Medical Billing and Coding Career Guide [2026]

Key Insights:

• This healthcare career serves two roles: medical coding involves translating patient information into universal codes, while medical billing involves submitting for reimbursement from insurance companies, patients, and responsible third parties.
• If you’re interested in pursuing a medical billing and coding career, a diploma or degree program can help prepare you for this role. Some schools offer additional benefits, such as student and career services.
• UMA supports our learners and grads throughout their career journeys, helping them with financial aid (if qualified), their coursework, the job search, and anything else we can!

Approximately 1.9 million healthcare jobs are projected to open each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034.¹ If you want to pursue work in this field but have no interest in patient care, have you considered a medical billing and coding career?

What is medical billing and coding, what job options exist, and what type of training do you need to enter these healthcare roles? This guide answers these questions and more. We also share how you can get started with online medical billing and coding classes if you decide that this is the right career path for you.

What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical billing and coding involves translating patient information into universally-recognized codes so healthcare providers can obtain payment for services rendered. Medical codes are also used to help researchers and public health agencies identify disease and treatment trends.

Assigning the correct codes is important because insurance companies rely on them to determine how much they must reimburse providers. Incorrectly coded information can also cause claims to be denied. When this occurs, healthcare providers must correct and resubmit these claims, which not only takes additional time but can delay reimbursement.

Medical billing vs. medical coding

Although medical billing and coding are often lumped together, they’re actually two different functions.

• Medical coding is the process of assigning patients’ healthcare information to the proper codes based on their diagnoses, treatment, and services.
• Medical billing involves the use of these codes to submit insurance claims and seek reimbursement from patients for their portion of the expenses.

While some healthcare organizations hire individuals to perform each role separately — employing both medical coders and medical billers — others hire individuals to perform both roles under the title of a medical biller and coder.

Learn more with this short video: What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Where do medical billers and coders work?

Medical billing and coding specialists can be found in all kinds of healthcare facilities, from doctors’ offices and hospitals to insurance companies and other healthcare organizations. You might work full-time or part-time, depending on the employer.

This job is usually performed in an office environment, with some employers hiring remote medical billers and coders who work from home. Dress codes can vary based on the employer and setting. You may be asked to wear scrubs like clinical staff, for instance, or more traditional office attire.

What Does a Medical Biller and Coder Do?

Medical billing and coding job duties can vary based on the employer’s needs. Here are some responsibilities that may be assigned to individuals in these positions:

• Translate patient information into the proper codes using universal code sets
• Verify patients’ electronic health records to ensure that all codes are accurate
• Submit claims to insurance providers for reimbursement and handle claim denials
• Bill patients or third parties for their portion of the expenses and collect payments
• Maintain comprehensive patient records so authorized personnel can retrieve, analyze, and report on data when needed
• Ensure that patient data is kept confidential at all times

Medical Billing and Coding Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% increase in the employment of medical secretaries, including medical billers and coders, between 2024 and 2034.² The primary reason cited for this expected growth is that, as the population ages, people will need more medical care. This results in more professionals being needed to handle the higher number of billing-related administrative tasks.

Entry-level job options in medical billing and coding

Medical billing and coding careers can vary based on the job responsibilities of that specific position. Additionally, some roles may have the same general job duties as others but hold different titles according to the employer or the location. Some of the entry-level job titles where UMA’s Medical Billing and Coding grads have found roles include:

• Customer Care Representative
• Customer Service Representative
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Customer Care Coordinator
• Healthcare Customer Service

Management-level careers in this field are available but may require additional education and/or work experience.

What Do You Need to Know to Work in Medical Billing and Coding?

If you’re interested in a medical billing and coding career, you’ll need knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Medical code sets

Medical billing and coding specialists must understand how to find the correct codes for a patient’s diagnoses, procedures, and treatments. These codes are contained within three universal code sets:

• International Classification of Diseases (ICD) – contains diagnosis codes
• Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) – contains medical procedure and service codes
• Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) – contains codes for healthcare products, supplies, and services not included in the CPT code set

Healthcare providers use these codes to get reimbursed by insurance companies for products and services provided. Codes also help standardize patients’ medical histories and treatment data. This can be especially helpful when multiple team members and/or specialists are involved in diagnosis and treatment processes.

Technology skills

Because patient medical records are now largely electronic, medical billing and coding professionals typically use technology to perform their jobs. The specific programs and applications can vary based on the employer, but the software generally allows users to perform a similar range of basic functions required for these positions.

O*NET OnLine is a database of occupational information developed for the Department of Labor. It reports that individuals who are responsible for maintaining patient medical records and completing billing tasks benefit from having skills related to:³

• Accounting software
• Data entry software
• Electronic health record (EHR) software
• Medical software
• Word processing software

Medical billing and coding classes can help you develop the technology skills needed for this healthcare role, though some might also be learned on the job.

Soft skills

Medical billing and coding specialists can also benefit from having certain soft skills or traits that can help them perform their jobs. According to the BLS, important qualities for individuals in medical secretary roles, the category under which medical billers and coders fall, are:⁴

• Decision-making skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks
• Organizational skills, which support operational efficiency
• Interpersonal skills to interact with co-workers and patients effectively and courteously
• Writing skills to help you communicate accurately and professionally

Is a Career in Medical Billing and Coding a Good Fit for You?

There are many things to consider when choosing a career path. If you’re thinking about pursuing a medical billing and coding role, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I comfortable using technology?
• Will I be able to work at a computer for hours at a time?
• Am I attentive to even the smallest details?
• Am I organized?
• Do I work well with others?
• Can I stay calm during stressful situations, like when dealing with billing issues?
• Can I maintain patient privacy and confidentiality?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may be suited for a career in medical billing and coding.

9 Steps to a Medical Billing and Coding Career

A career in medical billing and coding can be within your reach, especially if you’re willing to devote the time needed to train and prepare for this role. These steps can help you get started.

#1: Learn the job requirements

Look at job posts for the medical billing and coding position you desire. Do most specify that a diploma is needed, for instance, or are employers looking for candidates with an associate degree? What about medical coding certification? Is that preferred or required?

Taking this step can help you identify the training and/or certification you may need based on your desired job role. Obtaining these credentials in advance can help you prepare to meet these qualifications.

#2: Understand your medical billing and coding training options

While people performing administrative duties in other fields often learn on the job, those in the healthcare industry may need additional training to learn industry terminology.⁴ You can choose among several different types of medical billing and coding programs, some of which include:

• Medical billing and coding certificate programs
• Medical billing and coding diploma programs
• Medical billing and coding degree programs

A medical billing and coding certificate or diploma program can help you enter the field faster, as it can often be completed in one year or less. A degree program takes a little longer — roughly 18 months to two years for an associate degree — because it provides a more rounded education.

A degree program may also help you qualify for positions with more advanced educational requirements or serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree program. If this is in your career plans, consider choosing a school that maintains partnerships with academic institutions that have agreed to accept the credits you’ve earned toward specific programs.⁵

#3: Explore financial aid opportunities

If you need help paying for school, certain financial aid programs may be available if you qualify. The Federal Student Aid website provides information about several options (such as loans and grants). It also shares how to apply, offers a loan estimator, and more.

The school you’re considering should also be able to provide more information. For example, at Ultimate Medical Academy, our financial aid webpage explains the process. You can also call 888-205-2510 to speak with a Student Finance representative.

#4: Enroll in (and complete) medical billing and coding training

Once you decide on the program, you can enroll and begin working toward your credential. Medical billing and coding classes can help you develop skills related to:

• Diagnostic and procedural coding
• Billing and coding application
• Healthcare communication
• Medical law and ethics
• Healthcare records management
• Claims processing

Learners at UMA also have access to a variety of Student Services to assist with their medical billing and coding training. If you are enrolled at UMA and have questions about a specific assignment, course content, or something else about your program, just reach out. We’re here to help!

Complete your courses successfully, and you’re ready to begin pursuing your career to be a medical billing and coding professional. You may also decide to pursue your certification.⁷

#5: Obtain your medical coding certification (optional)

Certification tells potential employers that you have the skills needed to work in that healthcare role. You don’t always need to be certified to work in medical billing and coding positions. However, some employers may require or prefer it. Even if they don’t, earning an industry-recognized credential could help increase your attractiveness as a job candidate.

You must generally pass a competency exam to earn certification. First, you must meet the credentialing agency’s eligibility requirements. For example, the AAPC requires that you have two years of work experience to earn the full Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential.⁶ If you don’t have this experience before taking the exam, you would be awarded a CPC-A certification upon passing the test. The “A” stands for apprentice and can be removed once proof is provided that the work experience requirement is satisfied.

Some medical billing and coding programs include certification prep.⁷ This can help you develop a better understanding of the information you need to know for the exam, as well as enabling you to identify topic areas you might want to study more before taking the actual test.

#6: Leverage career prep resources

Once you’ve graduated with a medical billing and coding diploma or degree, it’s time to prepare yourself to enter this career path. This generally includes creating a resume, practicing for interviews, and more. Look for resources that can help.

For example, if you’re a UMA learner or grad, our Career Services can help you get started in your career journey. Whether you need help writing a resume, drafting a cover letter, or practicing your interview skills, our caring and compassionate team members are here to assist.

#7: Start your medical billing and coding job search

At this point in your medical billing and coding career journey, you should be ready to start looking for work. One option is to search online for “medical billing and coding jobs.” You can also use job-search sites such as Indeed or look for openings on professional networking sites like LinkedIn.

When using job-search or networking sites, you can typically save your resume and apply for jobs directly from their website. Many also allow you to set up alerts so you’re notified when new jobs are posted that match your criteria.

The school you choose may be able to help as well. As an example, UMA has relationships with employers nationwide. If you meet one of our partners’ requirements and could be a good fit for their organization, we may be able to connect you with them regarding their open medical billing and coding roles.

#8: Tap into your professional network

Enrolling in a medical billing and coding program is a great way to meet others in your field. Your classmates may be happy to recommend you if they land a job somewhere you’d like to work.

You can also add a frame on LinkedIn that says “#OpenToWork.” This tells other professionals that you’re connected with that you are interested in open positions. So, if they hear of one, they may let you know about it.

UMA graduates can also take advantage of ConnectUMA. This private networking platform includes an alumni directory, job board, mentorship opportunities, and much more.

#9: Start your medical billing and coding career

Once you obtain employment, you’re one step closer to pursuing your medical billing and coding career goals. Stay inspired to achieve your dreams. Decide what you want and create a plan to go after it.

Ready to Prepare for Your Medical Billing and Coding Career?

A medical billing and coding program can give you the education and skills needed to work in these healthcare roles. UMA has two options:

• Diploma: Our Medical Billing and Coding Diploma program includes 12 core courses and can be completed in 11 months or more.⁸
• Associate degree: Our Medical Billing and Coding Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science Degree program includes the same core courses plus five general education and three elective courses, and can be completed in 18 months or more.⁸

Both programs include CPC certification prep.⁷ UMA learners also gain access to our variety of Student Services and Career Services, providing support throughout your medical billing and coding career journey.

Why earn your medical billing and coding education at UMA?

There are several reasons to choose UMA for your medical billing and coding training:

• You get your choice of a diploma or associate degree — whichever aligns with your career goals.
• Our online medical billing and coding programs enable you to do your coursework when it’s convenient for you.
• We are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org), which means that our health education programs have met their rigorous quality standards.
• We can help you understand and navigate the financial aid process if you qualify.
• We partner with several other schools that may help you further your education, should you decide to pursue a higher-level degree.⁵

Contact us to learn more about how we can help prepare you to pursue a medical billing and coding career. At UMA, our learners are our priority — and that means you!

FAQs

• What qualifications do I need to work as a medical biller and coder? Medical billing and coding specialists can have different job requirements based on the needs of the employer. Some employers may not require prior education, while others may require a diploma or associate degree. Some may require you to have industry certification as well.
• How do I become a medical biller and coder? One way to pursue a medical biller and coder career is with formal training. Though it is possible to get started in this field with on-the-job experience, some positions require candidates to have specialized education and/or certification. Exact job requirements may vary by employer.
• Should I pursue a medical billing and coding diploma or degree? It depends on what you’re looking for in a medical billing and coding training program. If you want to prepare for a career in medical billing and coding as quickly as possible, you may wish to enroll in a diploma program. If you’d like to enhance your credentials, consider investing the time to earn an associate degree. Don’t forget to factor in your long-term career goals.
• How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder? It depends on the path you take to get there. Many diploma programs can be completed in under a year. If you enroll in an associate degree program, you may be able to complete your training and earn your degree in two years or less. If you are planning to pursue CPC certification, you may want to factor in additional time.
• How much do medical billing and coding specialists make? Medical billing and coding wages can vary based on a variety of factors. Look at local job posts to get an idea of what employers pay in your area. You can also visit sites that supply pay information, such as the BLS, to learn more about the median pay nationally and/or in certain geographical areas.