If you’re considering a career in healthcare, it’s important to know the requirements for each role. Medical billing and coding can be a great career path if you have an interest in healthcare, but don’t necessarily want to work directly with patients or spend years in school.
But do you need to be certified to work as a medical biller and coder?
While no state requires certification, earning industry-recognized medical billing and coding certifications is a critical step that can elevate you from “just another candidate” to a qualified, validated professional.
Earning your medical billing and coding credentials is one of the most effective ways to help secure a job and maximize your earning potential in the competitive healthcare field.
This article will give you an overview of why certification is important and how MTI can help you achieve your career goals of becoming a medical billing and coding professional.
Why Medical Billing and Coding Certification is Essential
While you can work in some entry-level positions without certification, most employers prefer certified candidates when searching for hires. Certifications act as a third-party validation that you understand the complex coding guidelines and industry regulations like CPT, ICD-10-CM and HIPAA.
It’s important to note the difference between a certificate and a certification.
A certificate is awarded by an educational institution for completing a training course. A certification is awarded by an independent third party after passing a standardized national exam, proving your skills in medical billing and coding.
A certification shows employers you possess a strong foundational knowledge, which is crucial since healthcare facilities are financially and legally responsible for accuracy of the submissions for insurance reimbursement.
What are the Benefits of Medical Billing and Coding Certification?
Investing the time and effort to get certified in medical billing and coding directly translates into tangible career benefits:
- Competitive Advantage: In crowded job markets, a certification helps you get your foot in the door and potentially land those first interviews over non-certified candidates.
- Higher Earning Potential: Certified professionals consistently earn higher average wages than non-certified counterparts. Salaries increase further with specialty certifications and experience.
- Career Advancement: Certification is the prerequisite for moving into higher-level roles like auditing, compliance or management.
- Flexibility: Certified medical billers and coders are often sought after for remote work opportunities.
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What are the Industry Recognized Medical Billing and Coding Credentials?
When you are ready to earn a certification for medical billing and coding, you will encounter a few key organizations known in the industry for recognizing credentials.
The certification you choose often depends on your career focus, and the following table offers an easy to reference chart of each certification and the primary career focus:
| Certifying Body | Foundational Credentials | Primary Career Focus |
| AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) | Certified Professional Coder (CPC) + Certified Professional Biller (CPB) | Physician-based/Outpatient coding |
| AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) | Certified Coding Associate (CCA) | Entry-level certification for both physician and hospital settings |
| AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) | Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | Hospital/Inpatient coding, demonstrating mastery across settings |
| NHA (National Healthcareer Association) | Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) | Focuses on both billing and coding skills for various settings |
How Do You Prepare and Pass Medical Billing and Coding Certification Exams?
To prepare for and pass the medical billing and coding certification exams, you need to follow a systematic approach that sets you up for success. This process involves completing training, gaining practical experience, preparing for the exams, and finally, scheduling and passing your certification exam.
Below is a more detailed list of the steps you will need to take to become a certified medical billing and coding professional:
- Complete Medical Billing and Coding Training Program: Enroll in a reputable, accredited medical billing and coding program, like MTI’s Medical Coding Program, that covers all required competencies: medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, reimbursement methodologies and specific coding languages. MTI also offers a 100% online program option.
- Gain Required Experience: For entry-level credentials, formal training is often sufficient. However, for the full CPC credential, you typically need two years of experience. Candidates who pass the CPC exam without meeting the experience requirement are initially granted the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation, which is automatically converted after providing proof of experience. This allows you to start working immediately!
- Exam Preparation: Utilize practice tests, review key coding guidelines and work through timed case studies. This is crucial as exams like the CPC or CCS can be nearly six hours long, but they are open book. The Medical Coding Program at MTI includes exam preparation as part of your training.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Apply to the respective certifying body, pay the exam fee and schedule your test at an authorized testing center. MTI includes the cost of exams in your tuition.
How MTI Prepares You to Take Certification Exams
At MTI, our goal is to help you successfully launch a career as a medical billing and coding professional. Our medical billing and coding program is structured to do more than just teach foundational concepts; we help you build the skills necessary to succeed on the job.
We focus intently on helping you meet all the medical billing and coding certification requirements which will give you the confidence to pass certification exams, immediately expanding your career opportunities and earning potential.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: Our curriculum is directly aligned with the questions you will find on all the major certification exams and designed to get you job and certification exam ready.
- Practical Experience: We integrate exercises and simulations to build the speed and critical thinking necessary for handling complex coding scenarios on the exam.
- Dedicated Exam Prep: The program includes structured modules, practice tests, and access to instructors and tutoring during weekly live sessions and office hours to review the most challenging material.
MTI offers two options for medical coding training:
- 9-month on-campus program – currently available at MTI’s East Peoria, IL, Springfield, IL, and Springfield, MO campuses
- 7-month online program – currently available to residents of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa
Launch Your Medical Billing and Coding Career Today!
MTI provides the career-focused training and dedicated support you need to confidently earn your medical coding credentials and start your new career.
Our flexible online program is designed to fit into your busy schedule, helping you secure the specialized skills that translate directly into job opportunities and higher earning potential.
If you’re interested in MTI’s Online Medical Billing & Coding Program, visit MTI Online.
We also offer an on-campus Medical Coding Program in Illinois and Missouri!
Contact us today to start your journey to a rewarding career!
Sources:
- https://www.aapc.com/resources/perks-of-being-a-medical-coder
- https://www.aapc.com/certifications/certified-professional-coder-cpc-certified-professional-biller-cpb-dual-b
- https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/cca/
- https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/ccs/
- https://www.nhanow.com/train-educate/professions/billing-and-coding-specialist
- https://www.aapc.com/resources/study-tips-to-pass-cpc-exam
- https://nurse.org/healthcare/medical-coding-certifications/
- https://www.aapc.com/resources/medical-coding-salary-survey
