that getting a computer information technology online degree can be the best career move you can make today. Certifications matter, and as many as 68% of IT hiring managers consider them to be a medium or high priority when making new hires.
Earn your degree online
Online classes are a popular new way to earn the degrees and certifications that can jump start your career. According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System or IPEDS, as many 5.5 million college students were enrolled in at least one online course as of 2012. By 2012, the number of college students in full online programs had reached 2.6 million.
The upward trend continues and online enrollments were up by 14% in 2014. Colleges and universities have increased their online course offerings to meet the increased demand. About three fourths or 75% of the nation’s top ranked colleges and universities now offer completely online degrees. The expansion of online education has had a greater impact in some fields more than others. The second largest number of online degree programs are now offered in the health professions and related programs of study.
Where the jobs are
Healthcare is also the field where the largest number of IT jobs are available, and the demand is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical record and health information technicians is projected to increase 15% by 2024.
Coding and billing are two different roles in the healthcare IT sector, though professionals in the two fields work together. The work consists of coding and preparing invoices or claims, which are sent to the insurance company.
Anyone looking for a job in the medical billing and coding field should be detail oriented. They should also have people skills, since they communicate with patients and their families directly.
Coursework for medical coding certification
It is possible to get medical coding certifications online. Requirements typically include 700 and 1,000 hours of coursework in physiology and anatomy. If you decide to pursue an medical coding certifications online, you can expect to take some of the following online classes:
- Anatomy
- Terminology and Healthcare Payers
- Introduction to Healthcare Computer Information Systems
- The Healthcare Claims Cycle
Information technology careers offer you a chance to succeed in the new economy and to learn some solid skills. A certification in medical coding and billing gives you a foothold in a field that is set to expand.
