How to Become a Medical Coder: Career, Certification, and Training (2026 Guide)

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Medical coding can be a practical way to begin a career in healthcare without working directly with patients or earning a college degree. Becoming a professional medical coder involves a few steps, including earning your high school diploma or GED. Then, with formal training and industry certification, you can build the skills needed for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and other healthcare settings.

Key takeaways

• Medical coders translate clinical information into standardized codes such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS.
• A college degree is not typically required; a career diploma or certificate program can provide foundational training.
• Professional certification, such as the AAPC’s CPC credential, may improve your qualifications and job prospects.
• Medical coding may offer remote or hybrid work opportunities, although experience and employer requirements vary.
• AI is automating some repetitive tasks while increasing the importance of accuracy, oversight, critical thinking, and specialized coding knowledge.

Medical coding career at a glance

Median pay: $51,140/yr¹

Average pay when CPC certified: $67,147²

Education: Career Diploma or other formal training

Certification: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Where they work: Medical coders often work in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, insurance companies, and government agencies.

Remote work: 64.8% work from home. Generally, working from is reserved for more experienced coders, but the number of remote opportunities has been increasing over the years.²

AI impact: AI is being used to automate some of the work in medical coding roles, shifting job duties from code assignment and data entry to review, oversight, and clinical documentation improvement.

What does a medical coder do?

Medical coders translate information from a patient’s medical records, such as physician notes, lab reports, procedures, diagnoses, and medical equipment, into standardized medical codes. Healthcare providers and insurance companies then use these codes for accurate billing and record-keeping.

Common responsibilities of a medical coder

The common responsibilities of a medical coder include:

• Review medical records: Read through doctor’s notes, lab results, imaging reports, and surgical summaries.
• Assign medical codes: Turn diagnoses and treatments into standardized codes, such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.
• Check for accuracy: Make sure the codes match the patient’s documented medical needs to help prevent billing mistakes and denied claims.
• Follow compliance rules: Stay up to date with changing regulations and guidelines to keep patient records accurate and secure.

What is a typical day like for a medical coder?

A typical day for a medical coder can vary a bit based on their experience and where they work. But generally, you'd likely start your day by reviewing your assigned patient files. Picking up the first one, you'd carefully read the notes to understand what occurred during the patient's visit or procedure. Then, you'll use your knowledge and resources to start translating those documents into codes.

Medical coders aren't expected to memorize every single code, so you'll turn to your reference books, like the ICD-10 and CPT code manuals. These are regularly updated, and it's strongly recommended that professional coders purchase updated versions each year. With your resources in hand, you'll begin assigning codes to the record. Once you've coded everything in the document, you'll double check it for accuracy and then add it to the patient's medical record. Then, you'll move on to your next file and the process repeats for most of the day.

You'll generally be held to meeting certain goals and deadlines as a coder, expected to complete a minimum set number of files per shift.

What skills do medical coders need?

Medical coders need a combination of job-specific and basic skills to do well. They should have a strong understanding of different codes and coding, as well as a foundation in anatomy, medical terminology, and healthcare regulations. They should also have some soft skills like

• Communication skills
• Critical thinking/problem-solving skills
• Research skills
• Time-management skills

They should also be comfortable with the basics of using a computer, since most of their work will be done on one.

Read more: Medical Coding Professional vs. Medical Billing and Coding: What’s the Difference?

Can medical coders work from home?

A remote job isn’t a guarantee, but it’s a possible option for medical coders. Sixty-four percent of medical coders work remotely² as of a 2026 report from the Academy of Professional Coders. However, getting a work-from-home job in medical coding can depend on your qualifications, credentials, experience, and the employer you’re looking at. Some employers may also have in-office policies, or hybrid work, which means you’ll be expected to be in the office for a set number of days per week.

What types of medical coding jobs can be remote?

Usually, most medical coding jobs can be remote, since the majority of the work is done through computer files. A variety of employers may hire fully remote coders, like hospitals, insurance companies, public health departments, and health information companies. When you do work from home, you will likely need to have some specific equipment, which may or may not be provided by the company you work for.

You’ll need access to reference materials, like the most recent coding books, medical billing and coding software, a paper shredder to destroy confidential documents, and, of course, a laptop or desktop computer.

What do employers look for in remote medical coders?

Employers look for similar things in remote and in-person coders, including credentials and work experience. For a fully remote coding job, they may also pay special attention to your time management skills. They’ll likely look for coders who are confident working independently, with little oversight. Some employers may ask you to start working in person for a while when you first start, with the option to transition to remote over time.

How do you become a medical coder?

Becoming a medical coder involves a few steps. First, you need to have your high school diploma or equivalent. Then, you’ll need some formal education and training. For a role as medical coder, you don’t need a degree to qualify; usually, a career diploma or certificate program, which can be shorter, can help you learn the skills you need to know. After you complete your training, the next step is certification. There are several different billing and coding certification exams out there, but one of the standards is the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. If you take the CPC exam and don’t yet have work experience, you’ll get the CPC-A and be considered in apprentice status. To remove the “A,” you need to either get documented work experience or take the AAPC’s Practicode course.

Do you need formal medical coding training?

Medical coders need to know a lot of specific information, from basic healthcare knowledge to standard codes currently in use. Because of that, formal medical coding training is generally a must. Employers may not be able to provide in-depth on-the-job training, so they’re more likely to hire someone who has the education and background they need.

How long does medical coding training take?

The length of time it takes to complete medical coding training really depends on what type of program you choose. There are a variety of options out there and some can take as little as a few months, while others may take up to a year or longer. A self-paced, online medical coding program can be a good option if you want to be in control of when you study and can offer flexibility to fit classes around your daily life.

Do you need a degree to become a medical coder?

No, you don’t need a college degree to become a medical coder. Formal training in a certificate or diploma program that focuses on coding is usually the minimum required education for the role.

Which medical coding certification is right for you?

There are several different certification exams aspiring medical coders can take, so you may be unsure what the right one is for you. Some of the standard, most commonly known exams are

• The American Academy of Professional Coders CPC exam
• The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam
• The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam

Each of these credentials can be beneficial to your career in medical coding, but the CPC exam is often the one those new to coding and looking for entry-level positions choose.

Read more: CBCS vs CPC: Which Medical Coding Certification Exam Should You Take?

Do you need medical coding certification?

While it’s not always necessary to be certified to work in medical coding, many organizations prefer to hire coders who are credentialed. As of a 2026 NHA Industry Outlook Report, 68% of billing and coding employers require certification, while 20% strongly encourage it.³

CPC vs. CCS: What’s the difference?

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam offered through AHIMA and the CPC exam both test your proficiency with coding. The biggest difference is that the CPC is considered more entry-level, while the CCS exam is more advanced. The CCS focuses on data classification and complex coding, and it’s recommended that you have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience before taking the exam. The CPC, on the other hand, focuses on proficiency in foundational coding.

What does CPC-A mean?

CPC-A stands for Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice. The apprentice status is given when you initially pass the exam and shows employers you have the credentials and skills, but are working on getting job experience. To remove the “A” status of your certification, you’ll either need to complete two years of verified medical coding work experience or complete the AAPC Practicode course. The course allows you to accelerate your experience and successfully passing it allows you to be considered a fully certified coder!

How long does it take to earn certification?

Earning your medical coding certification can take time. The AAPC, for example, strongly recommends candidates who want to sit for the CPC exam complete formal training ahead of time, which can take, at minimum, several months. Once you complete training, you’ll want to schedule your exam. It’s important to give yourself enough time to study and prepare, so you normally would have a few weeks or longer before you actually take the exam.

Which certification should a new medical coder consider?

As a new medical coder, the CPC exam is generally considered the best path toward an entry-level role. Passing it affirms that you have the foundational knowledge and skills to work as a coder. After you’ve gotten some work experience, you may then want to consider adding more advanced or even specialized credentials to your resume.

Read more: CPC Exam Guide: Requirements, Costs, and Tips to Pass on Your First Try

Is medical coding a good career?

Medical coding can be a great career, allowing you to work in healthcare without working directly with patients. There’s also the potential for flexibility with remote work, which can be ideal for someone who needs to work from home. It’s also a relatively growing field right now, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that it’s expected that there will be about 14,000 new jobs for medical records specialists like coders each year for the next decade.

What are the benefits of a medical coding career?

Medical coding can be a good career for someone looking to get their start in the healthcare industry. As a coder, you can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to insurance companies. The median pay for medical records specialists as of 2025 was $51,140(1) and that amount can increase with experience and credentials. If you have certification, you can make as much as 20.7% more than a medical coder who doesn’t!²

As a medical coder, you’ll always be learning, so someone who is constantly curious and wants to know as much as possible can thrive in this role. It’s also a job that doesn’t require physical work, with most of your hours spent at a desk.

What can be challenging about medical coding?

Like every career, there can be some challenges when you work in medical coding. Codes and standards can change rapidly, meaning you’re always having to keep up to date with the latest information. Once you’re certified, you’ll also have to regularly renew your credentials. If you took the CPC exam, that means continually learning and recertifying every two years.

Another challenge can sometimes be the productivity expectations of your employer. As a coder, you’ll likely have daily minimum quotas to meet for how many files you need to get through. Because of that, you’ll spend a lot of your time staring at a screen and it can be a somewhat stressful job.

Read more: 6 Tips for Going Back to College or Career School as an Adult

Who is medical coding a good fit for?

Becoming a medical coder is a great fit for a variety of personalities, but it’s often the best fit for someone who is curious and analytical. In this profession, you’ll constantly need to learn and adapt! You should also be organized and detail-oriented since most of your work is focused on being precise. Without organization and paying close attention to the littlest of details, you may accidentally miscode something, which can lead to claims being denied.

From a work environment perspective, medical coding can be a great fit for people who are comfortable sitting for the majority of their work hours, and don’t mind sometimes repetitive work. It’s also a good career for those who are hoping to work from home or have a hybrid work schedule, like those with caretaking responsibilities.

Who may not be a good fit for medical coding?

While working as a medical coder can be a great career for a lot of people, it may not be right for those who like work where each day is different or those who want a more active job. If sitting for long hours focusing on files on a computer isn’t something you’re interested in, medical coding is likely not the best career choice for you.

How much do medical coders make?

The median salary for medical records specialists was $51,140 in 2025.¹ How much you make can vary based on your experience, where you live, your employer, and what credentials you have.

What is the job outlook for medical coders?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 8% growth in jobs for medical records specialists over the next decade, which is faster than average for other jobs.¹

Read more: Your Medical Billing & Coding Salary Guide

Will AI replace medical coders?

Right now, AI isn’t replacing medical coders, just taking over more repetitive tasks.

“AI and automation have been in medical coding for a long time,” Jaime Nguyen, Senior Academic Director of Penn Foster’s College and Career Programs, said. “So, in healthcare, automation tends to take over specific tasks first, like organizing information, identifying patterns, generating suggestions on clinical diagnosis and treatments, and flagging potential errors. All of these can result in better patient outcomes, reduce claim denials, reduce compliance violations, and even prevent fraud, for example. Once AI and automation remove these repetitive processes and steps, we're left with coders who can really focus on utilizing their knowledge and skills to their fullest potential.”

How is AI changing medical coding?

One of the biggest ways AI is impacting medical coding is seen in the kind of skills you’re expected to have and what work you do. With AI automating many repetitive tasks, coders are then free to focus on more complex work that only a human can do. Understanding specialized codes and closely reviewing output from AI systems to ensure accuracy can be an essential part of the work.

What skills will medical coders need as technology evolves?

Sixty-six percent of medical records specialists are exposed to AI in their everyday work. That means that a majority are expected to work with and understand AI. As technology continues to evolve, medical coders will need to come prepared with more specialized skills.

“Being more adept and knowledgeable about AI tools will be important,” Jaime said, “especially how AI tools and adaptive learning and language tools are being used in healthcare settings and in coding.”

But medical coders need to also think about what AI can’t do and prepare to learn those skills. That often means considering your next steps after you get your first medical coding job, including learning specialized codes and pursuing training for coding specialties. “For example,” Jaime said, “oncology specialties and cardiovascular thoracic surgeries are harder for AI to really understand.”

As you’re working toward becoming a medical coder, it can be helpful to take time to learn more about AI, how it works, and how to use it. Having basic AI skills on your resume could help you stand out when you’re applying for jobs.

What does medical coding training cost?

The cost for medical coding training can depend on the school and program you enroll in. Strong programs will usually cost somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000. Some schools may include things with your tuition, like certification exam prep packages or vouchers to cover the cost of the exam. When you’re researching programs, check out what’s included, so you know exactly what your tuition is getting you!

Read more: Think You're Too Busy (or Too Broke) to Go Back to School? Read This First.

What other medical coding training costs should I consider?

Some programs will cover the cost of textbooks, training supplies, certification exams, and other “extras.” When you’re researching medical coding programs, look closely at what’s provided for you and what you’re expected to provide for yourself. Not all schools cover the cost of the textbooks, for example, so you may spend more money buying the materials you need.

You’ll also want to consider the certification you want after you complete training because there may be additional costs associated with that. The AAPC requires that you be a member in order to take the CPC exam, so if the school doesn’t cover a student membership, that’ll be another cost you’ll need to take of before you can sit for certification.

What should you compare when choosing a medical coding program?

When you’re searching for the right program for you, there are a few things you’ll want to compare.

How does Penn Foster’s Medical Coding Professional Program work?

Penn Foster’s Medical Coding Professional Career Diploma is a self-paced, online program designed to help students prepare to sit for CPC certification and take the first steps toward an entry-level career. Throughout your courses, you’ll build practical skills in medical coding and health information management. Because the Medical Coding Training Program is self-paced, you won’t have scheduled class times or specific due dates for exams and assignments. Instead, you’ll work through the program class by class, studying and completing your work around your life.

As part of the program, you’ll also get a one-year student membership to the AAPC, the AAPC Practicode course, and up to two vouchers to cover the cost of the CPC exam. If you successfully pass both the Practicode course and your certification exam, you’ll be considered a fully certified professional coder, removing the “A” that indicates apprentice status.

Read more: 78K Learners Completed Penn Foster Programs Last Year. Here's Where They Are Now.

Train to be a medical coding professional online

Our online Medical Coding Professional Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the first steps toward a new career in healthcare. If you’re ready to get started, you can enroll online 24/7. Still have questions or want help getting started? You can fill out this form and an Admissions Specialist will reach out to help!

Sources:

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Medical Records Specialists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed October 5, 2026.

² American Academy of Professional Coders. “2026 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report.” AAPC.com. Accessed October 5, 2026.

³ National Healthcareer Association. 2026 Industry Outlook: How Allied Health Is Transforming the Healthcare Workforce. 2026. PDF.