Anyone find success with Penn Foster? I am thinking of taking some classes.?

Question

Hello. I was wondering if anyone had taken classes through Penn Foster and actually used their degree earned to get a job? I am looking at the medical billing and coding program. It looks ligit. I am just worried that I will get done with it and employers won't accept the certificate because of it being an online course. Also, I was told by Penn Foster that I could finish the course in under a year if I put in an hour a day; does anyone know if this is true? Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

Deeda

Answer 1

In response to the first comment Penn Foster's vocational programs are regionally accredited. Their associate degrees are only nationally accredited, however many of their courses are ACE reviewed which means some colleges may accept credits earned at Penn Foster. (https://www.acenet.edu/nationalguide/results/index.cfm?sid=34493) I'm taking their Medical Coding & Billing Diploma program. I'm about half-way through it and so far I'm pleased with the program. Like you, I'm concerned about how employers will view the diploma. I'm keeping a blog of my learning experience and when I finish I'll share my job seeking adventure! You can read my blog at: http://myonlinelearningquest.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

Look, I know NOTHING about medical billing and coding, but Penn Foster is not a regionally accredited institution. That means their course credits won't transfer to respected, regionally accredited colleges.

(Yes, I know they SAY they are accredited, but they are only NATIONALLY accredited by a distance learning accreditation association, which means NOTHING!!)

If I were you, I would RUN and keep my money in my pocket.

The only online courses that are taken seriously are those offered by real brick-and-mortar institutions, like state colleges and universities. Examples: Kansas State U, Colorado State U, North Carolina State U, Pennsylvania State U, Washington State U, etc.