u/draxe_0224

I’m currently a BSc Nursing student in India and planning to work in a hospital in the future. I want a side income option that I can manage along with my job, preferably work-from-home.

I’ve been looking into medical coding, but I’m confused about a few things:

* Is medical coding actually a good side income option in India?

* Can I start with free resources (YouTube, self-study) and still crack certification exams?

* Which certification is best for someone from India (AAPC, AHIMA, or others)?

* Is it realistic to do coding part-time along with a hospital job?

* How long does it take to start earning?

Also, many institutes are charging ₹40k–₹1 lakh for courses, which feels too expensive. Are these worth it, or can I avoid them?

Would really appreciate honest advice from people already in this field.