How to Become an RN Coder

The path to a billing and medical coder career does not always start with a nursing degree. However, coders with a nursing degree are in high demand. RN coders have the clinical training and skills to read medical charts, assign the correct diagnostic codes, audit records, and prevent insurance fraud.

If you’re interested in a career change, transitioning from clinical nurse to RN medical coder might be a good fit. Discover how this job opportunity may fit your lifestyle.

Healthcare organizations rely on medical coders to review patient charts and assign diagnostic codes. RN coders bring their clinical training to this role, putting their skills in high demand.

RN coders review patient charts, procedure notes, medication reconciliations, and labs to assign the correct diagnostic codes. Many of these codes have dual meanings that can be easier to distinguish with clinical experience. Nurse coders may also audit the work of other coders for accuracy.

Nurses can add coding to their knowledge and skills in a matter of weeks by attending a medical coding bootcamp or webinar. Earning coder certification can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

How can you become an RN coder? Earning a nursing degree is the first step to launching your career in this growing field. Here are the steps you need to take to become a nurse coder.

Nurses can enter the nursing field with a two- or four-year degree. While either is acceptable, a four-year degree offers more flexibility, opportunities for advancement, and greater RN coder salary potential.

RNs are highly sought after in the medical billing and coding profession. However, this career path requires additional certification after earning a nursing license.

RNs must complete an accredited nursing program and pass a licensure exam to earn their nursing license. Some employers prefer applicants who hold a BSN. ADN-prepared nurses can enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program to earn their bachelor’s degree.

Becoming certified entails taking the Certified Professional Coder or Certified Coding Associate exam. Both credentials meet the requirements for RN coding positions.

To get a nursing license, candidates must master NCLEX-type test questions to pass their licensure exam. This proves a job candidate has the competency to practice as a new nurse.

Nurses graduating from an accredited program are eligible to take the exam. Before registering for the exam, graduates must get authorization to test and pay the required fee. Check with your state’s nursing regulatory body for specific requirements.

The CPC credential demonstrates expertise in medical coding. Candidates pass the CPC test, which includes 100 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours. Exam locations are across the United States. After passing the exam, you can become an apprentice, moving to full certification with two years of medical coding experience.

To take the CPC exam, applicants must be AAPC members. Student membership is $157, and individual membership is $222.

Offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification requires a high school diploma. The AHIMA recommends either six months of coding experience or completion of a coding program.

The computer-formatted exam comprises 90-115 questions to be completed in two hours. Joining the AHIMA is optional, but non-members pay a $299 exam fee, while members pay $199. AHIMA annual membership costs $49 for students, $149 for professionals, and $209 for the premier level.

RN coders often seek additional certifications in specialty areas. For example, the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder Examination focuses on risk adjustment codes.

A certified professional medical auditor can be critical for a healthcare system’s revenue cycle. This certification allows nurse coders to audit medical documentation for fraud and abuse.

Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and medical coding companies advertise RN coder positions on job boards and at job fairs. Potential nurse coders can increase their competitiveness by completing a medical coding course. Full certification can also improve job options and salary potential.

The average RN coder salary varies depending on the coder’s qualifications, experience, and location. Certified professional coders earn $65,000 per year on average, according to January 2025 Payscale data, while registered nurses earn $86,070 based on May 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Additional certifications can increase job prospects. RN coders work in different settings, including the following.

RN coders work collaboratively with healthcare professionals. They help maintain patient confidentiality, review charts, and assign the right diagnosis codes for insurance reimbursements.

In a private physician’s office, the RN coder may be responsible for both medical billing and coding. They prepare accurate medical codes for Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies. They must also follow up on reimbursement and communicate with patients about outstanding balances.

Nurse coders can work in claims processing for insurance companies, analyzing a claim’s validity. They then compare the codes against the patient’s insurance policy. If the claim requires more information, the RN coder contacts the provider for the missing details.