Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Minnesota: Find Top Online Schools
Medical billing and coding certificates offer a quick path to a career in healthcare and the potential to work remotely. Continue reading for the best programs in Minnesota and learn more about this in-demand profession.
If you’re looking for a career in the healthcare field that’s quick to enter and can result in a remote or hybrid position, medical billing may be a good choice. Medical billers and coders help healthcare systems, clinics, and private practices handle patient health and financial information, ensuring a smooth administrative workflow.
While this isn’t what most people picture as a healthcare career, the field is growing faster than average and offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in improving healthcare processes and providing accurate records for both medical organizations and patients. Plus, accredited training programs can be completed in a matter of months, with many offered online.
If you’re a Minnesota resident, there’s an additional perk: working in this field pays above the national average with some of the highest salaries for medical billers and coders.
Whether you’re just curious about becoming a medical coder or are actively applying to programs, you’re in the right place. This guide details some of the best medical and billing coding programs in Minnesota, including online options, and provides essential information to thrive in a certificate program and after graduation.
Profiling Popular Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Minnesota
Finding the right medical billing and coding school can be tricky since Minnesota has so many great options. To help, we’ve researched different programs and highlighted three below that stood out in terms of affordability, academic quality, length, and professional opportunities after graduating.
Anoka Technical College
Minnesota residents interested in becoming medical coding specialists should consider the program at Anoka Technical College. The diploma program prepares students to work as medical records specialists, medical coders, or health information clerks, and the school offers professional development resources for these three career paths. Course topics include anatomy, medical terminology, CPT coding, billing and reimbursement, and advanced coding. Coursework covers a range of healthcare settings, including in large healthcare systems, private practices, and community clinics. The 41-credit course prepares students to sit for either the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or the Certified Procedural Coding-Apprentice (CPC-A) exam. Anoka Tech boasts a 100% graduation and job placement rate, and offers this program in an online format with a part-time option for those balancing coursework with other responsibilities.
Minnesota State College Southeast
Minnesota State College Southeast offers one of the best medical and billing programs in the state. The entire program can be completed online, and you can apply and start anytime, making it a great option if you want to complete a medical coding certificate at your own pace. While the program features a flexible format, the curriculum covers everything students must know to enter the medical coding field. Class topics include medical terminology, healthcare common procedures, and medical coding. Additionally, students learn how to navigate the most used coding software. The program is affordable at $2,995, which includes a voucher for one of three medical coding exams: the CPC, CCA, or CBCS. Additional study resources are available.
South Central College
For many, medical billing and coding is a starting point for a medical administration career. South Central College understands this and centers its online program around the role medical coders play within healthcare administration. The curriculum covers medical terminology, the duties of a certified medical administrative assistant, basic and advanced medical coding, and billing procedures. It also provides an introduction to healthcare insurance, a tutorial on how to work with electronic health records systems, and legal and ethical considerations for medical billers and coders. Because this program covers a wider curriculum than those spotlighted above, it is slightly more expensive at $3,695. Tuition includes a voucher for the cost of either the CPC, CCA, or CBCS exam. For added flexibility, students can start online coursework at any time during the year.
How to Find a Top Certification Program in Minnesota
Selecting the right medical billing and coding certification is a personal decision, but there are objective signs of excellence to look out for. Below, we’ve outlined some key considerations with examples of each.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the most important criterion when choosing a medical billing program. Without it, your certificate will not be recognized by employers and other academic institutions. For medical billing programs specifically, you should look for university-wide accreditation and accreditation from a program-specific association, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders or the Commission of Accreditation for Health and Information Management Education.
All programs mentioned in this guide are accredited, including those at Alexandria Technical & Community College, Dakota County Technical College, and Saint Paul College.
Certification Exam Preparation
To work as a medical coder in Minnesota, there aren’t any specific exams you have to take. There are, however, exams mandated by different medical coding organizations to get your certificate. The three most popular exams include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, and the Certified Billing and the Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
Specific programs will prepare you to sit for at least one exam type. Dakota County Technical College prepares students for the CPC exam while Minnesota State College Southeast prepares students for all three.
Cost and Financial Aid
If you’re asking how much a medical billing certificate will cost, you’re not alone. Wondering about finances is normal, and you deserve an education that matches your ambitions and budget. To help with cost, look for programs with low tuition and financial aid opportunities.
Minnesota State College Southeast, for example, offers a low program cost ($2,995), up to a 23% discount, and a complimentary exam voucher for all students.
Curriculum and Specializations
When choosing a program, make sure its curriculum is rigorous and covers any specialized knowledge of interest. Programs with rigorous, specialized curriculums that prepare students for specific roles often lead to higher salaries and more work opportunities.
For example, if interested in a career as a certified medical administrative assistant, a program like the one offered at South Central Collegefocuses on helping students master medical administration.
Duration and Flexibility
One of the best things about medical billing certificate programs is that they are shorter than other degrees, meaning you can start your career faster. In fact, some programs can be completed in as little as four weeks. When looking at the duration of the program, think about your other responsibilities to see what fits best.
A flexible but longer program, like the one at Anoka Technical College, may work better for a student juggling full-time work and caregiving on top of their education.
A short program like the one at St. Cloud Technical & Community College, may be better for a student with fewer responsibilities who wants to get a medical coding job as fast as possible.
Format
Medical billing and coding programs come in three formats: online, hybrid, and in-person. Online programs offer more flexibility and usually lower costs, while in-person programs may be better for students who struggle to concentrate in online classes. Hybrid options offer a mix of both learning formats.
To decide on the best format for you, explore each one. To start, check out the programs at Anoka Technical College (online), Alexandria Technical & Community College (hybrid), and Saint Paul College (on-campus).
Medical Billing & Coding Salaries in Minnesota: A Look at the Numbers
For medical coders, Minnesota is an excellent place to work and live. That’s because the average annual pay for medical billers in Minnesota ($60,560) is almost $7,000 more annually than the average pay across the United States. Plus, pay is even higher in certain regions of Minnesota, such as the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Along with healthy pay, Minnesota has a lower cost of living than other states. It ranks as the 23rd most affordable state, meaning your salary will go further here than in more expensive states, such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Plus, the state is committed to tracking the cost of living and advocating for fair pay across industries.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Minnesota | $45,740 | $60,560 | $76,140 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $39,170 | $52,850 | $68,990 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | $40,610 | $52,340 | $62,970 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN | $48,610 | $63,070 | $76,330 |
| Rochester, MN | $49,480 | $63,790 | $74,210 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $45,130 | $58,560 | $70,670 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Medical Billing/Coding Career Outlook in Minnesota
With an 8.5% growth rate, medical billing and coding is growing faster than average for all U.S. jobs (5.7%). However, growth is slightly slower in Minnesota than in other states, meaning there may not be as many opportunities. Fortunately, a medical billing and coding certificate usually transfers across state lines, allowing students to move to a state with more job opportunities or to work remotely from Minnesota for a company located in a different state.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Minnesota | 280 | 4.7% | 460 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
FAQs About Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Minnesota
While we’ve covered the basics of medical billing and coding programs in Minnesota, you probably still have questions. To help, we’ve gathered the answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying medical billing and entering the profession.
How do I become a medical coder in Minnesota?
Unlike other healthcare jobs in Minnesota, medical billers and coders don’t need a specific license to work. For most entry-level positions, only a medical billing and coding certificate is required. Admission to certificate programs is often contingent upon completing high school and filling out an application stating your interest in the field, GPA, and other important information.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Minnesota?
Healthcare jobs in Minnesota offer great pay, and Minneapolis-St. Paul specifically ranks in the top 10 cities in the United States for medical billing salaries. On average, medical billers and coders make $54,860 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salary can range from $37,840 on the low end and $74,200 on the higher end.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
For many, medical billing is a rewarding career that allows you to positively impact healthcare. Medical coding and billing jobs are better for those looking for a less hands-on healthcare role but may not be for everyone.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
While medical billing and coding programs are easier than other healthcare training programs, they still offer some unique challenges. The coursework covers multiple fields and students are required to take courses on complex medical terminology. To help, most high-quality programs offer free academic resources.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical coding is an excellent field for remote workers. In fact, some of the biggest healthcare employers in Minnesota, such as the University of Minnesota healthcare system, offer remote or hybrid jobs for medical coding and billing.
