What Degree Do You Need to Become a Medical Coder?
03/13/2025
What Is Medical Coding?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical coding1 is the process of using medical records and documents and assigning procedure codes to diagnoses and procedures for things like patient care, population health numbers and billing.
Medical coders may "review patient information for preexisting conditions to ensure proper coding of patient data" and "work as the liaison between healthcare providers and billing offices."
Medical coding is a critical component of the healthcare industry, ensuring accurate and efficient communication for patient information and to maintain patient confidentiality.
Importance of Medical Coding Jobs in the Healthcare Industry
According to a 2024 study,2 medical coders are "indispensable" to the healthcare industry to "produce high-quality administrative data which serves as the foundation for effective healthcare delivery and management."
"The accuracy and reliability of administrative data are critical components of effective healthcare delivery, influencing financial management, clinical decision-making, and public health initiatives."
"Medical coding technicians play an essential role in this process by converting complex medical diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes, primarily using systems such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)."
Medical coders allow healthcare providers to track patient data and identify trends. Accurate medical coding may have insurance providers ensure proper reimbursement for healthcare services and has the potential to reduce billing errors.
Medical Terminology and Coding Systems
Importance of Medical Terminology in Medical Coding
Medical terminology is an important factor in medical coding as it provides a standardized language for all healthcare providers and medical coders.
Accuracy in code assignment is essential for healthcare professionals, and medical records specialists so that they translate diagnoses, procedures and treatments into specific ICD-10-CM and HCPCS, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification; Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. These systems are used to assign all standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures.
Education Requirements for Medical Coders
Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree in Medical Coding
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics1, medical coders typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the workforce, but other qualifications may vary depending on the position.
A certificate in medical billing and coding from Rasmussen University can be completed in as few as nine months,2 with a flexible, focused training offered on specific medical coding guidelines, systems and healthcare regulations. With eight starts per year, students can start the program when it's convenient to them and their schedule. Rasmussen University2 also features AHIMA®4 virtual labs to test skills and enhance decision-making abilities. Certification examinations may be in effect depending on the position chosen.
Earning an associate degree in health information technology (HIT) with a medical coding focus typically takes up to 18 months3 to complete, depending on the program and if it's online or in-person. The core courses may cover medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance and healthcare management.
When reviewing higher education options, review which degree programs are right for your goals and financial situation. Consider online options vs. traditional in-person education options.
Accreditation in Medical Coding Degree Programs
When selecting a college or university, choose a program or institution that is accredited in the area you're interested in. Accreditation may ensure the quality of the education you receive, credibility of the faculty and that the programs meet specific industry and educational standards.
Institutional accreditation is specific to the college or university itself, like the Higher Learning Commission,5 and programmatic accreditations are program-specific. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; programmatic accreditation is not applicable to the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate.
To check if a college or university is accredited for their medical coding program, review the institution's website for more information or contact the admissions office.
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management
Earning a bachelor of science degree in health information management may be completed in as few as 18 months depending upon transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
Curriculum and Course Content for Medical Coders
The bachelor's degree program may involve core courses combining aspects of healthcare, information technology and business to help prepare students for a variety of healthcare-related settings insurance companies and organizations.
Some common courses may include information and communication technologies, health data and policy management, project management, health law and compliance and more.
When searching for an academic program, research programs that include hands-on training and practical experience, such as an internship or practicum.
Importance of Medical Coding Certification
Overview of Medical Coding Degree Program Certification
After earning a degree, students may seek certified professional coder programs that may depend on the field they're interested in. The process is often voluntary for continuous learning opportunities and to ensure compliance with specific industry standards.
Certified Coding Associate® (CCA) Certification
Graduates may choose to complete medical coding training or take the Certified Coding Associate® (CCA)6 certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association7 (AHIMA®), which requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, but does recommend completion of a coding training program or six months of coding experience. This certification demonstrates coding experience for physicians' offices and hospitals in the medical billing field.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) Certification
The Certified Professional Coder® (CPC)8 certification is offered by the AAPC®9 and requires at least two years of medical coding experience and an associate degree is not required.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA®) offers various specialized certification exams for medical coders, such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P). These also demonstrate proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Job Outlook for Medical Coders
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics10, the employment of medical coders is projected to grow around 9% from 2023-2033.
AI and EHR Systems for Medical Coders
With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the BLS indicates that the machine learning process may impact work for medical coders, but there is still a lot of research to be done to see the results on the medical billing field.
According to research11, one study notes that AI-driven, patient electronic health record system (EHR)-integrated patient-generated healthcare data systems "can greatly improve the capacity to deal with the large volume of data, control data quality ... ensure security and privacy, make understandable interpretations, and generate more meaningful use."
The study11 states that although, more work is needed to understand how "EHR-integrated PGHD systems can better support healthcare with the assistance of AI," that when it comes to EHR-integrated Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD), "AI can help transform healthcare by improving clinical decision support."
What Comes Next
If you're looking for a direct path into medical coding, a medical and billing and coding certification program at Rasmussen University might be worth considering. Learn through online interactive sessions with instructors and classmates, AHIMA® virtual labs, real-world case studies, and practical billing and coding scenarios.
Most coding positions are not considered "entry level"; a combination of education and work experience is typically required to attain a coding position. Similarly, coders, especially those who are new to the field, should not expect to find a position where they can work from home. Most coding positions require onsite work.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-2 (visited February 11, 2025).
2Dalal Faleh Al-Subaie, Khadija Ali Alanazi, Amal Muzil Aldhafeeri, Noura Mohammed Al-Atwi, Rehab Mansour Ali Ghanem, Lamyaa Fehaid Albulaytih, Maha Turki Alkhurayb, May Arif AlMunayir, and Abdullah Mohammed Al-Harbi, Sara Saad Alyahya, Lamia Ayed Al-Qahtani, Saleh Mutate Saleh Alatwi, Fatima Lafi Al-Sahli. “The Impact of Medical Coding Technicians in Producing High-Quality Administrative Data”. Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research , Aug. 2024, pp. 1469-75, https://jicrcr.com/index.php/jicrcr/article/view/1055.
3Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
4AHIMA® is a registered trademark of American Health Information Management Association 35 W. Wacker Drive, 16th Floor Chicago, ILLINOIS UNITED STATES 60601-5809
5Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission hlcommission.org | 800-621-7440
6CCA® is a registered trademark of American Health Information Management Association 35 W. Wacker Drive, 16th Floor Chicago, ILLINOIS UNITED STATES 60601-5809
7American Health Information Management Association® is a registered trademark of American Health Information Management Association 35 W. Wacker Drive, 16th Floor Chicago, ILLINOIS UNITED STATES 60601-5809
8Certified Professional Coder® is a registered trademark of American Academy Holdings, LLC Suite F 2233 South Presidents Drive Salt Lake City, UTAH UNITED STATES 84120
9AAPC® is a registered trademark of American Academy Holdings, LLC Suite F 2233 South Presidents Drive Salt Lake City, UTAH UNITED STATES 84120
10Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (visited February 11, 2025).
11Ye, Jiancheng et al. “The role of artificial intelligence for the application of integrating electronic health records and patient-generated data in clinical decision support.” AMIA Joint Summits on Translational Science proceedings. AMIA Joint Summits on Translational Science vol. 2024 459-467. 31 May. 2024. (visited February 11, 2025).
