Discover the Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Missouri
Decide on the medical billing and coding program in Missouri that best fits your needs, and discover how to navigate your next steps. Below, learn about certification, class format, salary expectations, and more.
Skilled professionals who can manage medical records, process insurance claims, and ensure accurate coding are in high demand throughout the country — and Missouri is no exception. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for a medical records specialist are expected to grow by 8% nationwide over the next decade, which is almost three times the national average job growth for all jobs.
One major perk of a medical billing and coding program is that most can be completed in a year or less. Once you’ve passed your certification exam, you’ll be ready to start your new career in no time. But first: You’ll need to do your research and find the program and certification that is best for you. Are you looking for a certificate or longer degree program? Online or hybrid options? Areas for specialization? These are all questions you can and should consider.
To help you decide on the program that fits best for your needs and helps you navigate your next steps, we’ve created this guide. We’ll share the basic details for three standout programs — from cost to curriculum — and will also answer frequently asked questions about your Missouri program.
Ready to get started? Let’s jump in.
Inside Popular Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Missouri
If you’re looking for a career that offers both flexibility and potential for growth, earning a medical billing and coding certification can be a great next step. And many classes can be completed entirely online and on your schedule, making this option even more attractive for those with busy schedules.
To help you narrow your search in Missouri, we’ve curated a list of a few of the state’s top medical billing and coding programs. Keep reading to learn more about the curriculum, program length, cost, and more.
North Central Missouri College
North Central Missouri College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate that can be completed in just 25 credits over three semesters — which translates to about a year, if you take summer courses. Classes can be taken in person or online, depending on your preference. The curriculum is designed for students who don’t have any dual or transfer credits.
NC Missouri has several perks — from a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio to a 37% cost savings compared to the average cost of a public four-year university in Missouri. Graduates of this certificate program are prepared to work in the healthcare field as a liaison between the medical office and insurance companies.
If you live in NCMC’s district, you’ll pay just $179 per credit, including fees; Missouri residents outside of the district pay $252 per credit hour, and non-residents pay $279 per credit. This means you’ll pay between $4,475 and $6,975 for your certificate.
North Central Missouri College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University offers an online Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program through its Center for Professional Development. In it, you’ll cover all essential billing and coding foundations — from legal, regulatory, and ethical topics to HIPAA compliance to coding manuals like ICD-10-CM and CPT. You’ll also learn medical terminology, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements.
This course will prepare you to take the certification exam of your choice — Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) — for which you’ll receive a free voucher when you finish your coursework.
The full program cost is $3,935, and the school offers monthly payment options. You’ll take approximately 12 months to complete the 370 course hours, but the program is entirely self-paced and 100% online.
University of Central Missouri
University of Central Missouri offers a Medical Billing Certificate that’s optimized for flexibility and affordability. The fully online course is self-paced — meaning you can go at your own speed — and you’ll complete the 272 required hours within eight months of study. The cost of the program — $3,399, with payment plans offered — is well below the average cost for an associate or bachelor’s program, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to get started quickly as a medical billing specialist.
You’ll learn skills like customer service, how to submit claims for payment, an introduction to coding, and understanding of clinical terms and concepts.
After completing this course, you’ll be prepared to take the national certification exam from the National Healthcareer Association and earn the CBCS credential.
In order to be admitted, you’ll need to be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED and basic understanding of computers, and have internet access.
How to Find a Top Program in Missouri
There are several factors you’ll want to consider when deciding on a medical billing and coding program. For example, does this program have a specialized curriculum that will prepare you for the type of medical coding you want to do? You’ll also want to take stock of your financial goals and personal commitments to decide which program fits into your requirements best.
Here are the top factors you should look into when choosing a program:
Accreditation
Accreditation plays an important role in any healthcare-related program. The school you attend should be institutionally accredited, meaning it has been vetted by a third-party agency to ensure it meets established academic standards. The University of Central Missouri, for example, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certification Exam Preparation
Though you aren’t required to be certified to practice as a medical coder in the state of Missouri, it’s a good idea to earn your professional certificationto increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
You’ll find several different certification tests for medical billing and coding students, including the CPC offered by the AAPC (which also offers the Certified Outpatient Coding, Certified Risk Adjustment Coder, and several other specialty coding certifications); the CCA, which is an entry-level medical coding certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association; and the CBCS, which is an entry-level billing and coding certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
You’ll want to ensure the program you choose prepares you for the certification exam and career specialty you choose.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of your program is an important consideration, as is financial aid. It’s important to keep in mind that many medical billing and coding programs are non-credit-granting professional development courses, meaning financial aid comes in different forms than traditional options. Some schools like Northwest Missouri State University offer both a tuition discount and payment plan options to lessen the financial burden.
Be sure to check out EduMed’s guide to financial aid to learn about other ways you can reduce the cost of your studies.
Curriculum and Specializations
While every medical billing and coding program offers unique perks, you’ll find some common curriculum components. You’ll likely cover topics like medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), and healthcare reimbursement methodologies. If you’re looking to specialize in an area like outpatient or inpatient coding, check to make sure that you’ll have the option in your program.
For example, if you’re interested in working in specialized fields like radiology or surgery, look for a program that offers a matching curriculum – like University of Central Missouri.
Duration and Flexibility
Each program differs slightly in terms of program length.— some can be completed in as little as four weeks. University of Central Missouri’s course, for example, offers you access to course materials in an eight-month window, meaning you can complete coursework on your own schedule as long as you finish within eight months. Meanwhile, North Central Missouri College has a more traditional program that you can complete in three semesters.
Format
You can choose between an online, hybrid or in-person medical billing and coding program — and all learning formats have distinct advantages. If you’re looking to study while still working full time or you have other time commitments, an online or hybrid program will more easily fit around your schedule. You can also take into account your own preferences, like communication and peer relationships, to find the format that works best for you.
For example, many of the medical billing and coding programs in Missouri are offered online and are self-paced.
Salary and Career Outlook in Missouri
Once you have an idea about what your medical billing and coding education might look like in Missouri, it's natural to wonder about career opportunities and the kind of salary you can expect once you've graduated. Luckily, you'll have plenty of options, as medical billing and coding is projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 8.5% over the next decade, and even faster in Missouri, where the projected growth rate is 9.4%. There are over 3,000 medical billing and coding professionals currently working in the state. You can also expect to earn a comfortable living, with the median medical billing and coding professional in Missouri earning an average of $50,920 per year. This figure can be even higher among more experienced and higher-paid professionals, especially if you're working in one of Missouri's larger cities. For instance, the top 90th percentile of medical billing and coding workers in St. Louis earn an average of $78,110 per year. The table below provides more details.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $34,450 | $50,920 | $76,660 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $33,280 | $46,560 | $77,630 |
| Columbia, MO | $42,020 | $51,960 | $75,460 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $33,030 | $46,700 | $63,150 |
| Joplin, MO | $31,990 | $42,410 | $58,580 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $36,890 | $49,630 | $76,220 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $33,860 | $43,720 | $58,050 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $35,910 | $52,530 | $78,110 |
| Springfield, MO | $36,060 | $50,920 | $73,360 |
Source: Medical Records Specialists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.50% | 15,000 |
| Missouri | 3,310 | 3,620 | 310 | 9.40% | 260 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Answers to Common Questions About Missouri Medical Billing & Coding Schools
As you consider pursuing a career in medical billing and coding, you likely have many questions about the field, its requirements, and its prospects. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about your educational and career path — from salary potential to remote job opportunities.
How do I become a medical coder in Missouri?
If you want to become a medical coder, you’re in luck: The process is relatively straightforward and quick to complete. Once you’ve decided whether you’ll pursue a certificate or associate degree from an accredited program, you can complete your studies in between nine and 24 months.
With certificate or degree in hand, you’ll also want to consider earning a professional certification, such as the CPC or CCS. While Missouri doesn’t have specific state licensure requirements for medical coders, most employers prefer or require professional certification. This requires passing a test administered by the appropriate testing provider.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Missouri?
The average salary for medical billing specialists is $52,310 in Missouri, but compensation will vary based on where you’re located in the state. See the table above for salary ranges in different cities.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
There are several reasons to pursue a career in medical billing and coding. Most importantly, the job outlook is stable and growing both statewide and nationally, translating to both job security and opportunities for advancement. Also, shorter programs mean that you can get started in your career in less than a year — quicker than a traditional bachelor’s degree. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll realize a return on your education investment.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Medical billing and coding can be challenging, so it’s important to know what type of work you’ll be getting into. In order to be successful, you’ll need a sharp attention to detail, the ability to interpret complex medical records, and a desire to stay on top of the latest trends in healthcare regulations and coding systems. Although there may be a learning curve, if these skills appeal to you, there’s a good chance this field could be a great fit.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Evolving technologies and a surge in demand for healthcare has resulted in an increased demand for remote coders. With a rise in telehealth options, healthcare providers and insurance companies now offer a higher number of remote positions. The best way to stand out in this crowded, competitive field is to prioritize ongoing education, training, and certification.
