Key Points:

• Medical Billers and Coders process medical claims, while Respiratory Therapists provide care for patients with breathing problems.
• Medical Billers and Coders may earn slightly less than Respiratory Therapists on average.
• Medical Billing and Coding can be learned online or in-person, while Respiratory Therapy requires in-person training.
• Medical Billing and Coding training is generally less expensive and shorter than the training for Respiratory Therapy.

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare industry, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can provide essential support and specialized care. Two professions that are often considered are medical billing and coding and respiratory therapy. While both careers are rewarding and have their own unique qualities, there are several key differences that prospective students should consider when deciding which path to pursue. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of medical billers and coders and respiratory therapists, as well as the education and training required for each profession. We will also delve into the career outlook and salary potential for both fields.

Medical Biller and Coder vs Respiratory Therapist: Education and Training

The education and training required for medical billers and coders and respiratory therapists differ significantly:

Medical Biller and Coder:

• Education: Most medical billers and coders have a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems, and medical billing practices.
• Certification: While certification is not always required, many employers prefer to hire certified medical billers and coders. The most common certifications include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Respiratory Therapist:

• Education: Respiratory therapists must have at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. These programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment.
• Licensure: Respiratory therapists must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program and passing a national licensing examination.

Medical Biller and Coder vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook and salary potential for medical billers and coders and respiratory therapists also differ:

Medical Biller and Coder:

• Career Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical records and health information technicians (which includes medical billers and coders) is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand for healthcare services and the transition to electronic health records are driving this growth.
• Median Salary: The median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Respiratory Therapist:

• Career Outlook: The BLS projects that employment of respiratory therapists will grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is primarily due to the aging population and the increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
• Median Salary: The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $63,950 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry requires careful consideration of your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Both medical billing and coding and respiratory therapy offer unique opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives and contribute to the healthcare system. It is essential to thoroughly research each profession, including their job responsibilities, education requirements, and career outlook, to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your individual strengths, preferences, and professional aspirations.

Dreambound's educational programs are available in diverse locations. Explore these recommended blogs for a comprehensive examination of the two vocations, including in-depth insights into their prerequisites and guidance on initiating your journey:

• Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi

• Respiratory Therapist classes near you