2018/19 – 50 Best School Programs for Medical Billing and Coding

WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dothan, AL
Website

Wallace Community College is a two-year college in the city of Dothan with an annual enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.

Program Offered: Professional Medical Coding

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $1,700 (includes books and certification test fee)

The Professional Medical Coding program at Wallace Community College is 40 weeks in duration. During that time, students will learn the essentials of medical coding while also having access to a variety of resources provided by the AAPC. Classes are offered at night once a week at the Dothan campus location.

Prior to gaining entrance to the Medical Coding program at WCC, applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalency and have completed a medical terminology and human anatomy course. This prerequisite assures that students are adequately prepared for the material that is included in this program.

One of the benefits of attending the WCC Professional Medical Coding program is its affordability. The cost is lower than many competing colleges and the program at WCC is more extensive than most others. Students obtain in-depth instruction from experienced instructors. Class size is also kept to a relative minimum so that the teacher to student ratio allows for a lot of individualized attention. The cost of tuition also includes textbooks, exam fees and a one-year AAPC membership.

The program is part of WCC’s Workforce Development program and successful completion of the coursework will allow graduates to sit for the AAPC’s Professional Code examination.

WCC has a history of merging with other Alabama post-secondary institutions and that has enabled its resources to build over the years. In addition to the Dothan campus, WCC also offers a Sparks campus located in the city of Eufaula.

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA – ANCHORAGE
Anchorage, AK
Website

The University of Alaska is the primary college in the state and offers all types of degree and certificate programs at multiple campus locations.

Program Offered: Medical Office Coding (OEC -Occupational Endorsement Certificate)

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Professional Medical Coding Certificate: $3,344

The University of Alaska is perceived as the premiere post-secondary institution in the state of Alaska. This allows students access to an abundance of resources and services. Academic advising is also available to help students through their educational journey.

The Medical Coding program has some online course offerings to go along with classes on campus. The design of the program is based on AAPC recommendations which will allow students to be fully prepared for the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam they will take upon their graduation.

The curriculum features 17 credits and many students complete these on a part-time basis over the course of three semesters. There are six required courses in the program and students must earn a grade of a C or better to qualify for graduation. To gain acceptance into the program, applicants must meet UAA’s requirements for an Occupational Endorsement Certificate.

There are a limited number of educational options in Alaska when it comes to Medical Billing and Coding. When examining those options, the University of Alaska Anchorage has the most prestigious name and reputation. Students have a high job placement rate right out of college and being affiliated with the University carries a great deal of influence as well. UAA has awarded droves of degrees to students in Alaska and being able to earn a certificate bearing that school’s name is an advantage when seeking out employment.

PHOENIX COLLEGE
Phoenix, AZ
Website

Phoenix College is a two-year college situated in the Encanto Village section of Phoenix.

Program Offered: Medical Coding Hospital Based Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $3,570

The Medical Coding program at Phoenix College requires the completion of 42 credits for students who have not already earned an Associate Degree in some other discipline. There is a 35.5 credit option for those who do hold an associate degree or higher. Students who complete the program will be awarded a Phoenix College Certificate of Completion.

Phoenix College has been a staple in the Phoenix community and has held AHIMA certification since 1981. The Medical Coding program can also be used as a stepping stone towards another degree. Students can use their medical coding credits towards an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Health Information Technology.

The program also covers Medical Billing as students will finish with a firm grasp of both billing and coding. Individual classes comprehensively cover each of those areas as part of the overall curriculum.

Students enrolled in the Medical Coding Hospital Based Certificate Program will qualify to take the AHIMA exam, which will earn them the distinction of Certified Coding Associate. The CCA distinction carries a lot of influence when seeking out employment as a medical coder in the state of Arizona.

Those interested in joining this program must apply directly. A formal application process is required to gain admission. Once admitted, students will be exposed to one of the region’s top programs in terms of resources, experienced instructors, and depth of curriculum.

Phoenix College has a long history of success. It first opened its doors for business in 1920 and remains of the country’s oldest community colleges.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY – OZARK CAMPUS
Ozark, AR
Website

Arkansas Tech University – Ozark is a branch of Arkansas Tech University and this smaller campus offers Associate Degrees, Technical Certificates and Certificates of Proficiency.

Program Offered:

Medical Coding Certificate of Proficiency
Medical Billing Certificate of Proficiency

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $1,143
• Tuition/fees for Medical Billing Certificate: $1,143

At Arkansas Tech University, Medical Billing and Medical Coding are not fused into one major. Students can earn a Certificate of Proficiency in each of those academic areas. Each program requires the completion of 15 credits. However, if students are looking to combine the two, they will only need to take a total of 24 credits. A Medical terminology course and a Diagnostic Coding course are required in each of those programs. Students looking to earn both of those certificates can complete the process in just two semesters.

A selling point at Arkansas Tech is that the Ozark campus is affiliated with the main university, which also offers Bachelor and Graduate Degree programs. This allows students to have access to resources that are funded by a widely-recognized university.

Students looking to continue their education at the Associate Degree level can use their Medical Coding and Medical Billing credits towards a Health Information Management Degree from Arkansas Tech University. For those looking to embark on a successful career in medical billing and coding, Arkansas Tech is one of the few programs in the region with AHIMA accreditation.

Because Arkansas Tech is a public institution, it is able to offer affordable tuition rates that will not encumber students with much debt, if any, upon their graduation. Financial aid options are also available for those who qualify.

FRESNO CITY COLLEGE
Fresno, CA
Website

Fresno City College is a two-year college that remains one of the oldest in the nation.

Program Offered:

Medical Coding Certificate of Achievement

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $3,388

This program covers a wide range of topics and skills, as it spans 32 credits. Students typically complete the program in two semesters and have the option of moving on to an Associate Degree Health Information Technology. Those who qualify for the Health Information Technology program will be able to go on to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

All the programs in Fresno City College’s Medical Coding and Health Information Technology fields have been aligned with the standards set by the AHIMA. This allows graduates to fast track their way into a full-time position. Those who are considering a two-year career path in Health Information Technology will see their tuition rates double that of medical coding students.

Students who complete the medical coding program will qualify to sit for the AHIMA certification. Courses are designed to prepare students for this exam and begin immediate work in this profession.

Fresno City College has a proud history as it was the first community college in California and is currently the second oldest in the nation. The school has also set up numerous affiliations with other state universities that enable students to transfer and continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree.

Fresno City College also features the biggest nursing program in the state of California. This benefits medical coding students because it has allowed the college to upgrade its resources and that means that there is state of the art equipment in all health technology areas of study.

ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Littleton, CO
Website

Arapahoe Community College is a two-year college located just outside the city of Denver.

Program Offered:
Medical Office Technology Billing and Reimbursement Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $6,191

The Medical Office Technology Billing and Reimbursement Certificate program requires the completion of 25 credits and typically spans two semesters. There is more of an emphasis on medical billing, although there is medical coding taught as part of the course.

There is also a program available through Career Step that involves a heavier emphasis on medical coding. This is an online program that can be adjusted to students’ individual pace of learning. Some classes in this program are also available through the medical billing curriculum.

Students seeing admission to the Medical Office Terminology program will need to apply directly to that program. Acceptance will only be granted by that department as admissions are competitive. A personal interview is also required with the program coordinator.

ACC was the first community college to open in the Denver area. That long tradition has allowed each department to compile a host of resources and equipment, which has enhanced the learning process. Students of the medical office technology program undergo in-depth instructor from a staff of instructors that have extensive experience in the industry. This adds to the prestige of the program as students are provided with a thorough overview of medical billing and coding.

A capstone class is also required before graduation, which is another of exhibiting the commitment to excellence in the Career and Technical Education programs available at ACC.

MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Middletown, CT
Website

Middlesex Community College is a two-year public college that enrolls approximately 4,400 students each year.

Program Offered:
Medical Office Billing and Coding Certificate

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $2,845

The Medical Office Billing and Coding Certificate program combines both billing and coding. This curriculum is broken down into five parts as it covers medical coding, medical terminology, health insurance and health records. The program is designed in accordance with the guidelines set by the AAPC and when the program completed, graduates should have no trouble passing their CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam.

Students who go on to pass the CPC exam are eligible to receive credit at Charter Oak State College should they decide to further their careers in health information technology at a four-year college. This is one of the other institutions of higher learning in Connecticut that offers continuing education in health information technology.

MCC has updated its coding courses to meet the latest coding changes and standards. This allows students to stay right on the cutting edge of this industry and learn about the latest codes to be entered into the ICD.

The Medical Office Billing and Coding program at MCC qualifies for the Health Careers Advancement Program, which allows some students to forgo all their tuition costs. The tuition for the Medical Office Billing and Coding program does not factor in the cost of textbooks which is generally around $1,000 in total.

MCC also offers an Associate Degree in Health Information Management. Those who complete the Medical Office Billing and Coding program have the option of moving up into that program and continuing their education in this field. Becoming a medical biller and coder can be the start of a successful career in the medical profession and MCC has been helping students down that path for a number of years.

DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Wilmington, DE
Website

Delaware Tech is the primary community and technical college within the state of Delaware and offers a variety of degree and certificate programs.

Program Offered:
Medical Coding Studies Diploma

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Coding Certificate: $6,727

The Medical Coding Studies program results in the awarding of a diploma from Del Tech. This program consists of 50 credits and is usually completed over the course of five semesters. Some additional fees are applied while students also have to account for the cost of textbooks. Del Tech offers financial aid options, which can ease the financial burden for in-state students.

Del Tech has four campuses, although the Medical Coding Studies program is only offered at the Wilmington location. Del Tech remains one of the most notable two-year schools in the tri-state area. Its Medical Coding Studies program draws students from all over the state of Delaware. The comprehensive curriculum is based on the standards set by the AHIMA.

Credits that are earned in Del Tech’s Medical Coding Studies program can be used towards an Associate Degree in Health Information Management. The Medical Coding Studies program is highly competitive as evidenced by the Allied Health competitive admission process. Applicants are carefully reviewed as there is a lot of interest.

Technical standards have also been put in place for the Medical Coding Studies program. Students are expected to uphold physical, cognitive and environmental factors throughout their educational training as part of those technical standards. These factors add to the high level of demand placed on medical coding students. This also pays off after graduation as Del Tech students find employment throughout the tri-state area.

KEISER UNIVERSITY
Jacksonville, FL
Website

Keiser University is a private university with multiple locations throughout the state of Florida.

Program Offered:
Medical Administrative Billing and Coding Associate of Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Medical Billing and Coding A.S.: $28,500

The Medical Administrative Billing and Coding program at Keiser allows students to earn a two-year degree. This is accomplished with the addition of 24 general education credits to the 36 program-specific credits. The program specific credits are split between medical billing and medical coding to give students a strong balance of the two disciplines.

The program not only offers in-depth instruction in its medical billing and coding courses, but there is also an externship in which students learn in a real-world setting. The combination of instructional levels has allowed Keiser to stand out as one of the elite programs in the state of Florida.

The fact that Keiser is a private university has increased tuition costs, although there is a myriad of financial aid options available. Most students receive some sort of aid as there is a liberal disbursement of funds to those who qualify. Students can also apply for loans and grants that can be used towards the cost of tuition.

Keiser has been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report with a top ranking in the state of Florida according to the Regional Colleges South category. The main Keiser campus is located in West Palm Beach, although there are other locations throughout the state. The Medical Administrative Billing and Coding program is available at campuses in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Lakeland, New Port Richey, Tampa, Orlando and Pembroke Pines.

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
Kennesaw, GA
Website

Kennesaw State University offers certificates degrees at all different levels at two campus locations in the state of Georgia.

Programs Offered:
Medical Office Assistant Certificate Program
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate Program

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate Programs: $1,999 per certificate program

The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program and the Medical Office Assistant Certificate at Kennesaw State is part of its College of Continuing and Professional Education. Both are comprehensive programs packed into a one-semester course with multiple sessions per week. Students are expected to retain a wealth of course-related knowledge during that time.

Classes are offered at the KSU Center in the city of Kennesaw. There are also multiple instructors who combine to teach each curriculum. These programs are demanding, although it is a fast track into the medical profession.

In order to begin the Coding Specialist Program, students must first complete the Medical Office Assistant program. Once students have completed both programs, they will be eligible to sit for the AAPC exam. Completing both programs will tally a total tuition bill of $3,998. This will also take two semesters to complete.

Students who attend Kennesaw State University have access to a number of resources on campus. The student services available also serve as an immense help to students in these medical billing and coding programs. The standards established by the AAPC are part of each of these curriculums and are intended to find graduates employment as soon as their education at Kennesaw State has finished. Kennesaw State was first established as a junior college and it has retained those roots with its College of Continuing and Professional Education.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Pearl City, HI
Website

Leeward Community College is a two-year school affiliated with the University of Hawaii.

Programs Offered:
Health Info Tech Associate of Science Degree
Health Info Tech Certificate of Achievement
Health Info Tech Certificate of Competence

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $7,838
• Tuition/fees for Certificates: $2,056 and $3,983

Leeward Community College offers three varieties of Health Information Technology programs. The highest level is an Associate Degree which requires the completion of 61 credits. This combines both medical billing and medical coding. It also offers advanced coding classes as part of its curriculum.

The Certificate of Achievement option requires the completion of 31 credits and takes two semesters to complete. Those classes can also be used towards an Associate Degree. There are coding classes in this program, but they are not as extensive as the ones offered in the Associate Degree program.

The Certificate of Competence is the quickest educational pathway and can be completed in just one semester. This option features 16 credits and is more along the lines of a medical billing curriculum. There are no coding courses in the five classes that comprise this program.

Graduates of the HIT program at Leeward have experienced 100% employment rates through the spring of 2017. Leeward Community College is affiliated with the University of Hawaii, which affords students an extensive amount of resources and services. It also adds to the prestige of a degree or certificate from Leeward Community College.

In the state of Hawaii, there are limited options for those looking to enter into a career in Health Information Technology. Leeward Community College can help with that endeavor by offering one of the top programs in all of Hawaii for aspiring medical billers and coders.

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
Pocatello, ID
Website

Idaho State University is a public institution offering certificates and degrees at all levels at four different campus locations.

Program Offered:
Health Information Technology Medical Coding Technical Certificate (Intermediate)

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Technical Certificate: $7,801 (not including books)

Idaho State University offers a Health Information Medical Coding Technical Certificate that is very detailed. It is considered to be on the Intermediate level and takes three semesters to complete. The technical certificate is not far off from being the equivalent to an Associate Degree. The main difference is that students in the technical certificate program do not need to take the general education courses that are required for an Associate Degree.

Students who complete this technical certificate program can transfer those credits into ISU’s Health Information Technology Associate Degree program. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Health Science available at ISU, which can continue students’ educational journey.

This program is available on a full or part-time basis. Course offerings are available via distance learning and in a classroom setting. Entrance into the program is granted only in the spring semester. Once the program is completed, graduates are eligible to take the AHIMA’s CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) examination.

Graduates of the technical certificate program at ISU have experienced high levels of success. ISU boasts a 100% employment rate in its previous class of graduates. Graduates are trained to handle duties as a medical biller, medical coder, or a combination of both. Prior to being admitted to the technical certificate program, applicants must meet with a program coordinator and follow all the application guidelines.

ISU features four different campuses located in the Meridian, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and the main campus location in Pocatello, where the medical coding classes are offered.

SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE
Belleville, IL
Website

Southwestern Illinois College is a two-year college with three campus locations and 20 smaller, off-site locations where students can take classes.

Program Offered:
Medical Billing & Coding Associate in Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $8,434 (not including books)

The Medical Billing & Coding Associate Degree program at Southwestern Illinois College requires the completion of 69 credits. Some students are able to complete these requirements in four semesters, although most students take a few summer courses in route to completing this two-year pathway.

The program is competitive and there is a maximum of 24 students accepted each year. This allows for more personalized attention and a smaller teacher to student ratio. Applicants looking to gain acceptance must be qualified and that has enhanced the overall quality of the program. Prerequisites for the application process can be found under the applicant guidelines. There are generally a lot more candidates than there are spots available in this program.

The Medical Billing and Coding classes are offered strictly at the Belleville campus during morning and afternoon hours. Core education classes can be taken at any of the SWIC campus locations.

One of the advantages of this program is that it offers clinical experiences. Each student will complete a practicum that will take place at a health care facility in the area. In this portion of the program, students are able to see theory put into practice as they are exposed to real-world experiences on the job. When the program is completed, graduates will be eligible to sit for the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder examination.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Online
Website

Indiana University is a public university with eight campuses, including its main location located in the city of Bloomington.

Program Offered:
Medical Coding Undergraduate Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $7,704 (not including books)

The Medical Coding Undergraduate Certificate program at Indiana University is offered completely online. Students do not have to attend any campus locations and are able to complete the entire program from the comfort of their own home. This will result in the awarding of an undergraduate certificate from Indiana University, which has a lot of influence in the professional world.

The program consists of 28 credits and also requires the completion of a few prerequisite classes. There are three application deadlines for students looking to enroll in this program, one in March, one in May, and one in November. There is a total of nine courses in this program, including a 4-credit practicum. This practicum allows students to observe a real-life medical setting and gain a firsthand perspective of medical billing and coding.

As an online student at Indiana University, students are afforded all the same resources as students who take classes on campus. The classes are taught by the same instructors and the same support is available for students. Online discussions are part of the coursework and provide students with a virtual classroom experience.

Any degree or certificate from Indiana University is typically held by high esteem in the workplace. This can accelerate job opportunities and even provide graduates with leverage when negotiating pay rates. This certificate will also allow graduates to become part of an elite group of professionals who have completed educational programs at Indiana University.

INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Ottumwa, IA
Website

Indian Hills Community College is a two-year college with its main campus location in the city of Ottumwa.

Program Offered:
Medical Insurance/Coding Diploma

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Diploma: $7,100

The Medical Insurance/Coding Diploma is offered only in an online format at IHCC. This program features 48 credits that are broken down into 21 courses that are designed to cover four terms. Some of those courses are one and two credits while the majority of classes award students three credits.

There is also a five-credit Professional Experience course, which will require students to spend time with the Health Information Management Department. This is intended to provide students with actual experience as they will be asked to put their skills to use in their final term of this program.

The essentials of medical coding and billing are taught in this program. IHCC has a more in-depth online medical coding program than other many other schools in the Midwest. Students are exposed to all aspects of medical billing and coding as well as detailed instruction on insurance essentials.

This program is part of the Health Sciences Program offerings at IHCC. Students looking to continue their education have a host of other programs to choose from in this field at IHCC.

Online students can utilize all the IHCC resources that are intended to help with the next step of gaining employment. Student services are available to online students and there are a number of resources accessible from their homes. The Medical Insurance/Coding program at IHCC models the standards put in place by the AHIMA.

WASHBURN UNIVERSITY
Topeka, KS
Website

Washburn University is a public university in Topeka that offers certificates and degrees at the associate, bachelor and graduate levels.

Programs Offered:
Health Information Technology Coding Certificate
Health Information Technology Associate Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $8,992 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $20,513 (not including books and supplies)

Washburn University features a Health Information Technology Coding Certificate that requires the completion of 32 credits. Students can also choose to apply those credits towards a Health Information Technology Associate Degree, which requires 73 credits for completion. Both programs teach the fundamentals and essentials of medical billing and coding.

The cost is a bit higher than community colleges, although being a university comes with its benefits. Washburn students are allotted a number of on-campus resources as well as earning the distinction of a certificate or degree from a university. These programs are available online as students have the option of learning from home.

Choosing a one or two-year plan for a certificate or degree path helps students fast track their way into a career in medical billing and coding. Washburn has a reputable name in the state of Kansas as it has been in existence since 1865. The continual growth of the university has made more services and resources readily available, as well as an experienced and highly-acclaimed faculty.

Washburn’s Health Information Technology programs have earned accreditation from the AHIMA and continue to adhere to the high standards set by that association. This has allowed students to receive a top-quality education that can be used to obtain competitive positions in the workforce.

SULLIVAN UNIVERSITY
Louisville, KY
Website

Sullivan University is a private university offering all levels of degrees in the city of Louisville.

Program Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate Program

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $13,120

The Medical Coding Certificate Program is also called a Career Diploma Program at Sullivan University. It is offered as part of Sullivan’s online programs as students can complete all 41 credits in nine months. This will put students on a quick pace to a rewarding career as a medical biller and coder.

This program is AHIMA accredited but also comes with a host of other benefits. The online format provides the convenience of learning from home, although there is an abundance of personalized attention. Instructors remain in steady contact with students and the virtual classroom experience opens a busy forum for peer discussion.

Another benefit is the online support at Sullivan University, which is available around the clock. No matter what time of day or not, assistance is always available for students. There is even an effort to help students beyond graduation as Sullivan offers employment assistance completely free of charge. Career specialists guide students through the employment process and assist with establishing connections on a nationwide basis. This service is available beyond graduation as Sullivan helps its students after they have finished their education.

Sullivan is a private university that was first opened in 1962. There are undergraduate, graduate and doctorate level degrees offered at Sullivan, which has campuses in Louisville and Lexington, as well as an extension center in Fort Knox.

HERZING UNIVERSITY
New Orleans, LA
Website

Herzing University is a private institution located in New Orleans, offering degrees at all levels.

Programs Offered:
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Insurance
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
Diploma in Medical Billing Insurance
Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $26,780
• Tuition/fees for Diploma: $13,390

Herzing University has both Diploma and Associate Degree programs in both Medical Billing and Medical Coding. The Associate Degree program takes 20 months to complete and features 61 credits. The Diploma option can be completed in 12 months by successfully earning 43 credits. There are classes offered both on the Herzing University campus and online. The Herzing University campus in Louisiana is situated in New Orleans and offers a vast amount of resources to its student body.

The availability of separate degree and diploma pathways allows students to complete their training in a couple of different time frames. Having both options also allows students to concentrate on medical coding or billing. There are still overlapping similarities between the two programs, so that graduates will be able to thrive in a professional setting.

Internships are also part of these programs as students will be able to engage in real-life work experience. This part of the curriculum is intended to acclimate students to the profession prior to graduation.

Herzing University was started as a for-profit institution and now has campus locations throughout the country. There are online, on-campus and hybrid courses available to students. Each of those pathways comes with individualized attention as teacher to student rations remain small to enhance the overall learning experience.

CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Auburn, ME
Website

Central Maine Community College is a two-year college that belongs to the Maine Community College System.

Programs Offered:
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records

Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records Certificate

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $6,770
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $3,540

Central Maine Community College has two options when it comes to medical coding education. The first is a 32/33-credit pathway that culminates with the awarding of a certificate. The second option requires the completion of 62/63 credits and awards students an Associate Degree. The second option is more in-depth with the coding and health records courses.

CMCC offers these programs in an -campus and online format. Students have the option of learning in a classroom setting or in the comfort of their own home. The nature of medical coding is an individualized process, which makes it equally conducive in an online format. However, the online version still features peer interaction, a virtual classroom and instructor-led discussions. The same resources and coursework are implemented in both programs.

The completion of the Medical Coding program will qualify students to sit for the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder exam. This concepts, principles and lessons in the program will prepare students for what they need to know to become a Certified Professional Coder.

CMCC has financial aid options available for students who meet the necessary qualifications. The tuition fees are very competitive when compared to many other two-year colleges in New England. That means students who graduate from CMCC typically find themselves free of any significant debt. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, although there is a deadline for acceptance into the online program.

SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Springfield, MA
Website

Springfield Technical Community College is a two-year college located in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Program Offered:
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Associate of Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $13,735

Springfield Technical Community College features a two-year Associate Degree program that takes two full years of schooling to complete. This program combines medical billing and coding to give students a firm grasp of this discipline. Graduates have gone on to receive an extraordinarily high job placement rate. STCC also helps to facilitate the employment process with job assistance for future medical billers and coders.

The program is broken down into four semesters in which students go through a balanced workload of classes. A minimum of a C grade must be earned in the program-specific classes. Students who fail to maintain that minimum will be subject to removal from the program.

In order to gain admission to the STCC, students must have already acquired a high school diploma or GED equivalency. Another requirement states that applicants must have also earned a passing score in a medical terminology course. There is a formal application process that pertains directly to this program.

The involved coursework in this program will prepare students to take multiple certification exams offered by organizations such as the AIHMA and AAPC. When utilizing the resources at STCC, students will be exposed to a wide variety of services. STCC enrolls close to 8,000 students each year and features a faculty of more than 1,100. This ratio allows students to maximize their time by receiving an ample amount of individualized attention.

BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Baltimore, MD
Website

Baltimore City Community College is a two-year college that remains the only community college in Maryland that is sponsored by the state.

Program Offered:
Coding Specialist Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificates: $6,105

Baltimore City Community College offers a Coding Specialist Certificate that requires the completion of 37 credits. There are, however, prerequisites that need to be completed before starting on this educational pathway. This results in a three to four semester time frame for students in the Coding Specialist Certificate program. Students who score a 35 or above on the Science Placement test will not be required to take Biology 101 or Biology 102.

This specialization is part of the BCCC Health Information Technology Program. Students can take classes on the BCCC campus location as this is not a distance learning program.

Financial aid options are available to BCCC and the already low cost of tuition makes this an affordable option for Baltimore residents. Students can earn a Coding Specialist Certificate without having to take on significant debt.

This program is also designed to integrate students into a full-time position when once they have completed the program. It also allows students to take the AHIMA CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) exam in addition to the CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based) examination. The benefit of qualifying to take a variety of AHIMA exams allows students to fast track their way into a full-time position.

BCCC regularly places graduates in a local health care facility as a professional medical coder. The skills taught in this educational program are designed to align with what the top coders utilize on a daily basis. BCCC also features a staff of experienced medical coders who provide individualized attention to all students.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Big Rapids, MI
Website

Ferris State University is a four-year university that also offers degrees at the associate level.

Program Offered:
Health Information Technology Associate Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $23,576

Ferris State University features one of the top Health Information Technology Associate Degree programs in the country. It has been continually ranked in the top 10 by a number of outlets. That reputation has been proven by statistics. The employer satisfaction rate has ranged from 95-100% in each of the last four years when it comes to hiring graduates of the FSU Health Information Technology program.

Within this program, students are taught the essentials of medical billing and coding. The standard design of the curriculum has students take an abbreviated number of classes during the summer sessions so that they are not overloaded during the spring and fall semesters. Students in this program must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or better to qualify for graduation.

There is a mandatory six-week internship in the program, in which students engage in 240 total hours of field-related work. This experience is designed to provide students with real-world experience in a health information technology setting. This has shown to be an immense help when transitioning to a professional setting after graduation.

FSU is a bit more pricey than other two-year schools offering this type of degree. However, the price holds a lot of value as students earn a university degree from one of the top medical billing and coding programs in the entire country. There is a formal application process that requires students to gain approval from the program itself.

MINNESOTA STATE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Moorhead, MN
Website

Minnesota State Technical and Community College is a two-year college that features four campus locations in Minnesota.

Programs Offered:
Health Information Technology Coding Associate of Applied Science Degree
Medical Coding and Insurance Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $12,732
• Tuition/fees for Diploma: $9,947

Minnesota State offers two options for students looking to begin a career in medical billing and coding. The Associate Degree program is offered solely online while Diploma program is offered both online and at the Moorhead campus location. The Associate Degree program requires the completion of 64 credits while the Diploma program features 50 credits needed for graduation.

Both program offerings go into great detail in the areas of medical billing and coding. Insurance procedures are also covered in depth as graduates will be able to perform a variety of duties. The online format provides the same type of depth and instructor attention. The design of the online curriculum has emphasized interaction. Because of the unique job duties of a medical coder, the online education format is conducive to this profession.

Graduates of these programs can go on to work in a number of capacities in the region. This can lead to employment at a variety of medical institutions as the program equips students with a versatile set of skills.

Minnesota State has four different campuses located in the cities of Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Wadena and Fergus Falls. Minnesota State has also partnered with hundreds of companies to help the transition process for graduates. Career Coach resources also help students to prepare for employment and what they will encounter once they have completed their respective educational program.

SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Summit, MS
Website

Southwest Mississippi Community College is a two-year college with an annual enrollment of approximately 2,200 students.

Program Offered:
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $7,180

The Health Information Technology Associate Degree Program at Southwest Mississippi Community College combines medical billing and coding to provide students with a comprehensive array of skills to flourish in this profession. The degree program takes two years to complete and has recorded a 100% student satisfaction rate in each of the last three years.

Also available at Southwest is the school’s Health Information Management Student Association. This group promotes awareness when it comes to healthcare initiatives. Fundraisers and meetings are held throughout the year as this provides students in the program with a tremendous amount of resources. It allows students to engage in endeavors and regular discussions with like-minded students seeking out a future in the same profession. This group enhances the overall educational experience at SMCC.

Completion of the Associate Degree program will allow graduates of SMCC to sit for a Certified Coding Specialist exam while also making them eligible to earn an RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) credential. This is an elite distinction that allows professionals to rise through the ranks as a medical billing and coding specialist, as it signified that they have acquired additional skills that make them a valuable asset to the profession.

SMCC also helps students with job placement services beyond graduation. There are financial aid options available as the low cost of in-state tuition is capable of being reduced even more with grants, scholarships and need-based stipends.

OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Springfield, MO
Website

Ozarks Technical Community College is a two-year college that caters to a variety of professional workforce development programs.

Programs Offered:
Health Information Technology Certificate – Coding

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $5,565 (including books and supplies)

The Certificate program at OTCC requires students to complete 39 credits. There are seven program-specific courses that involve health information technology. Students are also required to take three Coding courses which are offered sequentially. This hierarchy is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of coding, which progresses throughout the curriculum.

The program is approved by the AHIMA and, upon graduation, students qualify to take the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) examination. This will afford new graduates the opportunity to navigate their way through the work environment and find employment at a reputable facility.

One of the other positive attributes of the OTCC program is its low cost. The total cost of tuition is very competitive and lower than other similar programs. The AHIMA accreditation also enhances the reputation that comes with earning a Health Information Technology Certificate from OTCC.

OTCC is a relatively new community college as it was first established in 1990. It was erected after a vote from Springfield school district residents and more than a dozen public school districts in the area. Since that time, OTCC has become a staple in the Springfield community, adding more resources every year and providing residents with the opportunity to take their education to another level.

FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Kalispell, MT
Website

Flathead Valley Community College is a two-year college in Montana with multiple campus locations.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $9,616 (not including books and supplies)

FVCC offers a Medical Coding Associate of Applied Science Degree that is one of the more reputable programs in that region of the country. It is not common for schools to feature medical coding programs on the Associate Degree level. Many offer certificates or diplomas or Health Information Technology Associate Degrees. FVCC has a truly unique program that is also revered for its depth, quality of instruction and resources.

The Associate Degree program is offered at the Kalispell and Lincoln County campuses. There are only a certain number of classes offered online as students will have to attend a campus setting for a significant number of classes.

There has been a tremendous amount of growth in the health information technology profession in the state of Montana in recent years and that is expecting to continue This has placed a strong emphasis on education for future medical billers and coders. The education offered at FVCC will help students attain a position upon their graduation and that could lead to a long prosperous career.

Students in this program have the option of participating in an internship, although it is not a mandatory requirement. This is a three-credit course that can build the resume and strength of training among medical coding students.

WESTERN NEBRASKA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Scottsbluff, NE
Website

Western Nebraska Community College is a two-year college housed in the city of Scottsbluff and it also features two other campus locations.

Programs Offered:
Health Information Technology/Coding Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $8,225 (not including books and supplies)

Western Nebraska Community College features a two-year Associate Degree program that places a strong emphasis on medical coding. The Health Information Technology degree at WNCC features several coding courses that help students to master the most essential components. The faculty at WNCC have also accumulated a wealth of experience in that field, which enables them to provide expert instruction. Student resources are made available to enhance the learning experience.

WNCC has reached an agreement with Mid-Plains Community College in Nebraska and that means that its online courses are also available to students at Mid-Plains. This arrangement is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

The accreditation of the WNCC program adds to its prestige as it is a two-year degree that has been approved by the AHIMA. This enables the program standards to be raised above that of comparable programs. Students who complete this program are able to walk right into full-time positions and their prior education has prepared them to handle the daily workload.

WNCC has more than two dozen student organizations, with a lot going on for a small college. There are three campus locations and while it is considered a small two-year college, it provides the resources and activity of a much larger school.

CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Charlotte, NC
Website

Central Piedmont Community College is a two-year college that offers continuing education programs in healthcare and a variety of other disciplines in Mecklenburg County.

Program Offered:
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $2,135 (not including books and supplies)

The Charlotte area is one of the fastest growing locations in the entire country. That rise in popularity and population has spilled over into CPCC. The number of resources continues to grow at CPCC as students have access to a number of services that have been proving advantageous to their education.

The cost of the Medical Billing and Coding program at CPCC is one of its top advantages as students can learn all the necessary elements in this profession without having to pay the high costs that are demanded by private universities.

The design of the Medical Billing and Coding program at CPCC is modeled after the standards put in place by the AAPC. This enables students to be adequately prepared for the exams they will have to take in order to become certified once their education has been completed. The program at CPCC has also been recognized by local places of business and that has led to a high job placement rate among graduates of this program.

The program takes one year to complete and that paves the way for immediate full-time employment. The program helps to build the skills and knowledge needed to become both a medical biller and coder.

CPCC features six campus locations and has been educating local residents for more than 50 years. Higher education in Mecklenburg County has become synonymous with CPCC.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Fargo, ND
Website

North Dakota College of Science is a two -year college with two campus locations and a host of online course offerings.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate

Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $8,320 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $13,938 (not including books and supplies)

North Dakota State College is a community college with campuses in the cities of Fargo and Whapeton. The Medical Coding Certificate program is offered at the Whapeton location, in addition to an online format. That distance learning option can be done entirely on the web. Student resources online are equivalent to what is offered to students who attend this program on the Whapeton campus.

Towards the final stage of the Medical Coding program, students will participate in a virtual practicum which is conducted entirely online. Actual health records are used as part of this practicum, which introduces students to the type of work they will be doing as professional medical coders.

The Health Information Technician program is a bit more involved as it adds an additional 25 credits. This program is available on the Whapeton campus, online, or through a combination of both.

NDCS has set up a variety of transfer options for students looking to extend their education at a four-year college. However, the certificate and degree options offered at NDCS have a lot of value as employers typically hold graduates in high esteem. Residents can utilize an affordable way towards gaining a quality education at NDCS.

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
Las Vegas, NV
Website

The College of Southern Nevada is a two-year community college that draws students from all over Clerk County.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate of Achievement
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $5,06 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $7,705 (not including books and supplies)

The Medical Coding Certificate program at CSN requires students to complete 44 credits. This is a limited entry program, which indicates how competitive admission has become to this specific program. Students are expected to follow a specific protocol when applying and that includes attending a program orientation and also attend a meeting with a Health Programs advisor. Once a student is granted admission, he/she has five semesters to complete this program and that includes one summer session.

The Health Information Technology Associate Degree program takes that education a step beyond and features a total of 67 credits. This is also a limited entry program and follows the same guidelines as the Certificate program. Both programs are accredited and that allows graduates to enter the health technology field with credible training.

Each of these programs offers practicum experience in which students are able to learn in a real healthcare setting. This is offered in the final stages of the coursework so that students can put all their training to use in an experience that simulates actual employment.

CSN offers certain classes online while others are available at its Las Vegas campus location or its other branches in North Las Vegas and Henderson.

MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Manchester, NH
Website

Manchester Community College is a two-year college that welcomes approximately 3,500 students each semester.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Professional Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $9,415 (not including books and supplies)

Manchester Community College offers a Medical Coding Professional Certificate Program that requires the completion of 41 credits. This program includes a few different coding classes along with other health information technology courses to round out the curriculum. Completing this program will allow graduates to sit for a national exam.

The Coding program can also be used as a stepping stone towards a Health Information Management Associate Degree at MCC. This program is more comprehensive and grooms students to acquire a more advanced position. Both programs were constructed on the foundation established by the AHIMA.

One of the perks of attending either of these programs is the advanced level of credentials among the faculty. Students learn from experienced professionals who have accumulated a wealth of experience in the field of health information technology.

MCC has built an esteemed reputation in the state of New Hampshire. Students have the advantage of utilizing a vast amount of campus resources. Online and on-campus resources have been able to enhance the educational experience at MCC.

There is also a variety of financial aid options for MCC students and that extends to grants, scholarships and various stipends. The application process to become a student in the Coding program does require the completion of a College Composition class, unless the applicant tested out on the Accuplacer exam.

CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE
Blackwood, NJ
Website

Camden County College is one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in New Jersey and the surrounding region.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $9,648
• Tuition/fees for Diploma: $5,616

Camden County College has received its share of acclaim in the state of New Jersey. A certificate or degree from that institution is looked highly upon by potential employers. There are two programs offered in the area of medical billing and coding at Camden County College. A Medical Coding Certificate program can be completed by earning 39 program credits.

Students who complete the program can use those credits towards an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology. That program requires the completion of 67 credits for graduation. To gain admission into either of those programs, students must gain acceptance from the program coordinator.

Camden County College students have the option of completing the Medical Coding program online. There is also a clinical practice portion that requires students to pass a criminal background check. The design of this program is very thorough, and entrance is on a competitive basis, primarily because of the prestige the program holds in the workforce.

The Camden County College campus is set on a secluded and picturesque part of Camden County, providing students with a real college feel. Financial aid is distributed to qualifying students and job placement rates remain high among graduates, particularly those who complete the Medical Coding and Health Information Technology programs. The AHIMA accreditation is also a proud trademark of this program as it remains one of the leaders throughout the entire state of New Jersey.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO – GALLUP
Gallup, NM
Website

The University of New Mexico Gallup is a two-year community college located in the city of Gallup.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $2,656
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $5,715

The University of New Mexico has an affiliation with the UNM Gallup, which is a community college. While it may only be a two-year school, it is afforded a lot of resources because of its affiliation with the University of New Mexico. Students also have the advantage of earning a certificate or degree that bears the University of New Mexico name. That can provide a tremendous boost in the search for employment.

UNM Gallop’s Medical Coding Certificate program is comprised of 33 credits. Once those credits are completed, students have the option of entering the workforce or moving on to earn a Health Information Technology Degree from UNM Gallup. Each program is designed sequentially so that students can build off prior courses on their way to graduation.

Students who wish to continue their education beyond the Associate Degree level have the option of transferring to the University Of New Mexico’s main campus. UNM Gallup also has articulation agreements with other universities. Education does not have to end once students are finished with their coursework at UNM Gallup. That is one of the advantages of attending a school with numerous partnerships.

UNM Gallup assists students with a wealth of job opportunities as regular listings, insight and advice can be ascertained through the resources provided by the school. Students can also apply for financial assistance which is distributed in the form of aid, grants and scholarships. The whole design of the UNM Gallup school is intended to make education effective and affordable for students.

SUNY BROOME COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Binghamton, NY
Website

SUNY Broome Community College is a two-year college located in the city of Binghamton and belongs to the State University of New York educational system.

Program Offered:
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $9,456

Medical Billing and Coding are all wrapped up into a comprehensive Health Information Technology Associate Degree program. Completion of this program will result in students becoming eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) national examination. This can open up immediate doors in the professional world.

The SUNY network comprises an extensive system of higher education, which is made up of 64 universities and colleges across the state of New York. This system is supported by the state and invests in resources that will enhance the overall education at the post-secondary level in New York. Broome Community College is part of this network and has a long list of resources available to students.

The Associate Degree program in Health Information Technology at Broome is made of 65 credits. Students take classes in coding, data analytics, health information systems and much more. There is also a clinical portion of the program where students are exposed to actual work experience. The end result is a comprehensive handle on the essentials of health information technology.

Students in the program must maintain grades of C or better in program-specific courses. Admission to the program must adhere to guidelines set forth by Broome Community College.

COLOMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Columbus, OH
Website

Columbus State Community College is a two-year college that offers a wide variety of technical degrees to its student body.

Program Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $2,990 (not including books or supplies)

The Medical Coding Certificate program at CSCC features 22 credits needed for completion. These courses are specifically designed to focus on medical coding and do not include any general education classes. The program places an emphasis on medical coding with a host of courses dedicated to the latest codes and updates. There is also an introduction to the essentials of medical billing, as well as coursework on health insurance.

Students at CSCC also benefit from low tuition costs as the price to complete the Medical Coding Certificate Program is relatively low in comparison to other schools offering similar programs. Students also receive a number of resources available at CSCC, which helps throughout their education and also prepares them for employment.

Applicants looking to gain entrance to this program must have earned a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency. They must also pass a drug screening and criminal background check before being admitted to the program.

CSCC offers a variety of academic programs that culminate with the awarding of an Associate Degree. There are a number of Health Sciences programs to choose from and Medical Coding falls under this distinction. Financial aid options are also available for students who meet specific requirements.

TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tulsa, OK
Website

Tulsa Community College is a two-year college that was first started as Tulsa Junior College and was designed to offer a long list of academic programs to more than 25,000 students throughout the Tulsa area.

Program Offered:
Health Information Technology, Coding and Reimbursement Specialist – Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $5,520

To earn a HIT Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Certificate, students must successfully complete a total of 40 credits. Of those credits, only four classify as general education credits while the rest are earned in specialized classes that are specific to this major. Students also get to participate in a Professional Experience course in which they are able to conduct work with real health records in an actual health care setting. This adds to the elevated quality of the HIT Coding and Reimbursement Certificate program.

Each new program begins during the fall semester and there is an application protocol to follow for those interested. Applications must be received before May 1^st to receive consideration for fall admission.

Students in the program will learn the essentials of both medical billing and medical coding as the comprehensive curriculum enables students to thrive in both capacities. Students typically take three semesters to complete the program. A popular option is to complete classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. This pathway takes one year to complete as graduates can be fast on their way to making a comfortable living as a full-time medical biller and coder.

TCC has a vast amount of campus and online resources. These services combined with career assistance help students gain a distinct advantage on their way towards full-time employment in the profession of their choosing.

CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bend, OR
Website

Central Oregon Community College is a two-year college located in the city of Bend.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate
Medical Billing Specialist Certificate
Medical Insurance Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificates: $2,760 – $8,721

There are three programs to choose from at COCC as students have the option of earning a certificate in Medical Coding, Medical Insurance, or as a Medical Billing Specialist. The Medical Coding program is the longest of the three and typically takes 21 months to complete. That is followed by the Medical Billing Specialist option, which generally takes 15 months to complete. And to finish up the Medical Insurance Certificate, students complete coursework over the course of two semesters.

The prerequisites for these programs consist of a Medical Terminology course, in addition to a Composition course and a Computer Application course. These courses may add to the overall coursework and extend the anticipated time of completion. There is also portions of the program where students get to conduct actual work with real health records in what is called Directed Practice.

COCC also offers an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. Students who complete coursework in these other three programs can use those classes towards a Health Information Technology Degree.

COCC provides academic service to residents in three counties and has a yearly enrollment of just over 7,000 students. The college has an affiliation with Oregon State University as students can start their education at COCC and finish up with a four-year degree at OSU.

LEHIGH CARBON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Lehigh, PA
Website

Lehigh Carbon Community College is a two-year college located in the city of Schnecksville.

Programs Offered:
Medical Billing Specialist Certificate
Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $4,080 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $8,160 (not including books and supplies)

LCCC has two options for students interested in pursuing an education in medical billing, medical coding, or health information technology. The first option is a certificate program that concentrates on medical billing. The program also teaches medical coding as students take one course specific to that subject.

Those who are more interested in expanding on the knowledge base in the Certificate program can pursue a Health Information Technology Associate Degree from LCCC. The courses taken in the Certificate program are also part of the Associate Degree pathway. Students who complete a Certificate program have the option of going to work at a full-time position or continuing their education for another year in the Health Information Technology program.

Each of those programs has an open enrollment and there are no specialized application procedures to follow. Applications can be completed online, and arrangements should also be made to meet with the program coordinator.

Courses in these programs are designed to be taken sequentially as each one builds off the skills learned in prior coursework. Students can also utilize all the campus resources offered at LCCC. There are even transfer options for those looking to pursue a four-year degree beyond their education at LCCC.

The teacher to student ration remains small in the Health Information Technology classes. LCCC is home to a population of almost 10,000 students, who hail from a variety of surrounding communities.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND
Warwick, RI
Website

The Community College of Rhode Island is a two-year college in Warwick and remains the lone community college in the state.

Program Offered:
Medical Insurance Billing Specialist Certificate

• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $5,829 (not including books and supplies)

The options are limited when it comes to on-campus medical coding and billing education in Rhode Island. CCRI is the only community college in the state. Its Medical Insurance Billing Specialist program features 29 credits and provides students with a well-rounded knowledge base for which to enter the profession. Class size is kept small so that students receive a good deal of individualized attention

Students can also use this certificate towards another certificate in Office Administrative Technology. This program is not completely health-science based, but does provide students with a firm grasp of administrative office duties and technology.

Rhode Island is one of the smaller states and the educational pathways are not as abundant as they are in other states. However, CCRI maintains a high level of standards so that students receive training that is both personalized and informative

CCRI has a large student body, featuring an annual enrollment of more than 17,000. That has enabled it to become the largest of all the community colleges in all of New England. There is a total of six campuses and the Medical Insurance Billing Specialist program is available on the Knight campus in Warwick. That campus is the flagship location and was the original site of CCRI before it started to expand outward.

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Columbia, SC
Website

Midlands Technical College is a two-year college that is utilized by students in three different counties in South Carolina.

Program Offered:
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $2,797

The Medical Billing and Coding program at Midlands Tech can be taken online, on campus, or through a hybrid combination of both. Students who enroll in the program receive extensive training in medical terminology, medical billing and medical coding. This three-part curriculum is designed to have a wealth of instruction into each part.

The medical billing and medical coding courses are offered during evening hours while there are some medical terminology classes offered during day hours. All these classes are offered at various Midlands Tech campuses. The school is spread out over seven different campus locations. Students can check with the course catalog to find classes at a campus most convenient for their travel.

Students who complete the Medical Billing and Coding program typically move right into the profession. Midlands Tech has built a quality name in many lines of work and that helps students secure full-time employment upon their graduation.

The admissions process is a relatively smooth one at Midlands Tech as there are no elaborate requirements for new applicants. The time frame to complete some of the academic programs is accelerated as many programs are able to pack in a lot of information over short periods of time. This allows students to find their way into a career without being encumbered by a lot of time and tuition costs.

DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Madison, SD
Website

Dakota State University is a public university that features an abundance of technical programs at the undergraduate level.

Programs Offered:
Health Care Coding Certificate
Health Information Technology Associate Degree of Applied Science

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $7,975 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Degree: $16,665 (not including books and supplies)

DSU offers a Health Care Coding Certificate program that is very detailed and takes one year to complete. Students in this program also have the advantage of earning a Certificate from a public university. The amount of resources provided to students exceed many two-year colleges. DSU has also established an excellent reputation as it showed up as No.30 public university in the Midwest, per the U.S. News and World Report.

DSU is home to approximately 3,000 students annually, providing a tight-knit, small college appeal. Courses are offered both online or o campus as students in the Health Care Coding program receive a top-notch educational experience.

Students also have the option of earning an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology. One of the benefits of these programs is that it comes with a semester of professional experience in a healthcare setting. Students can take their education even further by moving on to the Health Information Administration Bachelor’s Degree program at DSU’s Sioux Falls campus.

DSU has been in existence since 1881 and recently developed a Student Success Plan that aims to carry out four essentials of education at DSU, which include academic achievement, personal development, a technology-rich curriculum and collaborative efforts. DSU remains one of the most revered universities in South Dakota and its coding programs adhere to standards enacted by the AHIMA.

VOL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Gallatin, TN
Website

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Technical Certificate
Health Information Management Associate Degree of Applied Science

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $4,263 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Degree: $9,070 (not including books and supplies)

Vol State offers two educational pathways for students looking to begin a career as a medical biller and coder. The first option is to earn a Medical Coding Technical Certificate, which requires the completion of 25 credits and takes three semesters. This setup includes a summer session. Courses are offered sequentially so students are expected to follow that three-semester format.

The Associate Degree option takes a bit longer, as it features 66 credits. Students who complete the Medical Coding program can move right into the Associate Degree pathway and use those credits toward their graduation.

Vol State has an official application process that must be followed in order to gain admittance to the Medical Coding or HIT academic programs. Each year, 25 students are accepted into the program as that is the maximum amount permitted. Admissions are considered competitive as there is often a high demand for entrance into the program.

Vol State has four different campus locations, with the main one located in the city of Gallatin. The other locations are as follows: Livingston Campus, Highland Crest Campus, and the Cookeville Higher Education Center.

Vol State also offers financial aid options to reduce the already low cost of tuition. It remains one of the most affordably priced medical coding schools in the south. There are also scholarships and fee waivers available as students can inquire about those options during the admissions process.

COLLIN COLLEGE
McKinney, TX
Website

Collin College is a two-year community college attended by residents of Collin and Rockwall Counties.

Programs Offered:
Medical Coding Certificate
Medical Billing Certificate

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $1,419 and $2,538 (not including books and supplies)

There are two certificate options offered at Collin for students interested in medical billing and coding. The medical billing option is the more abbreviated of the two and is comprised of six courses. The medical coding option requires an additional five courses and features 352 hours, as opposed to the 216 hours needed to complete the medical billing program.

The time frame for each program differs as the medical billing option generally takes four months to complete while the medical coding route comprises an eight-month span. There are only three courses that are required in both programs and the other courses are all unique to their respective programs. Students in both programs will take the courses Medical Terminology, Computers in the Medical Office, as well as Healthcare Ethics & HIPAA Compliance.

Students can also take both programs and be skilled in both areas of medical billing and coding in a twelve-month increment. This will open an even wider array of employment opportunities upon graduation.

Collin College has five campus locations situated in McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen and Rockwall. Students can also take some courses online as Collin continues to expand its distance learning options. Affordability is another positive aspect of attending Collin as tuition rates remain very competitive.

WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY
Ogden, UT
Website

Weber State University offers degrees at the undergraduate level, along with a host of technical certificate programs.

Programs Offered:
Healthcare Coding Certificate of Proficiency

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $5,712 (not including books and supplies)

The Healthcare Coding Certificate Program at Weber State consists of 10 courses, which were designed on the fundamentals and principles put in place by the AHIMA. Students can complete this program by attending on-campus classes or via distance learning. Most of the Health Information Management classes at Weber State are available online.

There is an internship portion of this program as students gain professional medical coding experience before graduation. This is an added bonus to medical coding students as they are able to partake in authentic medical coding work before they have to enter the race for employment. Another advantage is having a university certificate to carry out into the professional world.

Completion of this program qualifies students to sit for the CCA (Certified Coder Associate) exam that is administered by the AHIMA. Applicants interested in entering the Healthcare Coding program are urged to contact the program coordinator to get started on the application process.

There are two prerequisite courses that need to be completed before starting the program. Applicants must also pass background checks to be accepted. Students have the option of continuing their education as part of Weber State’s Health Information Management Degree program. Students who complete this program will earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Weber State has received national accolades as it was ranked the No.77 regional college, according to the U.S. News and World Report.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
Montpelier, VY
Website

The Community College of Vermont is a two-year college with 12 campus locations throughout the state.

Program Offered:
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $7,980 (not including books and supplies)

The Medical Billing and Coding program at CCV packs a wealth of information into a 30-credit curriculum. This typically takes two semesters to complete when students are enrolled on a full-time basis. Once students complete the program, they will qualify to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the AAPC. This credential can give graduates an immediate advantage when seeking out employment.

CCV has experienced an extremely high placement rate for graduates of its Medical Billing and Coding program. There are limited options for Vermont residents looking to gain an in-state education in medical billing and coding. CCV has made this a viable option for all Vermont residents, as it offers 12 campus locations spread throughout the state. These campuses have been strategically placed throughout the state so that Vermont residents have accessibility to a post-secondary education in their proximity.

CCV first opened in 1970 and has continued to expand its presence throughout the state. Online classes have also become very popular and comprise more than a quarter of CCV’s total class offerings. This provides students with the option of combining their education with on-campus and online classes. Both formats allow students to fully utilize all the resources offered at CCV.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Springfield, VA
Website

Programs Offered:
Health Information Management A.A.S.
Clinical Data Coding Career Studies Certificate

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $5,231 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Degree: $12,988 (not including books and supplies)

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers two educational routes for medical billing and coding. The shorter of those results in the awarding of a Clinical Data Coding Career Studies Certificate, which requires the completion of 29 credits. This program typically takes two semesters to finish when students are enrolled on a full-time basis. Once students complete this program, they will be eligible to take a certification exam administered by the AHIMA.

The second option for NOVA students is to obtain an Associate degree in Health Information Management. This is more detailed and requires the completion of 72 credits. Students will learn medical, coding, billing and other essentials that will make them eligible to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). This program also features a pair of clinical portions in which students gain professional experience in two parts. This type of exposure is a way of acclimating students to the profession and allowing them to have an in-depth look at the daily functions involved in Health Information Management.

Students have the option of taking classes online as NOVA features an ELI online learning program that has an abundance of resources. There is a virtual student union, numerous discussion forums, blogs and other online tools that prove to be an immense help in student education. NOVA’s offerings exceed many other two-year schools that feature online Medical Billing and Coding programs.

SPOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Spokane, WA
Website

Spokane Community College is a two-year college in Spokane that offers a variety of technical programs and associate degree options.

Program Offered:
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Degree: $8,466 (not including books and supplies)

SCC provides one of the most comprehensive Medical Billing and Coding programs in the Pacific Northwest. Students in this program go on to earn an Associate Degree in a program that emphasizes both medical billing and coding. The program requires the completion of 90.5 credits and that includes prerequisites needed to enter into this program.

The program provides a pair of unique courses that give students a tremendous advantage. Students participate in a medical billing internship, where they are exposed to a real work environment. There is also a 5-credit Certified Professional Coder exam preparation course. Once students complete this course, they will be thoroughly prepared to take their CPC exam and become a certified coder. Both courses are offered during a student’s final semester in the program.

Throughout the duration of this program, students are expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA or better. The cost of this program is relatively low considering all the schooling that comes with this particular major. SCC also has a variety of resources for students to utilize. This has allowed the student experience to be an extremely beneficial one at SCC.

Because of its location, SCC has developed a wealth of relationships with medical facilities in the area. This is used to the advantage of students as employment right out of college can be facilitated with the assistance of SCC and the prestige of its Medical Billing and Coding Degree.

MOUNTWEST COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Huntington, WV
Website

Mountwest Community & Technical College is a public two-year college serving residents in the Huntington area.

Program offered:
Coding Specialist Certificate of Applied Science

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Degree: $6,740 (not including books and supplies)

The Coding program at MCTC consists of 40 credits that need to be completed for graduation. These courses are very in-depth as students receive a comprehensive education in medical coding at MCTC. Local health facilities regularly hire MCTC graduates of the Coding Specialist Program. Graduates have a track record that is very reputable, and the program is also well received in the medical community.

MCTC offers a variety of Professional Certificate Approval Programs for residents of West Virginia. These programs have enhanced the reputation of the school and also heightened the value among students who earn a MCTC credential.

As part of the Coding Specialist Certificate Program, students will spend 60 hours in a healthcare setting, gaining valuable real-world insight and experience. This part of the program is integrated into the curriculum so that students receive more than just lecture and classroom instruction.

MCTC also works with students to obtain financial aid awards as needed. School representatives are available to explain the options as MCTC offers a number of financial aid resources in addition to other student services. Students looking to enroll in the Coding Specialist program can inquire directly for more information or request an information packet that explains all the essentials.

FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Appleton, WI
Website

Fox Valley Technical College is a two-year college with two campus locations and four additional regional centers where students can take classes.

Program offered:
Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma

• Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Tuition/fees for Degree: $4,142 (not including books and supplies)

More than 90% of recent graduates of the FVTC Coding Specialist program found immediate employment in a full-time capacity. These graduates can be found working at numerous health facilities throughout the Appleton area.

The Coding Specialist program features a number of required outside hours of effort, which enhances students’ familiarity with health records and coding protocol. The program is very hands-on with its instruction, but also allows students to work independently on projects and assignments. That combination continues to prepare students to join the professional field of medical coding.

In order to gain admission to the FVTC Coding Specialist program, applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalency. Applicants must also pass a skills assessment, which requires a certain score on standardized tests.

There is a total of 27 credits in the FVTC Coding Specialist program as students take a number of coding specific courses. The program does not require general education classes as part of its curriculum. Students are eligible to be admitted to the program during any semester and can get started on the application process at any time of the year.

LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Laramie, WY
Website

Laramie County Community College is a two-year college in Wyoming with two campus locations and two smaller outreach centers that offer classes.

Programs Offered:
Medical Claims Coding Associate Certificate of Completion
Health Information Technology and Management Associate of Applied Science

• Accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Tuition/fees for Certificate: $5,139 (not including books and supplies)
• Tuition/fees for Associate Degree: $6,852 (not including books and supplies)

Laramie County Community College offers a pair of in-depth programs for aspiring medical biller and coders. The Medical Claims Coding Certificate program includes 48 credits and combines medical billing and coding. This program is offered completely online and that includes a lab component as well.

The HIT Associate Degree program features a combined education in medical coding and health information management. This program requires 63 credits for completion and has a lot of the same elements offered in the certificate program. There is also a Medical Office Essentials Certificate program that serves as a type of introduction to medical billing and coding. This program requires the completion of only 16 credits.

LCCC offers all three of these programs on a full or part-time basis and they are stackable, meaning that students can complete one and then use those credits when they move on to the next program. The Associate Degree takes an average of two years to complete.

LCCC is considered one of the most affordable medical billing and coding educational options as tuition rates are very competitive. Students also receive a great deal of individual attention, due to small class size. Campus resources at all LCCC locations are available to all students as well.