Medical Coder in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$39,920
trending_down
-20.6% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.
engineering
1,640
Jobs (AR)
monitoring
Strong
+7.1%
10-yr job growth
schedule
Varies by program and individual study pace (e.g., 4-24 months for programs, 3-6 months for exam study)
Time to complete
route How to become a medical coder in Arkansas
To become a medical coder in Arkansas, individuals are not required to obtain a state license, as it is a certification-based profession. The primary path involves earning a national certification from organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for certification exams, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a certificate or associate degree program in medical coding. Certification maintenance typically requires continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$32,430
25th percentile
$36,500
50th (median)
$39,920
75th percentile
$50,690
90th (experienced)
$67,010
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Arkansas requirements
| Licensing body | No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations is standard for employment) |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent for certification exams; certificate or associate degree programs recommended by employers. |
| Exam | Varies by certifying body (e.g., AAPC's CPC, AHIMA's CCS/CCA) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Arkansas. 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). Most employers require national certification (CPC or CCS) and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks for employees who access protected health information. AAPC CPC holders must earn 36 CEUs every 2 years and maintain annual AAPC membership ($190/year). AHIMA CCS holders must earn 30 CEUs every 2 years. The AAPC recommends applicants for the CPC first earn an associate degree, or have at least two years of medical coding experience to avoid an 'apprentice' designation. AHIMA recommends at least six months of experience or completion of an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program for the CCA exam, and three years of experience for the CCS or CCS-P exams. |
Source: No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations is standard for employment)
work_outline Job outlook
10-year growth
+7.1%
Faster than average
Annual openings
14,200
Nationwide per year
Total employment
194,800
Nationwide
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.1%)
psychology
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Frequently asked questions
How do I become a medical coder in Arkansas? expand_more
In Arkansas, becoming a medical coder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent for certification exams; certificate or associate degree programs recommended by employers.), and pass the Varies by certifying body (e.g., AAPC's CPC, AHIMA's CCS/CCA).
Is a state license required for medical coders in Arkansas? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a medical coder in Arkansas. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Arkansas. 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). Most employers require national certification (CPC or CCS) and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks for employees who access protected health information. AAPC CPC holders must earn 36 CEUs every 2 years and maintain annual AAPC membership ($190/year). AHIMA CCS holders must earn 30 CEUs every 2 years. The AAPC recommends applicants for the CPC first earn an associate degree, or have at least two years of medical coding experience to avoid an 'apprentice' designation. AHIMA recommends at least six months of experience or completion of an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program for the CCA exam, and three years of experience for the CCS or CCS-P exams.
What is the average medical coder salary in Arkansas? expand_more
The median medical coder salary in Arkansas is $39,920 per year. — 21% under the $50,250 national average. The range spans from $32,430 at the entry level to $67,010 for top earners.
What's the timeline to become a medical coder in Arkansas? expand_more
The typical timeline in Arkansas is Varies by program and individual study pace (e.g., 4-24 months for programs, 3-6 months for exam study). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
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