To join a local AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) chapter, follow these general steps:
The American Academy of Professional Coders will assign you to an AAPC local chapter based on your demographic location once you become a member.
Visit the AAPC Website:
Go to the official AAPC website.
Search for Local Chapters:
On the homepage, hover over or click on “Chapters” in the top menu, then select “Find a Chapter” or go directly to the Find a Local Chapter page.
You can search for chapters by location (city, state, or zip code).
Select a Chapter:
Browse the list of local chapters in your area and select the one closest to you.
Some chapters may also have online meetings or events, so be sure to check if you’re interested in virtual participation.
Contact the Chapter Leader:
Each local chapter will have contact information for the chapter president or leader. You can contact officers via email or phone for more details on how to join, attend meetings, and any membership requirements.
Attend a Meeting:
Many chapters will allow you to attend a meeting or event as a guest before officially becoming a member.
Check the chapter’s meeting schedule and confirm with the chapter leader if there are any upcoming events that you can attend.
Membership and Fees:
Some chapters may require a separate fee to attend local meetings, while others may include it as part of your AAPC membership. Ensure you inquire about any costs associated with attending.
You may also need to be an AAPC member to join the local chapter. If you’re not a member yet, you can join directly through the AAPC website.
Stay Engaged:
After joining, attend local chapter meetings, network with other coding professionals, and keep up with updates and resources shared by the chapter to stay involved in the community.
To change your local chapter:
To change your local AAPC chapter affiliation, go to your AAPC account profile, locate the “Local Chapter” section under “Profile/Preferences”, and update your chapter designation.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Access your AAPC profile: Log in to your AAPC account.
Navigate to Profile/Preferences: Look for a link or button that says “My AAPC” or similar, then select “Profile/Preferences”.
Locate the Local Chapter Section: Within your profile, find the section that allows you to designate your local chapter.
Update your Local Chapter: Change the current chapter designation to the one you prefer.
You can successfully connect with a local AAPC chapter and start benefiting from their meetings, networking opportunities, and educational resources.
Resources for AAPC coders AAPC Member Resources for Coders
To maintain your credential with CEUs you may attend other local chapter meetings virtually.
Maintaining your CPC credential with CEU
Why Local Chapters Matter for New Coders
- CEUs: many chapter meetings award AAPC CEUs, which helps you meet your renewal requirement.
- Networking: chapter members often know about openings before they are posted, which is valuable when you are looking for your first job as a CPC-A.
- Leadership experience: serving as a chapter officer builds skills employers notice.
- Exam support: some chapters host study groups for members preparing for certification exams.
Many chapters now meet virtually, so you can attend even if there is no in-person chapter near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About AAPC Local Chapters
Do I have to be an AAPC member to attend a chapter meeting?
Chapters are part of AAPC membership, and many welcome guests. Check with the chapter before attending.
Can I earn CEUs at local chapter meetings?
Yes, when the meeting is approved for AAPC CEUs.
Can I belong to a chapter outside my area?
Yes. You can choose or change your local chapter in your AAPC account.
How do chapters help me find a job?
Chapters connect you with working coders, managers and recruiters in your area, which is one of the best ways to hear about entry-level openings. See our tips on getting an entry-level coding job.