Healthcare professional in business casual attire working at dual computer monitors displaying medical coding software and billing systems, with organized workspace including medical coding reference books, representing remote medical billing career opportunities

 

Interested in healthcare but don't want to work directly with patients? Medical billing and coding might be your perfect career path. It's one of the few healthcare careers you can start in less than a year, work from home, and earn a solid income without needing years of expensive education.

 

Here's what makes this career particularly appealing: the healthcare industry is booming, and every single patient visit creates paperwork that needs expert handling. Someone has to translate medical procedures into billing codes and make sure healthcare providers get paid correctly. That someone could be you.

 

Let's walk through exactly how to become a medical biller and coder in California, from education to certification to landing your first job.

 

What Do Medical Billers and Coders Actually Do?

Before jumping into training, it's helpful to understand the role. Medical billers and coders work behind the scenes, but they're essential to keeping healthcare facilities running.

 

  • Medical coders translate patient visits into standardised codes. When a doctor treats a patient, the coder reviews the medical documentation and assigns specific codes for diagnoses (ICD-10-CM codes) and procedures (CPT codes). These codes tell the complete story of what happened during the visit.
  • Medical billers take those codes and turn them into insurance claims. They submit claims to insurance companies, follow up on unpaid or denied claims, process patient billing, and make sure healthcare providers receive proper payment.

Many positions combine both roles, which is why most training programs teach both skills together. National Career College's Medical Office Specialist Program prepares you for both billing and coding, making you more valuable to employers.

 

California Requirements: What You Need to Know

Here's good news: California doesn't legally require certification to work as a medical biller and coder. However, and this is important, the vast majority of employers strongly prefer or require certification from recognised organisations.

 

Think of it this way: While you technically can work without certification, you'll have far better job prospects, a higher starting salary, and more opportunities with professional certification. Most successful medical billers and coders get certified.

 

Basic Requirements Everyone Needs:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • At least 18 years old
  • Background check (employer-specific)
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

No prior healthcare experience is required. These programs are designed for people starting fresh in healthcare.

 

Step 1: Choose Your Training Path

Your first decision is choosing the right training program. The quality of your education directly impacts your certification success and job prospects.

 

Certificate Programs (Fastest Path to Employment) 

These focused programs take 8 to 12 months and teach exactly what you need for entry-level work. They're faster than degree programs and get you working sooner.

 

National Career College's Medical Office Specialist Online Diploma Program offers a comprehensive 8-month program covering medical terminology, anatomy basics, ICD-10-CM coding, CPT coding, medical billing procedures, insurance claim processing, and HIPAA compliance. The online format means you can complete coursework on your schedule while managing work or family responsibilities.

 

Associate Degree Programs 

These take 18 to 24 months and include general education courses along with billing and coding training. They take longer, but some employers prefer candidates with degrees for advancement into management roles.

 

What to Look for in Any Program:

  • Preparation for national certification exams (CPC, CCA, or CBCS)
  • Hands-on practice with coding software and real scenarios
  • Current curriculum that reflects annual coding updates
  • Job placement assistance or career services support
  • Accreditation from recognized bodies

National Career College checks all these boxes, preparing you for multiple certification exams while providing comprehensive career support from enrollment through employment.

 

Step 2: Get Certified

While California doesn't require certification, earning credentials from recognized organisations dramatically improves your job prospects and earning potential. Certified medical billers and coders earn approximately 8.5% more than non-certified colleagues.

 

Main Certification Options:

AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)

AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)

NHA (National Healthcareer Association)

 

For most people starting out in California, the CPC (AAPC) or CBCS (NHA) makes the most sense. National Career College's Medical Office Specialist Program prepares you for multiple certification exams, so you can choose which credential best fits your career goals.

 

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

Most quality training programs include an externship where you work in a real healthcare setting under supervision. This hands-on experience is invaluable for applying classroom knowledge, working with actual patient records, and building your professional network.

 

Many students receive job offers from their externship sites. Even if you don't, the experience makes you much more attractive to employers and gives you real-world references.

 

Step 4: Launch Your Job Search

With training complete and certification in hand, it's time to find your first position.

 

Where Medical Billers and Coders Work:

  • Physician offices (family medicine, specialists)
  • Hospitals and health systems
  • Outpatient surgery centers
  • Insurance companies
  • Medical billing companies
  • Telehealth organizations
  • Remote/work-from-home positions

 

California Job Market Strength: California employs more medical billers and coders than any other state. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area ranks #1 nationally for employment in this field, creating abundant opportunities for trained professionals.

 

Certified medical billers and coders in California earn competitive salaries with strong growth potential as you gain experience. Want to know specific numbers? Check out our detailed guide on medical billing and coding salaries in California to understand your earning potential.

 

Career Growth and Advancement

Medical billing and coding isn't a dead-end job. Experienced professionals advance into specialized roles with significantly higher pay:

 

  • Coding Auditor: Review coding accuracy and ensure compliance
  • Revenue Cycle Manager: Oversee entire billing and collections processes
  • Health Information Manager: Director-level positions managing HIM departments
  • Specialized coding: Risk adjustment, clinical documentation improvement, and compliance

Many medical billers and coders also use this role as a stepping stone to healthcare administration or management with additional education. Want to understand the earning potential at each level? Read our guide on medical billing and coding salaries in California.

 

Why Choose National Career College?

Starting a new career can feel overwhelming, but the right training program makes all the difference. Here's why California students choose NCC:

 

  • Flexible Online Format Complete coursework on your schedule while maintaining your current job or family responsibilities. No need to quit working to change careers.
  • Complete Training in 8 Months Our streamlined curriculum covers medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM and CPT coding, billing procedures, insurance processing, and HIPAA compliance.
  • Certification Exam Preparation We prepare you to sit for nationally recognized certification exams including CPC (AAPC), CCA (AHIMA), and CBCS (NHA).
  • Career Services Support Our Career Services team supports you with resume building, interview preparation, and direct connections to hiring managers throughout Southern California.
  • Financial Aid Available Most NCC students qualify for financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships. Learn more at our Financial Aid page.

Our Graduates Are Working

NCC graduates work at hospitals, medical groups, insurance companies, and billing services throughout California. Many work remotely, enjoying the flexibility this career offers while earning competitive salaries.

 

Your Timeline to a New Career

Here's what your journey typically looks like:

  • Months 1-8: Complete NCC's Medical Office Specialist Program online 
  • Month 8-9: Take and pass your certification exam
  • Month 9-10: Begin job search with Career Services support 
  • Month 10-11: Start your new career

In less than a year, you could be working in a stable, growing healthcare career with opportunities for advancement and the potential to work from home.

 

Take Your First Step Today

Medical billing and coding offers something rare: a genuine healthcare career that doesn't require years of school, massive student debt, or direct patient care. It's perfect for detail-oriented people who want stable work in a growing field.

 

With California's strong healthcare sector and high demand for qualified professionals, there's never been a better time to start this career. The combination of job security, competitive pay, and work-life balance makes medical billing and coding one of the smartest career moves you can make.

 

Take the next step:

Learn More About NCC's Medical Office Specialist Program 

Request Information | Schedule a Campus Tour | Apply Now

 

Related: Interested in clinical healthcare roles? Check out our guide on what a medical assistant does in California.