How to Get a Medical Coding Job Without Experience (Real Talk + Action Plan)

If you’ve just earned your medical coding certification and are wondering why getting a job feels impossible, you’re not alone.

The truth is:
👉 Getting your first medical coding job without experience can be really challenging.

But don’t give up — with the right mindset, tools, and strategy, you can break into this career.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the real reasons behind the hiring gap in medical coding, why certification matters, and smart steps you can take today to start building experience, even if no one’s hiring you (yet).

 

🩺 The Medical Coding Job Paradox

You’ve probably heard the claim:

“There’s a shortage of medical coders!”

But here’s the reality:
🛑 There’s a shortage of experienced coders — not entry-level coders.

Many employers don’t have the resources to train someone from scratch, especially in a field like medical coding where mistakes can lead to audit penalties and lost revenue.

This leads to:

·         Crummy training programs flooding the market with unprepared grads

·         Employers losing trust in entry-level talent

·         Job postings asking for 1–2 years of experience — even for “entry-level” roles

This might sound discouraging, but don’t lose hope — there’s a way in.

 

🎓 Step #1: Get Certified

Certification is your golden ticket.

If you want to work as a medical coder, certifications like:

·         CPC® (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC

·         CCS® (Certified Coding Specialist) from AHIMA

...are non-negotiable.

They prove you have the technical knowledge and coding skills — even if you don’t yet have on-the-job experience.

 

👣 Step #2: Get Your Foot in the Healthcare Door

If you’re struggling to land a “medical coder” title, start elsewhere in the revenue cycle:

·         Medical billing assistant

·         Records specialist

·         Claims processor

·         Accounts receivable clerk

·         Patient services representative

💡 Pro Tip: Many companies promote from within. Once you're in the healthcare system, it's easier to move into coding roles over time.

 

💼 Step #3: Leverage Volunteer Experience

Even without a job, you can still build your resume. Here’s how:

✅ Volunteer with AAPC

·         Join a local chapter — or any chapter nationwide (virtual attendance is welcome!)

·         Serve in an officer role (no experience needed)

·         Write articles for AAPC’s magazine

·         Join initiatives like Project Xtern (limited locations, but a great opportunity)

✅ Resume Tip:

“While awaiting my first paid role, I’ve been volunteering with AAPC’s local chapter, writing educational content, and staying current with industry trends.”

This shows initiative and passion — two traits employers love.

 

🌐 Step #4: Network Like Crazy

Medical coding is a tight-knit community. Networking matters.

✅ Attend virtual or in-person AAPC local chapter meetings
✅ Join LinkedIn groups, Discords, or forums
✅ Follow healthcare HR managers and recruiters
✅ Connect with instructors, mentors, or fellow students

You never know when someone will say,

“Hey, we’re hiring — you should apply.”

 

🔍 Step #5: Use Smarter Job Search Tactics

Searching for "Medical Coder" jobs is too narrow. Try these keywords instead:

·         ICD-10

·         CPT

·         HCC

·         Revenue Cycle

·         Chart Review

·         Healthcare Documentation

🕵️‍♀️ You might find roles like “Coding Assistant” or “Chart Analyst” that fit your skillset but don’t have “Coder” in the title.

Also look for:

·         Contract roles (3–6 months can lead to full-time)

·         Remote internships or freelance gigs

 

📖 Step #6: Stay Current and Interview-Ready

Even if you're not working, employers will ask:

“How have you been staying up to date?”

Have a solid answer:

✅ “I read AAPC’s Healthcare Business Monthly.”
✅ “I attend coding webinars and listen to podcasts.”
✅ “I’m taking online CEUs to refresh my skills.”
✅ “I’m practicing mock coding cases weekly.”

📌 Pro Tip: Use downtime to volunteer or freelance so you can say, “I’m staying active in the industry.”

 

🧭 Step #7: Pick the Right Training Program (If You Haven’t Yet)

Not all training programs are created equal.

Look for one that includes:

·         CPC exam prep

·         Externship or job placement

·         Real support (not just PDFs)

·         Affordable tuition

 

It may take longer than you expect.

It may take creative detours — volunteering, networking, or working your way through a billing or records position.

But if you're certified, proactive, and persistent, you will get there.