Top Accredited Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Nevada
Accredited medical billing and coding schools in Nevada offer a quick, affordable path to a healthcare career where you can work remotely and still make a difference. Find out more about colleges and what you might earn with this fresh career start.
In medical billing and coding, you become a behind-the-scenes, indispensable part of the healthcare system. You act as the intermediary between patients and insurance companies, making sure providers receive correct and timely payment for their services.
Fortunately, becoming a billing and coding specialist in Nevada doesn’t require years of study or even a license. In less than a year, you can begin a medical career from the comfort of your own home.
Medical billing and coding programs in Nevada offer a quick entry path to a healthcare career without extensive admissions requirements. Although not required by the state, medical billing and coding certification also paves the way to employment and provides you with a solid foundation of medical records knowledge.
If you’ve already begun searching for the ideal medical billing and coding program, you may feel a bit confused by the options. To help you determine which program is right for you, we’ve created this handy guide highlighting three quality schools that offer convenient formats, comprehensive curriculum, and standout student resources. We also examine important factors to consider when choosing a program and answer top questions from prospective students. Keep reading to learn how to take the first steps toward your dream job.
Inside Three Accredited Medical Billing & Coding Programs in NV
When researching top online medical billing and coding programs in Nevada, look for an affordable, quality program that fits in with your work and home life. To help you get started, we’ve highlighted three medical billing and coding programs with varying formats, student benefits, and financial aid options.
Carrington College
Carrington College’s medical coding and billing program prepares students for entry-level positions in as little as nine months. Its blended online format consists of scheduled, live online classes and self-paced coursework. Important subjects include medical terminology, human anatomy, medical billing software, and medical records management. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a certificate of achievement. Career services advisors support students in job placement and interview preparation to ease the transition into the medical field.
This program isn’t individually accredited, but Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program tuition totals $22,182. New high school graduates may apply for a $1,000 institutional scholarship, and tuition assistance is available for active-duty military. Carrington College accepts both federal and private student loans, and they also offer their own low-interest loans to make the program more accessible.
Northwest Career College
At Northwest Career College, students can complete the medical coding and billing program in just nine months. This program features a hybrid schedule that combines the hands-on training of an externship with the flexibility of online learning.
Upon graduating, students will have the necessary technical and interpersonal skills for an entry-level position in billing and coding. These include communication skills, critical thinking, medical terminology, and insurance claim processing. To participate in the externship, students may have to undergo a drug screening and background check.
Tuition for this program costs $15,499. All students receive free laptops to use for their studies, as well as employment assistance from the school’s career services team. About 89% of graduates find job placement after completing the program. Northwest Career College accepts several forms of financial aid, including the Pell Grant, federal student loans, and veteran education benefits. They hold institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
United Education Institute
The medical coding and billing program at the United Education Institute (UEI) is available in both online and hybrid formats. Onsite classes take place twice a week during the day and evening, and the entire program can be completed in 10 months.
The curriculum includes medical law and ethics, insurance coding principles, medical billing and collections, documentation and records, and a 250-hour externship. This prepares students for positions as health information clerks, medical billers, medical records clerks, and medical billing and coding specialists. To support graduates in their new career, UEI has a career services department that assists in job placement.
To enroll in the program, applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. No college degree is required. UEI’s finance department offers one-on-one financial advice to students interested in financial aid, as well as benefits for active military and veterans.
Key Features of Accredited Programs in Nevada
There are important factors to consider in order to receive a quality education in an online medical billing and coding program. These include accreditation, curriculum, format, program duration, cost, and financial aid. We take a closer look at these factors below, explaining their importance and giving examples of each.
Accreditation
An accredited online program offers short- and long-term benefits for your education and future career in medical billing and coding. Accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets minimum quality standards, makes you eligible for federal financial aid, and shows potential employers in Nevada that you’re equipped with the necessary job skills.
Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada, which offers a medical coding and billing program, is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Certification Exam Preparation
A quality medical billing and coding program will include preparation for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam, administered by the National Healthcare Association. Although not required by the state, potential employers may still require certification, which will help you begin working as soon as possible.
Most schools, like Unitek College, cover key topics and questions addressed in the exam, such as records management, ethics, documentation, liability, and fraud. If necessary, you may also purchase additional study materials.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition cost is a significant investment and may be the determining factor in which program you choose. Financial aid may allow you to get a higher-quality education without paying a higher bill. This may come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs. Field-specific financial aid or institutional scholarships may be less competitive options for you.
The Health & Technology Scholarship is an example of financial aid that’s focused on the health field. It doesn’t require a specific major or minimum GPA.
Curriculum and Specializations
Quality medical billing and coding programs typically cover the same major subjects, such as records management, medical terminology, insurance claims, and ethics. Some programs may offer specializations for specific billing and coding careers or certification options like Health Records Specialist or Professional Coder. These allow you to focus your skills in one area and potentially earn a higher salary.
Asher College offers five possible certification tracks with their billing and coding program, depending on your preferred career path. Program instructors are available to offer advice.
Duration and Flexibility
Medical billing and coding graduates can begin their new career in less than a year, since most programs in Nevada typically last 9 to 10 months, although there are shorter accelerated programs in other states. Most programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and students with families with online classes or onsite classes that take place during days and evenings.
Carrington College’s program offers both a short duration of nine months and the flexibility of a blended online format where scheduled classes are attended online.
Format
The format of a medical coding and billing program determines if you must be onsite for class and how often you will need to attend. Online programs may combine live classes with self-paced coursework, and hybrid programs usually involve hands-on training and onsite classes at least two days a week. A program’s format dictates whether it will or won’t fit with your lifestyle.
The medical coding and billing program at United Education Institute offers students the most flexibility with both online and hybrid options, while most other programs have just one or the other.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary in Nevada
If you’re wondering about your earning potential as a medical billing and coding specialist in Nevada, know that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada’s average annual wage for medical records specialists is $48,110. This is about $5,500 less than the national average. That said, your location will largely determine your salary. Carson City’s average annual wages surpass the national average at $58,240, with experienced specialists earning up to $79,410.
As a new graduate, your salary will most likely be closer to the 10th percentile range until you gain more experience. In that category, Carson City again comes out on top with annual pay of $43,050. Reno comes in second with a salary of $36,800, and Las Vegas is right behind with $34,440.
If you have student loans to pay off, you’ll have better luck in a larger city where jobs are more plentiful with greater pay. Non-metropolitan areas in Nevada have the lowest wages, which would make paying off school debts take much longer.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Nevada | $34,440 | $48,110 | $66,070 |
| Carson City, NV | $43,050 | $58,240 | $79,410 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | $34,440 | $46,930 | $66,070 |
| Reno, NV | $36,800 | $48,590 | $63,420 |
| Nevada nonmetropolitan area | $33,930 | $48,510 | $62,800 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Career Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Students in NV
According to data on medical records specialists, Nevada owns just over 2% of the nation’s jobs. That said, they also are projected to have an impressive job growth rate of 17.2%, more than double the national average. With an average of 340 new job openings each year, the outlook is good for current and prospective medical billing and coding students.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Nevada | 620 | 17.2% | 340 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Common Questions About Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Nevada
If you have more questions about medical billing and coding in Nevada, you may find answers below as we address some of the top concerns of other prospective students. We go over the steps to becoming a medical coder, possible pay, and the potential challenges of the job.
How do I become a medical coder in Nevada?
To become a medical coder in Nevada, you must have a high school diploma or GED, complete an accredited medical coding or billing and coding program (or have at least a year of supervised work experience), and pass the certification exam, according to the National Healthcareer Association.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Nevada?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual salaries for medical records specialists range from just under $34,000 to more than $79,000, depending on experience and location. Larger cities, such as Carson City, offer more opportunity and higher wages than non-metropolitan areas. New graduates just entering the field should expect to earn closer to the 10th percentile range of salaries, which are between $34,000 and $43,000.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
If you are a detail-oriented person who thrives on accuracy, then this career may be ideal for you. Certification takes less than a year, and the growing demand for medical records specialists in Nevada promises good job security. There’s significant room for salary growth and the possibility of remote work, which would allow for more flexibility.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Medical billing and coding may be challenging for some, due to the pressure to maintain a high level of accuracy for proper billing and compliance. You will also need to continue your education to keep up with changing regulations and technology.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Yes, medical coding is a solid remote job that offers more flexibility for better work-life balance. That said, you must be self-disciplined and timely in your communication with other members of the healthcare team to ensure accurate data entry. Speaking of data, you must also be prepared to maintain the security of people’s health information to be in compliance with HIPAA.
