Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Minnesota: Find Top Online Schools

If you’re looking for a career in the healthcare field that’s quick to enter and can result in a remote or hybrid position, medical billing may be a good choice. Medical billers and coders help healthcare systems, clinics, and private practices handle patient health and financial information, ensuring a smooth administrative workflow.

While this isn’t what most people picture as a healthcare career, the field is growing faster than average and offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in improving healthcare processes and providing accurate records for both medical organizations and patients. Plus, accredited training programs can be completed in a matter of months, with many offered online.

If you’re a Minnesota resident, there’s an additional perk: working in this field pays above the national average with some of the highest salaries for medical billers and coders.

Whether you’re just curious about becoming a medical coder or are actively applying to programs, you’re in the right place. This guide details some of the best medical and billing coding programs in Minnesota, including online options, and provides essential information to thrive in a certificate program and after graduation. Keep reading to see which schools made their way onto our list of the best choices for prospective students like you.

How to Find a Top Certification Program in Minnesota

Selecting the right medical billing and coding certification is a personal decision, but there are objective signs of excellence to look out for. Below, we’ve outlined some key considerations with examples of each.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the most important criterion when choosing a medical billing program. Without it, your certificate will not be recognized by employers and other academic institutions. For medical billing programs specifically, you should look for university-wide accreditation and accreditation from a program-specific association, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders or the Commission of Accreditation for Health and Information Management Education.

All programs mentioned in this guide are accredited, including those at Alexandria Technical & Community College, Dakota County Technical College, and Saint Paul College.

Certification Exam Preparation

To work as a medical coder in Minnesota, there aren’t any specific exams you have to take. There are, however, exams mandated by different medical coding organizations to get your certificate. The three most popular exams include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, and the Certified Billing and the 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.

Cost and Financial Aid

If you’re asking how much a medical billing certificate will cost, you’re not alone. Wondering about finances is normal, and you deserve an education that matches your ambitions and budget. To help with cost, look for programs with low tuition and financial aid opportunities.

Minnesota State College Southeast, for example, offers a low program cost ($2,995), up to a 23% discount, and a complimentary exam voucher for all students.

Curriculum and Specializations

When choosing a program, make sure its curriculum is rigorous and covers any specialized knowledge of interest. Programs with rigorous, specialized curriculums that prepare students for specific roles often lead to higher salaries and more work opportunities.

For example, if interested in a career as a certified medical administrative assistant, a program like the one offered at South Central Collegefocuses on helping students master medical administration.

Duration and Flexibility

One of the best things about medical billing certificate programs is that they are shorter than other degrees, meaning you can start your career faster. In fact, some programs can be completed in as little as four weeks. When looking at the duration of the program, think about your other responsibilities to see what fits best.

A flexible but longer program, like the one at Anoka Technical College, may work better for a student juggling full-time work and caregiving on top of their education.

A short program like the one at St. Cloud Technical & Community College, may be better for a student with fewer responsibilities who wants to get a medical coding job as fast as possible.

Format

Medical billing and coding programs come in three formats: online, hybrid, and in-person. Online programs offer more flexibility and usually lower costs, while in-person programs may be better for students who struggle to concentrate in online classes. Hybrid options offer a mix of both learning formats.

To decide on the best format for you, explore each one. To start, check out the programs at Anoka Technical College (online), Alexandria Technical & Community College (hybrid), and Saint Paul College (on-campus).

Salary and Career Outlook in Minnesota

Minnesota stands out for offering some of the most competitive salaries in the medical billing and coding profession. Statewide, the median salary is $60,570, with the top 10% earning up to $76,140 annually. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area sets the bar high with a median salary of $61,680, closely followed by Rochester at $62,520. Smaller cities like St. Cloud also provide strong earning potential, with top salaries reaching $70,670. These figures highlight Minnesota as an excellent state for those aiming to build a financially rewarding career in medical billing and coding.

The job growth rate in Minnesota is modest at 7.5%, adding 260 new positions by 2030 for a total of 3,740 jobs. With approximately 270 annual openings statewide, competition may be tighter compared to larger markets. However, professionals with certifications and expertise in specialized billing systems are well-positioned to succeed. Explore the tables below to learn more about your opportunities in Minnesota’s healthcare sector.

FAQs About Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Minnesota

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 studying medical billing and entering the profession.

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. Admission to certificate programs is often contingent upon completing high school and filling out an application stating your interest in the field, GPA, and other important information.

How much does medical billing and coding pay in Minnesota?

Healthcare jobs in Minnesota offer great pay, and Minneapolis-St. Paul specifically ranks in the top 10 cities in the United States for medical billing salaries. On average, medical billers and coders make $54,860 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salary can range from $37,840 on the low end and $74,200 on the higher end.

Is medical billing and coding worth it?

For many, medical billing is a rewarding career that allows you to positively impact healthcare. Medical coding and billing jobs are better for those looking for a less hands-on healthcare role but may not be for everyone.

Is medical billing and coding hard?

While medical billing and coding programs are easier than other healthcare training programs, they still offer some 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.

Is medical coding a good remote job?

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.