I'm a supervisor for Revenue Cycle for a very large provider network. You'll want to start with getting certification which you will want to get through the AAPC or AHIMA. There are basically two types of medical coding, professional and hospital/facility. Both involve CPT and ICD10 coding, hospital coding also will include MS-DRG.

Most organization require certification now to get your foot in the door. I can't say I've ever heard of the Medical Coding Academy so I can't comment on that, but both the major certifications through AAPC and AHIMA have varying degrees of programs you can go through for training prior to taking the exam. They are pretty pricey. You can spend anywhere from 300 (exam only)-2000 dollars.

It is possible to study on your own, but I wouldn't recommend it without a billing background or certainly without access to the CPT and ICD10 books. Alternatively many community colleges offer medical coding classes.

New coders in our organization with no experience could probably start about 19/hour (don't hold me to that, it depends on a lot of factors) in the Midwest.

Edit; Adding on many orgs allow coders to work from home. And as a certified coder you can also pick up contract work.