How long does it take to get medical coding certification

If you want to break into the healthcare field quickly without earning a traditional degree, pursuing a certificate in medical billing and coding can be a great way to launch your career.

Medical billers and coders play a crucial role within the healthcare system. Between 2019 and 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for medical records and health information technicians to grow 8%. Considering this positive job outlook, now is a great time to consider a certificate in the healthcare industry.

Ready to start your journey?

Read on to learn about medical billing and coding certificates and get answers to common questions.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Should I Get a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding?

These programs teach learners the skills needed to excel in the job, and a certificate demonstrates to employers that students have mastered the field's fundamentals.

Although professionals can pursue a career in medical billing and coding without a certificate, earning a certificate offers several key advantages. These programs teach learners the skills needed to excel in the job, and a certificate demonstrates to employers that students have mastered the field's fundamentals.

As the BLS projects8% job growth for medical records and health information technicians between 2019 and 2029, graduates can look forward to ample opportunities. Medical billing and coding remains a competitive field, making certificate-holders the most desirable candidates.

Although program lengths vary, students typically spend 4-15 months earning their medical billing and coding certificates. Learners can also pursue an online certificate in medical billing and coding, which is an especially convenient and flexible option for working professionals.

Check out the Best Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs

What Will I Learn in a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program?

While pursuing a medical billing and coding certificate, learners gain insight into the systems and processes needed to smoothly run a healthcare front office. Students learn about health insurance and reimbursement, how to properly code medical and patient data, and how to use the Current Procedural Terminology system for reporting healthcare services and procedures.

Additional topics include record transcribing, medical terminology, and the history of the U.S. healthcare delivery system.

Graduates of medical billing and coding certificate programs can apply for entry-level positions in medical and healthcare offices. Program coursework can help students transition seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce with some additional on-the-job training.

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How to Get Into a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program

Students who want to pursue a medical billing and coding certificate typically need a high school or GED diploma. Most certificate programs do not post stringent admission requirements. However, applicants should check all requirements for each specific certificate program.

What Can I Do With a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding?

A medical billing and coding certificate can lead to several careers. Generally, these certificates prepare professionals to work in the front and back offices of healthcare clinics or medical facilities. See below for some potential careers with a medical billing and coding certificate.

  • Medical Biller and Coder
  • Medical Coding Specialist
  • Medical Billing Specialist
  • Medical Records Technician
  • Medical Records Coordinator

How Much Money Can I Make With a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding?

According to the BLS, medical records and health information technicians earned a median annual salary of $44,090 in 2020. Professionals with certificates may earn more than those who enter the field without any formal education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Medical billing and coding involves documenting and transcribing different medical procedures, exams, tests, and treatments into standardized codes for billing through insurance or other reimbursement methods. The billing and coding processes are technically different but heavily interconnected.

The cost of a medical billing and coding certificate varies depending on the specific certificate and the organization that offers it. Certificates can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

A medical billing and coding certificate often takes 4-15 months to complete. However, completion times vary by program and whether learners enroll full time or part time.

Medical billing and coding can be a solid career choice. Because of the faster-than-average growth rate, the competitive starting salary, and the relatively low barrier to entry, medical billing and coding is an ideal career choice for those who want to enter the healthcare field quickly.

Medical billers and coders do need job experience to apply for positions. Certificates can replace work experience in most cases, but those without formal experience may need to complete on-the-job training.

Is it hard to get a coding certificate?

Medical billing and coding can be hard at times, but it is by no means impossible. Like many healthcare careers, becoming a medical biller and coder will take education and training. In other words, it will take hard work. You cannot become a great medical coder or biller overnight.

How fast can you get a coding certificate?

Many programs take between four and six months to complete, with students who graduate from an accredited program sitting for the required certification exam.

Which medical coding certification is best?

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification may be an ideal path for those interested in working in an outpatient setting, such as a physician's office or outpatient clinic. The CPC exam is the most popular medical coding certification exam in the field of medical coding.

How long it will take to learn medical coding?

It can take 1 to 3 years to complete a medical coding course.