1. All Healthcare Certificate Programs

Online Medical Coding
Certificate Program

IN-DEMAND

5 DAY MONEY-BACK COMMITMENT

SELF-PACED

IN-DEMAND

SELF-PACED

5 DAY MONEY-BACK COMMITMENT

Start Your Online Medical Coding Certificate Program today! USCI offers 100% online classes that allow you to study any time, any place, on your phone.

Medical Coding Estimated Time of Completion

Estimated Length of program:
4-11 months, self-paced. Start learning today - no waiting period.

Medical Coding Certification

Certification:
Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A)

USCI Medical Coding Earnings

Median Earnings:
$48,780* based on statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.

USCI Medical Coding Tuition

Tuition:
Payment Plan: $79/month
($1,539 total)
Pay-in-Full: $1,239 Tuition
See full tuition details.

Medical Coding Program Goal

Program Goal:
To prepare students to take the Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) exam and gain entry-level employment as a medical coding specialist.

Medical Coding Class Format

Class Format:
Online – Computer or Phone

Table of Contents

Our Medical Coding training is designed to prepare you for the Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) exam offered by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). Your CPC-A exam fee is included in your tuition- up to a $399 value†

USCI has custom learning materials
DEAC Accredited

Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

USCI has custom learning materials
Proven Reputation

A+ BBB Rating, 40 Years in Business, 4.8 out of 5 TrustScore, DEAC Accredited, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.

USCI has custom learning materials
Career Coach Program

Your tuition includes access to instructors, learning materials, student services, and one-on-one career coaching with a career advisor. $400 Value**

USCI has custom learning materials
Median Salary $48,780*

Medical Coding professionals are paid a competitive salary.

USCI has custom learning materials
9% Job Growth by 2033*

Medical Coding jobs are projected to increase 9% by 2033* according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

USCI has custom learning materials
Real-world Skills

Focus on real-world skills that will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need for employment and to prepare for industry certifications.

Graduates of this online medical coding program will be trained in the theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare them to gain entry-level medical coding positions in a variety of medical settings, such as physicians’ offices, ambulatory care centers and billing services.

Online Medical Coding Program Overview
  • Describe the roles, average day, personal qualities, and desirable character traits of various healthcare professionals.
  • Apply an understanding of anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology to their work as medical coding professionals.
  • Explain the parts of a medical record.
  • Use the ICD-10-CM manual to identify diagnostic codes.
  • Integrate ICD-10-CM and CPT codes.
  • Describe the history, organization and use of the HCPCS Level II manual.
  • Adhere to ethical standards and guidelines for healthcare professionals.

What You'll Learn

  • How the human body works…Master anatomy and physiology
  • How to work like a professional. Discover how coders use coding software and the internet to boost their productivity and earnings
  • How coding impacts healthcare…Learn how medical procedures and diagnoses are coded
  • How to speak the language…Explore medical terminology and pronunciations

    QUICK FACTS

    Lessons: 28

    Short Quizzes: 28


    Complete in as little as 4 months

Curriculum Breakdown

Your Online Medical Coding School Classes are broken down into 5 units.

In Pack 1, students explore the roles of various healthcare professionals. Additionally, students discover the role medical records play in a coding specialist’s job, and gain a basic understanding of electronic records. They begin learning medical terminology using a unique word-building system to help them interpret new terms. Students wrap up by examining important ethical and legal issues that they may encounter.

After building on their medical terminology knowledge within each body system, students also examine the structure and function of the human body. Areas covered include anatomical landmarks, divisions of the abdomen, location terms and how the body is organized from cells to tissues and organs to systems. Then, students study each body system in detail—from the major organs and structures to how each system functions.

In Pack 3, students examine the structure of the ICD-10-CM coding manual, as well as the guidelines and rules of ICD-10-CM coding. Additionally, students integrate diagnosis coding processes with additional physiology knowledge—from infections to mental disorders to pregnancy. Students also begin coding symptoms, ill-defined conditions, injuries and poisonings. Students will use an ICD-10-CM coding manual to complete this course.

Students can apply their anatomy and diagnostic coding knowledge in Instruction Pack IV, which focuses on the CPT. Students gain an introduction to the HCPCS coding manual format and coding rules. Students learn about the sections within the CPT, integrate the diagnostic and procedure codes. Students will use a CPT coding manual to complete the course.

Students learn how and when to use evaluation and management codes in their final pack. They complete a Final Exam, giving them an opportunity to apply outpatient coding skills.
Kaylah Thornton Instructor

Cynthia (Cindy) Bracy, MPH, RHIA
Medical Coding Program Instructor/Course Expert

Meet the Instructor

At U.S. Career Institute, our dedicated team of course experts, instructors and instructor assistants are committed to developing and delivering high-quality curriculum. Our qualified Medical Coding Specialist instructor Cindy Bracy earned her Master of Public Health Informatics (MPH) degree from the University of Chicago. Cindy holds a certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). She has over 15 years of experience as a medical coder and has worked as a practice management specialist before becoming an instructor for health information management. Cindy is in the process of obtaining her Master of Health Analytics from Northwestern University. Cindy Bracy earned her Master of Public Health Informatics (MPH) degree from the University of Chicago.

Meet the Instructor

Kaylah Thornton Instructor

Cynthia (Cindy) Bracy, MPH, RHIA
Medical Coding Program Instructor/Course Expert

At U.S. Career Institute, our dedicated team of course experts, instructors and instructor assistants are committed to developing and delivering high-quality curriculum. Our qualified Medical Coding Specialist instructor Cindy Bracy earned her Master of Public Health Informatics (MPH) degree from the University of Chicago. Cindy holds a certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). She has over 15 years of experience as a medical coder and has worked as a practice management specialist before becoming an instructor for health information management. Cindy is in the process of obtaining her Master of Health Analytics from Northwestern University. Cindy Bracy earned her Master of Public Health Informatics (MPH) degree from the University of Chicago.

USCI Student Testimonial Quote

I'm still in the process of getting my coding degree with u.s. career institute and I have to say I love it. I can go my own pace and call and talk to a teacher when I need help.

E. Hainline
Medical Coding Student

USCI Student Testimonial Quote

I decided to take the Medical Coding Course after I completed the Medical Billing Specialist course a few months ago to increase my chances of getting hired. I recommend U.S. Career Institute because it’s affordable and you work at your own pace.

Jamie Y.
Medical Coding Student

Median Salary

$48,780*

Number of Jobs

191,500*

Job Growth by 2033

9%*


Certification

Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. U.S. Career Institute's Medical Coding Certification Online program will prepare you to take a professional certification exam. Included with our course, we cover the cost of your CPC-A certification exam fees – a $399 value!†

National Certification Options for Medical Coding

  • a. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
  • b. Requirements: AAPC Membership and exam fees.
  • c. Recommended: A certificate or transcript showing 80 hours or more of education can be used to fulfill one of the two years required to remove the Apprentice (“A”) status from the certification and become a CPC. After a year of verifiable coding work experience, the grad can apply to have the “A” dropped by submitting a letter, on letterhead, signed from your employer verifying one year of on-the-job experience.
  • d. USCI Recommended: Yes

  • a. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
  • b. Requirements: HS Diploma or equivalent and exam fees
  • c. Recommended: 1 year coding experience and completion of coding training program
  • d. USCI Recommended: No, USCI does not recommend this certification directly after you receive your USCI certificate, see recommendations above.

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your education affordable. Tuition includes electronic lesson books, supplements, instructor assistance, and career support for graduates. You can start your new career without a mountain of debt.

OPTION 1:
Pay In Full

$1,239

  • SAVE $300
  • Application charge is waived
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5-day money-back commitment

OPTION 2:
Monthly Auto Payments

$1,539*

  • $79 Monthly Payment
  • First payment: $79**
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5-day money-back commitment

*Plus one-time $29 application charge.
**First payment includes $50 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.

Money-Back Commitment

U.S. Career Institute offers an iron clad money-back commitment to its students. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to review and evaluate. After reviewing the lesson, if you think our program is not the best route for you; contact us, return any materials and we will refund the full amount paid. No questions asked.


Becoming a Medical Coder typically requires a HS diploma or equivalent and formal training through an accredited institution can also be helpful. After completing a recognized program, the next step is to sit for and pass an industry certification exam. Graduates of USCI’s Coding Program are eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Medical Coders translate patient diagnoses, procedures and visits into medical codes using ICD-10 CM and CPT® code books. There is a medical code for everything from a common cold to a broken arm and beyond. You will assign these codes and help connect doctors, patients, hospitals and insurance companies.

Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. You are not required to take a certification exam, however taking this additional step will help you market yourself to potential employers and validate your knowledge in Medical Coding. USCI recommends taking the CPC-A® exam through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Your CPC-A exam fees are included in your tuition-up to a $399 value†.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Coding jobs are expected to increase 9% by 2033.*

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Coding Specialists earn a median salary of $48,780*.

U.S. Career Institute proudly offers an affordable online option that costs only $1,239 when you pay in full! Payment plans are also available!

U.S. Career Institute is Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Medical Coders work for doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. Once you graduate, our graduate support representatives can give you some tips and tricks to use during your job search to help you find the best fit for you.

Skills covered in the Medical Coding Specialist Program include How the human body works…Master anatomy and physiology, How to speak the language…Explore medical terminology and pronunciations, How coding impacts healthcare…Learn how medical procedures and diagnoses are coded, How to work like a professional. Discover how coders use coding software and the internet to boost their productivity and earnings.

U.S. Career Institute cannot guarantee employment. Upon receipt of your certificate of completion you will have access to our Graduate Support team including our Career Coach Program at no additional cost. U.S. Career Institute will work closely with you during your job search to assist you with the process of marketing yourself to find employment including how to build your resume, cover letter, how to locate potential job opportunities, marketing and networking. We have found that medical coding employers prefer that you have at least one year of in-office experience before they will offer the opportunity to work from home. If your goal is to work from home, we recommend Medical Coding & Billing.!

When you enroll in our self-paced Medical Coding Specialist program, you choose how much you study each week. If you want to learn to become a Medical Coding Specialist, you can do it in as little as 4 months. On average, our DEAC accredited online Medical Coding Specialist school program is completed in 11 months.

We firmly believe that USCI is the top online Medical Coding school in the nation. Our curriculum is laid out in easy to learn step-by-step lessons.

Our online Medical Coding Specialist school delivers its curriculum on the internet. Where could be closer than your own home? The convenience of online classes makes it easier for our students to fit their studies into their busy lives.
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*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at Medical Records Specialists, (visited September 4, 2024). Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
†Provided in form of reimbursement when the following terms are met: Student submits receipt issued by AAPC, has successfully completed the course and has paid tuition in full. Reimbursement is for up to $399 towards the cost of the CPC-A Exam. In order to sit for the exam you will need to become a member of the AAPC. Note: AAPC membership is not covered by USCI.