How to Land Your First Medical Coding Job: 7 Strategies for Navigating the Market

You’ve completed your medical billing and coding education and earned your certification. Congratulations! That’s a significant achievement. But if finding your first medical billing and coding job is more challenging than expected, you’re not alone. Many newly certified coders face the same hurdle: Employers want experience, but how do you gain experience without that first job?

One of the myths about medical billing and coding is that you’ll land a high-paying job soon after earning your certification. In reality, most of us need to take a few smaller steps first. After earning my certified professional coder (CPC) certification, I started as a medical records clerk in a doctor’s office. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but it allowed me to learn the ropes. Eventually, I moved into a billing and coding role in that same medical office and worked my way up to other revenue cycle positions.

No matter what type of medical billing and coding certification you earned, you could follow a similar path.

You might be at the beginning of your job search or feeling discouraged after months of trying, but don’t give up. There are ways to get those doors open, and below, we’re sharing seven strategies that can help you land your first medical billing and coding job.

1. Write a Resume That Fits the Job

Your resume is often your first impression with employers. It needs to highlight your coding certification, training, and knowledge, even if you don’t have professional experience in the field.

A well-written resume is also your opportunity to show employers you understand what the job involves, as it displays attention to detail, organization, and enthusiasm to learn. It needs to be kept short and clear, as potential employers tend to only quickly skim a resume at first.

2. Create a Profile on LinkedIn

LinkedIn allows you to look for jobs, and employers can also look for people with your skills. Having a professional presence on LinkedIn can help recruiters find you. You can also connect with people who are already building their careers as medical coders and billers. This profile also shows that you’re serious and knowledgeable about the field.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Employers want proof that you can handle the job, not just pass a test. Finding ways to gain hands-on experience before landing your first job can give you an edge. This could include internships, externships, and even volunteer opportunities. Plus, these experiences give you concrete examples to discuss in job interviews.

Tools like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practicode program can also be a big help. While it comes with a cost, it allows you to practice coding using real cases. It may even help remove the “Apprentice” (CPC-A) designation faster if you’re AAPC certified.

4. Search for the Right-Level Coding Jobs

Applying for jobs can be time-consuming, and sending your resume to positions that don’t match (or very nearly match) your certification or experience level might be a waste of your time. For example, many hospital inpatient coding jobs require years of experience and specialized training that new coders don’t yet have.

It’s perfectly okay to be ambitious. However, targeting jobs matching your current skills can save you time and frustration while increasing your chances of landing interviews.

5. Connect with Other Coders

You don’t have to do this alone. Other coders, especially those a few steps ahead, can share job leads, give advice about employers, or even make referrals. From my experience, the medical coding community is surprisingly tight-knit and supportive of newcomers.

Many experienced coders remember their own struggles from when they were trying to break into the field and are willing to help. Networking and building relationships can help you stay in the loop and show that you’re engaged and motivated to grow in the profession.

6. Start with Other Related Healthcare Roles

Your first job might not be a coding job, and that’s okay. Many coders — including myself — get their start in other areas of the revenue cycle. Common jobs they hold include patient access representative, patient financial counselor, or front desk receptionist.

Working in these roles can help you understand how a medical office or healthcare facility runs and give you the experience employers look for. They’re solid stepping stones and may even lead to in-house promotions into coding once you’ve proven yourself.

7. Prepare for the Interview

Even if you don’t have job experience, you do have knowledge. The interview is your chance to show it. Employers want to see that you understand coding basics and are a problem-solver.

During an interview, be prepared to walk through your thought process when faced with a coding scenario and verbalize when you would need consult resources. This can help set you apart from other candidates. Equally important is showing your motivation and that you’re eager to learn.