What Is an Entry Level Coding and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Entry-level coding jobs can cover positions in the health care industry with medical coding or those in programming and software development. Your responsibilities in each of these careers are very different. As a medical coder, you correspond with health care providers, insurance companies, and patients. You use the information you gather to review health charts and records and assign a diagnosis and treatment code. This is primarily for billing purposes. As an entry-level coder in the computer industry, your duties include conducting trial runs on new software, translating program performance into actionable improvements, and collaborating on code and program development with other coders to create the end-product.

To obtain an entry-level coding job in the medical industry, you need to be a certified coder. Various organizations offer classes to become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Medical Coder (CMC), or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). While it is not required, most coders earn an associate degree before completing certification. You should also gain some experience in the medical field. Some employers train you on the job and assist you with the completion of your coding certifications. You must be familiar with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, and you should stay current on any updates or changes. You also need an in-depth understanding of health care terminology and general policies and procedures.

A bachelor's degree in computer programming or engineering is needed to obtain an entry-level coding job in software development. Extensive experience is not required, but you need a solid understanding of software fundamentals and the implementation lifecycle. Programmer and software developer boot camps are also available to extend your knowledge of basic computer and coding skills. Other qualifications include expertise with at least one programing language, the ability to learn quickly and stay current on software changes, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, and an understanding of process documentation and analysis.