Where should I start to become a Medical coder and CDI specialist?

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Hi,

I am an RN with 12 years of experience in Cardiac units, the ICU, Cardiac/vascular/Thoracic ORs, and Home Health Care Services. I want to slowly switch my career from field nursing to a remote position (working at home). I am interested in medical coding and a career as a CDI auditor. As I researched more, I saw that all places wanted experienced coders and auditors. However, I could not find a clear guide on how to start this journey step by step. 

Where should I start to become a Medical coder and eventually a CDI auditor? I work full-time at a cardiac OR for 36 hours per week and am also enrolled in an online program for RN to BSN. Should I enroll in a CPC or CCS program first to get certificates? It seems there are so many kinds of certificates, and I don't even know which certificate I should get first and how to start to get one. Should I seek a job if I get the certificate in a year? But all the places are looking for experienced coders. How can I build the experience?

I hope this can be a one—to two-year plan so I can switch my career in a few years. 

Another concern is income since I will start as an inexperienced coder. I live in Maryland. Is there anyone who could give us some advice and a step-by-step guide?

Thank you so much.

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