Completing an educational program is essential for medical coders.
During these training courses, you’ll learn the industry-specific codes for each medical procedure and service you’ll see on patient records.
Decision Helper
Medical Billing is for you if…
- You want a fast, job-focused program (often under 1 year).
- You want to compare real tuition numbers and what’s included (books, vouchers, memberships).
- You’re aiming for a national credential like CBCS, CPC, or CCA.
It might not be for you if…
- You need federal financial aid (many non-credit/continuing-ed programs are not FAFSA eligible).
- You’re looking for a full degree in Health Information Management (HIM) rather than a certificate/short program.
Below are five top real-world programs with publicly stated tuition and/or costs.
| Program | Format | Total tuition / cost | Program length | Admission type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Medical Billing and Coding (CPC-focused) Program page | Online | $3,245 CPC exam + 1 retake included 1-year AAPC membership included | 20 weeks (80 hours) Example cohort: May 9, 2026 – Sept 27, 2026 | Scheduled cohort (registration deadline posted) |
| Penn Foster Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma Program page | Online, self-paced | $1,049 (published cost) CBCS exam voucher included Promos vary by date | 10 months (self-paced) | Open / rolling enrollment (start anytime) |
| U.S. Career Institute (USCI) Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program page | Online, self-paced | $1,869 pay-in-full $2,269 monthly plan total Exam fees included (up to stated value) | 5–12 months typical completion Average completion noted as 12 months | Open / rolling enrollment (start anytime) |
| Tennessee State University (TSU) Medical Billing and Coding Program (Continuing Education) Program page | In-person (as listed) | $1,799 Textbooks included | 80 hours | Scheduled sessions (confirm next available dates) |
| University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Medical Billing and Coding (CBCS course) Program page | Live instruction (scheduled) | $4,500 Materials + CBCS exam included (if taken) | 17 weeks (rigorous schedule noted) Example dates: Apr 14 – Aug 6, 2026 | Scheduled cohort (prereqs apply) |
How to Choose the Best Program for You
TL;DR: pick based on your “must-haves”
Choose UTC if you want a short, structured timeline (20 weeks) and you like that the CPC exam, a retake, and a 1-year AAPC membership are included.
Choose Penn Foster if you want a self-paced program with a low published cost and a CBCS exam voucher included.
Choose U.S. Career Institute if you prefer monthly payments and want a program that states certification exam fees are included up to a set value.
Choose TSU (Continuing Education) if you want an in-person, short-course style option and you plan to confirm the next scheduled dates directly with the school.
Choose UIW if you want live instruction and an all-in price that includes materials and the CBCS exam (if taken), and you can commit to a scheduled cohort.
1) Understand the total cost (not just tuition)
For medical billing and coding schools, the sticker price can include very different things. When you compare programs, ask each school what’s included:
- Certification exam fees/vouchers (CBCS, CPC, or CCA). Some programs include them; some don’t.
- Code books (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS). These can add cost if not included.
- Memberships (e.g., AAPC membership for CPC exam pathway).
- Application fees and proctoring/testing fees (if applicable).
In the comparison table above, UTC explicitly includes CPC exam + retake + AAPC membership, while UIW notes materials and the CBCS exam (if taken) are included. Penn Foster and USCI state exam-related coverage for certain pathways; always verify the exact details at time of enrollment.
2) Match the curriculum to your target certification
Most programs cover the same core building blocks, but the emphasis can differ depending on the credential you’re aiming for.
- Medical terminology & anatomy basics
- Coding systems: ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II
- Billing workflow: claims, payer rules, denials, compliance basics (HIPAA)
- Practice with coding scenarios and (sometimes) software exposure
3) Pick the learning style you’ll actually finish
- Scheduled cohort (UTC, UIW): great if you want structure and a set finish date.
- Self-paced (Penn Foster, USCI): great if you’re balancing work/family—just make sure you can keep momentum.
- Continuing-ed short course (TSU): can be a good bridge, but confirm the next offering and whether it aligns with your certification plan.
4) Look for real support (instructor access + career help)
Ask about:
- Instructor Q&A access (office hours, email/phone support)
- Practice exams and readiness checks
- Resume/interview support and job search resources
- Externship opportunities (if offered) and what’s required (background checks, immunizations, etc.)
FAQ: Medical billing and coding schools
How long does it take to finish medical billing and coding school?
Many programs are designed to be completed in under a year. Examples include 17–20 week cohorts and 5–12 month self-paced options.
What’s the cheapest medical billing and coding program?
Program costs vary by provider. Some self-paced programs publish tuition near $1,000, while structured cohort programs may range from $1,800 to $4,500 depending on included materials and certification exam vouchers.
Do I need certification to get hired?
Certification is not always required, but many employers prefer it. Common credentials include CBCS, CPC, and CCA.
Can I work from home after graduating?
Remote roles exist, especially for experienced coders. Many entry-level roles start onsite or hybrid before transitioning to remote work.
What should I ask a school before enrolling?
- What is included in tuition?
- Which certification does the program prepare me for?
- Is the program self-paced or cohort-based?
- What instructor support is available?
- What is the average completion time?
How Old Do You Need to Be to Become a Medical Coder?
Medical coders have access to the private medical documents of each patient in their facility. Because of this, you must be 18 years of age or older to qualify for a medical coder job at most facilities.
State Specific School Comparisons
- Becoming a Medical Billing Specialist in California
- Becoming a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist in Florida
- Becoming a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist in Texas
- Becoming a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist in Pennsylvania
- Becoming a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist in New York
- Becoming a Medical Billing & Coding Specialist in Illinois
What Courses Will You Take?
A course in medical billing and coding will, at minimum, address:
Medical Terminology: The structures and functions of the human body, disorders, medical procedures standard to each anatomical system, and critical terminology specific to medical billing and coding.
Medical Coding Fundamentals: The main coding manuals used in practice today (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II) and how to code diagnoses, services, and procedures.
Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Concepts: Key concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims.
Curriculum for Medical Billing & Coding specialists varies widely from school to school, but most programs will also include courses like:
- insurance policies
- data entry skills
- report writing
- billing methods
Some institutions have part-time course schedules and evening classes for busy students looking to complete an associate’s degree program. Meanwhile, other medical billing and coding schools offer bachelor’s degree programs.
Additionally, having an internship while attending one of these programs can help you gain real-life experience in the career and potentially land a job sooner.
Full List of Quality Schools That Offer Medical Billing & Coding
View More SchoolsHow we researched (trust & transparency)
We selected programs that are relevant to people searching “medical billing and coding schools” and prioritized options that publish at least some of the following: tuition/cost, length, and contact details. We pulled program details directly from each provider’s official pages and compiled them into a single comparison.
- UTC: tuition, length, cohort dates, and contact details from the UTC Center for Professional Education program page.
- Penn Foster: published program cost, length, and phone from the program page; email from the official Penn Foster contact page.
- U.S. Career Institute: published tuition options, typical length, and phone from the program page; email from USCI policy/support pages.
- TSU: course contact hours and fee from the TSU Continuing Education listing (start dates should be confirmed).
- UIW: course cost, dates, and contact email/phone from UIW Professional & Continuing Education page.
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