When you’ve spent your whole life in one field, switching careers can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re in your 40s. But for 47-year-old Tasha from Caledonia, Michigan, the desire for more than “just a job” pushed her to make a change. Thanks to Preppy’s Training in Medical Billing and Coding, she finally took the leap—and discovered a path that fits her life, goals, and learning style perfectly.
Here’s how Tasha made the transition from factory floors to future healthcare coder, and how Preppy gave her the tools and confidence to pursue a brand-new career.
From Manufacturing to Medical Coding: A Career Shift in Her 40s
Tasha spent most of her adult life working in manufacturing—a field that can be physically demanding and often lacks long-term growth or flexibility. Like many people in similar positions, she found herself yearning for something more meaningful. “I’ve been wanting a career change,” she says. “I’ve been wanting to actually have a career and not just a job.”
That desire set her on a months-long search for a program that could provide the education and credentials she needed to break into a new field. But nothing she found seemed to fit—until she discovered Preppy’s medical billing and coding online training.
Finding the Right Fit Through YouTube
Tasha first came across Preppy through a YouTube video. “I checked into it,” she explains, “and what really got my attention was the externship.”
Unlike many other programs, Preppy includes an externship as part of its medical billing and coding course. For someone like Tasha—who had never worked in an office environment—that was a game-changer.
“Being in manufacturing, I don’t really get to work in an office ever,” she says. “So being able to have that experience would be perfect for me.”
The externship stood out, but it wasn’t the only deciding factor.
Why Preppy’s Training in Medical Coding Stood Out From the Rest
Tasha considered other online medical billing and coding programs before settling on Preppy, but she found that many alternatives didn’t fit her budget or lifestyle.
“The other programs were just a little more pricey,” she says. “And they didn’t offer that externship.”
For Tasha, three main features made Preppy the clear choice:
1. Affordability
As someone looking to switch careers mid-life, affordability was crucial. “The price—definitely—I loved,” she says. Preppy’s medical billing and coding program is known for being budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
2. Self-Paced Flexibility
With years of work experience and a life already full of responsibilities, Tasha needed a program that allowed her to learn on her schedule. “Self-paced, which is perfect for me,” she says. This flexibility meant she could move through the material at her own speed, without the pressure of fixed deadlines.
3. Exceptional Learner Support
Another major bonus? The learner support. “You can text them, email them, and even live chat with them while you’re doing your program,” she says. “It’s nice to have that support when you need it.”
Many online programs offer only minimal interaction with instructors or support staff, but Preppy emphasizes a high-touch experience, ensuring students never feel alone on their learning journey.
Building the Skills That Matter
Preppy’s medical billing and coding course covers everything students need to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam—a crucial step in launching a successful medical coding career.
“They prepared me by teaching the medical terminology, anatomy, and coding,” Tasha says. This strong foundation has helped her feel ready for the exam and confident in her new skills.
Though she hasn’t started her new career yet, Tasha is optimistic. “I sit for my CPC in February, and I’m definitely ready to take my exam and kind of go from there,” she shares.
Looking Ahead: A New Career On the Horizon
Preppy wasn’t just a course for Tasha—it was a turning point. After years in a physically demanding job with little room for growth, she’s finally found something that aligns with her long-term goals.
“Preppy was a great first step,” she says. And while she’s still awaiting certification, she knows the road ahead is brighter than ever before.
With her exam date coming up and real-world experience from her externship, she’s in a strong position to transition into the healthcare field—a growing industry with stable, well-paying opportunities.
Tasha’s Advice to Other Career Changers
Tasha recommends Preppy without hesitation. “I would recommend Preppy to anyone who wants a self-paced program and something inexpensive,” she says. “It’s a really great program.”
For adults considering a midlife career change—or even just looking to level up their skills—Tasha’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to start fresh.
She closes her story with a heartfelt message:
“I just want to thank Preppy for fitting into my life and being the first step into my new career.”
Why Preppy Works for Adults in Transition
Tasha’s story highlights what makes Preppy especially attractive to adult learners:
- Flexible Scheduling – Ideal for working adults, parents, or caregivers.
- Supportive Community – Instant access to help when you hit a wall.
- Career-Focused Curriculum – Built to prepare you for certifications and real-world roles.
- Hands-On Experience – The externship gives learners confidence and practical insight into their future workplaces.
Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Start a New Chapter
Whether you’re 27 or 47, you deserve a career that brings purpose and stability. Tasha’s experience shows how the right training program can be a gateway to a better life—and how online learning, when done right, can transform your future.
Thanks to Preppy, she’s no longer dreaming about a career change—she’s making it happen.
Also read: Top 5 Skills You Need as a Medical Administrative Assistant
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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