Investigate schools in your area that offer a certificate or degree in medical billing and coding program. Choose an accredited program to ensure your education meets industry standards. Look for schools that include an internship in a medical setting as part of the curriculum to gain hands-on experience and those that assist graduates with job placement upon completion. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) lists accredited schools on its website. Check the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to locate its certified training courses as well. Compare program requirements and costs to choose the school that meets your needs.
Apply for any available financial aid to help pay for your education. Understand your financial aid options before you sign any enrollment documents with your prospective school and get all tuition costs and fees in writing. Some short-term certificate programs may not qualify for financial aid such as grants or loans. When financial aid is necessary for you to pursue your education, consider a longer degree program in medical coding and billing. If you're already employed in a medical setting, ask your employer if they will consider financing your billing and coding education.
Register with the school of your choice and begin classes. Some of the course requirements for billing and coding certification include anatomy, medical terminology, coding and computer courses. Courses are typically ordered in a way that allows students to learn without being overwhelmed.
Attend all classes and miss one only if absolutely necessary. It's easy to get behind when you're learning the systems of the body and medical terminology, as the material is often interrelated and builds upon previously learned information. Ask your instruction to clarify anything you don't understand. Courses are taught by professionals in the field, and they're usually happy to go into detail or elaborate on anything you find difficult.
Study outside of class and implement additional resources if necessary. Flashcards, online programs and reference books are all excellent supplements to your textbooks. Study material covering medical terminology and anatomy is available online.