Hired Before Graduation – Teresa Dresen
Name: Teresa Dresen
Hometown: Boscobel, Wisconsin
Graduation date: May 18, 2019
Area of study: Health Information Technology
Place of employment: Richland Medical Center
Job title: Medical Coder
Job responsibilities: Coder is responsible for reviewing the diagnostic and procedural documentation in the complete patient medical records. The coder codes the records utilizing the ICD-10CM and CPT-4 coding systems, sequences diagnoses and procedures. The coder also assists in assuring the accurate coding done in other departments to assure adherence to the facility compliance plan and coding guidelines.
How did Southwest Tech prepare you for your current position? The online classes made it easier for me to advance my education. The instructors prepared me in the classes with theory and helped me with critical thinking, but the internship was the best part. After my internship I was excited for a new career.
Why did you choose your field of study? I have always wanted to be in the medical field, but at first, I wanted to be in direct care with patients. After some hard life events I decided that direct care of patients was something that I wasn’t going to be able to do. So, I decided to continue in the medical field, but with the business end of it. With the RHIT credentials I will earn, medical coding will be just the beginning for me.
What advice would you have for other students thinking about advancing their education? It is never too late to advance your education. Whether you are right out of high school or 40 years old with a family and a full-time job, just go for it.