Online Medical Billing & Coding Certification in Mississippi: Discover Top Classes & Programs
Ready to enter the field of medical billing and coding? Our guide will walk you through what a typical program entails, options to consider, and salary expectations.
If you enjoy the flexibility of remote work, a medical billing and coding certificate earned in Mississippi may be a great fit for you. And, your new career may be only a couple of months away.
Mississippi’s medical billing and coding certifications can be completed in as few as eight weeks, often providing flexible employment opportunities. This guide will help you take the first step with examples of high-quality programs at schools throughout Mississippi, considerations to keep in mind when choosing a program, and information on career opportunities.
Inside Look at Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in MS
Selecting the right medical billing and coding school takes a bit of time and research. To help as you begin your search, we’ve highlighted three Mississippi programs below with information on cost, course topics, duration, and more.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers a medical billing and coding professional certification course that is available entirely online, is self-paced, and can begin any time during the year. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association(AHIMA), or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association(NHA). The program is 370 educational hours and can typically be completed in less than 12 months.
The course costs $3,890 but is often discounted. A voucher for the certification exam of your choice is included with enrollment. The curriculum covers topics such as medical terminology, health insurance, managed healthcare, revenue cycle management, pharmacology for coders, various coding methods, and your certification test and job specifics.
East Mississippi Community College
East Mississippi Community College offers several fully online medical billing and coding education paths, including a career certificate, technical certificate, and Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding Technology. The career certificate is 30 credits, the technical certificate is 45 credits, and the AAS degree requires 60 credits. Students can take OPAC national certification exams as part of each program.
During the program, you will use medical terminology, accounting, transcription, coding, and computer software applications. After passing your certification exam, you’ll be eligible to work in office positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices, health clinics, insurance companies, and other health-related organizations. Examples of classes include Business Accounting, Medical Office Concepts, Medical Terminology, Medical Transcription, Electronic Health Records, and Medical Insurance Billing.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
The Health Information Technology (HIT) program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers students the opportunity to receive training in medical billing and coding through a hybrid format. Students can choose between a career certificate, technical certificate, or Associate of Applied Science degree. Each level allows students to take a different medical billing and coding certification test tier.
The program requires completion of 45-71 semester credits, depending on the desired certification, and tuition is between $5,400 and $7,200. The career and technical certificates take three semesters to complete, and the associate degree takes four semesters. Students must complete three prerequisite classes before applying. The curriculum includes classes such as Health Record Systems, Health Care Law and Ethics, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Health Statistics, and Coding Systems.
How to Choose an Online Program in Mississippi
Choosing a medical billing and coding program requires careful consideration. From duration and flexibility to tuition and financial aid, you’ll want to learn more about each school, then find the program that fits with your educational and career goals. Here are several things to consider as you make your decision.
Accreditation
Accreditation means a third-party organization has approved a school’s program after comparing it with a set of rigid standards. This is important for Mississippi schools because it shows that unbiased sources have found their programs and faculty members to be effective and competent.
Two examples of accrediting bodies relevant to medical billing and coding are the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), which accredits general programs, including medical billing and coding, and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), which provides certification for medical coders and lists classes that prepare students for credentialing exams.
Certification Exam Preparation
You will have to pass the medical billing certification exam to be eligible to start working, so naturally, you’ll want to attend a program in Mississippi that adequately prepares you for the test. Take note of special study materials, review sessions, and any additional preparation offered. .
Attending a program accredited by the CAHIIM, such as the Health Information Technology associate degree from Meridian Community College, ensures that the curriculum is of high caliber and will adequately prepare you for the certification test.
Cost and Financial Aid
As you look for a medical billing and coding course, remember that some schools in Mississippi are more affordable than others, and some have more financial aid opportunities. Tuition isn’t the only cost to consider, especially if you choose to commute to campus. Online programs, on the other hand, eliminate travel costs and the need to find alternative room and board.
Curriculum and Specializations
Though most accredited medical coding and billing schools in Mississippi follow similar curriculum guidelines, it’s important to learn more about each program’s classes to ensure you’ll be learning relevant information to help you pass the certification test and prepare you for your future career. Since medical billing and coding are specializations in the health information technology sector, you typically won’t find medical billing and coding classes focusing on additional specializations. Specialization can happen in your career after you have some experience.
You’ll want to ensure your chosen program in Mississippi covers medical terminology, medical coding, anatomy and physiology, health record systems, health care law and ethics, business accounting, medical transcription, and medical insurance billing.
Duration and Flexibility
Note each program’s timeline and flexibility. Some programs in Mississippi can be completed in as few as eight weeks, while others can take as long as four years. If you have a timeline you need to follow, choose a program that matches your goals and preferred delivery format.
For example, a professional certificate in medical coding and billing can take as few as eight weeks to complete through a professional organization. If you enroll in a school, coursework is about two semesters and 30 credits. Technical certificates require 45 credits and about three semesters, and an associate degree takes about two years and requires 60 credits.
Format
Format is the way a program is delivered to students. Some medical billing and coding schools require strict in-person attendance on a college campus, and other programs are available entirely online. Choosing a program delivered in your preferred format can set you up for success from the beginning.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers a fully online medical bill and coding program, versus the hybrid format offered through Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries in Mississippi
Within the United States, medical billers and coders can expect to make an average of $53,000 per year. However, Mississippi falls a little below the national average, with medical billers and coders making an average of $42,440 per year.
Different areas within Mississippi pay more than others. Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula pays above the state average, with the mean medical billing and coding income at $46,620 per year, and workers in the top 90th percentile earning as much as $61,520 per year. Alternatively, Hattiesburg pays below the state average, with the mean medical biller and coder salary at $41,860. See below for wage information on other Mississippi cities to get an idea of what you can earn.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Mississippi | $28,300 | $42,440 | $61,520 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $30,850 | $46,620 | $63,990 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28,300 | $41,860 | $58,850 |
| Jackson, MS | $30,310 | $42,900 | $61,090 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Career Outlook for Medical Biller/Coders in Mississippi
Despite lower pay than the U.S. average, the medical coding and billing field is growing rapidly in Mississippi, with an expected 12.2% growth through 2030, much higher than expected growth throughout the United States. Projections Central estimates that an average of 300 job openings appear every year in Mississippi, with an expected addition of over 400 new jobs through 2030. A career as a medical billing and coding specialist can be a great option for getting into the medical technology field quickly.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Mississippi | 420 | 12.2% | 300 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
FAQs About Mississippi Medical Billing & Coding Schools
Do you still have some questions? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the field of medical billing and coding — take a look below to learn more.
How do I become a medical coder in Mississippi?
You can work as a medical biller and coder without formal training, but earning your credential and passing a certification exam will open the door to higher pay. It will also give you priority over those who aren’t certified when finding a job. Start by finding a medical coding program or degree, then work toward preparing for the national certification exam.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Mississippi?
As a medical biller and coder, your pay will depend on your area. As noted in the chart above, the mean average wage for medical billers and coders is $42,440 per year in Mississippi, with professionals in Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula making slightly more (mean of $46,620) and those in Hattiesburg making slightly less (mean of $41,860).
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Whether pursuing a career in medical coding and billing is worth it depends on your career goals, interests, and the specific program you choose. It can offer many benefits, such as stability, remote work opportunities, and a vital role in healthcare administration. Demand is high in Mississippi, adding to the career’s appeal.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Medical billing and coding can be challenging because it requires accuracy, attention to detail, and sufficient knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems (such as ICD-10 and CPT). However, with proper training, dedication, and practice, it can be manageable and rewarding.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Yes, medical billing and coding are often considered good remote jobs because many healthcare facilities and coding companies offer the ability to work from home with an online connection. Remote medical coding and billing jobs typically require strong organizational skills, discipline, and proficiency in coding standards and software tools to be successful.
