[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you interested in working in the healthcare field but unsure of the best and quickest way to start? Two of the more popular options are nursing and medical billing and coding. As you’re planning your education and career, it might help to understand the similarities and differences between nursing and coding.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each has different certifications and salary ranges. Some nurses choose to switch careers to medical biller and coder after working in clinical practice. The added nursing experience can increase medical billing and coding job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As baby boomers age, the number of people with one or more chronic illnesses will increase. Individuals with heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes add pressure on the healthcare system, which means there will be a greater need for nurses and higher [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/are-medical-billers-and-coders-in-demand/”]demand for medical billers and coders[/hen-ui-link] in the coming years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In this guide, discover the different requirements needed to become a nurse or a medical biller and coder and which may be the best choice for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Billing and Coding vs. Nursing: Which Is Better?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both career paths are good opportunities. Nursing is clinically oriented and focuses on delivering patient care and improving patient outcomes. Nurses can enter the field three ways. The first two paths involve becoming a registered nurse (RN). Students can complete a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/four-year-bsn-degree/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The third nursing path students can take is a 12- to 18-month licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) program. The terms [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]LPN and LVN[/hen-ui-link] are interchangeable to identify the same position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding focus on accurate data entry, which is necessary for reimbursement. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/training/” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Professional Coders[/hen-ui-link] (AAPC) offers a 16-week course for medical billing. The AAPC course for medical coders is self-paced.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here’s a quick comparison between nursing and coding that outlines educational requirements, certifications, and salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption][/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medical billing and coding[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]RN[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]LPN/LVN[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must have your high school diploma or equivalent.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may complete a two-year associate degree or a focused college-based program [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/how-to-become/”]to become a medical biller or coder[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must be proficient in medical terminology, insurance practices, and anatomy and physiology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical billing and coding”][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]An RN[/hen-ui-link] completes a two-year ADN or four-year BSN program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//is-a-nursing-degree-worth-it/”]Paying for a nursing degree[/hen-ui-link] can be high. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.studentloanplanner.com/how-much-nursing-school-costs/#How_much_is_nursing_school” target=”_blank”]cost depends[/hen-ui-link] on many factors like whether the school is public or private.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average BSN program can cost anywhere from $40,000-$100,000, while an ADN program can cost from $10,000-$40,000.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN”][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LPN/LVN program can be completed in 12-18 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The program can cost from $6,000-$25,000 at a public school and nearly double at a private school.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]License and certification[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAPC offers certifications for billers and coders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must have two years of medical coding experience to be fully certified. The certification can be taken online or in-person and costs $300-$545.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing certification offered by the AAPC can be bundled with online practice tests, the exam, and online instruction. The cost ranges from $1500-$2200.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical billing and coding”][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN must graduate from an accredited program to take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nclex.com/index.htm” target=”_blank”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX). After passing, the candidate can apply for their nursing license in the state where they practice. Each state has different requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs may take [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-types-of-nursing-specialties/”]additional nursing certifications[/hen-ui-link] in their specialty, such as pediatrics or gerontology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN”][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LPN takes the NCLEX-PN after graduating from an accredited nursing program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In most states, LPNs are licensed by the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Some states have separate licensing agencies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LPN must work under the supervision of an RN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Work settings[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing homes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Governmental agencies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Insurance companies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctors’ offices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consulting services[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Remote work[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical billing and coding”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinics/offices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Correctional services[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Governmental agencies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Insurance companies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Telemedicine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Home healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Camps[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rehabilitation centers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Court of law[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mission clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency vehicles[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Military[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Publishing companies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinics/offices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Residential facility[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rehabilitation center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Home healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Camps[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mission clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/salary/”]average salary of a medical biller[/hen-ui-link] is $48,479, as per September 2025 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Medical_Biller/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]PayScale figures[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical billing and coding”][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites the median annual salary for an RN as $93,600 with a job growth rate of 5% from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN”][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median salary for an LPN is $62,340. The position has a job growth rate of 3% from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Where the Two Career Paths Meet[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the two careers appear unrelated, since one is clinical and the other is data driven, they are complementary. Medical billing and coding is a less expensive and often quicker way of entering the healthcare field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Billers and coders who are interested in nursing after certification can work remotely while going to [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/common-courses-you-will-take-for-your-rn-degree/”]nursing school[/hen-ui-link]. They will have a foundation in not only anatomy and physiology but also medical terminology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who have an interest in delving into data and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for hospitals and clinics may find an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-coder/”]RN coder career[/hen-ui-link] fulfilling. Certified RN coders are in high demand. They work alongside medical billers to ensure accurate coding and offer expertise in refiling appeals, advocating for patients, and protecting against insurance fraud.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Start a Career in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are three common paths to become a nurse. The shortest and sometimes least expensive is to become an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//lpn-vs-rn-roles/”]LPN versus RN[/hen-ui-link]. You may also choose a two-year ADN program or a four-year BSN program [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]to become a registered nurse[/hen-ui-link]. Admission requirements, program costs, and clinical responsibilities differ for each role.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Start a Career in Medical Billing and Coding[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding fill important administrative functions, often in an office environment. Programs are available to teach students the necessary terminology, coding system, and medical law and ethics to do their jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, it is not necessary to have a formal education to pass the certification examination. Some candidates get on-the-job training and work for two years before taking the certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Decide Which Career Is Right for You[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both nursing and medical billing and coding are strong choices to enter healthcare. Each has advantages and disadvantages. What one person finds an advantage may be challenging to another.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you review your options, evaluate the factors that play a significant role in your career path. For example, if your interest lies in data analysis, then medical coding may be the better option. Remember to factor in the program’s length and cost in addition to your salary potential. A second option is to combine nursing and coding, like many RNs coders have done.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing experience and medical coding certification allow you to ensure that people are being charged correctly for services and to prevent insurance fraud. This career combination also keeps you in healthcare while enjoying a better work-life balance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The choice is yours so spend time considering your options and determining what would work best in your life situation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Billing and Coding vs. Nursing FAQs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is medical coding harder than nursing school?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A program’s difficulty may depend on whether you enjoy learning the concepts and employing them each day. For some, the clinical skills and bedside care required to be a nurse may be uncomfortable. For others, pouring over medical charts to determine the correct codes may be tedious.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a nurse become a medical coder?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes! [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-coder/how-to-become/”]To become an RN coder[/hen-ui-link], nurses have the advantage of starting with a strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. For some nurses, working as an RN coder is a progression in their career development.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is medical coding a dying career?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No! Medical coders are in high demand as healthcare continues to expand and grow. Every provider uses coded documentation to apply for reimbursement. While the technology may change, healthcare providers continue to need medical coders to translate their documentation into codes readable by insurance companies and other third-party payers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does an RN coder make?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who become medical coders are called RN coders. They are highly sought after, and an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-coder/salary/”]RN coder salary[/hen-ui-link] can be comparable to a nurse. Once certified, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual base salary of $57,182 as of September 2025. However, to be fully certified by the AAPC, an RN coder must also have two years of medical coding experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1629922631/experts/Shrilekha_Deshaies.jpg” img-alt=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrilekha-deshaies-57008133/” target=”_blank”]Shri Deshaies[/hen-ui-link] MSN, RN, CCRN, is a nurse educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She is a certified critical care nurse and has worked in various surgical intensive care units, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery. Her passion for health equity led her to becoming a community home health nurse. She is a founding member of Nurses Serving our Neighbors which advocates for the homeless population.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Shri Deshaies is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network. [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]Learn more about our review partners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]