The Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s top online medical billing and codingprograms can help you kickstart a new career path in a rewarding field. Start by finding the school for you and learn more about job prospects in OK.
A career in medical billing and coding is ideal for anyone interested in administrative and healthcare fields. If your professional journey leads to an medical billing and coding program, you’ll have the potential for work-life balance, a competitive salary, and a path to career advancement. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients and healthcare providers. Before you invest time and money in an online medical billing and coding program in Oklahoma, you’ll want to make sure it offers the right combination of quality instruction, flexibility, and affordability.
Many medical billing and coding programs are offered fully online, giving you the flexibility to remain employed, tend to personal responsibilities, and avoid relocation. Below, we’ve spotlighted three quality online medical billing and coding programs in OK, providing an overview of each school’s curriculum, admissions requirements, program length, specialization options, and other notable features.
We’ll also cover the salary and career outlook for medical billing and coding specialists and answer some common questions prospective students may have. If you’re ready for more insight into a medical billing and coding career, as well as examples of first-rate programs, let’s get started.
An Inside Look into Oklahoma’s Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Below you’ll find spotlights on three online medical billing and coding programs in Oklahoma. Each school has been carefully vetted to ensure it offers a high-quality curriculum, affordability, and career-focused outcomes. These school profiles will give you an idea of what to look for as you start your online medical billing and coding program search.
Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
Oklahoma State University offers one of the top online medical billing and coding programs in Oklahoma, with its fully online, self-paced coursework. The course generally takes about 12 months to complete and costs around $2,995, with opportunities for financing, grants, and scholarships.
Taught by healthcare professionals with extensive experience, the program offers student advisors who can assist with course planning and requirements. Upon completion, students receive a voucher for one of the following exams:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
There are no pre-requisites to apply, but students must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for one of the above exams.
Oklahoma City Community College
The medical billing and coding course at Oklahoma City Community College is another example of a top-notch online program in Oklahoma.
In this 12-month online program, students will study basic healthcare terminology, learn how insurance works, and dig deep into the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. The program has no prerequisites and prepares students for a career in medical billing and coding by offering hands-on software training as well as an externship starter kit. For students who are not interested in coding, there is a stand-alone medical billing program option.
Cost is about $2,995 for 370 course hours and students will receive a voucher upon completion for the certification exam of their choice.
Northeastern State University
The 80-hour program at Northeastern State University is an accelerated online medical billing program in OK. The course is 100% online, designed to be completed within six months. The course fee is about $1,799 and includes all required textbooks, workbooks, and other materials. Key features include the dedicated 24/7 instructor support, opportunities for collaboration, and additional online healthcare content to supplement learning. In this medical billing and coding program, students learn the ins and outs of insurance billing, including how to assign codes, process claims, and troubleshoot common issues. Upon completion of the program and the required hands-on work experience, graduates are eligible to sit for national certification tests including the Certified Professional Coder and Certified Coding Associate exams.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Billing Coding Students in OK
Students in online medical billing and coding programs in Oklahoma have the potential to earn a salary that is near the state’s average. In the table below, you’ll see wage amounts for medical records specialists, which is the closest match to the data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A quick overview shows that the annual wage for a medical records specialist in many of the state’s large cities is right around Oklahoma’s average salary of $49,510. Oklahoma’s mean wages are a bit below the national average salary of $59,428, but in certain areas, such as Tulsa, medical billers have the possibility to earn much more, upwards of $77,250. The area with the lowest salary potential is near the city of Lawton, which is a much smaller than Oklahoma City or Tulsa.
Job growth for medical billing and coding specialists is trending in a positive direction, both nationally and in the state of Oklahoma. The position is expected to grow by about 6% in Oklahoma, adding about 180 jobs each year. This is slightly less than the national average increase of 8.5%, but still showing plenty of growth.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $33,330 | $49,510 | $67,510 |
| Lawton, OK | $32,970 | $49,910 | $65,500 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $34,440 | $51,310 | $67,510 |
| Tulsa, OK | $34,570 | $47,780 | $77,250 |
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 |
| Oklahoma | 2,480 | 2,630 | 150 | 6.0% | 180 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Popular Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Billing Analyst
Upon completion of an online medical billing and coding program in Oklahoma, one of the positions you’ll be qualified for is a billing analyst. Billing analysts manage payment relationships between providers and patients. In short, they work to ensure healthcare organizations receive income from insurance companies and patients. Billing analysts work in doctor’s offices, same-day surgery centers, or in larger hospitals submitting insurance claims, following up on payments, answering patient payment questions, maintaining accurate patient data, and investigating appeals. Because they manage the revenue stream, billing analysts play a vital role in the financial health of an organization.
Coding Auditor
Another post-program path would be a position as a coding auditor. Coding auditors check the work of other coding professionals to ensure providers are receiving accurate payments and that insurance companies aren’t over or underpaying. A coding auditor work on behalf of his or her employer, whether a hospital or an insurance company. They review medical records and procedures to verify that the codes match the service provided. With the complex nature of the healthcare industry, coding auditors must be detail oriented and have an understanding of human anatomy and medical procedures.
Medical Records Coordinator
A medical records coordinator works behind the scenes at healthcare facilities to ensure patient medical records are accurate and complete. This role isn’t patient-facing and usually involves work with electronic records software. A high level of accuracy is key, along with the ability to interpret medical jargon and adhere to strict privacy standards and HIPPA regulations. Depending on job responsibilities, medical records coordinators may also be responsible for assigning billing codes to procedures based on a provider’s visit notes.
Reimbursement Specialist
Another common job in medical billing and coding is reimbursement specialist. Specialists process and submit invoices and insurance claims, coordinate insurance coverage with the correct medical services, and manage both medical records and financial data. As the U.S. population ages and healthcare becomes increasingly complex, reimbursement specialists are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical records specialists (the closest title available) is expected to grow by 9% over the next decade, much faster than the national average.
Answers to Your Questions
What is the medical billing and coding salary in Oklahoma?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers salary data medical records specialists, which are the closest match for medical billing and coding specialists. According to that data, the mean salary in Oklahoma is $49,510, although there are opportunities to earn more, especially in Oklahoma City. To increase your starting salary, successfully complete a medical billing and coding program, pass a national certification exam, and negotiate when you receive a job offer.
What are the Oklahoma state requirements for medical billing and coding?
Medical billing and coding professionals do not require state licensing in Oklahoma, but most entry-level positions will require applicants to complete a certification program and one of the national exams. The three main medical coding and billing exam options are the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Exam, and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
What is the average cost of a medical billing and coding program?
It depends. In the schools highlighted above, the average program cost ranged from about $1,800 to $3,000 for a 6-to-12-month fully online program. If you are interested in a medical billing and coding program at a private institution like Sullivan University, you may pay closer to $15,000. If you are eligible for financial aid and scholarships, you may be able to complete a program at little cost. Keep in mind that some programs offer certification exam vouchers while others do not. If paying out of pocket, the fees for a national exam are several hundred dollars.
How can I find an accredited medical billing and coding school online with financial aid?
Investing in your education can be well worth your time and money if you choose a quality school. Begin your search by looking at schools that are accredited. Accreditation ensures that a school meets certain quality standards when it comes to coursework and the student experience. It’s important to note that only students at accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid. If you decide to enroll in an online medical billing and coding program, a good first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also be eligible for state aid, institutional aid, scholarships, grants.
