Students studying to become medical coding specialists, and those who are considering joining the field will be happy to know that the job outlook for medical coding is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records and health information technicians are in and industry that is expected to grow faster than average. The Bureau expects that job prospects in the future will be very good.

In 2006, there were 170,000 medical records and health information technicians employed in the United States. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects for there to be 200,000 medical coders, which comes out to an increase of 30,000 workers, or 18%. This significant increase is projected due to the rapid growth in medical procedures, tests, and treatments being administered, which all can be expected to be scrutinized by insurance companies, courts, regulators, and consumers. There is also an added need to comply with Federal legislation that requires the use of electronic medical records, so technicians will need to enter patient information into computer databases.

Although the job outlook for medical coding specialists is favorable, it is always a smart move to take action that will improve your own job outlook. Doing so will help you advance in your career as well as earn a higher salary. In order to work as a medical coder, you will almost always have completed a certification program, however, you can improve your status by participating in additional continuing education, which can allow you to upgrade your certification to a higher status and open you up to better pay and job opportunities. Additionally, gaining more experience in the field and taking on supervisory experience will help you set yourself apart from the rest. No matter what you do, you can expect your future to be bright as a medical coding specialist.