Going to start fresh at 36, decided to go online...

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by will1258, Jun 27, 2011.

Loading...
  1. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    I'm interested in going back to school and I want to start a program in the medical field, I'm a man so I'm interested in something like biomedical engineering technician but I don't know what's offered online.

    Medical coding
    Network Security
    Programming

    I haven't decided yet but I'm looking for schools that don't have high requirements for students that's basically entry level and will train all the way through. I though of wgu but I heard they're not for newbies but for folks inside the field who are looking for a degree as well.

    So what's a great cheap school to start over fresh like I'm coming out of high school again?

    Will1258
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Welcome to the forum. I have worked in biomed for the past 20 years so I can say it is a great field. Thomas Edison has a BS in Biomed. To break in to the field for online shools you will need an understanding of electronics, computer networking, and A&P. I would start with electronics classes and some computer classes that lead to certs (A+ & Network+ will probably be enough).

    Look at Aramark and GEs website for opening to get an idea of the market. Does that help? What is your background now?
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I don't understand the "I'm a man" thing. This is 2011, almost no jobs now are segregated by gender.
     
  4. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    I think about Mike Gundy every time I hear those words.

    "I'm a man, I'm 40!"
     
  5. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Possibly the greatest college football quote of the past decade short of "Your BCS National Champion Auburn Tigers".

    To the OP, look at Healthcare Informatics programs, growing field, plenty of demand.
     
  6. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    I have a A+ certification and a Associate of Science in Computer Networking.. I'm not currently working in the field, I'm a scanner for the University of Miami.
     
  7. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    May I ask who has that available? Tesc? Excelsior?
     
  8. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    Any way to get the application fee waived if you're not making much money? My coworker got this done at Devry and I was wondering the same thing.
     
  9. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Capella and Walden both have Healthcare Informatics programs, not aware if any of the "Big 3" do or not. Sorry I can't be of more help, but I'm sure someone here can provide some info.
     
  10. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    With that background I would explore trying to get into GE now. Read up on HL7 and DICOM to understand the concepts. Look into field service engineer positions with DataScope, SpaceLabs, Phillips Medical, etc. There are a few links to headhunters website here - http://www.24x7mag.com/classifieds.asp also check your local biomed organization for openings - http://fbsonline.net/default.aspx
    http://www.nscharney.com/Employment_Opportunities.asp
    http://adel-lawrence.com/
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 27, 2011
  11. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Nice move! :yup:
     
  12. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Does University of Miami offer free or reduced tuition for employees?
     
  13. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    I can't speak on a majority of what you listed, except I know Bio Med pays very well and seems to be a great profession. As for medical coding, you don't need a degree for that one. I worked in a hospital for ten years, and most (if not all) of our medical coders/ health information folks were high school graduates only. Just apply for an entry level position like a ER clerk or main admissions clerk and then transfer into medical coding if that is what you desire.

    Good luck, and I have to say that I admire the fact that your giving college a go at 36, good for you.
     
  14. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    Only 1 class a year free and UM is pretty expensive.
     
  15. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    I guess 1 class per year is better than nothing. Pick something you would find difficult to test out of (for me, I had to do my math classes butt-in-seat, couldn't self-study for those), and transfer it wherever you end up going.

    Good luck!
     
  16. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    I just applied to Ashford but it's pretty steep. As for going to UM, I don't live around the area and I'm just going to go online. I do owe 28,000 for my old degree but I rather wouldn't add alot of money onto that.
     
  17. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    What is GE?
     
  18. dlcurious

    dlcurious Member

    Medical coding, at least entry level, tends to favor certs over education. Those organizations providing such certs include AHIMA and AAPC. As you look to move into management education can become a factor. It is a saturated field, but not for those who really know what they're doing.
     
  19. will1258

    will1258 New Member

    My salary here is about 28k a year, I had a ex who was a experienced medical coder but she started off at $9.00 per hour in FLA. I'm guessing the starting salary is around $10 in that field of work?

    That's a little low, I'm hoping to start off around 32k.

    I'll figure out if I can get a entry level position around the A+ and 2 year degree.
     

Share This Page