Any Certified Coding Specialists (CCS) out there?

Hello everyone

Let me start by saying I am new to posting on this website. I browsed the site a lot while in nursing school, and everyone always gave such great advice. Because of that, I decided I would give it a try myself.

I'll start by telling you a little about myself and situation before asking my questions so you can understand my situation. I am a newly licensed Associate degree RN (2014) who also has a BS in Health Service Administration. I recently started my first position on med/surg. Previously, I have 5 years experience in many departments within a hospital and various physician practice specialties/office manager. I have been directly involved with EMR implementation in office settings, charge entry, authorizations, posting insurance payments and adjustments. Much more on the financial side than clinical. After gaining much needed clinical experience, I would like to get into the Case Management or Clinical Document Specialist field.

I am extremely interested in becoming a CCS and was wondering the best way to go about doing this. I went to the AHIMA website and looked at the education requirements. I have a few questions about what meets the eligibility requirements for examination. By going the education route, I have not completed a "coding" program. However, those required topics were covered in combination by my nursing program as well as the BS I have in Health Administration. Would this be enough? Another option said that you could also meet this by "Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes". I have been doing charge entry and work with medical billing for 2+ years, but was technically employed as a medical assistant or patient account representative. Do I need a specific job title?

If you guys do not think this would be sufficient, please let me know. If you have any suggestions I am 100% open to hearing the advice. Are there any online approved education programs that are self-paced (not in semester form)? I am aware this is going to take a massive amount of studying because I hear this exam is not easy. Also wondering, is the CCS the best route to go or should I be looking into more of a RHIA certification or something?

I have a million questions because currently I live/work in a very small town. There are only a handful (or less!) people who hold these certifications at my place of work, so I am looking for outside advice.

Thank you for any and all help you all may have!

Anyone??