Medical billing and coding programs prepare you for a healthcare career translating clinical services into standardized codes and managing insurance claims. Certificate programs take 4 to 15 months and cost $1,000 to $5,000. The median salary is $50,250 per year, with certified professionals averaging $66,979. The field is projected to grow 7% through 2034, adding 14,200 jobs annually.
- 1.Medical billing and coding programs take 4 to 15 months for a certificate or about 2 years for an associate degree. Certificate programs cost $1,000 to $5,000 at community colleges.
- 2.The median salary for medical records specialists is $50,250 per year. Certified professionals earn 20.7% more than non-certified workers, averaging $66,979 (AAPC 2025).
- 3.Three certifications dominate entry-level hiring: the CPC from AAPC ($425 exam), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117).
- 4.Job growth is projected at 7% through 2034. The BLS projects 14,200 openings per year from retirements and new positions.
- 5.Holders of 3 or more AAPC credentials average $81,227 per year. The CPC unemployment rate is 2.5%, well below the national average (AAPC 2025).
4-15 mo
Certificate Program Duration
$1K-$5K
Certificate Program Cost
$117-$425
Certification Exam Fee
+20.7%
Certified vs. Non-Certified Pay
2.5%
CPC Unemployment Rate
Coders review clinical documentation and assign standardized codes (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS) to each diagnosis and procedure. The codes determine how much a provider gets reimbursed by insurance.
Key Points
- ICD-10-CM
- CPT coding
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy
Common Jobs
- • Medical Coder
- • Coding Specialist
- • Coding Auditor
- • HCC Risk Adjustment Coder
Billers create insurance claims from coded records, submit them to payers, track payments, handle denials and appeals, and manage patient account balances.
Key Points
- Claims processing
- A/R management
- Insurance verification
- Denial resolution
Common Jobs
- • Medical Biller
- • Claims Specialist
- • Revenue Cycle Analyst
- • A/R Specialist
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding is the process of turning healthcare services into money. Every time you see a doctor, get blood work, or have surgery, someone has to translate what happened into standardized codes and then get the insurance company to pay for it. That's the job.
Coders handle the translation. They read clinical documentation (doctor's notes, operative reports, lab results) and assign the right ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, CPT procedure codes, and HCPCS supply codes to each patient encounter. There are over 72,000 ICD-10 codes alone, so this takes real training.
Billers handle the money. They take the coded claims, submit them to insurance companies electronically, follow up when claims get denied or underpaid, and manage the accounts receivable until the provider gets paid. They also verify patient insurance eligibility and calculate what patients owe out of pocket.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks both roles under "Medical Records Specialists" (SOC 29-2072). As of May 2024, there are 194,800 of these positions in the U.S., and the field is growing 7% through 2034. Most of the growth comes from an aging population needing more healthcare services.
For a detailed breakdown of daily work, code systems, and job settings, read our full guide: What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey
Certifications That Matter
Required Certifications
The most requested coding credential in job postings. 100-question exam covering ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. Best for outpatient and physician office coding. CPC holders earn a median of $58,895 (AAPC 2025).
Recommended Specializations
Entry-level credential from the American Health Information Management Association. 105-question exam. Good stepping stone if you plan to pursue AHIMA's advanced credentials (CCS, RHIT).
Most affordable option. Covers both billing and coding fundamentals. 100-question exam. Best for career changers who want a recognized credential at the lowest cost.
Advanced credential for hospital inpatient coders. Harder exam with medical case studies. CCS holders qualify for higher-paying hospital coding positions.
Billing-focused credential covering claims management, denial resolution, and revenue cycle. CPB holders earn a median of $56,981 (AAPC 2025). Best for billing career track.
Training: Timeline and Cost
Certificate programs run 4 to 15 months. Associate degrees take about 2 years. Both cover the same core material: anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM and CPT coding, HIPAA compliance, and billing procedures. The associate adds general education coursework and qualifies you for more positions.
Costs vary depending on where you train. Community college certificates run $1,000 to $5,000. Online programs like Penn Foster ($1,049-$1,869) and U.S. Career Institute ($1,869-$2,269) are competitive alternatives. Associate degrees range from $3,000 at public schools to $20,000+ at private institutions. Add $500 to $1,200 for certification exams, membership dues, and codebooks.
Financial aid helps. Community college programs often qualify for Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year). Some states fund medical billing and coding training through WIOA workforce development programs. Military spouses can access up to $4,000 through MyCAA.
For detailed numbers, see our Training Cost Guide. Need flexibility? Compare Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs.
Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey
How to Get Started
Choose your training format
Certificate programs (4-15 months) are the fastest path to a job. Associate degrees (2 years) give you more career options. Both can be done online. See our Online Programs Guide or How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder.
Complete an accredited program
You'll study medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM coding, CPT coding, healthcare law, and billing procedures. Look for programs accredited by CAHIIM or approved by AAPC.
Pass a certification exam
The CPC (AAPC), CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA) are the three main entry-level credentials. Most employers require at least one. See our Certification Comparison.
Apply for entry-level positions
Start with physician offices, outpatient clinics, or billing companies. Many coding jobs are remote. Search for: Medical Coder, Billing Specialist, Claims Processor, Coding Associate.
Add specializations over time
After 1-2 years of experience, consider advanced credentials like the CCS (hospital coding) or specialty certifications. Professionals with 3+ certifications average $81,227 per year (AAPC 2025).
Career Paths
Assigns diagnostic and procedure codes to patient encounters. The most common entry point, often available as a remote position.
Same core work with higher pay. CPC certification is the most requested credential in medical coding job postings.
Manages insurance claims, denial resolution, patient billing, and accounts receivable.
Senior roles managing coding compliance or the full revenue cycle. Requires experience and multiple certifications (AAPC 2025 data).
Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey
Which Should You Choose?
- You want to start working as soon as possible
- Budget is a priority ($1,000-$5,000 total)
- You already have a degree in another field
- You're targeting outpatient coding or billing roles
- You want the widest range of job options
- Hospital positions interest you (they often prefer degrees)
- You plan to advance into management eventually
- You can commit to two years of full-time study
- You need to study around a work or family schedule
- You don't have a local program nearby
- You learn well independently
- You want to start right away without waiting for a semester
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