Medical billing and coding specialists in Texas play a critical role in healthcare revenue cycle management, ensuring that medical services are accurately documented, coded, and billed. Due to changes in healthcare regulations and an aging population, the demand for skilled medical billers and coders continues to grow!
How to Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Texas
Trade Schools with Classes for Medical Biling
- Dallas, Fort Worth
- Dallas
- Austin
- Arlington
- El Paso
- Irving
- Grand Prairie, Houston
- Houston, Missouri City, Stafford
- Arlington
- Pasadena, Houston
- San Antonio
- Denton
- El Paso
- El Paso, Houston, San Antonio
- Forth Worth, Garland, Houston, Webster
- Arlington, San Antonio, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen
- Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio, Waco
- El Paso
- Hutto
- Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, San Antonio
- Arlington
Arizona College of Nursing (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
Arizona College offers a Medical Billing & Coding diploma program that can be completed in approximately 30 weeks (7 months) through a hybrid format of online and in-person learning. The curriculum includes a specialized 5-week clinical externship to provide real-world experience, and graduates receive a preloaded iPad to support their studies and future careers. Upon completion, students are prepared to pursue industry-recognized certifications through professional organizations such as AAPC, AHIMA, or AMBA to enhance their employability in the healthcare sector.
Asher College (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Asher College in Dallas provides a flexible, market-driven Medical Billing and Coding program with both diploma and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree tracks. The diploma program is typically completed in 11 to 14 months, while the AAS degree requires an additional six general education courses, extending the total timeframe to approximately 17 months. Graduates are equipped with a certificate and are prepared to pursue up to five industry-standard certifications, including CPC-A and CPB (AAPC) or CBCS, CMAA, and CEHRS (National Healthcareer Association).
Austin Career Institute (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
ACI’s Medical Assistant School Training Program spans 771 hours over 8 months (32 weeks) and provides flexible class schedules to accommodate students. The program offers hands-on training in a real clinic setting, preparing students for entry-level roles in ambulatory health care settings. Students learn to perform both administrative and clinical tasks, working with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The curriculum includes training in EKGs, phlebotomy, and measuring vitals, and graduates can earn up to four certifications such as NRCMA, NRCEKG and NRCAHA.
CCI Training Center (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
The CCI Training Center offers a 100% online Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program designed for completion in a 14-week fast-track timeframe, though a 16-week boot camp option is also available for those with healthcare backgrounds. Upon finishing the 10 exclusive courses and an externship, students receive a certificate of completion in Administrative Medical Assisting. Most importantly, the curriculum specifically prepares graduates to sit for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and the NHA Certified Billing and Coding Specialist national certification exams.
Cultural Technical Institute, LLC. (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
The Cultural Technical Institute offers an accelerated Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program that can be completed in just 11 weeks. This comprehensive course focuses on optimizing medical reimbursement through mastery of standard coding systems like CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS. Graduates are thoroughly prepared to manage diverse insurance claims, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private carriers, ensuring they are ready for professional roles in the healthcare industry.
DeVry University (Rating: 2.8 out 5)
DeVry University offers two online medical billing and coding certificate programs designed to prepare students for industry certifications like CCS or CPC. These programs emphasize essential skills in health information technology, medical terminology, and coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT. Students can choose between a more comprehensive Health Information Coding program, ideal for roles in large healthcare systems, or a standard Medical Billing and Coding program, tailored for smaller healthcare settings. Both programs are offered entirely online, providing flexibility for students to study at their own pace, with new classes starting every 8 weeks.
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.
Houston Community College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Comprehensive Coding Certificate program teaches medical coding skills to assign diagnostic and procedure codes in electronic medical records. Covering ICD-9, ICD-10, CPT coding, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
IDTC Career Center (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
The IDTC Career Center’s program is designed to be completed in 5 to 6 months, incorporating both classroom instruction and real-world externship experiences. The curriculum focuses on mastering ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS coding to specifically prepare students for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Graduates emerge ready for roles in hospitals, insurance companies, or consulting firms, supported by the center's professional alumni network.
Interactive College of Technology (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
The Medical Office Administration program preps students for Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist certifications by the National Health Association (NHA).
Lamson Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
The Lamson Institute’s Medical Biller/Coder/Office Specialist program provides hands-on training in medical terminology and billing software to prepare students for a wide range of administrative healthcare roles. While the provided text does not specify a precise course length, it emphasizes that graduates are specifically equipped to earn the Certified Professional Coder-A (CPC-A) credential from the AAPC. This certification validates the student's ability to accurately translate medical services into insurance claims, supporting a field projected to see significant job growth.
North Central Texas College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Medical Coding & Insurance program at North Central Texas College provides an Occupational Skills Award and covers medical terminology, health data content, and coding classification systems. Students will learn about surgical and diagnostic procedures, documentation requirements, and medical coding for reimbursement. The program includes 192 lecture/lab contact hours, with tuition covering all textbooks. Courses required are Health Data Content and Structure (HITT 1001), Coding and Classification Systems (HITT 1041), and Coding and Insurance (HITT 1013).
NOVA Career Institute (Rating: 5 out 5)
The Medical Billing and Coding program at NOVA Career Institute is an on-campus diploma course that spans approximately nine months. The curriculum emphasizes mastery of ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems and includes a clinical externship where students apply their skills in real-world healthcare settings. While the program specifically prepares students for professional data management and reimbursement roles, it focuses on building the competencies necessary to ensure billing compliance and financial accuracy across the industry.
Pima Medical Institute (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
Pima Medical Institute offers a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program that can be completed in approximately 9 months through a blended learning format of online and on-campus classes. The curriculum provides intensive training in clinical classification systems, reimbursement methodologies, and medical law, specifically preparing graduates to sit for national industry-recognized credentials such as the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) through the NHA. To ensure exam readiness, the program includes a dedicated Certification Review sequence and a capstone project that focuses on real-world insurance and claims management applications.
Remington College (Rating: 3.1 out 5)
Remington College offers a Medical Billing and Coding diploma program that can be completed in as few as 9 months through full-time study. The curriculum features hands-on training with industry-standard software like Medisoft and SpringCharts, and it often includes a real-world externship to provide practical experience before graduation. While specific certification names were not listed in the immediate text, this diploma track typically prepares students for entry-level administrative roles by mastering ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (Rating: 4 out 5)
STVT’s Medical Billing and Coding Program prepares students for careers in healthcare information, teaching skills needed for medical and insurance administrative roles. The program emphasizes medical procedure coding for billing and includes an externship for real-world experience. The 72-credit hour program spans 15 months and is offered at the McAllen campus.
Southern Careers Institute (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
36 week hybrid program. Prep for these certifications: Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Electronic Health Records Specialist (EHRS).
Southwest University (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Southwest University offers a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing Systems that is designed to be completed in 15 months (60 weeks). The curriculum provides a deep dive into healthcare classification systems—including the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10—and prepares graduates with the technical and legal knowledge required for the industry. While the school's specific summary focuses on employment readiness at hospitals and insurance agencies, this level of academic training typically equips students to sit for national certifications such as the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) or CCS (Certified Coding Specialist).
Temple College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Temple College offers a 19-week, 100% online synchronous Medical Coding program designed to provide 106 hours of comprehensive instruction in outpatient physician coding. Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion and are specifically prepared to sit for national certification exams, including the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and AHIMA credentials. The program is uniquely inclusive, as the tuition covers the cost of the textbook, an AAPC student membership, and the certification exam fee.
The College of Health Care Professions (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) offers a comprehensive 48-week online certificate program consisting of 699 clock hours, which includes self-paced coursework and a 90-hour externship for real-world application. The curriculum provides targeted preparation for industry-recognized credentials, specifically the Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) exam. By blending instructor-led online modules with practical hands-on experience, the program ensures graduates are equipped to manage CPT, HCPCS, and ICD coding systems across various healthcare environments.
University of Texas Continuing Education (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
This all-inclusive medical billing and coding program from the University of Texas at Arlington provides 12 months of self-paced access to complete 370 hours of 100% online training. Uniquely, the course includes a voucher for your choice of one of three industry-recognized certifications: the AAPC’s CPC (the gold standard for physician offices), AHIMA’s CCA (entry-level proficiency for hospital settings), or the NHA’s CBCS (focused on the administrative billing cycle). By covering all course materials and exam fees, the program ensures graduates are fully equipped to navigate the entire revenue cycle and step into high-demand roles across the healthcare industry.
Read more about what to consider when choosing to become a medical biller and coder for your career.
Salary
Texas provides wonderful opportunities in the medical billing and coding field as it is home to of the most renowned medical centers in the country.
The table below provides the median salary ranges in major metro areas.
| Location | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $20.13 | $41,880 |
| Amarillo | $20.98 | $43,650 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $23.23 | $48,310 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $19.43 | $40,410 |
| Big Thicket | $19.31 | $40,170 |
| Border Region | $19.37 | $40,300 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $19.64 | $40,840 |
| Coastal Plains | $20.01 | $41,610 |
| College Station-Bryan | $22.96 | $47,750 |
| Corpus Christi | $20.88 | $43,430 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $24.85 | $51,680 |
| El Paso | $21.50 | $44,710 |
| Hill Country Region | $19.45 | $40,450 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $23.86 | $49,620 |
| Killeen-Temple | $22.41 | $46,610 |
| Laredo | $18.87 | $39,260 |
| Longview | $22.82 | $47,470 |
| Lubbock | $20.70 | $43,050 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $18.39 | $38,260 |
| Midland | $22.93 | $47,700 |
| North Texas | $19.86 | $41,300 |
| Odessa | $22.33 | $46,450 |
| San Angelo | $21.15 | $43,990 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $22.63 | $47,070 |
| Sherman-Denison | $19.69 | $40,960 |
| Texarkana | $17.54 | $36,490 |
| Tyler | $22.86 | $47,550 |
| Victoria | $22.13 | $46,030 |
| Waco | $20.04 | $41,690 |
| West Texas | $19.81 | $41,190 |
| Wichita Falls | $22.49 | $46,770 |
source: data.bls.gov
Medical billing and coding professionals in Texas can work in hospitals, outpatient centers, physician offices, insurance companies, and remote positions.
Many employers, including UT Southwestern and Clearsight Billing, offer remote work options for experienced coders who meet certification and residency requirements.
Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and specialization. Entry-level positions, such as those at Express Employment Professionals in Harlingen, offer $13 to $15 per hour, while more advanced roles, such as MedicalWorx Staffing in Plano, pay between $22 and $28 per hour for specialists in endovascular and surgical billing.
Job Requirements
According to Josh Berndt, Public Relations Officer with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) there are no mandated educational requirements to begin a career as a medical biller or coder in Texas, ”although it helps to have some courses in anatomy and physiology.”
However, there are certain skill sets and knowledge specific to the field that can best be learned through an accredited educational program.
Associates Degree
You may earn a 2-year associate degree or 4-year bachelor degree in the field of Medical Billing and Coding. Having an associate’s degree will provide you with a competitive edge over those with only high school diploma in obtaining competitive-wage employment.
Bachelors Degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree in the field will almost guarantee that you will obtain a more lucrative position and be eligible for promotional opportunities, such Health Information Services Manger overseeing the work of medical billers and coders. Those already in possession of an associate or bachelor’s degree may earn a certificate in medical billing and coding.
Certifications
Certificate programs are generally three to nine months in length depending on whether you attend on a part or full time basis. Most degree and certificate programs include an externship during which you will gain real-world experience as a medical biller and coder.
Coursework will include the anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basis office procedures, insurance claims, the use of medical billing software, coding systems and coding terminology.
Certification Requirements
As per Mr. Berndt of AAPC, most states, Texas included, have no mandated certification requirements to work as a Medical Biller and Coder.
However, a 2005 survey by AHIMA showed that over 73% of employers nationwide believe that credentialing is very important for Medical Coding professionals.
Additional Benefits of Certification:
- Enhance your earning potential
- Eligibility for promotional opportunities and career development
- Receive recognition from your peers as a professional in the field.
Below are the two organizations that provide accreditation for medical billing and coding programs.
Each organization will award medical coding certification upon successfully passing an extensive five-and-a-half hour examination. To sit for either exam, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED.
American Health Information Management Association
AHIMA will confer a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential.
For details on the AHIMA exam, visit: https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/
Steps to take AHIMA CCS exam:
- Read the Candidate Guide
- Apply for exam
- Register online
- Complete the application
- Submit transcripts and resume
- Pay exam fee ($299 AHIMA member; $399 non-members
- Read authorization test (ATT)
- Schedule exam online
American Academy of Professional Coders
The AAPC confers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. Those will less than two years experience will be given the designation CPC-A (Apprentice).
Once the apprentice has accumulated two years experience, they must provide two letters of recommendation or one letter and show evidence of 80 hours of continuing education to obtain the full CPC designation: CPC.
For details on the AAPC exam, visit https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc
Steps to take the AAPC CPS exam:
- Complete Application
- Submit transcripts and resume
- Pay $300 exam fee – 4 weeks before schedule exam date
- Be a current AAPC member ($70 for students; $125 for regular membership)
- Exam sites are located in Dallas, Fort Worth Houston, and Temple
Career Overview
Medical Billers and Coders (now classified under the rubric of Health Information Technicians) assist healthcare providers and insurance companies to accurately code medical diagnoses and procedures to expedite the filing and payment of insurance claims.
How the Medical Billing & Coding Process Works
Information collected by medical coders includes patient health history, medical diagnosis, treatment protocol, and prescribed medications.
Every diagnosis and medical procedure is assigned an alpha-numeric code using specialized classification software. Medical billing and coding professionals must be familiar with several different coding systems depending on whether the patient is privately insured or billed through Medicare and type of setting where services performed (outpatient or hospital-based).
Step-by-Step
- It is the medical biller and coder’s responsibility to input patient information into the patient database using the appropriate codes to create an insurance claim.
- This claim is then submitted to the appropriate insurance carrier where it will be either accepted or denied.
- If the claim is accepted, the health care provider will reimbursed according to the rates set for the specific code.
- If the claim in denied, the medical biller and coder must follow-up with the insurance carrier to determine the reason. They must then notify the health care provider, update the status of the claim in the database, and send a bill to the patient.
- Medical billers and coders are also responsible for handling collections and working with insurance companies to investigate possible instances of insurance fraud.
What Employers in Texas Look for in a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Employers across Texas seek professionals with a blend of technical expertise, industry certifications, and familiarity with healthcare regulations. These specialists are in demand across hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and healthcare education institutions.
Essential Skills and Experience
Texas employers prioritize candidates with proficiency in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding and experience in electronic medical records (EMR) and billing software. Organizations such as UT Southwestern in Dallas seek professionals skilled in handling insurance claims, reimbursement policy analysis, and charge reconciliation, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in vascular surgery coding.
Similarly, MedicalWorx Staffing in Plano requires coders with expertise in endovascular procedures and outpatient surgical billing.
Attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to resolve insurance claim denials and billing discrepancies are crucial for roles in both hospital and outpatient settings.
Companies such as Clearsight Billing in San Antonio expect medical billers to manage electronic claims processing, EDI rejections, and unpaid accounts while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations.
Education and Certification Requirements
While some entry-level positions accept a high school diploma or GED, most employers prefer candidates with professional certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS), or Certified Professional Biller (CPB).
For example, Muscogee Nation Business Enterprises in San Antonio requires applicants to hold at least one recognized billing certification or a degree in medical billing and coding.
Many positions also require prior experience with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance billing.
For those interested in teaching or mentoring, educational institutions such as United Education Institute in Dallas hire instructors to train the next generation of medical billing and coding professionals. These roles require a background in healthcare billing and an industry-recognized certification, and some positions require CPR certification for training purposes.
Crossover into Other Healthcare Roles
Medical billing and coding specialists often collaborate with healthcare administrators, finance teams, and clinical staff. At CHCP Healthcare and Educational Services in Houston, externship coordinators work closely with students, faculty, and medical facilities to place new graduates in billing and coding roles.
This demonstrates the growing demand for coding specialists who can transition into roles in training, compliance, or revenue cycle management.
Additionally, some professionals move into auditing and medical claims review. Companies such as Dane Street in Texas seek coders with experience in claims auditing, policy compliance, and payment integrity reviews.
These roles require a strong understanding of medical documentation and regulatory guidelines to ensure accurate reimbursement and fraud prevention.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
The demand for medical billing and coding specialists in Texas continues to grow, particularly as healthcare providers strive for accuracy in documentation and compliance with regulatory changes. Employers are actively seeking detail-oriented professionals with strong coding knowledge and the ability to navigate complex insurance claims.
With additional experience and certifications, professionals can advance into leadership positions, such as Medical Billing Supervisors or Revenue Cycle Analysts, overseeing teams and optimizing financial operations in healthcare facilities. As more organizations integrate AI-driven billing software and automation, specialists with expertise in medical informatics and compliance auditing will have a competitive advantage in the job market.