How do I become a Certified Professional Coder?
To become a Certified Professional Coder, you’ll need to
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Get medical coding training.
- Sit and pass the CPC exam.
- Provide proof of completion of 80 contact hours of a medical coding preparation course and the AAPC Practicode course OR complete 2 years of documented work experience as a medical coding professional.
With our Medical Coding Professional Training, you’re able to skip over the work experience portion to become fully certified since our program is approved for the 80 contact hours needed and the cost of the AAPC Practicode course is covered by your tuition.
What is the CPC exam?
Offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is a test that measures medical coding proficiency. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Most questions involve various coding scenarios to test your knowledge of the proper application of PT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
This is a timed exam, so you have 4 hours to complete it and must get at least 70% of questions correct to pass the exam.
What is CPC-A apprentice status?
After passing the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam, most medical coders will remain credentialed at the CPC-A (apprentice) level until they have fulfilled a 2-year work experience requirement. To help you accelerate your new career as a certified professional coder we’ve included the cost of the AAPC Practicode course. Successful completion of the Penn Foster Medical Coding Professional program and the AAPC Practicode course meets the work experience requirement allowing you to obtain the full CPC certification credential when you pass the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam.
What happens if I fail the CPC exam?
If you fail the CPC exam, you are able to retake the test. As part of your tuition, Penn Foster will cover the cost of 2 exam attempts.
Where can I work as a Certified Professional Coder?
Certified Professional Coders can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Skilled nursing facilities
Depending on the organization you work for and your particular responsibilities, many coders can eventually work from home, making it a flexible career option for those who prefer remote work. In fact, 55% of medical records specialists work remotely!*
How much do certified medical coders make?
On average, certified medical billing and coding professionals can earn up to 17.7% more* than those who aren’t certified. Generally, the highest paid medical coders hold one or more of the following certifications: CDEO, CPC, or COC.*
As of 2023, the average salary for a certified medical coder was $58,895.*
What makes our healthcare professional training programs unique?
Penn Foster Training Institute's Professional Training Programs in Healthcare provide career-relevant training. Focused on providing industry- and career-specific skills, these programs offer the opportunity for you to take the next steps toward job readiness on the timeline that works best for your career. Unlike our degree and diploma programs, these programs are not accredited by the DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission), but are aligned to industry-recognized certification and can serve as a valuable credential that shows prospective employers that you've gained the relevant skills needed to work as a medical coder.
Will completing an unaccredited program affect my ability to get a job in the field?
It should not. Today, more and more employers emphasize demonstrable skills when searching for qualified employees and not all career paths require you to have a degree. Our professional training programs are designed for those learners who want a quick, focused path toward potentially qualifying for entry-level positions in a new industry.