AAPC Medical Coding Apprenticeship Program

Location: Online and In-Person (depending on employer partnerships)
Program Type: Apprenticeship and Certification Preparation

The AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) offers apprenticeships through their partnerships with healthcare organizations across the country. Participants in the apprenticeship program typically work under the supervision of experienced coders, gaining real-world experience in coding diagnoses, treatments, and medical procedures. Apprentices can work toward earning their Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or other AAPC certifications while being employed in coding roles.

• Why it’s a great option: AAPC's strong reputation in the industry ensures that participants are receiving high-quality training, and the organization provides resources to help apprentices prepare for certification exams.
• Benefits: Hands-on coding experience, structured mentorship, certification preparation.

AHIMA Registered Apprenticeship Program

Location: Nationwide (depending on employer partnerships)
Program Type: Apprenticeship with Classroom and On-the-Job Training

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers a Registered Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with healthcare employers. Participants receive on-the-job training from healthcare professionals while completing classroom instruction in medical coding and health information management. This program allows apprentices to gain practical experience while working toward certifications such as Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

• Why it’s a great option: AHIMA’s apprenticeship program is a structured pathway to certification, and participants benefit from gaining hands-on experience in health information management and medical coding.
• Benefits: Comprehensive training, classroom instruction combined with real-world experience, eligibility for certification.

U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs

Location: Various Locations in the U.S.
Program Type: Federally Registered Apprenticeship

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) offers Registered Apprenticeship Programs that cover a wide range of industries, including healthcare. Medical coding is one of the professions for which the DOL has developed apprenticeships in partnership with healthcare providers. These programs offer paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction and lead to nationally recognized certifications. Apprentices work under the supervision of licensed professionals to gain the skills and experience required to pass certification exams such as the CPC, CCS, and CCA.

• Why it’s a great option: The DOL program provides a structured pathway with federal recognition, ensuring that apprentices receive comprehensive training that meets national standards.
• Benefits: Paid on-the-job training, classroom learning, nationally recognized certification pathways.

Apprenticeship.gov – Medical Coding Apprenticeships

Location: Nationwide (Online Platform)
Program Type: Apprenticeship Listings

Apprenticeship.gov is a platform that connects individuals with apprenticeship opportunities across various industries, including medical coding. The website allows users to search for registered apprenticeship programs in medical coding that are available in their area. These apprenticeships typically involve hands-on coding experience, mentorship, and structured coursework that prepares individuals for certification and career advancement.

• Why it’s a great option: Apprenticeship.gov provides access to a wide range of apprenticeship programs across the U.S., making it easy to find medical coding opportunities in different locations.
• Benefits: Easy-to-use search platform, variety of apprenticeship listings, nationwide opportunities.

MedCerts Medical Coding Apprenticeship

Location: Online and In-Person
Program Type: Apprenticeship and Certification Program

MedCerts offers a medical coding apprenticeship program in collaboration with healthcare employers. The program combines virtual classroom instruction with on-the-job training in medical coding. Apprentices are taught how to accurately code healthcare records using standardized coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT. Upon completing the program, participants are eligible to sit for certification exams, including the CPC and CCA.

• Why it’s a great option: MedCerts provides a blended learning approach that incorporates online coursework with real-world experience, making it convenient for students who need flexible learning options.
• Benefits: Virtual learning combined with hands-on training, certification preparation, flexible learning options.

Employers Offering Medical Coding Apprenticeships

Many healthcare organizations and hospitals offer internal apprenticeship programs in medical coding. These programs are designed to train individuals in coding while they work in entry-level roles. Apprentices are typically supervised by experienced coders and receive training in coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT, as well as healthcare compliance and billing processes.

• Organizations offering apprenticeships: Large healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Humana often provide apprenticeship opportunities as part of their workforce development programs.
• Benefits: On-the-job training, mentorship from experienced coders, access to internal resources for career advancement.

Community College Medical Coding Apprenticeship Programs

Many community colleges offer medical coding apprenticeship programs in partnership with local healthcare providers. These programs often combine classroom instruction with supervised coding work in a clinical setting. Apprenticeships at community colleges typically prepare students to sit for certification exams, such as the CPC, and provide an affordable pathway to entering the field.

• Why it’s a great option: Community college programs often have strong relationships with local healthcare employers, making it easier to transition into a full-time coding role upon completion.
• Benefits: Affordable tuition, hands-on training, preparation for certification exams.

Medical coding apprenticeship programs are an excellent way to gain practical experience, learn from experienced professionals, and work toward certification while earning a wage. Programs offered by AAPC, AHIMA, the U.S. Department of Labor, and various healthcare organizations provide participants with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed in the medical coding field. Whether through formal apprenticeships or employer-based training, these programs provide a valuable pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare.