March 05, 2007
by Stanley Rubenti
Local Education Columnist
With roughly 55,000 residents, Bismarck, North Dakota doesn't qualify as a mega-metropolis. But that probably matters very little to the city's residents, who enjoy the quiet and calm for which Bismarck is famous. Bismarck Parks, the Dakota Zoo, and Sertoma Park, some of the main attractions within city limits, are a testament to the city's small-town feel and urban charm. And most importantly for you, Bismarck's technical programs in medicine and healthcare do an excellent job of attracting students from other parts of the country.
Medical Coding in Bismarck, North Dakota
Healthcare is a major industry in Bismarck; roughly 7% of residents (4,100 in all) work either at Medcenter One Health Systems or at St. Alexius Medical Center. Only the state government employs more people than these two medical facilities. Thus, students who come to Bismarck to receive medical coding training have little to worry about when it comes to facilities, exposure, internships, and support.
Medical coding is one of the easiest fields to prepare for, since it requires only two years of training and generally offers good job security. After receiving associate's degrees from local technical programs, graduates go on to fill countless medical coding positions. Medical coders earn an average of $26,000 per year helping medical facilities keep track of the paperwork that piles up after every patient's visit.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical coding professionals will experience faster than average career growth nationwide through 2014. In a city that values healthcare so highly, it's possible that job growth in Bismarck will exceed the 27% that the U.S. Department of Labor currently predicts for the rest of the country.
It's Not Just the Numbers in Bismarck
Impressive stats shouldn't be the only reason to relocate to Bismarck for medical coding training. In addition to excellent technical schools, the city also offers an impressive selection of art galleries, historic attractions, and recreational activities. With a median age of 36, Bismarck is an incredibly active city that enjoys the great outdoors, sports, and fellowship. Those who go for the education often end up staying for long-term careers. Despite its long winters, Bismarck has a way of growing on you with time.
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About the Author
A freelance writer, Stanley Rubenti currently lives in Bangkok where he writes columns for a variety of publications. Stanley holds a B.A. in history.
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