New CPC-A and CPC medical coders are hired most often by physician offices, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, billing and revenue cycle companies, insurance payers, and VA and government facilities. Many of these employers post entry level roles under job titles that do not say “CPC-A,” so knowing where and how to look matters as much as the credential.
Who Hires New CPC-A and CPC Coders?
Breaking into the medical coding field as a newly certified CPC-A (Certified Professional Coder Apprentice) or CPC (Certified Professional Coder) can feel overwhelming. Many healthcare organizations prefer experienced coders, but there are plenty of opportunities for entry-level professionals if you know where to look and how to position yourself. So who hires new CPC-A and CPC Coders?
Below are common employers that hire new CPC-A and CPC coders and strategies to help you land your first role.
Physician Offices and Small Clinics
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Why they hire new coders:
Smaller practices often operate on tighter budgets and are willing to hire new coders who can be trained on their systems and processes. -
Advantages:
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Easier exposure to a variety of services and procedures.
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Opportunity to work directly with physicians and learn clinical documentation improvement (CDI).
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Tips:
Highlight your willingness to learn and adaptability in your resume and interviews.
Hospitals and Hospital Systems
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Entry Points:
Hospitals often start new coders in roles such as billing, charge entry, or pre-certification before promoting them to coding positions. -
Benefits:
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Great benefits and stable career paths.
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Access to a wide variety of specialties and coding systems.
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Tip:
Consider applying for remote hospital apprentice programs or on-site positions that provide mentorship.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
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Why they are great for new coders:
ASCs focus on specific outpatient procedures, making it easier for new coders to specialize and gain practical coding experience.
Insurance Companies and Payers
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Roles for new coders:
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Claims examiner
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Pre-authorization specialist
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Medical record reviewer
Insurance companies appreciate CPC-A coders because they understand coding and documentation, even if they lack hands-on experience.
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Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and Billing Companies
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Why they hire apprentices:
These companies work with multiple healthcare providers and often have entry-level coding or billing positions. -
Career growth:
Working with an RCM company helps you gain experience across multiple specialties.
Home Health Agencies and DME Suppliers
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Entry opportunities:
These companies require accurate coding for services like home health visits, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment.
Government and VA Hospitals
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VA Medical Centers:
The Department of Veterans Affairs often hires and trains new coders through structured apprentice programs. -
Other government agencies:
County or state health departments also employ entry-level coders.
Remote Apprenticeship and Internship Programs
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A growing trend:
Many companies now offer remote apprentice programs for CPC-A coders. These roles help remove the “A” (apprentice) designation after completing the required hours of coding experience. -
Examples of organizations:
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Aviacode (CorroHealth)
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Maxim Healthcare
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Change Healthcare (Optum)
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Tips for Landing Your First Job as a CPC-A or CPC
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Network with Local AAPC Chapters: Attend local AAPC meetings, webinars, or conferences to meet hiring managers and recruiters.
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Start in Billing or RCM Roles: Even if it’s not pure coding, billing and RCM roles can give you the required experience.
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Volunteer or Internship: Consider volunteering at free clinics or internship programs to gain hands-on experience.
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Leverage LinkedIn and Job Boards: Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight your CPC-A certification and any coding projects.
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Remove the ‘A’ Quickly: Complete your 2 years of practical coding experience (or use AAPC’s Practicode program) to transition from CPC-A to CPC.
While breaking into medical coding can take persistence, new CPC-A and CPC coders have opportunities in physician offices, insurance companies, billing companies, and even government healthcare systems. The key is to stay flexible, build your experience, and actively network within the industry.
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Entry Level Medical Coding Job Titles to Search
Search for these titles in addition to “medical coder”:
- Medical Coder I or Coding Specialist I
- Outpatient Coder or Professional Fee (Pro Fee) Coder
- Charge Entry Specialist
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
- Health Information Management (HIM) Specialist
- Medical Records Technician
- Risk Adjustment or HCC Coder (often open to new coders with HCC internship experience)
Where to Find CPC-A Jobs
- Hospital and health system career pages in your area
- Indeed, LinkedIn, and the AAPC job board
- USAJOBS for VA medical coding jobs
- Staffing and contract agencies that place coders on temporary projects
- The Coding Clarified CPC-A Job Board, available to our students and graduates in the Student Portal
Experience is what most employers ask for. Completing Practicode, our HCC internship, or our Registered Apprenticeship gives you real chart experience to list on your resume. For a full job search plan, read how to get hired as a CPC-A.
CPC-A Hiring FAQs
Do hospitals hire CPC-A coders?
Yes. Many hospitals hire CPC-A coders for outpatient, charge entry, and HIM roles, and some offer training programs that move new coders into coding positions.
Can a CPC-A get a remote coding job?
Yes, but remote roles are the most competitive. Most new coders find it easier to start on site or hybrid, then move to remote work after building experience.
How can I get experience as a CPC-A?
Complete Practicode, an internship, or an apprenticeship. These give you verified coding experience and can help remove the apprentice A.
Should I apply to jobs that ask for one or two years of experience?
Yes. Apply if you meet most of the requirements. Practicode, internship, and apprenticeship experience often count toward what employers are looking for.