From Juggling Jobs to Career Success: Jeanne’s Journey to Medical Billing & Coding

In her 40 or so years of adulthood Jeanne Torrey has tried on a lot of careers and dotted her resume with a patchwork of education and training experiences. From grocery store checker and airport reservations and tickets handler to Certified Nursing Assistant, she was always juggling multiple jobs.  She was ready to stick a landing in something she could see stretching out into the future. Those days of working 2-3 jobs at a time just weren’t getting it done.

Jeanne’s primary career insight and requirement: “I have a heart for helping people and didn’t realize that I could turn that into something financially productive: a career!” Who would have thought SJVC’s (in as few as) 7-month Medical Billing and Coding certificate program would be the perfect career match-up.

What motivated you to consider furthering your education toward your career goals?

I had stopped and started my education a lot and I wanted to finally finish something. When I got hurt at work and was on disability for six months, I decided this could be a turning point in my life.

I had been working 2-3 jobs to survive, and I was the only breadwinner. No one else was going to take care of me.

Why choose career education now?

I’ve worked at residential care and school districts with adults and children with disabilities, grocery stores, wholesale produce, Uber Eats, cleaned houses, teacher’s aide and restaurants. I’ve kissed a lot of frogs.

Why SJVC?

I knew a couple of people who had gone to SJVC and really liked it. I did research and liked what I read. Anybody I had interaction with at the college was wonderful. The Admissions people were great, and my Career Services Advisor was awesome and available whenever I needed her.

It was the perfect time to do this. I was being handed this opportunity on a silver platter and wouldn’t get another chance like this.

What appealed to you about SJVC’s online Medical Billing & Coding program?

I’d heard that working from home could be very successful and this career would give me that option. I feel like the program was written for me. It was all online. I never even met any of my instructors in person.

Being able to determine my own work schedule – the days and hours I work in this medical field.

Was a work-from-home career choice a good option for you?

I’m not a ‘homebody’, but I would feel more comfortable at home than in an office…or classroom.

It’s a certain type of person who can work from home. If you can’t manage your time or are easily distracted you probably shouldn’t do this. You have to have self-discipline to act like you’re at work; like you’re mentally ‘clocked in’. Your time is not your own.

What was your Medical Billing & Coding (MBC) program like?

The best thing about the program was the fact that I could do it at my own pace. We had 5-week long modules, and I could go ahead if I wanted to. I kept up with class discussions but could jump ahead with homework and tests. I finished every module early, made the Dean’s List and graduated with a 3.8 GPA.

Any surprises in your MBC online program?

There were 30-40 students in class, and I don’t think there was anything negative at all. Everybody was very uplifting, and I got beyond appropriate support from my instructors. If I had a specific struggle, I would ask and get instructor support. They were very generous in that.

What was your greatest struggle?

In the beginning I did have a bit of a navigational issue with the site we accessed for the classes. But I got that support and didn’t have that issue anymore. I felt like the questions I had were answered in a timely manner and the responses I received were kind and appropriate.

Got a favorite moment in your Medical Billing and Coding program?

Feeling this was a right-place-right-time thing was important, but when I received the notification that I got on the Dean’s List, I was smiling all the time.

What insights did you gain through this education experience?

Seeing the differences in people – their backgrounds, experiences – it all still boils down to one thing: Getting this certificate is a major accomplishment. Whether you’re right out of high school…or it’s 40-years later (I’m 59-years old).

What advice do you have for others considering this career field – and online education?

Going back to school can be hard, but never give up. If you know what you want, don’t let anyone or anything stop you.

The struggle is there, definitely. But SJVC makes everything available to you. You can stay home and do it in your pajamas if you want to. Or, if you need the social aspect…go to the campus. There really isn’t any excuse not to complete a (career education) program.

What made this work for you?

I never set foot on campus. The school makes everything available to you.

We hear you ‘nailed your job’ on your first interview. How did that happen?

Kim (SJVC’s Career Services Advisor) said I would be great for this position and set up an in-person interview for me the day I finished externship (on-the-job experience part of SJVC’s MBC program). My interview was on a Wednesday; they offered me the job on the spot, and I started the following Monday.

Are you settled in with this new position?

Actually, two new positions opened up for Medical Billing and Collections through the same company. One hired me on the spot, but the new job orientation isn’t for a couple of weeks. For $5.00 more per hour, I can wait.

After about a year, when I get more experience under my belt, I will see about remote work for this position.

What are your duties like?

My responsibilities grow with my experience. I do billing and collections. Billing is more intricate, but I feel like I’m good at the collections side.

I feel that following avenues toward a dream doesn’t necessarily have to take a predictable path.

How did you develop such a strong work ethic?

I got my work ethic from my mom and dad. They would say things like, ‘You’re not going to get a paycheck unless you work,’ and ‘Are you going to make the best of that work or are you going to complain about it.’ I didn’t realize the importance of balance until I was in my forties.

What was your source of inspiration to advance your career?

I have three adult daughters who have accomplished a lot in their lives. And I have a vision of being able to rock this for myself. I felt like this was handed to me on a silver platter and I wouldn’t get another opportunity like it.

Going back to school felt like divine intervention. I was listening to the Lord tell me, ‘You need to do something with your life’. And I did.