How to get a job in medical billing and coding

Want a healthcare career that offers stability, good pay, and the flexibility to work from home? Medical billing and coding might be exactly the field you're looking for. It's one of the few healthcare fields where you can get solid training in less than two years and start working right away — and with no direct patient care required.

If you're detail-oriented, comfortable with computers, and like the idea of working behind the scenes to keep healthcare running smoothly, here's everything you need to know about landing a job in medical billing and coding.

What employers are really looking for

Employers want to hire people who understand medical terminology, can navigate complex insurance systems, and have the attention to detail needed to handle sensitive financial information. Most importantly, they want to see that you've had formal training in the specific skills this job requires.

While some people try to break into the field with just on-the-job training, most employers strongly prefer candidates who have completed accredited programs. The healthcare industry is just too regulated and complex for employers to risk hiring people who might make costly mistakes because they don't understand the rules.

Why career colleges are perfect for this field

Career colleges have really figured out how to train medical billing and coding professionals effectively. Instead of making you sit through years of general education classes, they focus on exactly what you need to know to do the job well. They also work closely with healthcare employers to make sure their programs teach the current systems, software, and regulations you'll actually use at work.

Most medical billing and coding programs take between 6 months to 18 months to complete, which means you can start working and earning money while your friends are still halfway through traditional college programs. The classes are usually small, so you get plenty of individual attention from instructors who have actually worked in medical billing and coding themselves.

What's especially great is that many career colleges have partnerships with local healthcare facilities, which often leads to externship opportunities and job offers. It's not unusual for students to get hired by the places where they complete their hands-on training.

What you'll actually learn

The coursework in these programs covers a lot more than you might expect. You'll start with medical terminology, which can feel like learning a whole new language, but it's essential for understanding patient records and medical procedures. You'll also study anatomy and physiology so you understand what's happening in the human body when different procedures are performed.

The coding portion involves learning several different coding systems. ICD-10 codes cover diagnoses and diseases, CPT codes handle procedures and services, and HCPCS codes deal with supplies and equipment. Each system has its own rules and guidelines that you need to master.

The billing side teaches you how insurance works, how to submit claims electronically, and how to follow up when claims get denied. You'll learn about different types of insurance plans, what services they typically cover, and how to help patients understand their coverage and bills.

Technology training is another big part of these programs, since all billing and coding is now done electronically now. You'll get comfortable with electronic health records, practice management software, and the various systems that healthcare facilities use to process billing and coding.

Hands-on practice is where everything comes together. You'll work with real medical records (with patient information removed, of course) to practice coding diagnoses and procedures, then create insurance claims based on your coding work.

Getting certified and credentialed

After you finish your program, you'll want to get certified through one of the professional organizations. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) both offer widely recognized certifications that employers look for.

Career college programs are designed to prepare you for these certification exams, so you'll go in feeling confident. Many schools even provide practice exams and study groups to help you succeed. Having these credentials on your resume makes a huge difference when you're job hunting.

Building experience and getting hired

Here's where starting a new career can get a bit tricky — many employers want to hire people with experience, but how do you get experience if no one will hire you without it? This is where your education program and externships become really important. The hands-on training you get during school counts as experience, and many employers recognize that.

Starting in an entry-level position is totally normal and expected. You might begin as a billing clerk or coding assistant, then work your way up as you gain experience. Some people start part-time or temporary positions just to get their foot in the door, then move into full-time roles once they've proven themselves.

Remote work opportunities have expanded significantly in the medical billing and coding field, but most entry-level positions still require working on-site initially. Once you've gained some experience and proven that you can work independently, remote opportunities become much more available.

Where the jobs actually are

Medical billing and coding jobs exist pretty much everywhere healthcare does. Physician offices and clinics employ the most billing and coding professionals, but hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty practices all need these services too.

Insurance companies also hire billing and coding professionals to review claims from the other side of the process. These positions often pay well and offer good benefits, though they may require additional training in insurance-specific procedures.

Third-party billing companies handle billing and coding for multiple healthcare providers, which can offer exposure to different types of practices and procedures. These companies often hire new graduates and provide good training opportunities.

Government agencies like Medicare and Medicaid also employ billing and coding professionals to review claims and ensure compliance with regulations.

What it costs and what you'll earn back

Career college programs for medical billing and coding typically cost much less than four-year degrees, and you'll be earning money much sooner. Entry-level positions usually start around $30,000 to $35,000, but you can quickly move up with experience and additional certifications.

The Imagine America Foundation offers scholarships specifically for career college students, which can help make your education more affordable. Many schools also have payment plans and will help you navigate financial aid options so you don't have to worry about being buried in debt.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says Medical Records Specialists made an average of $50,250 annually in 2024,with many professionals earning more than that average, especially if they specialize in particular areas or move into supervisory roles. The combination of stable employment and decent pay makes this a smart career choice from a financial perspective.

Tips for job hunting success

When you're ready to start looking for work, focus on highlighting your formal training and any hands-on experience you gained during school. Employers want to see that you understand medical terminology, know the coding systems, and are familiar with billing procedures.

Don't be afraid to start with smaller practices or part-time positions. These can be great ways to gain experience and often lead to full-time opportunities. Many successful professionals started this way and worked their way up.

Consider getting additional certifications in specialized areas once you have some experience. Specializations in areas like surgery coding, emergency medicine, or specific medical specialties can lead to higher-paying positions and more job opportunities.

Getting started

Ready to start exploring medical billing and coding? Start by looking for accredited medical billing and coding programs at career colleges in your area (here’s a hint: Imagine America partners with lots of them).

And don't let financial concerns hold you back. Between scholarships like those from the Imagine America Foundation, financial aid options, and the relatively low cost of career college programs, this education is more affordable than you might think.

Healthcare needs more qualified billing and coding professionals, and career colleges can get you ready for this career in less than two years. With good job prospects, the flexibility to work remotely, and steady demand across all healthcare settings, medical billing and coding could be exactly the stable, rewarding career you're looking for.