Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Mississippi
If you enjoy the flexibility of remote work, a medical billing and coding career may be a strong fit, and many online programs in Mississippi can help you get started in less than a year. This guide walks you through high-quality program options across the state, along with key details on certification, continuing education, and what to expect from the field.
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Detailing Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Mississippi
Choosing a medical billing and coding program in Mississippi takes time and research, especially since programs vary in format, structure, and learning style. Many options are fully online or hybrid, with courses offered synchronously, asynchronously, or through a mix of both.
Programs also differ by credential type, with most offering non-degree certificates, though associate and bachelor’s degree options exist as well. While certification isn’t required to work in the state, earning a nationally recognized credential can improve your job prospects, so it’s important to confirm a program prepares you for certification exams.
To help you get started, we’ve highlighted three quality online medical billing and coding programs in Mississippi below, with details on cost, curriculum, program length, and more.
Medical Billing and Coding Course – Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Through a partnership with online education provider ed2go, Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certification Prep course that is entirely online, self-paced, an can be started at anytime.
The course consists of 370 educational hours and can typically be finished in less than 12 months. Upon course completion, students are qualified to sit for the exams to obtain any of three professional certifications:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The $2,995 course cost includes 12 months access to course materials, support from expert instructors, and an exam voucher for the certification of your choice.
Duration: 12 months or less
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,995
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of the online application
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Introduction to Health Insurance
- Managed Healthcare
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
- ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-PCS Coding
- Pharmacology for Coders
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
- Coding with Your Codify Encoder (optional)
- Insurance Claims
- Commercial Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Medicare
- Medicaid, The Children’s Health Program (CHIP), TRICARE, and Workers’ Compensation
- Certification
- How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Medical Billing and Coding Technology – East Mississippi Community College
East Mississippi Community College offers three fully online medical billing and coding education options:
- Career Certificate (30 credits)
- Technical Certificate (60 credits)
- Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing & Coding Technology (90 credits)
Students have the option to take OPAC national certification exams as part of each program. After obtaining certification, students are qualified for employment in office positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices, health clinics, insurance companies, and other health-related organizations.
Duration: Varies by credential. Approximately four semesters for the AAS degree program.
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $165 per credit hour or $1,800 per semester for a full course load
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete an online application and submit transcripts
- Minimum ACT score of 14 in English, 14 in Math, and 14 in Reading or ACCUPLACER scores of 21 in Pre-Algebra, 39 in Writing, and 64 in Reading
Curriculum:
- Business Accounting
- Communications
- CPT and ICD Coding
- Electronic Health Records
- Medical Insurance Billing
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Transcription
- AAS students will additionally complete several general education courses.
Health Information Technology: Billing and Coding — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Similar to EMCC, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers three credential options as part of its Health Information Technology (HIT) program:
- Career Certificate
- Technical Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
Unlike EMCC, this program is presented in a hybrid format that combines online coursework and activities with in-person classes attended on the school’s Harris County Campus. Completion of program requirements qualifies students to apply for the following certifications:
- Medical Terminology Certification from the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from the AHIMA (Technical Certificate or AAS degree required)
Duration: Three semesters (Career and Technical Certificates); four semesters (AAS degree)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $180 per credit hour or $1,800 per semester for a full course load
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete online application and background check
- Submit transcripts
- Satisfactory math and English placement exam scores
- Attend orientation session
- Completion of prerequisite coursework: BIO 2514 – Anatomy and Physiology I, ENG 1113 (English Composition I) and CSC 1123 (Computer Applications I*) or BAD 2533 (Computer Applications in Business and Industry)
Curriculum:
- Health Record Systems
- Health Care Law and Ethics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Health Statistics
- Coding Systems
- Additional general education coursework is required.
Answering Common Mississippi Student Questions
As you research medical billing and coding programs and careers in Mississippi, you can expect to have several questions come up. To help you on that front, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by prospective students about the field of medical billing and coding:
How do I become a medical coder in Mississippi?
You can work as a medical biller and coder in Mississippi without formal training, but earning your credential and passing a certification exam will place you ahead of other job applicants and likely help you command higher pay. And, in fact, many employers require applicants to possess formal training and certification.
So, it’s highly recommended that you complete a formal medical billing/coding education program (like any of those discussed in this guide) and obtain professional certification to help ensure career success.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Whether or not pursuing a career in medical billing and coding is worth it depends on your individual career goals, interests, and the specific education program you choose.
A medical billing/coding career offers many real benefits, such as stability, remote work opportunities, and a vital role in healthcare administration. Medical billing and coding is also a good choice for someone who wants to work in healthcare but prefers computer work to face-to-face patient interaction.
Demand is solid for medical billing and coding professionals in Mississippi as well, adding to the career’s appeal. And because medical billing and coding programs can be completed in just a few semesters, you can get started quickly on your new career.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Mississippi?
It depends on such factors as the specific job and your level of training and experience. Another major factor is your geographic location. In terms of earnings, Mississippi falls below the national mean, with medical billers and coders making a mean of $43,940 per year (as of May 2024).
Earnings also vary within the state. For example, medical billing and coding professionals in the Gulfport-Biloxi area earn slightly more ($47,720 mean) while those in the Hattiesburg area earn slightly less ($41,450 mean).
Obtaining national certification and/or continuing your education to earn an advanced credential (such as an associate or bachelor’s degree) can help to maximize your earning potential.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Again, it depends.
Medical billing and coding can be challenging because it requires accuracy, attention to detail, and sufficient knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems. However, with proper training, dedication, and practice, that challenge can be both manageable and rewarding.
If you are considering a career in medical billing and coding, though, it’s important to note that you should be comfortable using computers and billing/coding software applications.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Remote medical billing and coding jobs are great for those with strong organizational skills, discipline, and a solid proficiency working with software tools and coding standards. And there are tons of quality employers out there that offer billers and coders the ability to work from home, both full-time and part-time.
So, if you’re interested in working remotely, you’ll want to strongly consider becoming a medical biller/coder.
Certifications and Continuing Education in Mississippi
With a few exceptions, once you complete your certificate or degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to obtain professional medical billing/coding certification.
There are numerous certification types available. Three of the most popular are:
Certification isn’t required to work as a medical biller or coder in Mississippi. But, as mentioned earlier, many employers require or prefer it of their hires.
Once you’ve obtained your certification, you’ll need to renew it on a regular (often annual or biannual) basis. This typically requires completion of a given number of continuing education units (CEUs) and payment of a renewal fee.
Several professional associations offer continuing education programs. One example is the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), which provides continuing education opportunities via online webinars, workshops, and in-person conferences.
How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in Mississippi?
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.50% | 15,000 |
| Mississippi | 2,080 | 2,220 | 140 | 6.70% | 160 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,780 | $50,250 | $80,950 |
| Mississippi | $29,440 | $39,970 | $63,290 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $31,710 | $47,490 | $67,950 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28,290 | $42,010 | $54,490 |
| Jackson, MS | $30,360 | $37,280 | $63,280 |
Source: Medical Records Specialists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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