Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Pennsylvania (PA): Top Online & Campus Classes
Jumpstart your healthcare career with flexible medical billing and coding programs in Pennsylvania. Choose from online and on-campus options to fit your lifestyle.
You want to pursue a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry – but you don’t want to spend years and years in school. What are your options? A career in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania could provide just the right mix of a healthcare focus and speedy schooling.
While certification for this job isn’t required in much of the United States, including Pennsylvania, specific employers may require you to be certified. Luckily, certification is quick and easy and often can be completed in months or even weeks.
Many medical billing and coding schools in Pennsylvania delivered their programs via flexible online learning. This equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this vital role. Plus, many billing and coding professionals work remotely, adding extra convenience.
Curious to learn more? This guide covers three Pennsylvania medical billing and coding schools of note, teaches you how to choose the best ones, and offers insights into your job and salary outlook. Keep reading to take the first step into your new career.
Inside Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Pennsylvania
Ready to find the perfect program to launch your career in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania? Several programs are available that offer certification in the field. As a bonus, many are 100% online and feature easy admissions. Let’s look at some of the most popular and reputable medical billing and coding schools in Pennsylvania.
Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
If you wish to attend a university program rather than a vocational school, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg is a good choice. It’s one of ten public, state-owned universities that are part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
In this 100% online program on medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania, you’ll learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), plus Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Category II and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) codes, as you run practice tests with real medical coding software.
After you complete the course, you’ll receive a voucher for the certified professional coder (CPC), certified coding associate (CCA), or certified billing and coding specialist (CBCS) test – whichever certification you want to pursue for your career.
The program is offered through Ed2Go, in collaboration with other members of the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
Indiana County Technology Center
The Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) offers a unique, 100% online program in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania through Ed2Go. These classes are self-paced so you can do them in your own time, though you’ll need to complete the course within 12 months.
Through 370 course hours, you’ll be taught the full scope of medical administration with a particular focus on billing and coding. And when you successfully complete the program, you can use your voucher for the CPC, CCA or CBCS test to get certified as a biller and coder in Pennsylvania.
This is a very comprehensive course and alongside standards for medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania, it covers medical terminology, best practices, administrative duties, and multitasking skills.
Institute of Medical and Business Careers
The Institute of Medical and Business Careers (IMBC) offers a diploma for medical billing and coding. This course takes about six weeks to complete; the total program length to earn your diploma is about 14 months.
The curriculum covers key areas such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and coding systems including ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS. You’ll also receive hands-on training with the medical billing and coding software you’ll use in your job.
With a graduates’ job placement rate of 100%, the success rate for students starting their medical careers looks very good.
Key Factors of Top Medical Billing/Coding Schools in Pennsylvania
When selecting among medical billing and coding schools and programs in Pennsylvania, there are several key factors you’ll need to evaluate. These will help you determine if the program is right for you.
Whether you’re looking for a program that’s affordable, has high-quality and in-depth coursework, or uses a flexible learning format, we’ll highlight several considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a medical billing and coding program meets established standards of quality and rigor. For students in Pennsylvania, attending an accredited program can enhance your employment prospects and guarantee that your education is respected by employers.
For example, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg and all its programs are accredited by the MSCHE. An education at an esteemed state university can look good on your resume as you interview for your first medical billing and coding job in Pennsylvania.
Certification Exam Preparation
As a medical biller and coder, you’ll likely be pursuing one of three certification exams post-education: the CPC, CCA or CBCS. These certify you as a medical billing coder and improve your job prospects. Many educational programs prep you for these exams and also pay for the vouchers that allow you to take them.
The class offered by Indiana County Technology Center includes exam prep and vouchers for each of these tests, ensuring you’re ready to succeed when exam time comes.
Cost and Financial Aid
Though courses in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania are generally short, they can still be expensive. Tuition varies widely among programs, but luckily, most schools offer financial aid to help you work toward your new career without putting you in debt.
Whether you attend a traditional university or a vocational school, scholarships and grants are often an option. The Institute of Medical and Business Careers offers financial aid to its students via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly called the FAFSA, and grants.
Curriculum and Specializations
A comprehensive curriculum with plenty of opportunities to specialize is something every good program in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania should offer. The job isn’t easy, and it’s important that you acquire the skills you’ll need to excel.
You’ll discover opportunities to specialize in this field, in areas such as outpatient coding or medical billing. One course offered by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College allows you become a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist.
Duration and Flexibility
If you don’t want to spend a year in school, asynchronous learning and a self-directed program could be a good choice. For medical billing programs with a short duration, consider the P1 Medical Billing Course at MedicalBillingCourse.com. This can be completed in as little as three weeks. The program is ideal for students who want to complete their training quickly and start their careers sooner.
Format
Medical billing and coding programs in Pennsylvania come in one of three formats: online, hybrid, or traditional/on-campus. Online programs offer flexibility for students with busy schedules, and hybrid formats combine online coursework with in-person instruction for those who prefer at least some interaction.
Consider Montgomery County Community College, which provides a noncredit hybrid program in medical billing and coding.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, medical billing and coding professionals, categorized as medical record specialists by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earn a mean annual wage of $49,680. This figure falls slightly below the national average of $53,690 for medical record specialists across the country.
There’s lot of variation in pay scales between different regions of Pennsylvania. Mean salaries range from $42,590 in Altoona to $55,700 in Reading.
Areas such as Reading and the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area offer higher earning potential, reflecting the higher cost of living in metropolitan regions. Conversely, regions such as Altoona have lower wages but potentially lower living costs too.
Of the highest 10% of earners, the best salary is in Reading, with a salary of $82,950, higher than the national average and better than the next-highest salary in PA by $5k. The lowest 10% are in Altoona and Gettysburg, with salaries of only $29,800 and $31,840.
Take into account both salary and local cost of living before moving to find a job as a medical biller and coder.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,590 | $49,680 | $63,720 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $37,770 | $51,570 | $71,280 |
| Altoona, PA | $29,800 | $42,590 | $58,950 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | $34,630 | $47,390 | $64,480 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $33,260 | $50,960 | $75,020 |
| Erie, PA | $33,440 | $47,920 | $62,330 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $31,840 | $43,960 | $56,930 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $35,720 | $50,990 | $64,190 |
| Johnstown, PA | $32,030 | $44,270 | $66,910 |
| Lancaster, PA | $36,550 | $50,590 | $61,610 |
| Lebanon, PA | $36,560 | $51,530 | $72,680 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | $37,830 | $54,680 | $77,700 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $37,210 | $48,260 | $63,720 |
| Reading, PA | $36,730 | $55,700 | $82,950 |
| Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton, PA | $33,080 | $44,890 | $60,320 |
| State College, PA | $35,350 | $43,400 | $60,320 |
| Williamsport, PA | $37,150 | $46,270 | $60,800 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $35,910 | $48,700 | $65,590 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Looking Ahead at the Future for Medical Biller & Coders in PA
The career outlook for medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania is promising, with an expected job growth rate of 8.7%, slightly above the national average of 8.5%. This translates to 1,210 new jobs and approximately 1,150 annual openings in this stable and growing field in Pennsylvania.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,210 | 8.7% | 1,150 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Answers to Your Questions About Medical Billing Schools in PA
If you’re ready to take the first step into medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania, you’re likely full of questions. Let’s answer a few of the most pressing questions from prospective students, including how to get started and potential earnings.
How do I become a medical coder in Pennsylvania?
To become a medical coder in PA, you’ll need to enroll in a medical billing and coding program, typically offered by community colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Complete the program, earn your certification through an exam such as the CPC or CCS, and apply for entry-level positions in healthcare settings.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, medical billing and coding professionals earn a mean annual wage of $49,680. Salaries vary by region, with higher earnings in metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and lower earnings in smaller cities such as Altoona.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Medical billing and coding can be a worthwhile career, offering stable job growth and the flexibility to work in various healthcare settings or to work remotely. The relatively short training period and certification process make it an accessible path to employment.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
If you enjoy detail-oriented work that requires a high degree of accuracy, you’ll find medical billing and coding to be a good fit. If not, it could be quite difficult. Understanding multiple complex coding systems can take a lot of effort.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania is an excellent and common remote job option. Many healthcare facilities and insurance companies offer remote positions.
