How I Achieved My AAPC Approved Instructor Certification — And What It Means for Future Medical Billing & Coding Students

Becoming an AAPC Approved Instructor is more than earning a credential — it’s a milestone that represents mastery, professionalism, and a commitment to shaping the next generation of medical billing and coding professionals. For me, this certification is also the foundation of launching ELS Health Careers Institute, a career-focused training center dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable education aligned with today’s healthcare workforce demands.

In this post, I’m sharing what the journey to instructor approval looks like, why it matters, and how it strengthens the quality of education that students receive through ELS Health Careers Institute.

⭐ What Is an AAPC Approved Instructor?

An AAPC Approved Instructor is a certified, vetted professional recognized by AAPC as qualified to teach AAPC’s accredited curriculum, including:

• CPB® – Certified Professional Biller

• CPC® – Certified Professional Coder

• COC®, CIC®, CPMA®, and other specialty courses

• Workforce-development and employer-aligned coding and billing programs

AAPC requires instructors to demonstrate:

• Proven industry experience

• Strong coding and billing expertise

• Consistent professional certification performance

• Ability to teach in a structured, compliant, and effective way

Approval is not automatic — it must be earned.

⭐ My Journey to Becoming an AAPC Approved Instructor

Achieving this certification required dedication, preparation, and a deep understanding of the revenue-cycle process. Here’s what the process looked like:

1. Proving Professional Expertise

Before applying, AAPC requires instructors to hold active certifications. For me, this included:

• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

• NAHP-Certified Coding Specialist

• Years of hands-on experience in federal, commercial, and OWCP billing

• A demonstrated 98%+ clean claim rate for my clients at ELS Medical Billing Group

This experience created a strong foundation for instructor-level teaching.

2. Meeting AAPC Eligibility Requirements

AAPC reviews:

• Professional certifications

• Exam history

• Experience level

• Background in teaching or mentoring

• Ethical standing

• Industry knowledge

Only candidates who meet AAPC’s strict criteria move forward.

3. Completing the Instructor Application

The application includes:

• Submitting certifications

• Documenting work history

• Sharing teaching philosophy and approach

• Committing to AAPC’s educational standards

Once approved, the instructor is added to AAPC’s instructor registry and permitted to teach official curriculum.

⭐ What This Certification Means for Students

When a student enrolls in ELS Health Careers Institute, they are learning from an instructor who has been:

• Tested and approved by AAPC

• Trained to deliver accurate, industry-aligned curriculum

• Experienced in real-world billing, RCM operations, federal claims, and compliance

• Committed to guiding students toward successful certification and employment

Students benefit from:

• Clear, structured lessons

• Real-world examples

• Expert guidance on exam strategies

• Hands-on billing and coding practice

• Career readiness preparation

• An instructor who knows what hiring managers truly look for

⭐ Why Becoming an AAPC Approved Instructor Matters for My Institute

For ELS Health Careers Institute, this certification supports:

✔︎ AAPC-Approved Programs

We are preparing to offer AAPC-licensed CPB courses and specialized billing programs.

✔︎ GNPEC / State Authorization

Instructor approval strengthens our state licensing readiness, including future WIOA/ETPL eligibility.

✔︎ Workforce & Employer Partnerships

WorkSource Georgia, healthcare organizations, and staffing partners trust programs taught by certified instructors.

✔︎ Student Success Rates

Higher exam pass rates build reputation and increase opportunities for graduates.

This certification elevates not just me — but the entire training ecosystem we’re building.

⭐ What’s Next for ELS Health Careers Institute

With instructor approval in place, we are now moving full speed toward:

• Launching AAPC-licensed CPB courses

• Offering OWCP billing and RCM specialization programs

• Completing state approval + GNPEC exemption/authorization

• Expanding into WIOA funding

• Opening enrollment for 2026 cohorts

Our mission is simple:Empower students with career-changing skills in a high-demand healthcare field — and help them achieve real, sustainable success.

⭐ Final Thoughts: A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Earning my AAPC Approved Instructor certification represents:

• Years of dedication

• A commitment to excellence

• A passion for teaching and empowering others

• The next chapter in growing ELS Health Careers Institute

This accomplishment is not just a credential — it is the foundation of something bigger:a future where hundreds (and eventually thousands) of students begin their careers in healthcare because of the training we provide.