How to Get Your First Medical Coding Job

The biggest challenge for new medical coders is the experience gap. Most job postings list 1-2 years of coding experience as a preferred qualification, which creates a frustrating loop for people who just finished their training. The solution is building a portfolio of verifiable coding work before you start applying.

Complete AAPC's Practicode. This is the most direct route. You'll code 600+ actual medical records across multiple specialties, with your work scored against answer keys. Completing all 600 cases with 70%+ accuracy earns one year of experience credit toward removing the CPC-A (apprentice) designation. It also generates an internship recommendation letter you can include with applications. The program is self-paced and available after passing the CPC exam.

Pursue an externship or internship. Many hospitals, clinics, and billing companies offer externship programs for entry-level coders. These typically run 80 to 160 hours and provide hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment. Some training programs include an externship as part of the curriculum. AAPC's Project Xtern matches CPC-A holders with externship opportunities at participating employers.

Look for adjacent healthcare roles. If a coding externship isn't available in your area, consider entry points like medical records clerk, front-desk receptionist at a physician office, medical billing assistant, or charge entry. These roles provide exposure to medical terminology, insurance workflows, and EHR systems. Many working coders started in one of these positions and transitioned once they had a certification in hand.

Use targeted job boards. Beyond Indeed and LinkedIn, check AAPC's job board (jobs.aapc.com), AHIMA's Career Assist, Health eCareers, and your state AAPC chapter website. Many smaller practices and billing companies post openings only on specialty boards.

Target physician offices and small practices first. Large health systems often have stricter experience requirements for their high-volume, complex claims. Smaller physician offices and billing companies are more likely to hire CPC-A holders and provide on-the-job training. Single-specialty practices (dermatology, podiatry, primary care) are particularly good entry points because the coding patterns are more contained.

Consider billing company positions. Third-party billing companies code for multiple providers and often have higher turnover, meaning more openings for entry-level coders. The pace is faster, but the exposure to different specialties and payer rules accelerates your learning. Many coders spend 1-2 years at a billing company, then move to a hospital or direct-employer role.

Don't overlook remote entry-level positions. While most remote coding jobs require 1-2 years of experience, a growing number of employers hire entry-level remote coders for specific specialties or outpatient E/M coding. Check our remote coding jobs guide for a current list of employers.

Put your credential front and center. List your CPC-A or CCA after your name at the top of your resume (e.g., "Jane Smith, CPC-A"). Place the certification in the header, not buried in a skills section. For hiring managers scanning dozens of applications, a recognized credential immediately signals you've passed a standardized exam.

Quantify your practicum experience. If you completed Practicode or another externship, state the number of records coded, your accuracy score, and the specialties covered. Example: "Completed 600 medical records through AAPC Practicode with 85% accuracy across E/M, surgical, and radiology coding."

Highlight relevant software experience. List any EHR systems, practice management software, or coding tools you've used during training. Common systems to mention include Epic, Cerner, AdvancedMD, Kareo, and athenahealth.

Prepare for coding scenario questions. Many employers include a short coding test or scenario-based interview questions. Review common E/M coding scenarios, ICD-10-CM sequencing rules, and modifier usage before your interview.

If you haven't earned your certification yet, start with our how to become a medical coder guide. If you're certified and ready to job search, review the entry-level careers page for additional strategies. And if you want to understand what you can expect to earn, our salary guide breaks down pay by certification, experience level, specialty, and location.