To work as a medical coder or biller, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• graduate from a medical coding and billing program.

Education after high school

You must complete a training program to become a medical coder or biller. A training program in medical coding and billing usually takes six months to two years of full-time study. Some programs offer training in either medical coding or medical billing. Other programs combine coding and billing into one training program. Many community colleges and proprietary schools offer such programs. Medical coding and billing courses are also available online.

As a medical coding and billing student, you take courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and statistics. You become familiar with various diseases and disorders. You also learn about procedures that doctors perform and the drugs they prescribe. Finally, you study how health information is coded. Upon completion of a training program, you receive a certificate of completion or an associate degree.

Many vocational schools and online programs offer training in medical coding and billing. The quality of these programs varies widely so you should investigate the schools you are interested in. 

On-the-job training

Some hospitals and clinics offer on-the-job training. Training usually lasts two to three months.