By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 18, 2026
To become a medical biller and coder, you need a high school diploma, a training program (usually 4 to 12 months), and in most cases a certification such as the CPC, CBCS or CCA. Then you get a first job, often on-site, and build 1 to 2 years of experience before moving to higher-paying or remote roles. You don’t need a college degree.
The short version: decide billing or coding, pick a training program, pass one certification, get any first job in a medical office, and keep learning. Most people who struggle skip the “first job” step and only apply for remote roles.
The 6-step path
| Step | What you do | Typical time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose billing, coding or both | Learn the difference and which fits you | 1 week | Free |
| 2. Training | Community college, vocational school or online course | 4 to 12 months | A few hundred to several thousand dollars |
| 3. Certification | CPC, CBCS or CCA exam | 2 to 6 months of study | About $117 to $499 for the exam, plus books |
| 4. First job | Front desk, billing clerk, payment posting, coding apprentice | 1 to 3 months of job search | |
| 5. Build experience | Learn claims, denials, payer portals | 1 to 2 years | |
| 6. Grow | Remote work, specialty coding, auditing, management | Ongoing | CEUs to keep certification |
Step 1: Billing, coding or both?
Coders read medical records and turn diagnoses and procedures into codes (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS). Billers use those codes to create claims, follow up with insurers, fix denials and work with patients on balances. Small offices often combine both jobs. See medical billing vs medical coding.
Step 2: Choose a training program
Look for a program that covers anatomy and medical terminology, ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS, claims and insurance, and compliance (HIPAA). Community colleges are often the best value. Check that the program prepares you for a specific certification exam and offers practice with real code books.
Step 3: Get certified
| Certification | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| CPC | AAPC | Coding jobs in physician offices and outpatient settings, remote coding later |
| CBCS | NHA | Billing and front-office roles, fastest and cheapest start |
| CCA | AHIMA | Entry-level coding, especially hospitals |
| CPB | AAPC | Billing specialists who want an AAPC credential |
Compare them in detail: CPC vs CBCS vs CCA and medical coding certifications compared. Our CPC exam guide covers how to study.
Step 4: Get your first job
- Apply for front desk, patient registration, billing clerk, payment posting and charge entry roles. They’re the usual way in.
- Look at physician practices, hospitals, billing companies and labs near you.
- On your resume, list your certification, the software you’ve practiced with and any customer-service experience.
- Be wary of “work from home, no experience, pay for training” ads. See remote medical billing jobs and scams to avoid.
Tip: get hands-on before you apply. Employers want new billers who have already worked claims. A practice EHR for medical billing such as Fernwell lets you register fictional patients, verify eligibility, submit claims to a training clearinghouse, post ERAs and fix denials, so you can talk through real examples in interviews. (Fernwell is made by the team behind MedBillGuide.com.) See our plan: how to get medical billing experience with no job.
Step 5 and 6: Build experience and grow
After a year or two, you can move into remote coding, specialty coding (such as surgery or cardiology), denial management, auditing or a supervisor role. Each extra certification tends to raise pay. See medical billing and coding salary.
From 15 years in billing: the people I’ve seen move up fastest learned why claims get denied, not just how to code them. If you’re in a front-desk job, ask to shadow the billing team for an hour a week. Understanding denials makes you valuable in any role.
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a medical biller and coder without a degree?
Yes. Most jobs ask for a high school diploma, training and a certification. A degree can help for management roles later, but it isn’t required to start.
How long does it take to become a medical coder?
Usually 4 to 12 months for training plus a few months to study for and pass a certification exam. Getting your first job can take another 1 to 3 months.
Can I work from home as a new medical coder?
It’s possible but uncommon. Most remote coding jobs ask for a certification plus 1 to 2 years of experience. Many people start on-site and move to remote work later.
Which certification should I get first?
The CPC if you want coding jobs, the CBCS if you want a billing job quickly and cheaply, and the CCA if you’re aiming for hospital coding.
Sources: BLS: Medical records specialists · AAPC: CPC certification · NHA: CBCS · AHIMA: CCA
This guide is educational. Exam fees, requirements and salaries change, so confirm details with AAPC, NHA or AHIMA. MedBillGuide is not affiliated with any certifying organization. See our Disclaimer.