Inside Top Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Texas
Medical billing and coding are two of the fastest-growing careers in Texas (nearly 9% through 2033). But how do you get started? Which training programs will get you the education you need to succeed? Use EduMed’s guide to learn the ins and outs of medical billing and coding programs in Texas, explore top learning options, see how they work online, and review salary and career growth data specific to the state. Start your journey today.
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Best Online MB&C Schools in Texas
Finding the right medical billing and coding program is key. It guides your academic experience and professional trajectory. In Texas, a number of programs stand out for their dedication to online learning, affordable cost structure, and commitment to excellence. See if one of the following schools might be the right fit for your medical billing and coding education.
Central Texas College
Killeen, Texas
Why We Selected Central Texas College:
- The program offers an exam voucher for certification exams like CPC, CCA, or CBCS.
- The curriculum includes hands-on practice with medical billing and coding software.
- Students gain valuable experience through an externship starter kit.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,570
- Average Institutional Aid$2,521
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course71%
- % of Students Receiving an Award19%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Panola College
Carthage, Texas
Why We Selected Panola College:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in Health Information Technology and Medical Coding.
- Panola College's HIT program provides clinical affiliations for hands-on experience throughout East Texas.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$792
- Average Institutional Aid$3,929
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
- % of Students Receiving an Award30%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Lamar Institute of Technology
Beaumont, Texas
Why We Selected Lamar Institute of Technology:
- The program prepares students for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, enhancing job prospects.
- The curriculum includes data analysis and information technology, providing a comprehensive skill set.
- Graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including physician's offices and outpatient clinics.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$1,920
- Average Institutional Aid$2,094
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
- % of Students Receiving an Award28%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
El Paso Community College
El Paso, Texas
Why We Selected El Paso Community College:
- The Health Information Management Program at EPCC is accredited by CAHIIM, ensuring high educational standards.
- The program offers a variety of job titles and settings, providing flexibility in career choices.
- EPCC's HIM program connects clinical, operational, and administrative functions, enhancing patient care quality.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,784
- Average Institutional Aid$2,731
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course59%
- % of Students Receiving an Award26%
- Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
How Online Medical Coding Programs Work in Texas
In our review of online medical billing and coding programs in Texas, we found a wide array of options that are student-focused and each offers something different. As you consider your options, think about whether you prefer to learn synchronously or asynchronously, a cohort or solo approach, and whether you want to apply credits down the line toward an associate’s degree or beyond. Additionally, consider if you are most interested in medical billing, coding, or a combination program.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate — Central Texas College
Central Texas College offers a Medical Coding and Billing program designed for careers in healthcare settings such as hospitals and medical offices. The program prepares students for national certification with instruction from experienced faculty and provides college credits transferable to further education. Students can pursue an associate degree (60 credit hours) or a certificate (42 credit hours), both available online and on campus. The continuity between the two programs ensures that the credits from the certificate program are applicable for students who want to continue and earn their associate’s degree.
Duration: One year (3 semesters, 42 credit hours)
Mode: Online, On Campus
Cost: $100/credit hour (in-district [Killeen and Copperas Cove School Districts]), $124/credit hour (resident out-of-district), $250/credit hour (non-resident & international)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Earn admission to Central Texas College by completing online application and submitting requisite documentation (Texas Success Initiative, Transcripts, Immunization Records, Proof of Texas Residency)
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Insurance
- Anatomy and Physiology/Pharmacology/Human Disease
- Health Data/Coding Systems
- Medical Coding/Reimbursement
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate — Lamar Institute of Technology
Lamar Institute of Technology offers a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate program that equips students with skills in coding diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS. Lamar prides itself on its open admissions policy, wanting everyone to get the education they need for a fulfilling career while providing student support services. Students can enroll and complete the program online, with the lab component offering additional experience to their prospective career in medical coding. Graduates can take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam and work in various healthcare settings. The certificate can be completed in 19 months and is a pathway to the Health Information Technology associate degree, requiring up to 20 additional credits.
Duration: 19 months [5 terms, 44 credit hours (31 lecture hours, 52 lab hours)]
Mode: Online, including online options for practicum courses. Clinicals/hybrid clinicals may be completed in your community or on-campus clinical sites
Cost: $131/credit hour (Texas resident), $551/credit hour (non-Texas resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- High school completion (no degree)
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Legal and Ethical Aspects
- Anatomy and Physiology/Pathophysiology/Pharmacology/Human Disease
- Health Information Systems
- Medical Coding/Reimbursement
- Health Care Delivery Systems
- Health Information and Organization
Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Training — University of Texas at San Antonio
For students looking for a fast track toward credentialing as a Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), University of Texas at San Antonio has a unique 100% online program that prepares you for the certification exam in 6 months. The virtual course is delivered over 23 consecutive weeks, offering 138 hours of content, broken into cohort-wide sessions with the online instructor twice a week for 3 hours. For students who are looking for a program that follows their progress more closely through synchronous learning, this is the program for you. In addition to tuition covering the cost of the course, it also includes a voucher for the NHA CBCS certification exam, administered at the USTA Downtown campus.
Duration: 6 months
Mode: Online synchronous
Cost: $3,695
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma (not required for course, but required for certification)
- Microsoft Office suite
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology
- Medical Insurance & Billing/Medical Coding& Classification
- Coding Certification
- Career Development
FAQs from MB&C Students in Texas
If you still have some lingering questions about pursuing a career in medical billing and coding in Texas, then you’re not alone. We’ve compiled prospective billing and coding students’ most frequently asked questions to address any concerns you may still have.
So, let’s talk all things course structure, prerequisites, salary, and certification!
Are medical billing and coding classes ever offered online or part-time?
Medical billing and coding classes are often offered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. For example, Central Texas College offers online courses for its Medical Coding and Billing program. The Medical Billing and Coding Program at the College of Health Care Professions, on the other hand, offers both virtual classes and hybrid courses.
Most programs where you accumulate credits are technically classified as part-time, as the number of credits per term falls below the full-time status for the institution. Online asynchronous programs allow students to complete courses at their own pace, often with a deadline when your accompanying resources may expire and you may have to renew the course.
Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?
Some institutions require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission. While most online billing & coding programs themselves do not require a high school diploma or GED, the certification exams typically do require a high school diploma, so consider that along with your timeline for applying and studying.
Some programs do require students to take an entrance exam. For example, the College of Health Care Professions requires students to earn a score of 17 or higher on the Scholastic Level Exam in order to apply to its Medical Billing and Coding Program.
Lone Star College also requires students to take a pre-assessment activity and placement test, and you may find it helpful to have some background knowledge in anatomy and physiology, as this is in the curriculum of every program.
How much do medical billing and coding professionals make in Texas?
How much a medical billing or coding professional makes in Texas depends on the city, the level of education, the type and number of certificates they hold, and the experience they have. However, the prevalence of remote work means that you may be able to reside somewhere with a lower cost of living while working in an area that boasts higher salaries.
Medical billing and coding professionals’ salaries in Texas are on par with the national average. Certified Medical Coders with 0-1 years of experience earn an average of $39,335, while those with 5-9 years of experience earn an average of $50,318.
What certification exam(s) do I need to take before I can start working?
The certification exam you choose depends on your career goals. Keep in mind that medical billing and coding are two different responsibilities that can require separate certifications, although you can become certified in both. After completing your coding program, you will be prepared to sit for any of the following exams: Certified Coding Associate (CCA); Certified Coding Specialist (CCS); or Certified Professional Coder (CPC).
If you’re interested in working exclusively in billing, you can sit for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam, or the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) exam, among others.
If you’re interested in both areas for maximum employability, you can work to earn the Certified Billing and Coding Specialists (CBCS) credential or take both the CPC and CPB exams.
What is the process for applying to a medical billing and coding program?
Most institutions require students to apply to both the school and the program. Many medical billing and coding programs also require you to submit an official transcript. Some may require test scores, and others may require proof of vaccination, particularly if you enroll in traditional in-person classes. Some fully virtual programs allow you to sign up today to begin your studies immediately, although these programs may not offer credits to apply towards a degree later. Each program has its unique application process but these are the general admissions processes that you can expect to encounter.
Medical Coding Certification in Texas
Certification in medical billing and coding is typically recognized at the national level by three main bodies, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The best way to decide what certification might be the best fit for you is to look at some job postings that interest you and see which credentials they prefer or require. Once you determine the likely best certification for you, you can look at that certification body and its requirements.
Across the board, you will want to ensure you select a program that meets accreditation standards, some of which are set by the AAPC and the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Look for programs/schools that prominently feature their accreditation by one of these organizations.
Once you earn your certification, you will have to recertify and pay a fee approximately every two years to keep your professional status and remain connected to current information. You will have to earn a variety of continuing education units (CEUs), between 10-36 CEUs, depending on your certification.
How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Earn in Texas?
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,080 | $48,780 | $77,810 |
| Texas | $31,090 | $44,180 | $68,510 |
| Abilene, TX | $28,900 | $43,990 | $60,340 |
| Amarillo, TX | $33,280 | $40,960 | $60,280 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $34,080 | $43,890 | $71,210 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $28,010 | $37,340 | $58,800 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $27,950 | $39,410 | $56,740 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $31,580 | $43,910 | $70,860 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $30,440 | $39,130 | $60,990 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $35,240 | $48,410 | $77,070 |
| El Paso, TX | $28,070 | $41,540 | $63,350 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $34,030 | $45,760 | $73,220 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $32,020 | $41,450 | $63,770 |
| Laredo, TX | $27,060 | $35,410 | $55,680 |
| Longview, TX | $33,830 | $44,900 | $66,910 |
| Lubbock, TX | $28,370 | $43,180 | $59,070 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $24,290 | $35,300 | $56,420 |
| Midland, TX | $35,410 | $45,530 | $66,850 |
| Odessa, TX | $28,780 | $42,130 | $74,400 |
| San Angelo, TX | $29,180 | $43,960 | $56,430 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $31,750 | $43,270 | $66,330 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $31,040 | $41,090 | $48,960 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $26,980 | $35,110 | $51,600 |
| Tyler, TX | $28,610 | $40,590 | $73,290 |
| Victoria, TX | $28,190 | $42,360 | $73,960 |
| Waco, TX | $27,680 | $42,290 | $55,310 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $29,170 | $44,310 | $63,670 |
Source: Medical Records Specialists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.50% | 15,000 |
| Texas | 19,530 | 23,450 | 3,920 | 20.10% | 1,810 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
