How to Land Your First Revenue Cycle Job - Even With Zero Experience!

Aug 28







Breaking into the world of revenue cycle management can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re starting with zero experience. But here’s the truth: everyone has to start somewhere, and with the right approach, you can land that first job and kickstart a successful career. Whether you’re transitioning careers or just entering the workforce, I've got actionable actionable steps you can take to make your entry into revenue cycle management a reality.

Leverage Your Transferrable Skills

One of the biggest misconceptions about breaking into a new career field is that you need to have direct experience. The good news is that many of the skills you’ve developed in other jobs are highly transferable to revenue cycle management.

• Customer Service: If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, or any customer-facing role, you already have experience dealing with people, resolving issues, and managing expectations—skills that are essential in revenue cycle roles, especially in patient access and billing.

• Attention to Detail: Have you ever been responsible for managing data, following procedures, or ensuring accuracy in your work? These are crucial skills in coding, billing, and charge capture, where precision is essential.

• Problem-Solving: A key part of revenue cycle management is solving problems, whether it’s dealing with denied claims, resolving billing issues, or ensuring compliance. If you've had experience identifying and solving problems, you're already ahead.

When crafting your resume and preparing for interviews, make sure to highlight these transferable skills. Show potential employers that you have the foundational abilities needed to succeed in revenue cycle management, even if you’re new to the field.

Get Educated

While transferable skills are a great starting point, gaining some foundational knowledge in revenue cycle management can significantly boost your chances of landing that first job. The best part? You don’t need to go back to school for a full degree—there are plenty of online courses and certifications that can give you the basics.

• Medical Billing and Coding: Online courses or certifications in these areas will give you a solid understanding of how healthcare services are translated into billable charges.  Look to AAPC or AHIMA for certifications in these essential fields.

• Revenue Cycle and Healthcare Finance: Understanding the financial side of healthcare, from insurance reimbursements to revenue cycle metrics, is invaluable. Look for courses such as my Revenue Cycle Boot CampTM that cover the fundamentals of healthcare finance and revenue cycle management.

• Industry-Specific Certifications: Consider certifications like the Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) offered by HFMA or other entry-level certifications that can provide you with a credential to boost your resume.

By investing in your education, you’re showing potential employers that you’re serious about your career in revenue cycle management and that you’re willing to put in the effort to succeed.

Network, Network, Network!

Never underestimate the power of networking. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, provide valuable insights from industry professionals, and even lead to mentorships that can guide you as you start your career.

• Join Professional Groups: Whether online or in-person, professional groups focused on healthcare finance, medical billing and coding, or revenue cycle management can be a goldmine for networking. LinkedIn groups, Facebook communities, and industry associations are great places to start.  Don't forget about our Revenue Cycle Boot Camp groups on Facebook and LinkedIn!

• Attend Industry Webinars and Conferences: Even if you’re just starting out, attending webinars, conferences, or local meetups can help you connect with professionals in the field. Many events offer virtual attendance options, making it easier to participate.  Organizations such as AAPC, AHIMA, and HFMA offer monthly chapter meetings which will allow you to network with professionals in your area.

• Connect on LinkedIn: Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the industry. Introduce yourself, express your interest in revenue cycle management, and ask for advice. Building relationships can lead to referrals, job leads, and valuable connections.

Networking isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about building a community that can support you throughout your career.

Start Small

Consider starting with an entry-level position that serves as a stepping stone.

• Patient Access Representative: This role involves handling patient registration, insurance verification, and scheduling. It’s a critical part of the revenue cycle and provides valuable experience in the field.

• Billing Assistant: Working as a billing assistant allows you to get hands-on experience with the billing process, including charge capture, claim submission, and payment posting.

• Claims Processor: This role focuses on processing and submitting claims to insurance companies, giving you insight into the billing and reimbursement side of the revenue cycle.

Starting with an entry-level position can help you gain the experience you need to move into more advanced roles in revenue cycle management. Get your foot in the door to build a foundation for future growth.

Showcase Your Willingness to Learn

One of the most important qualities employers look for—especially in entry-level candidates—is a strong willingness to learn. Revenue cycle management is a complex and ever-evolving field, so demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning can set you apart from other candidates.

• Emphasize Learning in Your Cover Letter: Make it clear in your cover letter that you’re eager to learn and grow within the field. Highlight any relevant courses, certifications, or self-directed learning you’ve done to prepare for the role.

• Ask Questions During Interviews: Use the interview as an opportunity to show your curiosity and interest in the field. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, the company’s revenue cycle processes, and opportunities for professional development.

• Stay Updated: The healthcare industry is constantly changing, so stay informed about the latest trends, regulations, and best practices in revenue cycle management. Subscribing to industry newsletters, blogs, and podcasts can help you stay in the loop.

Employers value candidates who are not only qualified but also motivated to learn and adapt. By showcasing your willingness to learn, you’re positioning yourself as a proactive and engaged candidate—qualities that are highly sought after in revenue cycle management.

Landing your first job in revenue cycle management may seem challenging, especially if you’re starting with no experience, but it’s far from impossible. 

Remember, every expert in revenue cycle management started where you are now—with a desire to learn and grow. With the right approach, you can turn that desire into a reality and set yourself on the path to a fulfilling career in healthcare finance.

Good luck, and don’t forget—you’ve got this!

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