If you’re considering a future in medical billing and coding, this page covers everything — from accreditation and exam eligibility to career support and salary expectations. Explore the FAQs to get the answers you need to make your next move.
Preppy is not a college or university, which means this program is not eligible for institutional accreditation.
However, the program is designed to prepare students for nationally recognized medical coding certification exams. Many employers prioritize certification and demonstrated skills over school accreditation.
We always recommend checking job listings in your area to understand employer preferences.
This program is designed to prepare students for industry-recognized certification exams such as:
Certification eligibility requirements are set by the credentialing organizations. Be sure to review exam requirements directly through AAPC or the certifying body before scheduling your exam.
No, certification exam fees are not included in the cost of the program.
Students register and pay for certification exams directly through the certifying organization (such as AAPC).
Students who pass the CPC exam without required experience earn the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation.
Preppy provides guidance on how to work toward removing the “A,” including education pathways and strategies recommended by AAPC. However, experience requirements and final approval are determined by AAPC.
Always review the most current CPC-A removal guidelines directly from AAPC.
The program includes required learning materials. Materials are provided digitally.
Physical coding manuals may be required when sitting for certain certification exams (such as the CPC). Students are responsible for obtaining approved coding books if required by the certifying organization.
Students receive access to their online course materials shortly after enrollment.
If you need physical coding manuals for your certification exam, you can purchase them directly from the certifying organization or approved vendors.
If you’re having login issues, we can help you reset your password and make sure your credentials are working. If the issue continues, we’ll connect you with our Support team to get it resolved as quickly as possible.
If you don’t see your welcome email, double check your spam folder and the email address you used to enroll. We can also check your enrollment status on our end. If the issue continues, we’ll loop in Support to get everything sorted.
Externship opportunities may be available depending on your location and facility participation.
While we provide guidance and support, externship placement is not guaranteed and may vary by region.
Externship length varies based on the hosting organization and your availability. There is no fixed universal timeframe.
Details are typically arranged directly with the participating facility.
Externships are typically arranged near your home, usually within a 30-mile radius, and may take place in a clinic or hospital. While externships are not mandatory, they’re a great way to gain real-world experience in your field.
Most externships require a minimum of 40 hours, usually completed part-time. Depending on the facility, your availability, and the program, those hours may be spread over 2–6 weeks. Externships are unpaid and voluntary, and schedules are coordinated to fit both you and the facility — so in most cases, you won’t need to leave your current job.
If you have questions about paperwork or your externship status, our Support team is happy to help and can check next steps for you.
Our Medical Billing & Coding program provides comprehensive training in both areas.
Medical billing and medical coding are closely connected in real-world healthcare settings, and many employers prefer candidates who understand both skill sets.
Certification exam fees are not included. Keeping exam costs separate helps us offer programs that are as affordable as possible, without requiring student loans or added fees.
AI and automation tools are increasingly used in healthcare — but they assist coders rather than replace them.
Medical coding requires:
Human oversight remains essential, especially for complex cases, audits, and compliance. Coding professionals who stay current with technology often find new opportunities rather than fewer.
Pay varies based on experience, certification, location, and employer type.
Entry-level medical billers and coders typically earn competitive wages, with higher earning potential after certification and experience.
To get the most accurate salary expectations, we recommend reviewing local job listings and reputable labor statistics sources for your state.
Most students complete the Medical Billing & Coding program in 3–6 months, but since it’s fully self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
Yes. The coursework is fully online and can be completed from anywhere. There are no mandatory in-person classes.
No prior experience is required. The program is designed to help beginners build foundational knowledge and prepare for certification.
Graduates receive:
For additional questions about enrollment, tuition, or how Preppy works, visit our full FAQ page.