Medical Coder in North Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND

Median Salary
$53,550
North Dakota (2024)
National Median
$50,250
All states
Time to Complete
6-12 months for certificate programs; 2 years for associate's degree programs
From start to licensed

How to Become a Medical Coder in North Dakota

To become a Medical Coder in North Dakota, state-level licensing is not required. Instead, professionals pursue national certification through organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Key steps involve obtaining a high school diploma or GED, completing a specialized certificate or associate's degree program, and passing a national certification exam such as the AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS/CCA. Maintaining certification typically requires ongoing continuing education and annual membership renewals.

Medical Coder Requirements in North Dakota

DetailNorth Dakota
Licensing BodyNo state-level licensing body (National certifying bodies: AAPC, AHIMA)
State License Required No
EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a specialized certificate or associate's degree program is preferred by employers.
Exam AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA (or others offered by these organizations)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education36.0 hours per cycle
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in North Dakota. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education, but employers prefer candidates with a specialized certificate or associate's degree. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education units (36 CEUs every 2 years for CPC holders, 30 CEUs every 2 years for CCS holders) and annual membership renewal.

Source: No state-level licensing body (National certifying bodies: AAPC, AHIMA)

Medical Coder Salary in North Dakota

The median medical coder salary in North Dakota is $53,550 per year, which is 6.6% above the national median of $50,250.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$37,160
25th$41,880
50th (median)$53,550
75th$62,080
90th (experienced)$77,820

North Dakota employs approximately 360 medical coders.

Medical Coder Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+7.1%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
14.2
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
194.8
Nationwide

Is Becoming a Medical Coder in North Dakota Worth It?

Factors to consider: North Dakota's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming a medical coder in North Dakota?
The path to medical coder licensure in North Dakota: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a specialized certificate or associate's degree program is preferred by employers.), and pass the AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA (or others offered by these organizations).
Is a state license required for medical coders in North Dakota?
No state license is needed to work as a medical coder in North Dakota. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in North Dakota. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education, but employers prefer candidates with a specialized certificate or associate's degree. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education units (36 CEUs every 2 years for CPC holders, 30 CEUs every 2 years for CCS holders) and annual membership renewal.
What do medical coders earn in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, the median pay for medical coders comes to $53,550/year. — 7% higher than the $50,250 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,160, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $77,820.
How quickly can I become a medical coder in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, becoming a medical coder generally takes 6-12 months for certificate programs; 2 years for associate's degree programs, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
How many CE hours do medical coders need in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires 36.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your medical coder license.

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