ADVANCED
HI 5100
Professional Coder
100% Online Certification Training
This program is ideal for individuals pursuing a career in physician-based medical coding and serves as essential preparation for the CCS-P or CPC certification exams. Previous billing, coding, or related industry experience is strongly encouraged.
Certifications earned
What Does a Professional Coder Do?
As a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist–Physician-based (CCS-P), you demonstrate expertise in reviewing medical charts and accurately assigning diagnosis codes (ICD-10) and procedure codes (CPT and HCPCS) across a broad range of clinical cases and services. These credentials also qualify you to take on additional responsibilities within the revenue cycle and reimbursement processes in physician offices, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and other healthcare environments.
- Examine patient records and accurately apply numeric and alphanumeric codes to each diagnosis and procedure.
- Hold advanced knowledge of the CPT coding system, along with a strong understanding of ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
- Apply precise medical codes to physician procedures, services, and diagnoses.
Follow established medical coding guidelines, regulations, and compliance standards.
What You’ll Learn – HI 5100 Professional Coder
Earn your Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) credential—both regarded as the gold standard for medical coding in physician office settings.
This 22-week program consists of two courses: Introduction to Human Anatomy & Medical Terminology and Medical Coding. Throughout the program, you’ll study the principles of medical coding using the three primary code sets: CPT, ICD-10-CM Volumes 1 & 2, and HCPCS Level II. Your Medical Coding textbook includes access to specialized coding software that provides extensive practice opportunities—even after you complete the course—allowing for hands-on application of your skills.
Through our partnerships with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), you’ll be equipped with the resources necessary to pass either the CPC or CCS-P exam. Candidates who pass the CPC exam initially earn the CPC-A credential. Once paired with one year of practical coding experience, the CPC-A designation advances to the full CPC credential.
Earning either certification opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare industry.
*Prior billing, coding, or industry experience is recommended.
Program Courses
| Code | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PS 1011 | Professionalism in Allied Health | 2 Weeks |
| HI 1014 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology | 6 Weeks |
| HI 1051 | Medical Coding | 14 Weeks |
| Total Program Duration | 22 Weeks |
Enrollment Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- Prior billing & coding or industry experience (Recommended)
- Qualifying score on the Wonderlic SLE-Q and WBST test
Amara Covered Materials
- Expert-led video based training
- Textbook: CPC Bundle (Text and Coding Resources)
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee (option of CPC-A exam or CCS-P exam)
*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by Amara. They are not included in the tuition costs and are provided at no additional cost to students. However, students have access to these materials for a limited time frame aligned with their program. Access to these materials outside of this period is not guaranteed, and students may be responsible for costs associated with any extended access.
Student Services
- Dedicated Student Success Advisors
- Tailored support based on performance & behavior
- Exam preparation process
- 1 year post-program access to Career Center & Career Coaches
Professional Coder
Active Duty Military Grants
Amara accepts education benefits from the Department of Defense for Active Duty Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.
Military Spouse Grants
Spouses of Active Duty Service Members in certain ranks may be eligible for assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Workforce Grants
Amara partners with American Job Centers in 30+ states and accepts Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce grant funding.
FAQs: Professional Coder Online Certification Training
What is a Professional Medical Coder?
A Professional Coder is a healthcare professional responsible for translating medical procedures, diagnoses, and symptoms into standardized codes used for billing and documentation purposes. These codes are crucial for insurance claims, statistical assessments, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
What is the career outlook for a Professional Coder?
The career outlook for Professional Coders is promising, with an expected job growth of 8% over the next ten years. The demand for skilled coders is driven by the growing need for accurate medical documentation and billing in the healthcare industry.
How do I become a Professional Coder?
To become a Professional Coder, you should complete a specialized training program like Amara’s Professional Coder (CPC) Online Training Program, which prepares you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) certification exams.
What skills will I learn in your online Professional Coder certification training program?
In the online Professional Coder certification training course, you will learn to:
- Assign accurate medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services using CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
- Understand medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology to accurately code provider diagnoses and services.
- Navigate and adhere to coding guidelines, regulations, and compliance standards.
What are the enrollment requirements for your online Professional Coder certification training program?
To enroll in the Amara Professional Coder program, you will need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with internet connection and course registration & payment. Prior billing & coding or industry experience is recommended and all students must receive a qualifying score on the Wonderlic SLE-Q and WBST test.
Does Amara offer scholarships or grants for your online Professional Coder training program?
While Amara does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
How long is your online Professional Coder certification training program?
The online Professional Coder certification class lasts 22 weeks if committing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
How is your online Professional Coder certification training program structured and taught?
The Professional Coder program is structured around expert-led video training, textbooks and access to coding software for hands-on practice. It includes interactive simulations, game-based learning and interviews with industry experts. The program is designed to cater to various learning styles, ensuring an engaging and effective educational experience.
Do you offer certification exam prep or help for the CPC exam?
Yes, the program includes exam preparation resources and support to help students successfully pass the CPC or CCS-P certification exams. Additionally, Amara students are provided access to a Student Success Advisor team, Subject Matter Experts and Career Coaches to assist with exam prep.
What is included in your online Professional Coder certification training program?
The course includes:
- Expert-led video-based training.
- Textbooks and coding resources.
- Competency assessments.
- National Certification exam fee (option of CPC-A exam or CCS-P exam).
Is your Professional Coder certification training program valid nationwide?
Some Amara programs may have certain restrictions depending on your state or region. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at (443) 900-3027 or email us at training@amaracareertraining.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Is your Professional Coder certification program accredited?
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authorities, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.
Are there any clinical requirements for earning your Professional Coder certification?
No, there are no clinical requirements for receiving a Professional Coder certification. However, students passing the CPC examination earn the credential, CPC-A. When the CPC-A (apprentice) is combined with one year of practical coding experience, you’ll earn the full CPC designation.