Medical Coding & Billing Professional
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Medical Coding & Billing Specialist Salary & Job Responsibilities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical Records Specialists, including medical billing and coding professionals, is $50,250*. The field is expected to grow an estimated 9% over the next 10 years* due to increasing demand for healthcare services and digital health data management. Actual earning potential may vary based on your location, employer, certification level, and prior experience.
What does a Medical Coding & Billing Specialist do?
Medical Coding and Billing Specialists play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in healthcare by converting patient care into standardized codes used for insurance and billing. They manage electronic health records, process claims, correct rejected submissions, and follow up on outstanding payments.
As the vital link between healthcare providers and insurance companies, they help ensure accurate billing and timely reimbursement so medical teams can focus on care, not paperwork. [See All Job Duties]
Overview
Designed to help you prepare for Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, our skills-focused program covers the skills and knowledge that employers look for in medical coding and billing professionals or CPCs. Throughout your online courses, you’ll cover fundamental topics from medical terminology to professional coding. Included with your program is a one-year membership with AAPC!
Program Timeline
Our online medical coding and billing courses are designed to be completed in under 12 months.
Have other obligations and need to train on your own schedule? No worries. Our program is fully online and built for flexibility. With 12 months of full access, you can set your own schedule and complete your coursework on a timeline that fits your lifestyle.
Training Format
Our online Medical Coding and Billing Training is designed to fit your busy life. With courses 100% online, you can study wherever and whenever you want!
You’ll have up to 12 months to complete all of your courses and can study as little or as much as you’d like each day. We recommend dedicating 7 hours per week since there’s 370 hours of total training. At the end of your program, you’ll also take the next steps to prepare for your CPC exam, including taking the AAPC Practicode course.
Support
Even though you’re learning independently online, you’re not alone! Real people—dedicated trainers, technical support team, and Career Advisors—are all committed to your success, from pre sign-up to post completion. And, as part of the cost of your program, you’ll also receive an AAPC membership which can help you connect and learn from peers in the field.
- One-on-one support
- Phone, live chat, and email
- AAPC membership
Medical Coding & Billing Program Outline
Our program covers all the most recent coding best practices and standards, which can help you prepare to confidently take the next step toward a new career in healthcare!
- Program Orientation
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Digital Technology
- Comprehensive Medical Terminology
- Law, Liability, and Ethics for Healthcare
- Anatomy and Physiology Essentials
- Health Information Management
- Comprehensive Electronic Health Records
- Outpatient Coding
- Medical Billing
- Program Completion: Prep for Certification
Medical Coding and Billing Certifications
Missouri Western State University has partnered with CareerStep for this online Medical Coding and Billing Professional Training Program. The program covers the knowledge and skills that can help you prepare to successfully sit for industry-recognized certification. We want to support our learners in securing the certification that fits based on your career goals and current job requirements. Your training includes a voucher for the CPC exam, the AAPC Practicode course, and a membership to the AAPC. Your training also prepares you to sit for the CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) offered by NHA.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)
A gold standard and one of the most recognized medical coding credentials — certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Validate your knowledge of industry coding and billing with the CBCS certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Online Medical Billing & Coding Program FAQs
How do I become a medical coding and billing professional?
To become a medical coding and billing specialist, a good start would be to complete a training program that covers medical terminology, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), and healthcare reimbursement processes. Earning a certification, such as CPC® or CBCS, can also potentially enhance job prospects.
What is the CPC® certification?
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) certification, offered by AAPC, validates expertise in medical coding for physician-based settings. It demonstrates proficiency in assigning accurate diagnosis and procedure codes, ensuring compliance with insurance and billing regulations.
How long is the medical coding program?
Our Medical Coding and Billing Professional program includes 12 months of full access.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Medical Records Specialists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed April 22, 2025.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
Tuition: $3,699 all-inclusive (Tuition, Books, Certification Prep and Exam Voucher, and a 1-Year Membership to AAPC)
Fee
$3,699 all-inclusive (Tuition, Books, Certification Prep and Exam Voucher, and a 1-Year Membership to AAPC)
Location
Online