The demand for medical billing and coding professionals in Pennsylvania continues to rise as healthcare facilities seek to streamline their revenue cycles. Employers are looking for specialists with technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to changing regulations.
Trade Schools & Online Classes
For those looking to advance their careers, opportunities exist in medical auditing, revenue cycle management, healthcare compliance, and education. As automation and AI-driven billing software become more prevalent, specialists with experience in medical informatics and billing analytics will have an edge in the job market.
To get started, you need to enroll in training program like ones below.
How Will It Benefit You?
Graduates of the course will be eligible to take any of the major certification exams below:
Certified Professional Coder offered by AAPC
Certified Coding Associate offered by AHIMA
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist offered by NHA
Passing the exam wil give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for local jobs.
Depending on which organization you choose, you might even be able to obtain a specialized coding certificate for specific areas of the medical field, such as cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, dermatology, or even family medicine.
How Long Is It?
It will take about 1 year to complete. It is 370 course hours, but you can work as fast or slow as you want since it is online.
Enroll at anytime.
How Much Does it Cost?
$3,200 for the classes above. Financing is available and included in the fee is a voucher for the exam.
What Courses Do You Take?
During your education program, you typically take classes on:
- Essential medical coding terminology focusing on human anatomy and physiology
- Comprehensive knowledge of disorders and procedures for each body system
- Understanding of legal, ethical, and regulatory standards in healthcare, including HIPAA and guidelines for insurance claims
- Proficiency in using key coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II
- Ability to code medical diagnoses, services, and procedures for all body systems
- Introduction to the basics of medical billing, coding, and terminology
- Understanding of medical word parts, along with the structure and function of the human body
Other Local Trade Schools
- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lester
- Allentown
- Tannersville
- Summerdale
- Philadelphia
- Erie, Forty Fort, Scranton
- Erie, Pittsburgh
- North Wales, Phoenixville
- Uniontown
- Irwin
- Altoona, Lancaster, York
All-State Career School (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
All-State Career offers a comprehensive diploma program in Medical Billing and Coding at its Baltimore, MD, and Essington, PA, campuses, designed to prepare students for entry-level administrative roles. While the specific duration can vary by campus, these career-focused diploma tracks typically span approximately 8 to 12 months and include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training in procedural coding and insurance claim submission. Graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to pursue national certifications, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), ensuring they are competitive in a field projected for significant growth.
Blackstone Career Institute (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) offers a nationally accredited, 100% online Medical Billing and Coding program designed to be completed in as little as 4 to 12 months, though students are permitted up to 18 months to finish at their own pace. The curriculum covers foundational and advanced coding systems—including ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II—to prepare graduates for an entry-level career in the healthcare industry. Most significantly, the program specifically aligns with the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam requirements, while also qualifying graduates to sit for the AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and AMBA Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) certifications.
CDE Career Institute (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Medical Transcription / Insurance Billing Specialist program offers 940 clock hours of training in medical transcription, insurance billing, coding, and health records management, preparing students for entry-level positions in health-related organizations. The program includes comprehensive coursework and a 250-hour internship to develop skills necessary for roles such as Medical Transcriptionist and Medical Billing Clerk.
Central Penn College (Rating: 4 out 5)
Central Penn College offers an 18-credit Medical Billing & Coding Certificate that can be completed in as little as nine months through 100% online classes. The curriculum focuses on mastering practice management software and insurance regulations for plans like Medicare and TRICARE, specifically preparing students to sit for the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) exam. While the national certification is an optional additional cost, the program provides the foundational knowledge in anatomy, medical terminology, and diagnostic coding necessary to enter high-demand roles like Medical Billing Specialist or Dental Insurance Coder.
Community College of Philadelphia (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Medical Insurance Billing Proficiency Certificate is a short-term, 27-credit program designed to be completed in as little as two semesters. This program prepares students for a career in medical billing, equipping them with skills in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and coding for insurance reimbursement. Graduates will be eligible to take national certification exams, enhancing their qualifications for roles such as medical secretaries and administrative assistants. The program also offers the flexibility to continue education, with credits applicable toward an associate degree in Health Care Studies. The demand for skilled medical billing professionals is growing, with numerous job opportunities available in various healthcare settings.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Fortis College offers a comprehensive Medical Billing and Coding program designed to be completed in approximately 9 to 12 months through a blend of traditional classroom instruction and small-group learning. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, covering medical terminology, office management, and advanced coding techniques for both hospital and physician office environments. Graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized credentials, such as the National Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS) from the NCCT, to qualify for entry-level roles in clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare facilities.
IMBC (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The Medical Insurance Billing and Coding diploma program at the Institute of Medical and Business Careers (IMBC) is a 100% online course typically completed in about one year, with 6-week course modules designed for flexibility. The curriculum focuses on hands-on training with ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes, specifically preparing students for the Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) exam offered by the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP). Notably, IMBC covers the cost of the certification exam for students who qualify, providing a competitive advantage for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
Lansdale School of Business (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
The Billing and Coding Specialist diploma program at Lansdale School of Business is a career-focused track that trains students to manage medical records and insurance reimbursement using various classification systems. While the school's general diploma programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, this specific curriculum focuses on the accuracy and security of healthcare data to prepare graduates for entry-level administrative roles. Although the provided text does not explicitly name a specific exam, programs of this caliber typically prepare students for national credentials such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).
Laurel Technical Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Laurel Institutes offers a specialized 20-month Specialized Associate Degree program in Medical Billing & Coding, which is delivered in a 100% online, synchronous format with recorded sessions for flexibility. The curriculum features a significant experiential component, including 300 skills lab hours and a comprehensive 500-hour internship to ensure graduates are job-ready for roles in physician offices, hospitals, and insurance companies. While the program focuses on mastery of ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding, it specifically prepares students to sit for national professional certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).
United Career Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
United Career Institute Online offers an 18-month Medical Coding Associate Degree program that combines flexible online instruction with interactive simulation labs and a real-world externship arranged by the school's career management team. The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) certification exam to earn the Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) credential. As a unique benefit, the institution covers the cost for two attempts at the AAPC certification exam, ensuring graduates have the financial support needed to validate their expertise in ICD-10 and CPT coding.
YTI Career Institute (Rating: 2.6 out 5)
YTI Career Institute offers a 10-month, 100% online diploma program in Medical Billing and Coding that focuses on the administrative and technical skills required for medical record security, proper documentation, and insurance reimbursement. The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), although students may choose other national certifications. To complete the program within the 10-month timeframe, students should expect to dedicate approximately 25–30 hours per week to their studies and interactive virtual activities.
PA State Board Requirements
Those who study medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania can start working in this industry as soon as they graduate from their program.
Certification Requirements
Most medical billing and coding trade school graduates take certification exams to obtain their official license from one of the following organizations:
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
As a general rule, most medical billing and coding certification boards require applicants to complete an accredited college or trade school course before they can take the licensing exam.
Some institutions might allow high school diploma or GED holders to take the test as long as they also have at least a year of supervised medical billing and coding work experience.
Exam Formats
Some medical billing and coding certification exams give test-takers an hour to answer 90 questions, while others give you over five hours to respond to 200 prompts.
However long the test takes, most exams feature questions that gauge your knowledge and expertise in:
- Coding modifiers
- Sequencing
- Edits and reimbursement classifications
- Regulatory compliance
- Health record integrity
- HIPPA guidelines
- Healthcare and medical ethics
Salary Range
ZipRecruiter estimates the annual salary for the state to be $49,277.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies this occupation as a “Medical Records Specialist” and estimates a salary of $49,680.
Here is more BLS data for parts of the state:
| Location | Per Hour | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $24.79 | $51,570 |
| Altoona | $20.47 | $42,590 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $22.78 | $47,390 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $24.50 | $50,960 |
| Erie | $23.04 | $47,920 |
| Gettysburg | $21.14 | $43,960 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $24.51 | $50,990 |
| Johnstown | $21.28 | $44,270 |
| Lancaster | $24.32 | $50,590 |
| Lebanon | $24.78 | $51,530 |
| Northern Pennsylvania | $22.08 | $45,930 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $26.29 | $54,680 |
| Pittsburgh | $23.20 | $48,260 |
| Reading | $26.78 | $55,700 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $21.58 | $44,890 |
| Southern Pennsylvania | $22.92 | $47,660 |
| State College | $20.87 | $43,400 |
| Western Pennsylvania | $22.54 | $46,870 |
| Williamsport | $22.24 | $46,270 |
| York-Hanover | $23.41 | $48,700 |
Occupation: Medical Records Specialists (SOC Code292072)
source: data.bls.gov
Statewide Salary Variability
Salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Pennsylvania show significant variation depending on location. The lowest hourly wage is in Altoona at $20.47 ($42,590 annually), while the highest is in Reading at $26.78 ($55,700 annually).
This suggests that professionals in larger metropolitan areas or regions with higher healthcare demand tend to earn more.
Major Metro Areas Offer Higher Salaries
Larger cities and metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia ($26.29/hr, $54,680/year) and Reading ($26.78/hr, $55,700/year) offer the highest pay. This is likely due to higher living costs, greater healthcare infrastructure, and a larger concentration of hospitals and specialty clinics.
Conversely, rural areas and smaller cities like Altoona ($20.47/hr, $42,590/year) and State College ($20.87/hr, $43,400/year) tend to have lower wages.
Medical billing and coding specialists in Pennsylvania work in a variety of settings, including physician offices, hospitals, specialty clinics, and remote positions. CVS Health in Monroeville offers hybrid work opportunities, allowing employees to work both in-office and remotely.
Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting. Entry-level roles, such as those at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, start at $16.50 per hour, while more advanced positions at ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA offer $18 to $22 per hour. Management roles, such as Medical Billing Office Manager at MBMS in Reading, can pay significantly more, depending on experience and responsibilities.
As you gain more experience in the field and earn more specialized certifications, you could start an independent billing and coding business or even become a coding manager or director and earn upwards of $100k per year.
Job Description
Medical billing and coding jobs require a combination of healthcare knowledge, communication abilities, and basic accounting skills.
What Are the Responsibilities?
Both medical billers and coders, also known as medical records specialists, are essentially responsible for ensuring that the medical facility they work for receives payment for their services.
Job Duties
Coders use their understanding of medical terminology and the inner workings of the medical insurance industry to:
- Analyze patient medical charts
- Note each examination, diagnosis, and treatment medical personnel performed on their patients
- Use digital coding software to input this information and assign an appropriate code to each service and procedure the patient received
After the coder completes these tasks, the medical biller calculates the total cost of the patient’s care and submits a claim to the insurance company.
Billers also follow up on unpaid claims to ensure that the facility receives the proper reimbursement.
Once the insurance company has paid its share, the biller draws up a medical bill for the patient and works with them to create payment plans if necessary.
What Employers in Pennsylvania Look for in a Medical Biller and Coder
Medical billing and coding specialists in Pennsylvania are in demand across hospitals, private practices, specialty clinics, and educational institutions.
Employers are looking for professionals with strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of medical coding and insurance reimbursement processes. These specialists are essential in ensuring accurate billing and maintaining financial health for medical facilities.
Key Skills and Experience
Employers such as Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania in Wyomissing seek professionals who are proficient in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding.
Knowledge of medical terminology, third-party insurance billing, and electronic medical records (EMR) systems like NextGen is critical. Similarly, ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA in Mars requires billing specialists who can handle insurance verification, charge posting, and accounts receivable management while maintaining accuracy in coding.
A strong understanding of compliance regulations and the ability to resolve claim denials and discrepancies are highly valued.
CVS Health in Monroeville looks for billing coordinators who can work in a fast-paced environment and manage claims efficiently, ensuring timely reimbursement.
The role also requires data entry skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, and strong communication abilities to liaise with patients, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers.
Education and Certification Requirements
While some positions require only a high school diploma or GED, most employers prefer certified medical billing and coding specialists.
Certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) are often required.
McCann School of Business & Technology in Lewisburg and YTI Career Institute in York hire instructors with these certifications to train new professionals in the field.
For higher-level roles, some positions require an associate degree in medical billing, health information technology, or a related field. Employers like MBMS Medical Billing and Management Services in Reading expect managers to have extensive experience in medical billing and leadership skills to oversee team operations and optimize billing processes.
Crossover into Other Healthcare Roles
Medical billers and coders often collaborate with healthcare administrators, finance departments, and compliance officers. Instructors at YTI Career Institute and McCann School of Business & Technology help train new professionals in billing and coding, preparing them for careers in revenue cycle management, claims auditing, and medical office administration.
Additionally, companies such as Career Concepts in Meadville seek specialists with strong problem-solving skills who can manage insurance claim disputes, patient billing inquiries, and accounts receivable follow-ups. These roles often require professionals to interact with patients, attorneys, and insurance carriers, highlighting the importance of communication skills in this field.