Explore Top Medical Billing and Coding Online Schools in Louisiana
You’ll find a variety of medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana designed to help you earn valuable certifications for your rewarding career.
Are you looking to quickly enter the healthcare profession? If so, you have a number of paths in front of you to begin your healthcare career in no time. One of the quickest and most affordable is to become a medical biller or coder.
To start down this road, you’ll want to complete a quality program, like the many available today from medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana. You have your choice of highly affordable programs that are available entirely or partially online. Next, you’ll sit for your certification exam and obtain your medical billing or medical coding certification. Then you’re ready to begin your new career.
It’s important to mention that medical billing and medical coding are two different occupations, each with its own skillset. The good news is that many of the medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana prepare you to pursue certifications in both. It’s also notable that a career in medical billing and coding comes with substantial benefits including competitive salaries, job mobility, and solid career longevity.
Have we piqued your interest? Then keep reading to explore careers in medical billing and coding, and learn how you can get started today by finding the online medical coding and billing program in Louisiana that’s just right for you.
Inside Popular Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Louisiana
One of the best ways to get started as you explore medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana is to take a close look at a few standout programs, gaining insight into what they offer in terms of admissions and course requirements, costs, program lengths, study formats, support resources, and more. Here are three of the most popular medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana today.
Fletcher Technical Community College
Medical billing and coding programs at public community colleges in Louisiana are a popular choice for students because of their solid academic credentials and highly affordable tuition. A prime example is the Medical Coding/Insurance Billing Specialist Certificate program available from Fletcher Technical Community College.
Earning the certificate requires completion of 27 credit hours of coursework in medical coding and additional subjects such as computers, medical terminology, spreadsheet applications, career preparation, and more. All coursework is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format that allows students to access and complete their studies at any time, and you’ll be prepared to sit for both the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Professional Coder Apprentice Level (CPC-A) certification exams.
Fletcher Tech Technical Community College offers eight-week courses, meaning you can complete more courses in less time and take advantage of more course entry dates. The current tuition rate is $133.92 per credit; including mandatory fees, you’ll pay about $280 per credit. Payment plans are available.
Louisiana State University
Among medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana,the program at the state’s flagship postsecondary institution — Louisiana State University’s Online Certificate of Technical Studies in Medical Billing and Coding — is another standout option. Offered through LSU Online, this 35-credit program is delivered 100% online in an accelerated format that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Graduates are awarded their Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) by LSU Eunice and are prepared to sit for exams including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). All students in the program receive individualized support from a dedicated Student Success Coach.
Admission into the CTS program is open to students with a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET. The current tuition of $260 per credit is offered to all students regardless of state residency status. Financial assistance is available to students who qualify through the MJ Foster Promise Program. Program start dates are available throughout the year.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
LSU is far from the only public university in Louisiana offering online medical coding and billing programs. Another is Northwestern State University of Louisiana. NSU’s Online Medical Billing and Coding Course features a 100% online and asynchronous format, meaning students can access and complete program requirements at any time that fits their own schedules. The asynchronous format also allows students to begin their programs at any time and complete course requirements at their own pace.
The entire program consists of 370 course hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Upon graduation from the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion plus a voucher to sit for the exam for the professional certification of their choice (CCA, CPC, or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist).
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED) and passing a certifying exam. No prerequisite coursework is required to start the program. The current total program cost is $2,995; monthly payment plans are available.
Features of the Best Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools
When researching medical billing and coding online schools in Louisiana, you have many factors to consider. But the goal of all of these programs is the same: to prepare you to obtain your professional certification and begin your career as a medical biller or coder. Below are several program elements you’ll want to confirm to ensure the program you select is right for you.
Accreditation
Along with ensuring the institution you choose for pursuing your medical billing/coding certification is accredited — which means it’s been reviewed and approved by an impartial third-party reviewer to meet academic standards — it’s common for these programs to follow standards set forth by certification agencies. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is the largest credentialing agency for medical coders. Most employers of medical billing and coding workers in Louisiana and elsewhere either prefer or require employees that possess professional certification, so it’s important for you to confirm that any program you consider will prepare you to sit for the exam for the professional certification you’re interested in receiving.
Certification Exam Preparation
Obtaining professional certification requires passing an examination, and each specific certification has its own exam and requirements. You’ll find online courses offered by providers to help you prepare for their exams, but most medical billing and coding programs in Louisiana prepare you as well. For example, the Medical Coding Program at Delgado Community College in New Orleans prepares students to sit for the CPC and CCA certification exams.
Cost and Financial Aid
The costs for medical billing and coding programs in Louisiana vary (sometimes substantially) from just under $2,000 to over $9,000. The range accounts for differences in program length and comprehensiveness, the particular school offering the program (university programs tend to be more expensive than community college programs, for example), and the specific certifications that the program prepares graduates for. Keep in mind, though, that some programs offer financial aid opportunities to help students pay for their educations. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program at Southern University at Shreveport, for example, offers scholarships, or you may qualify for tuition assistance through the Medical Billing and Coding program at South Louisiana Community College.
Curriculum and Specializations
While medical billing and coding programs in Louisiana do not offer concentration or specialization tracks, it’s important to note that some programs (like the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program at Delta Community College) are specifically for medical coding while others prepare students for working as both medical billers and medical coders. So be sure you have a clear understanding of exactly what a program prepares you for before you sign up.
Duration and Flexibility
Program lengths also vary from program to program, but you’ll find that most medical coding and billing programs in Louisiana are designed to be completed in about one year. There are notable exceptions, however, including the online Medical Billing and Coding program at Louisiana Delta Community College that can be completed in 12 weeks. The best online programs typically offer a great deal of convenience and flexibility in accessing and completing program requirements.
Format
Many medical and billing programs in Louisiana (including the three spotlighted above) feature 100% online coursework, most often delivered in an asynchronous format that allows students to log on and complete their studies at their convenience. Other programs are campus-based or offered in a hybrid format that combines online course components with in-person experiences in clinical settings — such as the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program at Southern University at Shreveport. It’s critical, therefore, that you fully understand how the format works for any medical billing and coding program you consider before you enroll.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary in Louisiana
We mentioned above that medical billing and coding offers solid earnings to those working in the field, both in Louisiana and throughout the U.S. To give you a better idea of what we’re talking about, we’ve put together the following chart of current annual salary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for medical records specialists (the closest match provided by BLS).
Note that these figures are averages, and what you actually earn will depend on a number of factors such as your specific job title, employer, and geographic location, as well as your experience in the field.
Specific to geographic location, you’ll notice from the figures below that medical billers and coders residing in Louisiana’s largest metropolitan areas (like New Orleans-Metairie and Baton Rouge) enjoy higher earnings than those in smaller cities and nonmetropolitan areas. Bear in mind that, generally speaking, the cost of living in larger metro areas in Louisiana (and throughout the U.S., for that matter) is higher than that for medical billers and coders living in smaller, less populated communities.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Louisiana | $31,110 | $50,700 | $74,300 |
| Alexandria, LA | $31,200 | $54,130 | $76,330 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $33,720 | $56,050 | $78,280 |
| Hammond, LA | $32,630 | $49,850 | $57,350 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | $30,550 | $43,810 | $69,620 |
| Lafayette, LA | $30,500 | $46,440 | $73,280 |
| Monroe, LA | $28,980 | $43,590 | $59,960 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $34,000 | $52,950 | $78,870 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $31,440 | $49,730 | $67,230 |
| Central Nonmetropolitan Area | $28,730 | $44,220 | $60,690 |
| Northeast Nonmetropolitan Area | $27,750 | $43,440 | $66,120 |
| Southwest Nonmetropolitan Area | $28,100 | $46,470 | $64,890 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Career Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Students in Louisiana
The career outlook for medical and billing students in Louisiana is positive but does fall below the national average, according to BLS projections for medical records specialists. But the job does allow you to work remotely in another state as a medical billing and coding professional while residing in Louisiana. Both job stability and career longevity are major benefits of working as a medical biller or coder due to the function’s critical role in the healthcare services field.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Louisiana | 20 | 0.3% | 420 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
FAQs: Medical Billing & Coding Education in Louisiana
Still not sure if working as a medical biller or coder is right for you? To help you decide, take a look at these responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about medical billing and coding programs and careers in Louisiana.
How do I become a medical coder in Louisiana?
There are many paths you can take to become a medical biller or coder. To create a solid career foundation, however, you’ll need to complete these two steps: 1) Get admitted to and successfully pass a medical coding and billing program (like those mentioned in this guide); and 2) Pass any of a number of professional certification exams to obtain the professional certification of your choice.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Louisiana?
The charts above detail earning potentials, noting that the BLS’s most recent (May 2023) median annual wage estimate of $50,700 in Louisiana is very much in line with the corresponding estimate for all occupations in the state. You can expect your earnings to grow as you gain experience as a medical billing and coding professional.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
The answer to this question really depends entirely on you and your unique personal and career goals. What we can say here is that if you’re interested in a career that offers solid, consistent earnings and strong job security and longevity, then the medical billing and coding field may well be worth it for you.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
The answer to this one depends on your specific skills and talents. Medical billing and coding work requires a certain degree of technical proficiency in converting the clinical language in medical documents into standardized codes through the use of coding classification systems and coding software. But if you are detail-oriented and possess a basic proficiency in using computers and software, then you likely won’t have a problem in mastering the skills needed to work in the medical billing and coding field.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical billing and coding professionals, particularly medical coders, are often able to work remotely from home or practically anywhere else with secure (as required for HIPAA compliance) internet access. Like other remote healthcare jobs, working remotely in medical billing and coding requires a fair amount of organization and self-discipline. But if you are good at working independently and getting assignments completed on time, then medical billing and coding can be a great remote job.
