Learn medical coding

Medical coding is the process of translating medical information into codes that are universally recognized. It is a technical skill, like learning a foreign language, that can be learned and applied to various health information positions. Education via medical coding courses, certifications, and degrees can help to prepare you for these jobs.

Learn about what medical coding is, how to choose a learning path that works best for you, and what career options may be available to professionals with this skill set.

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A female medical biller and coder typing on her desktop computer at a medical office.

Why learn medical coding?

Medical coding involves translating information from a patient's medical records into alphanumeric codes that are universally recognized in the healthcare information industry. It is used in billing for medical services, record keeping, research, and generating population health statistics.

Learning medical coding is a valuable skill that can help you qualify for a variety of jobs in health information, many of which are projected to grow substantially over the next decade. Completing medical coding courses, certifications, and degrees can help make you eligible for these types of jobs.

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Choosing the right medical coding program for you

Medical coding learning options are available in a variety of formats. They include online courses, certifications, executive education programs, and degree programs. Choose the learning path that best suits your interests, ambitions, schedule, and budget.

Courses

Medical coding courses teach the basic skills, technology, and language that you need to know to prepare you for jobs in health information. These courses can be taken even if you have no experience in the field.

Certifications

Certifications for medical coding are offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Most medical coding jobs require certification.

The most popular entry-level certification they offer is Certified Professional Coder (CPC). This requires completing an online course and passing a certification examination. Other certifications available include Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC).

Executive education programs

Executive education programs may culminate in a professional certificate. These programs focus on more advanced aspects of medical coding and are usually taken by those who are already working in the field and wish to advance their skills in management.

Degrees

edX offers online bachelor's degree programs in healthcare and related fields that can help you to get a job in medical coding. Bachelor's degrees in business, and those that combine healthcare and business, are also valuable for applicants who want to be competitive when seeking medical coding positions.

Jobs in medical coding

Learning medical coding can help you to qualify for many different positions in the healthcare information field. Most of these positions will require you to have postsecondary education and possibly certification.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in the medical coding field are in high demand. Jobs for health information technologists and medical registrars are projected to increase by 16% between 2023 and 2033, and jobs for medical and health services managers are projected to grow by 29% during that same time period — both of which are rates much higher than the national average for all jobs.

Here are a few positions that having medical coding experience may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the BLS:

Medical records specialist

A medical records specialist gathers, processes, and maintains patient files. They may enter patient medical information into the healthcare industry's medical coding system. Medical records specialists primarily work in hospitals and doctors' offices, but they may also work in insurance companies; as liaisons between medical offices and insurance companies; in professional, scientific, and technical services; and in administrative and support services.

Required education: Postsecondary certificate
Median annual salary (May 2023): $48,780

Health information technologist and medical registrar

Health information technologists and medical registrars analyze clinical data and provide advice to organizations about computerized healthcare and medical systems. They evaluate and help implement health information systems and may compile and generate reports. Health information technologists and medical registrars usually work in hospitals and doctors' offices, but they may also work in company management; in professional, scientific, and technical services; and in administrative and support services.

Required education: Associate degree
Median annual salary (May 2023): $62,990

Medical and health services manager

Medical and health services managers organize, direct, and coordinate medical services. They are responsible for managing healthcare offices, facilities, and departments and must have solid knowledge of medical coding. Medical and health services managers must stay up to date on changes in healthcare regulations, laws, and technology.

Required education: Bachelor's degree
Median annual salary (May 2023): $110,680

Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medication to health professionals and customers. They collect information, measure amounts of medication for prescriptions, and enter information into a computerized healthcare system, under a pharmacist's supervision. Pharmacy technicians typically work for pharmacies, drug retailers, and hospitals, but may also work in grocery and specialty food retailers; in general merchandise retailers; and in ambulatory healthcare services.

Required education: High school diploma to associate degree; sometimes a certificate or certification as well
Median annual salary (May 2023): $40,300

Learn medical coding online with edX

Medical coding is a growing field with the potential for many jobs. To get started in learning medical coding, check out the courses and degrees offered at edX today.

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Frequently asked questions about medical coding

Why should I learn medical coding?

Medical coding is a field offering high job demand, stable career prospects, and competitive salaries. Medical coders have an important job in the healthcare system, making sure that medical documentation is translated correctly into universally recognized codes that enable healthcare providers to be reimbursed for services rendered.

How long does it take to learn medical coding?

Completing a course in medical coding can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending upon the format you choose and whether you seek certification. If you opt to earn a bachelor's degree, its completion will take about four years.

How hard is it to learn medical coding?

Medical coding is a challenging technical skill that can nevertheless be learned with the right training, commitment, and practice. If you are a good critical thinker, attentive to detail, and comfortable with technology, learning medical coding should not be too difficult for you.

Published May 30, 2025