Kentucky Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools: Top Programs

A Detailed Overview of Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Kentucky

Luckily, you’ll have several education options open to you as you pursue a career in medical billing and coding. Some students choose to earn a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree to be more competitive in their job search, but this is typically not a requirement for most employers. Instead, most are looking for someone who at minimum holds a diploma or certificate.

Medical billing and coding classes are often held online — some can be completed entirely online with no in-person requirements. But then again, some do have an in-person practicum requirement, which means you’ll graduate with some hands-on experience. Another consideration with online education is whether coursework takes place synchronously — meaning students meet online at an established time for their real-time online lecture or coursework — or asynchronously, which simply means you’ll be able to choose the time and place for completing any assignments.

Below, find two spotlight schools with diverse medical billing and coding training programs to give you an idea of the spectrum of offerings in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions from Prospective Students

Choosing a program and deciding which medical billing and coding certification to pursue are big decisions. The right choices put you on the trajectory for a meaningful career. As expected, you might have a lot of questions. To help with your research, below we have answered some of the most common questions asked by prospective medical billing and coding students.

How do I become a medical coder in Kentucky?

Becoming a medical coder in Kentucky is straightforward. While the state doesn’t have any licensing exams or other requirements, professionals should graduate from an accredited program to ensure employers know they’ve studied in a rigorous program that meets universal standards.

Keep in mind that certifications are optional, though they are often considered worthwhile. As it also did in past years, AAPC’s 2025Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report demonstrates that certification is the top factor influencing medical records specialist incomes. According to the salary survey results, medical records specialists without certification average $61,022 per year, while certified medical records specialists average $66,186 annually — 8.5 percent more than their noncertified colleagues.

Is medical billing and coding worth it?

Yes, if your goal is to secure an entry-to mid-level role in healthcare — one that doesn’t require years of medical school — then a certificate or degree in medical billing and coding can be worth the time and effort. You may even find training that can be completed in as little as four weeks, meaning the time investment is minimal.

Medical billing and coding roles consistently offer healthy salaries, job security, and ample opportunities to work remotely. However, the field isn’t for everyone, which is why it’s important to consider if this career path fits your values and preferred lifestyle before enrolling in a certification program.

If you’re on the fence about this training and career, you may want to research some first-hand accounts from medical billers or coders. Their real-world experiences can help inform your decision-making as you decide whether this career path is worth it for you.

Is medical billing and coding hard?

Like any other field, medical billing and coding comes with its challenges. The technology in this field moves quickly, meaning billers and coders can expect to be retrained on different tools and software throughout their careers. Coders and billers must also balance tech savviness with industry-specific knowledge, such as anatomy and medical terminology.

Many students point to challenges such as working with numbers and the technical focus of the job as potential obstacles to success, though people who have a keen eye for detail will typically succeed.

Is medical coding a good remote job?

A major selling point of the medical coding field is that many roles can be performed in a remote or hybrid capacity. Remote roles are a great fit for working parents and caregivers or those who want more work/life balance. Oftentimes, employers will expect a medical biller or coder to learn the ropes in the office, making a remote or telecommuting role the reward for proving your skills on-site.

What is the cost of a medical billing and coding program, and can I apply for financial aid?

Cost is a key concern when looking at different certifications. Along with choosing a program with low tuition, consider applying for additional financial aid such as student loans, scholarships, or grants. Coding Clarified is an aggregate website that can help you find privately funded scholarships while also making it easier to apply for these opportunities. Also be sure to check with your program, which may have its own financial aid resources.

In Kentucky, the Work Ready Kentucky scholarship allows you to train for in-demand roles, tuition free. You’ll find some medical billing and coding programs qualify, such as the Certified Professional Coding Prep (CPC) at Campbellsville University. Contact your school’s financial aid department to inquire about opportunities.

Ranking the Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Classes in Kentucky

Want to take a peek at how Kentucky’s medical billing and coding programs compare? Our data scientists compiled a list of qualifying schools from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), analyzing programs based on a variety of factors — including number of online programs in the subject area, percentage of total students taking at least one distance education class, average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time, and more.

The results are tallied in the following ranking. Where does your school of interest rank? Explore more below.

Options for Certification and Continuing Education

Kentucky does not have a government-mandated exam or guidelines for medical coders, which is unlike some other states. The minimum work requirement is the successful completion of a training program. To make your resume stand out, you can take an exam by an industry organization, such as AHIMA or the AAPC.

Many schools, such as Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, prepare students to sit for a certified medical coder exam. These exams vary in price, but some programs include a voucher for a related certification exam as part of their tuition packages.

If you choose to earn certification, you’ll need to ensure you keep up to date on any recertification guidelines. Each testing entity maintains its requirements, so you’ll need to check with the agency associated with your certification to inquire about renewals.

Medical Billing and Coding Pay Rates in Kentucky

Kentucky offers medical billing and coding professionals a range of career opportunities, with salaries that reflect both regional differences and growth potential. Statewide, the median salary is $44,770, with top earners reaching $64,810. Elizabethtown-Fort Knox leads in earning potential, offering a median of $47,430 and top salaries exceeding $74,000. Lexington-Fayette and Louisville also provide strong pay, with median salaries hovering near $48,000 and $45,930, respectively. For those in smaller markets like Owensboro, earnings are slightly lower but still competitive, making these regions attractive for professionals seeking affordability alongside career growth.

While Kentucky’s job growth rate of 8.2% aligns with national averages, the relatively small field size means a modest increase of 360 new roles by 2030, for a total of 4,760 positions. With 340 annual openings, the state’s steady demand ensures opportunities for certified professionals. The data tables below show how Kentucky’s healthcare industry can align with your career goals.