Top Online Medical Billing & Coding Certificates in Colorado (CO)
Fast-track your career in healthcare administration with these flexible online and on-campus medical billing and coding programs. Obtain high-demand skills and start working in a matter of weeks or months.
Are you ready to jumpstart a rewarding career in healthcare without having to spend years in school? Medical billing and coding programs in Colorado offer a fast track to entry in a high-demand profession. Whether you prefer online flexibility, hands-on campus experience, or a mix of both, these programs provide comprehensive training that can be completed in months.
Medical billing and coding is critical in healthcare, ensuring patients receive the correct care for their conditions. As a medical biller and coder, you’ll learn how to work with health information efficiently and safely. Plus, medical billing and coding jobs are often offered remotely, which makes this a flexible career choice.
This guide will go over the top medical billing and coding programs in Colorado and teach you how to choose a high-quality school that suits your needs. We’ll also explore salaries, career outlook, and any pressing concerns you may have. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, rapid career advancement, or a stepping stone to other healthcare opportunities, this guide has everything you need to get started on your path to a successful career in medical billing and coding.
Inside Insights: Popular Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in CO
Finding the right program is crucial to your success in medical billing and coding. Below, we’ve profiled some of the most popular and highly regarded schools in Colorado. These programs offer comprehensive training, flexible learning options, and excellent support to help you launch your career quickly.
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College offers a comprehensive Medical Billing & Coding Certificate program designed to equip you with the essential skills to excel in the healthcare industry.
This 100% online program covers key topics such as medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, and how to work with real-world health information technology systems. With a focus on practical application, students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard billing and coding software.
Admissions requirements include academic placement testing (unless you have high enough ACT/SAT scores or have completed certain college programs) and a demonstrated ability to handle college-level reading, writing, and math. The program requires 29 credit hours, which can typically be completed in about a year. Tuition is $104/credit for students in the district, $208/credit for students in the state, $312 for students in Western Undergraduate Exchange states, and $530/credit for students out of state.
Otero College
The online medical billing and coding program offered by Otero College is a flexible, self-paced program. The noncredit curriculum features hands-on experience with several coding systems, including ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II, and prepare you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
There are also no special requirements or prerequisites for taking this online course, which makes it appropriate for high school graduates and those without special training or degrees. While a high school diploma or equivalent isn’t required to take the course, you’ll need one to take the certification exams. The online medical billing and coding program costs $2,995.
A similar, separate program is also offered by Otero College, a course to become a certified medical administrative assistant with a focus on medical billing and coding. This is an advanced program with 530 course hours and a more expansive curriculum.
University of Denver
For those looking to sit for the CPC exam in Colorado, the University of Denver’s certified professional coder program stands out thanks to its 100% pass rate for students who take the CPC.
The noncredit program costs $2,000 and the comprehensive curriculum trains you in medical terminology and coding procedures. The 20-week course is asynchronous and self-paced. You can complete your certification in less than six months.
The University of Denver offers excellent student services and hands-on support, with the instructors for this course all trained to assist with passing the CPC. Career mentoring and live assistance is available for all students.
Important Factors of Colorado Medical Billing/Coding Programs
Selecting the right medical billing and coding program is a crucial step toward your new career. Here are key factors to consider before enrolling, to ensure you choose a program that fits your needs and sets you up for success. From accreditation to acceleration, find the program that suits you.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a medical billing and coding program meets high academic and professional standards. You want to attend a school with the highest educational quality, as a school with low-quality programs can damage your career prospects and not properly prepare you for a job in medical coding. Accreditation also often impacts your eligibility for financial aid, as well.
For example, Colorado Mountain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This guarantees that you’re attending a reliable school that meets educational standards for medical billing and coding.
Certification Exam Preparation
You should strongly consider becoming certified as a medical biller and coder. While Colorado doesn’t strictly require this, many employers do, and certification will certainly improve your career prospects. There are three exams that can provide certification: the CPC, CCA, or CBCS.
A good example is the University of Denver’s medical billing program, which thoroughly prepares students for the CPC exam. Other programs prep you for all three.
Cost and Financial Aid
Medical billing and coding training can be expensive, so many students turn to financial aid for assistance. It’s crucial to select a college that offers flexible aid programs and affordable tuition.
For example, Front Range Community College offers a one-year medical coding certificate program. The college is known for offering a large number of scholarships and grants for students.
Curriculum and Specializations
The curriculum of a medical billing and coding program should be comprehensive, covering essential topics such as medical terminology, specific coding systems such as CPT, and other healthcare regulations. You may be able to specialize in a particular niche as well, which could improve your career prospects.
One example is the certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) program offered by Otero College, which allows you to learn the ins and outs of medical billing and coding while focusing on becoming a CMAA.
Duration and Flexibility
If you’re eager to jump into the field, you may not want to spend several years attending college. Luckily, accelerated programs take as little as four weeks to complete. If you need maximum flexibility, look for online, asynchronous programs that allow you to complete your studies early.
APLMED Academy is in Denver, Colorado, and provides a 12-week, in-person course on medical billing and coding. With this option your career can be launched in as little as three months.
Format
Medical billing and coding programs come in three formats: online, hybrid, and on-campus. With a fully online program, you can study from home and smoothly transition into remote work as a medical biller and coder. Hybrid programs are partially online but require some on-campus attendance. And on-campus programs are best for students whose learning style requires hands-on instruction.
If you’re a student who thrives in an online format, IntelliTec College has an 18-month medical billing and coding program that is 100% online with optional on-campus support.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary in Colorado
Medical billing and coding professionals, categorized as medical record specialists by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, can expect competitive salaries in Colorado. The state’s mean annual wage for this role is $59,760, higher than the national mean of $53,690.
Earnings vary by region,. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood boasts the highest average salaries, with a mean annual wage of $63,670 and top earners making up to $85,890. This is followed by Fort Collins, with a mean of $58,600 and Boulder with a mean of $55,390.
Only the regions of Colorado Springs and Grand Junction average salaries that are lower than the mean annual medical billing and coding wage in the U.S. The latter likely is due to its lower population, however working in rural healthcare can be rewarding and rural areas may offer a lower cost of living.
Despite regional differences, medical billers and coders in Colorado generally enjoy higher wages compared with the national average. This aligns well with the state’s cost of living, which is higher in metropolitan areas such as Denver and Boulder.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Colorado | $40,010 | $59,760 | $82,980 |
| Boulder, CO | $43,070 | $55,390 | $65,760 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $38,760 | $53,280 | $72,010 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $41,470 | $63,670 | $85,890 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $42,470 | $58,600 | $81,070 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $36,030 | $51,120 | $68,540 |
| Pueblo, CO | $39,630 | $54,380 | $77,250 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Career Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Students in Colorado
The outlook for medical billing and coding professionals (or “medical records specialists”) in Colorado is exceptionally promising, with a projected job growth rate of 27% from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate surpasses the national average of 8.5% significantly, indicating a strong demand for skilled professionals.
Colorado is expected to add approximately 570 new jobs annually, or about 2% of all new jobs in the country. There should be plenty of opportunities for new graduates entering the field.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Colorado | 1,450 | 27% | 570 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
FAQs About Medical Billing & Coding Certificates in Colorado Online
Now that you know all about potential schools and the career outlook for medical billing and coding in Colorado, let’s answer some of the lingering questions that may be on your mind.
How do I become a medical coder in Colorado?
To become a medical biller and coder in Colorado, you’ll typically need to complete a training program from a certified school or institution. You’ll then be able to take the CPC or other certification exam, which is optional but recommended for improved career prospects.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Colorado?
Medical billing and coding professionals in Colorado earn a mean annual wage of $59,760, with top earners reaching $85,890. Salaries vary by location, with urban areas such as Denver offering higher wages and more job openings but also a higher cost of living.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Pursuing a career in medical billing and coding can be highly rewarding, especially in Colorado. With an exceptional job growth rate and an average salary that’s higher than the national average, job stability and competitive salaries are a bonus. Plus, there’s always opportunity for career advancement in the healthcare field.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Attention to detail and ability to memorize healthcare terminology and coding systems are a necessary part of a successful career as a medical biller and coder. If you have an analytical and detail-oriented mind, you may find the structured nature of the work easy.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical coding is well-suited for remote work. Many healthcare facilities and billing companies offer remote positions, so you’re free to work from home. With Colorado being the eighth-largest state in the U.S., remote work is an attractive option.
