Online Medical Coding Courses and Training (2024)

The number of graduates who successfully attain their CPC certification vary from program to program. Many variables factor into passing the CPC exam—amount of study time, availability of educational tools and resources, and quality of training.

At AAPC, the pass rate of our CPC students exceeds 80%, which is unmatched by other programs and underscores the need to carefully select a medical coding school that will deliver a first-rate education.

Online training programs allow students to achieve certification quicker than attending a college. You can be career-ready in only 4 to 12 months. Onlinecertification training programs are also more affordable than a 2- or 4-year degree program. Learning medical coding online is an effective training option to prepare for the certification employers require.

In comparison to classroom training, an online medical coding education offers the greatest flexibility to study where and when you want. For people with jobs, families, or other responsibilities, online training is the best way to train and maintain work-life balance.

When considering online vs. classroom training options, you may want to train in-class if you learn best in a classroom setting. Classroom training will ensure you’re well prepared to sit for your certification exam and achieve your goals. AAPC offers classes in convenient locations throughout the USA. Search for a medical coding class near you.

Job security is an important quality-of-life factor, which is one reason medical coding is a good career choice. Despite economic fluctuations that impact unemployment rates for most professions, the need for healthcare professionals, including medical coders, is at an historic high.

Not only has the U.S. Baby Boomer generation—20% of our population—reached its golden years, but the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 78 million people age 65 and over will increase 55% by 2030. Given the rise in chronic conditions prevalent among this population, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) anticipates a shortage of nearly 105,000 physicians by 2030. This deficit extends to medical coding specialists.

AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is the best one to start with as a new medical coder. CPC training provides an education in physician-based, or professional fee, coding. This knowledge is foundational to all types of medical coding, such as outpatient coding, hospital coding, and risk adjustment coding.

Many medical coders enjoy lifelong careers with their CPC credential, while others choose to build on their education by training in a physician-based specialty or becoming certified for hospital coding.

Medical coders work in every type of healthcare facility, including physician practices, ambulatory surgical centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals, labs, and insurance companies. Only Certified Inpatient Coders (CICs), for instance, are equipped to work in the inpatient hospital setting, as this role requires knowledge of a unique code set (ICD-10-PCS) and Medicare-Severity Diagnotic-Related Groups (MS DRG).

CPCs are trained in professional fee coding, which encompasses all physician and clinician-based services. As such, CPCs are qualified to work in medical offices, walk-in clinics, telehealth groups, labs, and insurance companies.

AAPC offers free career counseling to help you make the best decisions for your situation and needs. Our career counselors are available at your convenience and eager to answer your questions, lay out your career training options, and support you on your journey in professional medical coding. Feel free to call 877-290-0440 to speak to a career counselor or have a career counselor call you.