Top Online & Campus Medical Billing and Coding Programs in New Hampshire: Find Your Match
Want the flexibility to work from home while having an abundance of career opportunities? Get started today by reading on and finding an online medical billing and coding program in New Hampshire.
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With the healthcare industry continuously growing and new technology constantly emerging, more people wanting to break into that field are considering a career in medical billing and coding – and trained professionals in this healthcare specialty are more in demand than ever.
New Hampshire is no exception to a need for more experts in this role. Choosing the right online medical billing program in New Hampshire could secure you a job in this vital sector, but you also need to think about how to fit another round of education into your personal plans and career goals.
The good news is you don’t need to uproot your life or physically go to a college campus to learn about medical billing and coding. Online programs in NH offer another option, one with flexibility that allows you to balance a work-life schedule while taking steps towards a new career. It also gives you the chance to learn more about remote work, which will come in handy since medical billing and coding workers often work from home.
In this guide, you’ll discover top online and on-campus medical billing and coding programs in New Hampshire to help you get certified as a medical billing and coding specialist. We’ll also go over medical billing and coding careers and answer your most pressing questions about program details and future salaries. Read on to get a glimpse into this fascinating field.
An Inside Look at New Hampshire’s Popular Medical Billing & Coding Programs
When considering an online medical billing program in New Hampshire, picking the right one for your needs is the most important decision to make. Some programs are 100% online, while others are hybrid and require occasional on-campus attendance. And, the curriculum can vary widely between programs. Below, we spotlight three of New Hampshire’s best schools and programs to help you find your perfect match.
Nashua Community College
Nashua Community College is a popular choice for NH students and offers plenty of budget-friendly certificate and training courses, including their online medical billing program. This 100% online program covers essential topics such as medical terminology, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS), and billing procedures. You’ll also get a chance for hands-on use of medical billing and coding software.
With 370 course hours, this program takes about a year to complete, though the program is self-paced and you may be able to complete it sooner to more quickly enter the job market. Enrolling costs a one-time fee of $3,299, but financial aid isn’t available since this is a non-credit course.
An exam voucher is included with the price of the program, so you can take your choice of the Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Associate, or Certified Billing & Coding Specialist exams as soon as you finish. No prior healthcare experience, courses, or knowledge are required to pass, but since those exams require a high school diploma, it’s recommended you have one before you enroll.
University of New Hampshire
This university offers a comprehensive online medical billing and coding program that prepares students for careers in healthcare administration. Like the program offered by Nashua CC, this one at the University of New Hampshire is a completely self-paced and 100% online medical billing program in New Hampshire that takes about 12 months to complete.
In 370 course hours, you’ll learn to master all key coding systems (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II), medical coding terminology, and HIPAA compliance guidelines.
After completing the program, you’ll receive a free voucher and study package for either the CBCS, CCA, or CPC exam, so you can become a certified medical billing and coding specialist in the state. There are no prerequisites, though you do need a high school diploma to take the certification exam. All required learning materials are included in the $3,499 cost.
Since this is a non-credit course, financial aid is not usually available, but you do get access to the University of New Hampshire’s instructors and student advising team as part of the program.
Southern New Hampshire University
If you’re looking for a fast-track online medical billing program in New Hampshire, SNHU offers a medical billing and coding program that can be completed in just eight weeks. The 100% online, three-credit course costs only $990, making it more affordable than many other options.
You also don’t need to enroll in a degree program at SNHU to take this course, but it does require a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do decide to enroll in a degree program, you can transfer your credits later.
In two months, you’ll learn medical terminology, coding classification systems, and coding systems like the ICD-10, HCPCS II, and CPT. Since there are no set class times, you can learn at your own convenience – just make sure you stay on track since the program is so short.
You won’t be able to get federal financial aid since this is non-degree coursework, but some other forms of financial assistance may be available.
Salary & Career Overview: Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in NH
One consideration in completing an online medical billing program in New Hampshire is the salary you’ll earn after graduation. You may also be curious to know how NH compares to the United States as a whole, or which cities in the state pay the best. We’ve gathered up all of that data in the tables below.
Note that the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific data for medical billers and coders. Instead, the closest career data provided is for medical records specialists and has been used below.
Nationwide, medical records specialists earn a median annual salary of $48,780, with those in the 90th percentile making as much as $77,810. In New Hampshire, salaries are comparable in the 10th percentile with a median of $47,960 although top earners earn considerably less than the national average and receive around $67,100.
Manchester and Portsmouth offer some of the highest pay rates in the state, with top professionals in Portsmouth making as much as $69,040 annually. Meanwhile, Dover medical records specialists earn much less at only a median of $39,620 compared to Portsmouth’s median of $53,830.
Job growth is steady in the field, both nationally and in New Hampshire. The US is expected to see a job growth rate of 8.5%, with New Hampshire only slightly lower at 8.1%.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,080 | $48,780 | $77,810 |
| New Hampshire | $36,200 | $47,960 | $67,100 |
| Dover | $33,030 | $39,620 | $59,700 |
| Manchester | $36,200 | $48,740 | $67,100 |
| Portsmouth | $39,330 | $53,830 | $69,040 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
| Area | Current Jobs | Projected Jobs | New Jobs | Job Growth | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.5% | 15,000 |
| New Hampshire | 860 | 930 | 70 | 8.1% | 70 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Careers for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Billing Analyst
One of the most important jobs for any healthcare organization is the billing analyst. This role was created to ensure that all customers are accurately billed.
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll be analyzing billing data, sending out invoices, and creating finance reports. You’ll also be responsible for identifying and handling any discrepancies, such as when patients have been overcharged. Excelling in this role requires attention to detail and strong analytical skills, alongside knowledge of medical billing software and coding procedures that you’ll learn in your coursework.
Coding Auditor
Coding auditors are tasked with reviewing medical records to ensure that coding is accurate and compliant with healthcare standards. You’ll need a deep knowledge of coding standards like ICD-10 and CPT to succeed at this job.
Maximum accuracy in medical billing is the goal here, and you’ll be on the lookout for errors or suspicious activity. You’ll perform regular audits to check for these discrepancies and make sure your organization remains compliant.
Medical Record Coordinator
Healthcare facilities deal with thousands of medical records and are in need of medical record coordinators to help manage them.
Maintaining, processing, and organizing patient records are the primary duties of a medical coder. Besides those skills, understanding HIPAA and other healthcare regulations will be a major part of the job.
Reimbursement Specialist
If you want to work in the insurance industry, consider becoming a reimbursement specialist. These professionals focus on managing the claims process to ensure that healthcare providers receive proper payment for the services they deliver.
Day-to-day, you’ll be submitting insurance claims, following up on unpaid claims, and resolving any other billing issues. You’ll be interacting with healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and patients, so strong communication skills are required.
Your Top Questions, Answered
How much does a medical billing and coding program cost in NH?
The cost of a medical billing and coding program in New Hampshire can vary a lot. Even among the programs we listed, the cost ranges from $990 to $3,499. Those are just standalone programs; it will certainly cost more if you decide to go for a full degree.
While federal financial aid is usually not available for these non-credit programs, other sources can lessen the cost of your medical billing and coding course.
Which is the best online medical billing and coding program?
There are many online medical billing and coding programs in NH, and the best one for you will depend on a lot of factors.
You need to decide if you want to attend a standalone program or earn a full college degree. And, that’s just one question to answer. How much are you willing to pay? Are you looking for a flexible online program or a hybrid one? Do you need strong student support services? Which medical coding systems do you want to learn? How can you get admitted to your medical billing and coding program?
All of the universities above are accredited and high-quality, so it’s just a matter of which course teaches the skills you’re looking for and fits your desired price point.
How do I know if a medical billing and coding program is accredited?
Accreditation ensures that the program meets national educational standards, so you should make sure your program and its provider is accredited.
Check your course provider’s website for national accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Avoid enrolling in colleges without institutional accreditation.
You can also check the individual program for accreditation from CAHIIM, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management Education – not mandatory but a good sign of a high-quality program.
What are accelerated medical billing and coding programs?
Accelerated medical billing and coding programs allow students to complete their education more quickly than traditional programs. These programs condense the same material into a fast-paced and intensive format, so you can quickly enter the workforce. As an example, the SNHU program above takes eight weeks, while most other medical billing and coding programs take at least 12 months to complete.
