How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder

If you're figuring out how to become a medical biller and coder, start by understanding what the work actually looks like. Spend a few weeks reading job postings on Indeed and LinkedIn. Check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook page for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072) to see salary ranges, growth projections, and typical work conditions.

Talk to working professionals if you can. AAPC and AHIMA both have local chapters where members share their experiences. Reddit's r/MedicalCoding and AAPC's member forums give you unfiltered perspectives on day-to-day realities, including tight deadlines, repetitive work, and the constant need to stay current with annual code updates.

This step costs nothing but helps you confirm the work aligns with your strengths: attention to detail, comfort with medical terminology, and tolerance for desk-based computer work.

You have three main education paths for medical billing and coding programs, and all can lead to the same entry-level jobs.

Certificate programs (4-15 months): The fastest route. These focus exclusively on coding systems (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS), medical terminology, anatomy, and billing procedures. Tuition runs $1,000 to $5,000 at community colleges. Many are available entirely online. See our online programs guide for options.

Associate degree programs (~2 years): These include general education courses alongside the coding and billing curriculum. They cost $3,000 to $20,000+ depending on the institution, but result in a degree that helps with advancement into supervisory or health information management roles. Some employers, particularly hospitals, prefer candidates with an associate degree.

Bachelor's degree programs (4 years): A bachelor's in health information management (HIM) is less common for entry-level billing and coding classes, but it opens paths to management, compliance, and HIM director roles. These programs are often accredited by CAHIIM.

Classroom knowledge isn't enough on its own. Before sitting for a certification exam, you need practical experience with real or realistic medical records. Many training programs include a practicum or externship that places you in a hospital, physician office, or billing company for supervised coding practice.

If your program doesn't include a practicum, look for other ways to build practical skills. AAPC offers Practicode, an online tool with 500+ real-world medical cases for coding practice. AHIMA has similar resources for its members. Become comfortable navigating ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding manuals, their indices, tabular lists, and guidelines.

This hands-on experience does double duty: it prepares you for the certification exam (which tests applied coding, not memorization) and gives you something concrete to discuss in job interviews.

With your training complete and certification earned, build a resume that highlights your credentials and practical experience. Include your certification name and credential ID, the training program you completed, software proficiency (EHR systems, practice management software, encoder tools), and any practicum or externship details.

If you're a career changer, translate transferable skills from your previous work. Experience with data entry, insurance claims processing, customer service, or healthcare administration all have direct relevance to billing and coding roles.

Entry-level positions carry titles like medical coder, medical billing specialist, coding associate, claims processor, or health information technician. Search job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter), healthcare system career pages, and AAPC's job board. For remote options, see our remote medical billing and coding jobs guide.

New CPC holders who haven't yet built professional experience receive the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation from AAPC. This is normal and expected. Many employers hire CPC-A holders for entry-level positions. The apprentice designation is removed after you complete the required experience hours.

The BLS reports 14,200 annual openings for medical records specialists, driven by both new job creation and replacement of workers who retire or leave the field. With 7% projected growth from 2024 to 2034 (faster than average for all occupations), demand for qualified billers and coders stays solid. For a detailed timeline breakdown, see our how long does it take guide.