Medical Coding Apprenticeship Program

East Alabama Health is committed to helping employees grow their careers through specialized training and professional development. Our Medical Coding Programs offers two unique pathways for team members to gain valuable skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and advance into critical coding roles within our organization.

Program Overview

We offer two distinct programs designed to meet different career goals:

Medical Coder Program

• Partnership: Wallace State Community College (WSCC)
• Structure: One-year registered apprenticeship through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
• Training: Combination of on-the-job training and coursework
• Certification: Graduates sit for the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Outcome: Upon completing apprenticeship competencies and earning CCS certification, participants are prepared to fill medical coding positions across East Alabama Health.
• Eligibility: Employees must meet WSCC Health Information Technology Program admission criteria and be accepted into the program.

Professional Coder Program

• Format: Self-paced online training through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Duration: Completed within one year
• Training: Paid on-the-job training combined with self-paced courses
• Certification: Successful completion of the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam
• Outcome: Graduates are qualified for specialty coding positions in clinics across the organization.
• Eligibility: Employees must be in good standing with East Alabama Health.

What’s Involved

• Hands-on Experience: Gain practical skills through paid on-the-job training.
• Expert Instruction: Learn from industry-leading programs and resources.
• Flexible Learning: Choose between structured coursework or self-paced online training.

Benefits of Participating

• Earn nationally recognized certifications (CCS or CPC)
• Advance your career in a high-demand healthcare field
• Receive paid training while you learn
• Contribute to improving patient care through accurate coding

How to Apply

• Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen program.
• Contact the East Alabama Health Workforce Development Department for application details.
• Complete any required admissions steps for WSCC (Medical Coder Program) or register for AAPC training (Professional Coder Program).
• Begin your journey toward a rewarding career in medical coding.