Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Minnesota: Choosing a School

How Online Medical Billing & Coding Works in Minnesota

One of the top (and possibly best) benefits of medical billing certificate programs is their short timeframe that allows you to begin working and earning as soon as possible. Program lengths range from a few months for a certificate to two years for an associate degree.

Medical billing and coding programs are available in three formats:

• Online: Most flexible, lower costs, less structure.
• Hybrid: Online coursework, in-person clinicals or classes, convenient mixture
• In-person: Personal interaction, consistent structure, less flexibility

To help you choose a medical billing and coding program that fits your needs and lifestyle, we’ve highlighted three schools below that offer quality instruction, flexibility, and affordability.

Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions

While we’ve covered the basics of medical billing and coding programs in Minnesota, you probably still have questions. To help, we’ve gathered the answers to the most frequently asked questions about applying to schools, studying medical billing, and successfully transitioning to a career.

How do I become a medical coder in Minnesota?

Unlike other healthcare jobs in Minnesota, medical billers and coders don’t need a specific license to work. For most entry-level positions, only a medical billing and coding certificate is required.

Certificate program admission is often contingent upon completing high school and filling out an application stating your interest in the field, GPA, and other important information.

After completing a certificate program, you can sit for a national medical billing and coding certification exam. Although not required, employers often prefer that you have certification for either the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam or the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Exam.

How much does medical billing and coding pay in Minnesota?

Healthcare jobs in Minnesota offer excellent pay, and Minneapolis-St. Paul ranks in the top 10 cities in the United States for medical billing salaries, averaging over $60,000 a year. However, salary can vary greatly depending on the role and location.

Further down the page, we explore medical billing and coding salaries in detail and potential careers you might want to consider upon graduation.

Is medical billing and coding worth it?

Yes! This job has a relatively low barrier to entry. You can start a certificate program with no prerequisites or experience, and most courses can be completed in a year or less.

Medical coding and billing jobs are best suited for those who prefer working alone on the computer vs. direct patient interaction. Ultimately, only you can decide what job offers the ideal combination of responsibilities and earning potential.

Is medical billing and coding difficult?

It depends. While medical billing and coding programs are more straightforward than other healthcare training programs, they still offer unique challenges.

The coursework covers multiple fields, and students are required to take courses on complex medical terminology. To help, most high-quality programs offer free academic resources.

Students should be comfortable using computers and billing software. As a medical billing and coding specialist, you’ll likely spend a lot of time working independently.

Most medical billing and coding certificates do not require any prior experience or education, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to enter the healthcare industry.

Is medical coding a good remote job?

Yes, medical coding is an excellent field for remote workers. In fact, some of the biggest healthcare employers in Minnesota, such as the University of Minnesota healthcare system, offer remote or hybrid jobs for medical coding and billing.

Many healthcare jobs, such as phlebotomists or dental assistants, require direct patient interaction and aren’t suitable for remote work. In contrast, medical billers and coders primarily perform their duties on a computer, so they can work from almost anywhere, including a home office.

Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Minnesota

We’ve combed through Minnesota’s many program options and identified some top schools to ensure you get the most out of your time and money. Below, you’ll find a ranked list of the state’s best medical billing and coding programs.

Use these schools as a jumping-off point as you begin your search, and if you have questions about our ranking system, check out the methodology pop-up.

Getting Certified in Minnesota

To work as a medical coder in Minnesota, there aren’t any specific exams you have to take, and there is no state-wide licensing requirement. However, becoming certified can make you a more attractive hiring candidate and help you maximize your earning potential.

If you choose to sit for an exam after your program, the three most popular exams include:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.

Specific programs will prepare you to sit for at least one exam type. Dakota County Technical College prepares students for the CPC exam, while Minnesota State College Southeast prepares students for all three.

You’ll need to recertify every few years, which generally requires taking continuing education courses (or retaking the exam) and paying any necessary renewal fees. For example, recertifying as a Certified Professional Coder is required every two years, and you must pay $210 in dues every year.

Medical Billing and Coding in Minnesota: Salary Info