How to Become a Medical Coder

The Baby Boomer generation is living much longer than their predecessors, fueling massive growth in health care jobs, including medical coders. The demand for medical coders is expected to grow by 16 percent between 2016 and 2026. Learn what it takes to become a medical coder as well as the average expected salary.

This site is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

5 Steps to Becoming a Medical Coder

Medical coding is a rapidly-growing field that plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in healthcare. The career requires a detail-oriented approach and specialized technical skillset, and is an ideal profession for those who want to work in non-patient-facing positions within the healthcare industry.

Becoming a medical coder isn't difficult, but it does require an associate or bachelor's degree related to science and some credentials. This guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a medical coder, how to find the best medical coding schools and additional training.

Step 1
Get a Postsecondary Education
A post-secondary degree isn't necessarily required to become a medical coder, but some credentials require that applicants have prerequisite education. You have several options, including a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate program. Your best option may be medical coding school, or an education program specifically designed for those planning to become medical coders.
Step 2
Get Basic Medical Coding Credentials
Once you've earned your education, you can achieve some basic credentials. Some credentials don't require any work experience, and you can take the exam by meeting the education requirement. Examples include the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. If you earned an associate degree of a Health Information Management (HIM) program you can register to take the RHIT.
Step 3
Get Medical Coding Work Experience
Once you've earned basic credentials, you'll be qualified to begin working as a medical coder. There are many job settings to choose from, including hospitals, physician offices, and more. With the rise of remote work, plenty of medical coding can even be done from your home.
Step 4
Obtain Advanced Certifications in Medical Coding
Once you've got some work experience under your belt, you can earn more advanced credentials to help further your career. Some higher-level credentials such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P) require work experience alongside your educational background, so these are perfect to complete once you're a few years into your career.
Step 5
Career Advancement
Once you've earned your advanced certification, you can continue working as a medical coder, taking further steps to advance your career if you choose. Career advancement might include moving into leadership positions like a compliance auditor, manager or consultant. You might also consider pursuing more advanced education.

FAQ on Becoming a Medical Coder

How do you become a medical coder?

To become a medical coder, you need at least a certificate in medical coding or health information technology. You can grow your career and potentially earn more money by testing for advanced certifications.

How much does a medical coder make?

Medical coders typically earn around $44,000 to $52,000 a year. Medical coder salaries vary depending on their duties and where they work.

How long does it take to become a medical coder?

You can complete a medical coding certificate program in nine to 18 months. An associate degree in medical coding or health information technology may take two years to complete.

How much does it cost to become a medical coder?

Medical coding training programs range in cost from around $4,000 to $18,000 a year. You will also need to pay testing fees for certification exams.

Are there medical coder programs online?

Yes. You can find medical coding programs at several online trade and technical schools.

Medical Coder Salary & Job Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical records and health information specialists is $44,090. Employment in the field is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, twice the rate of most occupations.

Whether you plan on moving to attain a job as a medical coder, verifying wages across the U.S. and change in employment for this field will help you plan your path.

Alabama

Currently Employed: 2,700

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.70%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $35,450

Alaska

Currently Employed: 680

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,170

Arizona

Currently Employed: 5,900

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.70%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $40,540

Arkansas

Currently Employed: 1,840

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17.20%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $34,010

California

Currently Employed: 21,900

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 19.60%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $50,260

Colorado

Currently Employed: 2,910

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 32.10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $49,040

Connecticut

Currently Employed: 1,900

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $48,330

Delaware

Currently Employed: 530

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.20%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $44,100

Florida

Currently Employed: 12,460

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23.70%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $40,980

Georgia

Currently Employed: 5,770

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 22.60%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $39,410

Hawaii

Currently Employed: 680

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.30%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $47,760

Idaho

Currently Employed: 950

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16.60%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $37,980

Illinois

Currently Employed: 8,080

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.70%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $43,150

Indiana

Currently Employed: 3,990

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 18.20%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $41,250

Iowa

Currently Employed: 2,450

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.40%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $40,250

Kansas

Currently Employed: 2,260

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 10.70%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $38,400

Kentucky

Currently Employed: 3,720

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 26.80%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $37,210

Louisiana

Currently Employed: 2,870

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.30%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $35,730

Maine

Currently Employed: 1,190

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.80%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $38,440

Maryland

Currently Employed: 4,180

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 20%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $49,390

Massachusetts

Currently Employed: 5,720

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.80%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $49,240

Michigan

Currently Employed: 5,890

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $39,720

Minnesota

Currently Employed: 4,010

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.80%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $47,880

Mississippi

Currently Employed: 2,030

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11.50%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $33,320

Missouri

Currently Employed: 4,950

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.90%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $41,620

Montana

Currently Employed: 1,210

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 18.60%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $38,280

Nebraska

Currently Employed: 1,650

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.40%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $39,700

Nevada

Currently Employed: 1,730

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 27.40%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $44,120

New Hampshire

Currently Employed: 960

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $41,810

New Jersey

Currently Employed: 8,380

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $58,080

New Mexico

Currently Employed: 1,420

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.90%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $37,020

New York

Currently Employed: 9,590

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16.30%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $46,200

North Carolina

Currently Employed: 5,520

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 20.10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $37,520

North Dakota

Currently Employed: 770

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $43,370

Ohio

Currently Employed: 9,200

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $40,430

Oklahoma

Currently Employed: 3,370

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.60%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $35,790

Oregon

Currently Employed: 3,170

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17.90%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $46,560

Pennsylvania

Currently Employed: 8,380

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.30%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $39,700

Rhode Island

Currently Employed: 650

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 6%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $44,930

South Carolina

Currently Employed: 2,470

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15.30%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $39,500

South Dakota

Currently Employed: 1,110

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.60%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $40,490

Tennessee

Currently Employed: 4,150

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 29%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $41,650

Texas

Currently Employed: 17,620

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 29.80%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $41,510

Utah

Currently Employed: 1,910

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 31.90%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $41,500

Vermont

Currently Employed: 510

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $42,320

Virginia

Currently Employed: 5,120

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 18.40%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $42,290

Washington

Currently Employed: 4,740

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16.40%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $45,190

West Virginia

Currently Employed: 1,580

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 7.90%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $37,700

Wisconsin

Currently Employed: 5,110

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.10%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $42,780

Wyoming

Currently Employed: 330

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.40%

Amount: Mean wage annual: $40,670

The enormous baby boomer generation is aging rapidly and living much longer than their predecessors. That reality is fueling massive growth in the health care industry in general — and medical coders are no exception. According to BLS, the demand for coders is expected to grow by a full 16 percent between 2016 and 2026. That's much higher than the projected growth in the general job market. Professionals with computer skills and specialities in areas like health information are likely to be in especially high demand.

Medical Coder Classes

Schooling for medical billing and coding sets the foundation for your career. Here are some of the core classes that help you gain the skills and education necessary to become a medical coder:

Medical Office Procedures

Learn how a healthcare office works, focusing on organization, communication, and compliance.

Skills & Knowledge Gained:

Diagnostic Coding

Discover how to use coding correctly by applying the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition, Clinical Modification, also known as ICD-10-CM.

Skills & Knowledge Gained:

Anatomy and Human Physiology with Medical Terminology

Often offered as a pair of courses, you'll learn the medical terms affiliated with different body parts and systems like the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and more.

Skills & Knowledge Gained:

Medical Billing and Insurance

You'll learn about all the insurance programs available by private options, government programs like Medicare and worker's compensation, and how these programs factor into the revenue cycle for health care networks.

Skills & Knowledge Gained:

Current Procedural Codes

In Current Procedural Codes, you'll discover the basics of coding.

Skills & Knowledge Gained:

Necessary Medical Coding Certifications

Becoming a certified medical coder will allow you to get a job and learn the skills you need to keep it. There are several certifications you can earn with medical coding:

Certified Professional Coder

To earn full certification, you should have two years of professional experience. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) also suggests you have an associate degree. The online exam costs $299, and the in-person test costs $399. You will also need to be a member of the APPC, which costs $180. 

Certified Coding Associate

To take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) test, you need to have your high school diploma or an equivalent. It is also ideal to have one of the following qualifications:

If you are an AHIMA member, the exam is $199. For non-members, the test fee is $299.

Registered Health Information Technician

To try the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, you need to have one of the following:

Medical Coding Training and Resources

Whether you're a long-time coder who wants to brush up on your skills or a prospective student looking for the educational program that's just the right fit, you're not alone. There are plenty of groups, organizations, academies, and career services designed specifically for coders or those hoping to pursue careers in the field.

Resources for Medical Coders

Whether you're a long-time coder who wants to brush up on your skills or a prospective student looking for the educational program that's just the right fit, you're not alone. There are plenty of groups, organizations, academies and career services designed specifically for coders or those hoping to pursue careers in the field.

Finding a Medical Coder School

Like any educational pursuit, there is no one-size-fits-all program for medical coding schools. Factors like the length of the program, how it's delivered, cost and the culminating license, degree or certification will all factor into your decision.

Every state in America hosts a network of community colleges — and this can be a great option for many prospective medical coders. Community college programs are usually wrapped up in two semesters for full-time students, and generally require the completion of 11-19 credits. Programs like these can be comparatively cheap — less than $1,000 total in many cases. The cost of required course materials however, can add up quickly — sometimes costing more than tuition itself. One way to mitigate that expense while also allowing far more flexibility is through online study. Distance learners can complete a medical coding course in 10 months — and in many cases they can do it for less than $800. Another benefit of web-based instruction is that the financial burden of classroom materials is often significantly less than it would be with traditional, face-to-face instruction.

Related Careers at a Glance

Become Team
Become Team
Contributing Writer

Latest Posts

LearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

View the most relevant programs for your interests and compare them by tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors important to you.