How To Become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC): Salary & Career Paths for 2025

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The healthcare industry is home to a wide range of professions that serve as the backbone of patient care—and each plays a vital role in keeping the system running smoothly. One fast-growing, high-demand role is that of a Certified Professional Coder (CPC). With about 15,000 job openings each year (BLS, 2024), CPCs are consistently sought after across a variety of work settings—from hospitals and laboratories to insurance companies.

As the healthcare industry continues to expand and evolve, the need for skilled CPCs has never been greater. Whether you're looking to pivot into a stable career or level up your existing healthcare experience, earning your CPC certification can open the door to new opportunities, competitive salaries, and flexible career paths.

In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about becoming a Certified Professional Coder for 2025—including the certification process, salary expectations, career growth opportunities, and the skills you'll need to succeed.

What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Professional Coder?

The demand for Certified Professional Coders is expected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all jobs (BLS, 2024).
Being a Certified Professional Coder is a high-paying career, with annual salaries ranging between $57,205 and $70,205 (Salary.com).
As a Certified Professional Coder, you'll have the flexibility to work in various industries, from healthcare and finance to technology and insurance, as coding skills are in high demand across sectors.

What does a Certified Professional Coder do?
How to become a Certified Professional Coder for 2025?
What skills do you need to become a Certified Professional Coder?
What are the best degree programs for aspiring Certified Professional Coders?
What is the difference between self-paced and instructor-led CPC courses?
What are the prerequisites for the Certified Professional Coder certification exam?
Which industries can I work in as a Certified Professional Coder?
What is the average salary of a Certified Professional Coder?
What are the career pathways for a Certified Professional Coder?
What are the biggest trends you need to know as a Certified Professional Coder?
What Additional Certifications Can Enhance Your CPC Expertise?
How can an affordable healthcare administration degree online complement your CPC certification?
How Does CPC Certification Compare to Other Medical Coding Credentials?
Can pursuing advanced education elevate your CPC career?
How Do I Maintain My CPC Certification Amid Evolving Industry Standards?
How Can Professional Networking Enhance Your CPC Career?
Other Things You Need to Know About a Certified Professional Coder’s Career

What does a Certified Professional Coder do?

There are about 191,500 Certified Professional Coders in the US as of 2023, reflecting the growing demand for skilled CPCs in the medical coding field. They play a crucial role in translating medical procedures and diagnoses into standardized codes for billing, records, and regulatory compliance. Here are some of the primary responsibilities of a CPC:

Reviewing Patient Records: Examine patient charts, medical records, and clinical notes to identify the correct codes for diagnoses, treatments, and procedures.
Assigning Codes: Apply standardized coding systems such as International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) to translate medical services into alphanumeric codes for billing and record-keeping purposes.
Billing and Claims Management: Work closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate billing of insurance claims, verifying that all services are properly coded for reimbursement.
Ensuring Compliance: Maintain knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations, ensuring that medical coding practices adhere to legal requirements, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
Resolving Coding Discrepancies: Communicate with insurance companies or healthcare providers to address coding errors or disputes related to insurance claims.
Specialization in Coding Areas: Depending on the workplace, CPCs may specialize in specific areas such as outpatient, inpatient, or surgical coding, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise.

How to become a Certified Professional Coder for 2025?

If you’re drawn to a career that blends patient care with technology, becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) could be a rewarding path. CPCs not only play a vital role in healthcare but also enjoy competitive salaries and promising long-term career growth. In fact, the average medical coding salary in the US is $62,305 (Salary.com), with earnings increasing alongside experience and specialization.

If you're considering a career as a CPC, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey.

Obtain the Necessary Education: While a formal degree is not always required to become a CPC, having a background in healthcare or a related field can be very beneficial. Many CPCs hold associate degrees in health information technology, medical billing, or healthcare administration. This education provides a solid foundation in medical terminology, anatomy, and the basics of coding systems.
Gain Practical Experience: While certification can be pursued without prior coding experience, having hands-on experience in a healthcare setting will give you an edge. Internships, entry-level positions, or volunteering at healthcare facilities can provide invaluable exposure to real-world coding scenarios.
Prepare for the CPC Exam: The Certified Professional Coder exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is essential for earning the CPC credential. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding guidelines, and compliance. Preparation for the exam is critical, and taking AAPC's CPC Exam Review course or using study guides and practice exams can significantly enhance your chances of passing the test.
Pass the CPC Exam: The CPC exam is comprehensive, lasting 5 hours and 40 minutes. You must pass the exam to earn your CPC certification. Once you pass, you’ll be certified to work as a medical coder in various healthcare settings. Registration for the exam is done online through AAPC’s website.

Maintain Certification: After obtaining your CPC certification, it’s important to keep it active by fulfilling continuing education requirements. AAPC requires CPCs to earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain certification. These CEUs can be earned through various educational activities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.

What skills do you need to become a Certified Professional Coder?

The biggest misconception about becoming a Certified Professional Coder? All it requires to be one is a medical degree. Yes, while education and certification are crucial, the skills you develop along the way will directly impact your performance and career prospects. Here’s a look at the key skills needed to become a successful CPC.

Medical Terminology and Anatomy Knowledge: Understanding medical terminology and human anatomy is foundational for coding. As a CPC, you'll need to be able to recognize and understand the terms used in medical records, procedures, and diagnoses. A strong grasp of medical terminology allows you to accurately translate healthcare services into codes, which is critical for billing and insurance purposes.
Proficiency in Coding Systems: Familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is essential. These coding systems are used to document diagnoses, treatments, and procedures, and being proficient in them will enable you to accurately assign codes for various healthcare services. If you’re interested in learning more about coding systems, check out our list of the top medical coding accredited programs.
Attention to Detail: Medical coding involves working with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. A single mistake in a code can lead to incorrect billing, delayed payments, or insurance claim denials. As a CPC, you must be meticulous in reviewing medical documents, ensuring that each diagnosis, treatment, and service is coded accurately.
Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: A CPC needs the ability to analyze medical records and determine the correct codes for each service. This requires critical thinking and the ability to understand the context in which a procedure or diagnosis is applied. Having analytical skills helps in assessing whether the information provided in the records supports the selected codes, ensuring proper documentation.
Communication Skills: Although coding is a technical skill, communication plays a crucial role in a CPC's success. You’ll need to interact with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients, sometimes to clarify diagnoses or services. Being able to effectively communicate and explain coding decisions helps maintain smooth operations and resolve any issues that arise with claims or billing.
Time Management and Organizational Skills: In many healthcare settings, CPCs handle multiple coding tasks and may work with numerous patient records at once. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively are critical to ensure that all coding is done efficiently and on time. Being able to prioritize tasks helps maintain a steady workflow, especially in busy healthcare environments.

What are the best degree programs for aspiring Certified Professional Coders?

While becoming a Certified Professional Coder does not always require a specific degree, pursuing a relevant educational program can provide a strong foundation in the key areas of healthcare, medical terminology, and coding systems. Earning a degree in a related field can significantly enhance your knowledge and prepare you for the challenges of the coding profession. Here’s a look at the best degree programs for aspiring CPCs.

Associate Degree in Health Information Technology: An Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) is one of the most popular pathways for aspiring CPCs. This program typically covers essential topics such as medical coding, healthcare laws and regulations, medical terminology, anatomy, and database management. Many programs also offer hands-on experience through internships or externships, allowing students to gain practical skills before entering the workforce.
Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding: A specialized Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding is specifically designed for those interested in a career as a medical coder. This program teaches students the ins and outs of coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, along with medical terminology, billing procedures, and healthcare regulations. It is an ideal choice for individuals who want to focus solely on coding and billing practices in a healthcare setting.
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration: A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration is a great option for those who wish to combine medical coding with broader healthcare management responsibilities. While this degree is more advanced than an associate degree, it can open doors to leadership roles in the healthcare industry. For more guidance, you may explore our list of healthcare administration degree requirements to help you get started with your program.
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics: Health Informatics combines healthcare, technology, and data analysis. This degree program focuses on the use of technology to manage and analyze health information, including coding and billing data. While more focused on data management and technology than traditional coding, this degree can provide valuable skills for aspiring coders who are interested in working with healthcare data systems and improving the efficiency of coding practices.
Certificate Programs in Medical Coding and Billing: For individuals who already have a degree or experience in a related field, pursuing a certificate in Medical Coding and Billing can be an efficient way to gain the skills needed to become a CPC. These programs are typically shorter in duration and focused solely on the core aspects of medical coding, including coding systems, billing practices, and healthcare compliance.

In summary, if you want to focus exclusively on medical coding and billing, an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding or Health Information Technology is a solid choice. If you're interested in broader roles in healthcare management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration or Health Informatics can provide additional career opportunities while still providing the necessary coding skills. If you want to fast track your degree, you can also explore our curated list of 4-week medical certificate programs online.

What is the difference between self-paced and instructor-led CPC courses?

Before you take your certification exam, enrolling in CPC review courses is essential—and choosing the right course format is critical to becoming a Certified Professional Coder. For one, it determines the pace at which you learn, whether you prefer the flexibility of studying on your own time with self-paced courses, or the structure and support of live, instructor-led sessions. Both have their unique benefits, and the right choice for you depends on your learning style, schedule, and career goals.

As shown in the chart I created below,, instructor-led CPC courses cost around $3,999, which includes AAPC’s CPC exam, one-year AAPC membership, and all relevant course materials (University of La Verne, n.d.). On the other hand, if you’re seeking a low-cost medical coding and billing online program, self-paced courses are a good option, with an average cost of around $2,099. The program includes digital textbooks, interactive course content, and CPC practice tests. (Penn Foster, n.d.).

Key Differences Between Self-Paced and Instructor-Led CPC Courses:

Course Format

Cost

Structure

Pace

Program Length

Self-Paced Courses

$2,099

Flexible and independent

Learn on your own time

Up to 18 months to complete.

Instructor-Led Courses

$3,999

Live classes and guided sessions

Fixed class schedules

88 hours of classroom instruction and 25 hours of online learning.

Source: University of La Verne, n.d.; Penn Foster, n.d.

What are the prerequisites for the Certified Professional Coder certification exam?

Before taking the Certified Professional Coder certification exam, it’s important to meet certain prerequisites to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam and understand the material. From securing the exam cost, which can be up to $499 (MedsIT Nexus, n.d.), to obtaining the required study materials, it’s essential to come fully prepared to ensure a smooth and successful certification journey.

Here are the common prerequisites for the AAPC's CPC certification exam:

Completion of a Medical Coding Program: Completing an accredited medical coding program is highly recommended. These programs typically cover the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam, including topics like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, anatomy, medical terminology, and healthcare reimbursement methodologies. If you're wondering how long is medical billing and coding school, most programs can be completed in 9 to 12 months, though accelerated and part-time options are available.
Relevant Work Experience: The AAPC recommends having at least two years of on-the-job medical coding experience to be eligible for the CPC exam. However, if you complete a formal medical coding program, you may be able to sit for the exam without this work experience. Alternatively, some programs may offer internships that allow you to gain hands-on experience while you study.
Membership with AAPC: To take the CPC exam through the AAPC, you must be a member of the organization. Membership provides access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help you prepare for the certification exam. The membership fee is typically around $222 per year and can be renewed annually (AAPC, n.d.).
Preparation Through Study and Practice: While not a formal prerequisite, thorough preparation through study courses, practice exams, and review of the coding books (ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS manuals) is essential for passing the CPC exam. Many candidates enroll in self-paced or instructor-led courses to review key concepts and practice applying them to real-world coding scenarios. Individuals transitioning from other roles, such as medical assisting, may already possess some foundational knowledge—especially those familiar with medical assistant qualifications and skills like medical terminology, anatomy, and patient interaction.

Access to Coding Manuals During the Exam: The CPC exam is open-book, meaning that you can bring official coding manuals (ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS) into the exam room. However, you must be familiar with using the manuals efficiently, as you will be required to find and apply coding information quickly under exam conditions.

Which industries can I work in as a Certified Professional Coder?

One of the biggest selling points of being a Certified Professional Coder is the flexibility to work in various industries—be it in the healthcare sector and beyond. Medical coding is a critical function in maintaining accurate records and ensuring proper reimbursement for medical services, which makes it a transferable skill that’s highly valued not only in hospitals and clinics but also in insurance companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and even tech-driven health startups.

Here are some industries where a CPC can find employment opportunities:

Healthcare Facilities: The most common industry for CPCs is the healthcare sector itself. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician's offices, and urgent care centers rely heavily on medical coders to ensure accurate billing and coding. In these settings, you’ll be responsible for coding patient diagnoses, treatments, and procedures to ensure compliance with insurance and regulatory requirements.
Insurance Companies: Health insurance companies also need Certified Professional Coders to evaluate medical claims and ensure that they are coded correctly for reimbursement. As a CPC working for an insurance provider, you may be involved in reviewing medical records, coding claims, and working with healthcare providers to resolve any coding discrepancies that could affect payment.
Medical Billing Companies: Many medical billing companies hire CPCs to assist with billing processes for healthcare providers. These companies often manage coding and billing for various healthcare organizations, including private practices, clinics, and hospitals. Your role would involve ensuring accurate coding and processing of claims to facilitate timely payments.
Government Agencies: Government organizations, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), rely on medical coders to help administer healthcare programs. CPCs working in this field might be responsible for coding claims submitted for government-funded healthcare programs, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and assisting with audits or investigations related to healthcare billing.
Medical Research and Data Analysis: With a CPC certification, you may also find work in the medical research industry. Research institutions and data analysis firms often need coders to handle data from clinical trials, medical studies, and healthcare surveys. Your role may involve coding medical data for analysis and reporting purposes, ensuring that the data is standardized and usable for research.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies: Pharmaceutical and medical device companies often employ CPCs to help code clinical trial data, product-related information, or billing associated with treatments involving their products. If you wish to pursue this path, it will be helpful to take up additional courses from an accredited online pharmacy school.
Legal and Compliance Sectors: Some CPCs work in the legal or compliance fields, where they assist with reviewing medical records for cases involving healthcare disputes, fraud investigations, or malpractice claims. In these roles, you may be involved in coding medical records for legal proceedings or ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.

What is the average salary of a Certified Professional Coder?

The average annual salary of a Certified Professional Coder is a modest $62,305 (Salary.com), but as illustrated in the chart below, the real earning potential comes with experience and specialization. According to ZipRecruiter (n.d.), higher-level positions such as Coding Directors can see salaries soar to $122,000. Coding and Reimbursement Specialists also command impressive pay, averaging around $97,000, while Coding Managers typically earn $83,000. As CPCs gain more years under their belt, earn additional certifications, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning power increases.

What are the career pathways for a Certified Professional Coder?

Becoming a Certified Professional Coder is just the beginning. Once you’ve gained experience and honed your skills, there are numerous career pathways you can take to elevate your role and earning potential in the healthcare industry. From leadership positions to specialized roles, the opportunities for career growth are plentiful and varied. Here are some potential career pathways for a CPC:

Medical Coder: Translates patient records into standardized codes used for billing and insurance purposes. This is the starting point for most CPCs before they venture out into different areas in the field. For those interested in expanding their scope, understanding what does a travel medical assistant do can be valuable, especially as remote and travel healthcare positions grow. Knowledge of various healthcare environments can broaden a coder’s perspective and adaptability.
Coding Auditor: Specializes in ensuring that medical codes are accurate, compliant, and properly documented, often working closely with healthcare providers and billing teams.
Medical Billing Specialist: Focuses on handling the financial side of healthcare, managing claims and ensuring providers are reimbursed correctly by insurance companies.
Coding Manager: Leads a team of coders, overseeing workflow, compliance, and the efficiency of coding practices within an organization.
Revenue Cycle Manager: Manages the entire revenue cycle, including coding, billing, and reimbursement processes, ensuring timely payments and resolving discrepancies.
Coding and Reimbursement Specialist: Works to optimize reimbursement processes, ensuring that the correct codes are used for insurance claims to maximize payments for healthcare providers.
Compliance Officer: Ensures that healthcare providers meet regulatory requirements related to coding, billing, and reimbursement, often working with legal teams to stay compliant with healthcare laws.
Healthcare Consultant: Uses their professional expertise to advise organizations on improving their coding processes, ensuring compliance, and optimizing revenue. This role can often intersect with knowledge of specific healthcare specialties; for example, understanding trends such as the OB-GYN medical assistant salary can be useful when consulting for women's health clinics or OB-GYN practices to tailor coding and billing strategies appropriately.

With the right experience and certifications, a CPC can move into higher-paying roles and take on more responsibilities, making this career path both flexible and rewarding.

What are the biggest trends you need to know as a Certified Professional Coder?

The world of medical coding is always in motion, and as a Certified Professional Coder, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. As the healthcare landscape evolves, so too do the technologies and practices that shape your work. Being in the know about these shifts will not only keep you relevant in your field but also ensure you continue to provide top-notch value to healthcare organizations. Here are the biggest trends you need to watch as a CPC for 2025:

Value-Based Care and Payment Models: As healthcare moves toward value-based care, CPCs will need to adapt their coding practices to reflect the quality of care rather than the volume of services. This shift affects reimbursement rates and coding for chronic disease management, preventive care, and patient outcomes. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set plays a pivotal role in this shift, enabling providers to align with value-based payment models by incorporating new codes that reflect more comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning technologies are increasingly being used in medical coding, automating routine tasks and improving accuracy. Companies like Avodahmed and AIHealth are enhancing clinical documentation and medical coding processes, integrating AI to improve coding accuracy and compliance. With AI-powered tools streamlining the coding process, CPCs can focus on higher-level tasks and problem-solving while automation handles more repetitive work (PR Newswire, 2024).
Greater Emphasis on Data Privacy and Security: According to The HIPAA Journal (2025), 2024 was one of the worst years for healthcare data breaches, which compromised more than 1 million records worldwide. With healthcare security failures becoming more frequent, CPCs must be well-versed in compliance with HIPAA regulations and ensure that patient information is coded and handled securely. Additionally, understanding the legal and ethical implications of mishandling sensitive information is crucial to avoiding costly penalties.
Navigating the Nuances of Specialty Coding: As healthcare becomes more personalized, specialized knowledge in coding for specific treatments or procedures is becoming a highly valuable asset. However, coding for specialized fields can be complex due to the unique procedures and treatments involved. The challenge of specialty coding requires CPCs to stay current with specific code sets and be equipped to navigate nuances in patient care. As highlighted by Conifer Health (2024), coding in specialized areas demands an in-depth understanding of medical terminology, advanced diagnostic codes, and treatment methods, making it a highly specialized skill set that sets CPCs apart in the workforce.
Adoption of Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics is gaining traction in medical coding, enabling the forecasting of claim denials and identification of potential errors before submission. By proactively addressing coding inconsistencies, providers can prevent revenue losses and improve their first-pass claim acceptance rate. Recently, Business Wire (2025) reported that KODE, an on-demand medical coding platform, raised $27 million in Series B funding to advance the development of predictive analytics tools in the medical coding process. These tools are designed to help healthcare organizations streamline coding workflows and improve accuracy.

What Additional Certifications Can Enhance Your CPC Expertise?

Expanding your expertise with targeted certifications can provide a competitive edge in medical coding by deepening clinical insights and operational proficiency. Pursuing certifications in allied health domains, for instance, develops a broader understanding of patient care workflows and enhances your ability to collaborate effectively with clinical teams. Accredited programs, such as the cheapest medical assistant program, offer a cost-effective pathway to gain practical experience that complements coding skills. This additional training not only bolsters your credibility but also positions you to tackle diverse challenges in evolving healthcare environments.

How can an affordable healthcare administration degree online complement your CPC certification?

Integrating expertise in medical coding with skills from healthcare administration can expand career opportunities into management and executive roles. This strategic combination not only enriches your ability to interpret complex billing data but also enhances leadership acumen needed for organizational decision-making. For professionals aiming to diversify their skill set and drive operational improvements in healthcare settings, pursuing an affordable healthcare administration degree online can be a powerful complement.

How Does CPC Certification Compare to Other Medical Coding Credentials?

Evaluating the CPC credential in relation to other medical coding certifications reveals distinct differences in focus, exam content, and career trajectories. CPC certification specifically hones skills in translating medical procedures into standardized codes, while alternative certifications may emphasize broader health information management or clinical documentation improvement. Key comparative factors include eligibility criteria, exam structure, and the commitment required for ongoing professional development. For professionals aiming to integrate strong coding expertise with leadership acumen, supplementing certification with targeted academic programs—such as a healthcare administration degree online accelerated—can enhance career versatility without redundancy.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Becoming a Certified Professional Coder

"Becoming a Certified Professional Coder completely changed my career trajectory. I went from working long retail hours to landing a remote coding job with flexible hours and a good salary. It’s empowering to have a skill that’s always in demand." — Stanley
"Medical coding has given me a way to stay connected to healthcare without working directly with patients. I love the challenge of learning new codes and the constant growth in this field — plus, I was promoted to Coding Manager within three years." — Dolores
"I was nervous to switch careers in my 40s, but earning my CPC certification opened doors I never thought possible. I now have job security, benefits, and the ability to work from home — giving me more time with my kids and peace of mind." — Pauline

Key Findings

The demand for Certified Professional Coders is expected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all jobs.
There are about 191,500 Certified Professional Coders in the US as of 2023, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the medical coding field.
The average medical coding salary in the US is $62,305, which reflects the demand for qualified professionals in this field.
Higher-level positions, such as Coding Directors, salaries can soar to $122,000. Coding and Reimbursement Specialists also see impressive pay, around $97,000, while Coding Managers typically earn $83,000.
Instructor-led CPC courses cost around $3,999, while self-paced courses cost around $2,099.

Can pursuing advanced education elevate your CPC career?

Advanced academic programs can broaden your professional scope and open pathways to leadership and specialized roles. Supplementing certification with targeted degree programs in healthcare management, informatics, or related fields can enhance analytical and decision-making skills. For example, integrating clinical insights through online PharmD programs may provide a competitive edge in environments where coding intersects with pharmaceutical operations and patient care. Selecting an advanced educational pathway aligned with specific career goals can facilitate a smoother transition into higher-level positions and contribute to long-term career resilience.

How Do I Maintain My CPC Certification Amid Evolving Industry Standards?

Maintaining your CPC certification requires proactive engagement with industry updates and continuous professional development. Pursuing targeted refresher courses, attending specialized webinars, and monitoring updated coding guidelines ensure your expertise remains current. Leveraging digital resources and joining professional networks can help you regularly evaluate changes and refine your coding strategies. Additionally, exploring complementary programs such as the ultrasound tech online school can provide insights into technological advancements that indirectly support your medical coding proficiency.

How Can Professional Networking Enhance Your CPC Career?

Building a robust professional network and honing soft skills are pivotal for CPC career advancement. Engaging with industry associations, attending targeted conferences, and participating in specialized webinars facilitate access to the latest regulatory updates and innovative coding practices. Establishing meaningful connections can lead to referrals, mentorship opportunities, and insights into evolving market demands. Additionally, developing effective communication and leadership skills distinguishes professionals within competitive healthcare environments. For those aiming to integrate managerial expertise with clinical acumen, consider exploring the fastest online MBA in healthcare management to further refine your strategic capabilities.

Other Things You Need to Know About a Certified Professional Coder’s Career

What books are recommended for CPC exam preparation?

The most recommended books for CPC exam preparation include:

AAPC’s Official CPC Certification Study Guide: Covers exam tips, coding scenarios, and practice questions aligned with the CPC exam format.
CPT 2025 Professional Edition: The official code book for Current Procedural Terminology, required for the exam.
ICD-10-CM Code Book 2026: Contains diagnosis codes essential for accurate medical coding and exam preparation.
HCPCS Code Book 2026: Includes codes for medical supplies and services.

These books are industry-standard resources and are required for both studying and use during the CPC exam.

How long does it take to get a CPC certification?

According to the AAPC (n.d.), it typically takes between 6 to 12 months to earn a CPC certification, depending on your chosen learning path and prior healthcare experience. Many candidates enroll in online courses or certification programs that offer flexible schedules, allowing them to study while working or balancing other responsibilities.

What are the challenges that Certified Professional Coders face?

Certified Professional Coders must navigate an ever-changing healthcare landscape — staying updated on coding guidelines, regulatory compliance (like HIPAA), and payer-specific billing rules. Challenges often include working under tight deadlines, managing complex medical records, handling claim denials, and ensuring high levels of accuracy while meeting productivity expectations.

Can you become a medical coder without certification?

Yes, it’s possible to work as a medical coder without certification, especially in entry-level roles or organizations that provide on-the-job training. However, most employers prefer or require certification (like the CPC) because it validates a coder’s skills and knowledge. Certified coders also tend to have better job prospects, higher salaries, and more career advancement opportunities.

References:

AAPC. (n.d.). Certified professional coder (CPC®) certification. Aapc.com. Retrieved 11 April 2025.

AAPC. (n.d.). How long does it take to become a certified medical coder? Aapc.com. Retrieved 11 April 2025.

American Medical Association. (n.d.). CPT® code set helps push progress in value-based care payments. Ama-assn.org. Retrieved 11 April 2025.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Medical records specialists. Bls.gov. Retrieved 11 April 2025.

Business Wire. (2025). KODE raises $27M in Series B funding to transform medical coding and data management. Businesswire.com. Retrieved 11 April 2025.