Careers: Medical Coder

Careers in Medical Coding

Join one of the fastest growing professions in the United States!

With a professional medical coding certificate, you can pursue a wide variety of careers in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, law firms, public health/government departments and more.

Medical coding professionals use industry-established codes and the latest healthcare technology to help collect, manage and maintain medical and financial records. They also manage the coding of patient diagnoses and treatment(s), working with insurance companies to ensure claims are properly recorded and processed.

There is no better time than NOW to pursue a career in medical coding. The healthcare industry is undergoing unprecedented change and modernization – including the shift to electronic health records (EHR) systems. In addition, a very large portion of the population is entering retirement age and the demand for health care professionals who can process and manage this data is growing rapidly!

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS.gov), the Medical Coding industry is expected to grow over 15% by 2024! That’s nearly twice the growth rate of any other industry. Not only are there an increasing number of job openings, but many of these jobs offer remote work opportunities and pay above average salaries.

Many students who have always wanted to work in healthcare are often deterred (understandably) by the financial investment required. The tuition, fees and amount of time (often unpaid) required for schooling, residency, specialized training, etc. is enough to scare anyone. One of the great advantages of working in medical coding is that you don’t need a degree. You can earn a highly-affordable, highly-marketable medical coding certificate in one year – entirely online!

Below is a snapshot from BLS, which reports job outlook and salaries based on national data. The career(s) listed below are just a sample of the employment opportunities in this industry/sector. Wages, salaries, titles, etc. will vary depending on years of experience, credentials, location, etc.

What can I do after I earn my Medical Coder Certificate?

All of our coding graduates are eligible for UC’s 100% Online Associates in Health Information Systems program (AAS HIS). In fact, coding graduates enter the AAS HIS program as a second year student since all of the coding credits transfer. This means you can earn your associates degree in just one year!

If you want to continue advancing your education (and career) after earning your associates, you can transfer all of your AAS HIS credits into UC’s 100% Online Bachelor’s in Health Information Management (HIM). All of UC’s online programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible schedules and generous financial aid packages.

UC’s online AAS HIS graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential, and HIM graduates can sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Both of these credentials are well-respected and highly sought after in the healthcare industry!

Our online Cancer Registry Management Certificate Program is another great opportunity to increase your earnings and marketability. The Cancer Registry Management Certificate program is one of VERY FEW online programs in the U.S. that is fully accredited by the National Cancer Registrars Association!