How to Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5 steps to become a medical billing and coding specialist

1. Finish high school or earn a GED

   Strong reading, computer and math skills help.

2. Complete a billing and coding program

   Study medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, reimbursement and compliance.

3. Earn a certification

   Pass the CPC, CCA or CPB exam. Some credentials start as apprentice-level until you gain experience.

4. Get your first job

   Billing, registration, charge entry or payment posting roles are common ways to gain experience before full coding roles.

5. Specialize

   Add specialty credentials such as risk adjustment (CRC), inpatient coding (CCS) or auditing to raise pay.

Education and training requirements

Most employers prefer a postsecondary certificate in medical billing and coding (several months to a year) or an associate degree in health information technology, plus a professional certification.

Certifications and licenses

• CPC (AAPC): Certified Professional Coder: the most common credential for physician-office coding.
• CCA or CCS (AHIMA): Certified Coding Associate (entry level) and Certified Coding Specialist (hospital coding).
• CPB (AAPC): Certified Professional Biller for billing and reimbursement professionals.
• RHIT (AHIMA): Registered Health Information Technician, requiring an accredited associate degree.

Skills to build now

Start with icd-10-cm diagnosis coding, cpt and hcpcs level ii procedure coding, and medical terminology and anatomy, and practice attention to detail and analytical thinking. Learning the medical billing and coding specialist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.

Where the career can lead

1. Medical Biller or Coder: Code encounters and manage claims.
2. Certified Specialty Coder: Specialize in areas such as risk adjustment, inpatient or surgical coding.
3. Coding Auditor or Revenue Cycle Analyst: Audit accuracy and improve reimbursement.
4. Coding Manager or Compliance Officer: Lead teams and oversee compliance programs.

Get a head start

Our self-paced Medical Billing and Coding Specialist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.

Common questions about getting started

Which certification is best for beginners?

The CPC from AAPC is common for physician-office coding, while AHIMA’s CCA is an entry-level credential. Check local job postings to see what employers ask for.

How long does it take to become a medical billing and coding specialist?

Most people need about 4–12 months of training. Most employers prefer a postsecondary certificate in medical billing and coding (several months to a year) or an associate degree in health information technology, plus a professional certification.

Do you need a degree to be a medical billing and coding specialist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

What certifications are available for medical billing and coding specialists?

Common credentials include CPC (AAPC), CCA or CCS (AHIMA), CPB (AAPC), and RHIT (AHIMA). Requirements vary by state and employer.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2072 (Medical records specialists).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
• O*NET OnLine summary for Medical records specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.