unsure whether to continue with medical coding

For context, I went to school for medical billing & coding and got my CPC-a certification in March of 2026. Since then, I have been searching for any medical job that could get me the experience I need to work towards a medical coding/billing role, but have had no luck. With the end of the year coming up, I am debating whether to give up completely on this career. I don't want to pay for the membership and keep the certification if its useless and doesn't help me. But I'm also conflicted since i spent a lot of time and money just to get to this point. Any advice is appreciated.

You are not alone. I passed my CPC in Oct. 2025 and the only job I've landed was as Client Service Rep, which is basically a receptionist who verifies insurances. Zero coding at all. I keep applying to everything as well as hoping that something will open up in the revenue cycle department at my company. The sad truth is that no one will hire me without coding experience and yet I can't get experience unless they hire me. (they don't count Practicode as experience) I've decided to give it another year and then make a decision whether or not to renew my membership.

Tori.Bentley110204@gmail.com said:

For context, I went to school for medical billing & coding and got my CPC-a certification in March of 2026. Since then, I have been searching for any medical job that could get me the experience I need to work towards a medical coding/billing role, but have had no luck. With the end of the year coming up, I am debating whether to give up completely on this career. I don't want to pay for the membership and keep the certification if its useless and doesn't help me. But I'm also conflicted since i spent a lot of time and money just to get to this point. Any advice is appreciated.

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Hello Tori, hang in there! Medical billing and coding can be a rewarding career path. Is it tough to break into the industry as a new coder with no experience “Yes”. I’m a veteran now with an instructor certification and I’m experiencing trials becoming an educator even though I have over 18 yrs of experience. My suggestion would be applying for a position within healthcare registration, insurance verification, scheduling working in these departments you will work closely with billers and coders build those relationships and let your interest in advancing to those departments be known. You would be surprised on how every position plays a part in the revenue cycle and gaining that knowledge will only be beneficial in your future role as a biller or coder. I wish you the best of luck!