Inside Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in New York
Medical billers and coders have access to myriad opportunities, including remote roles. Explore the medical billing and coding colleges in New York below for details.
If job security and remote opportunities are priorities for you, medical billing and coding is a field to consider. Medical billers and coders help healthcare organizations sort patient data and process health insurance reimbursements. The bulk of the work is administrative, so it can be done in a remote or hybrid capacity. Plus, the field is expected to grow by over 16% in New York in the next ten years.
To make this career path even more enticing, the barrier to entry is quite low. Typically, you simply need to complete a certification program from one of the medical billing and coding colleges in New York. But there are many programs out there, making it tricky to spot accredited online certifications. This guide details the top medical billing programs in New York and features programs that are affordable, online, and comprehensive. It also details financial aid opportunities and salary expectations. Read until the end for answers to the most frequently asked questions about the field.
Featured Medical Billing & Coding Training in New York
It can be hard to spot the best medical billing and coding colleges in New York at first glance. To help, three of the best online certificates are profiled below with details on cost, curriculum, and career outcomes.
Borough of Manhattan Community College
If you’re considering online medical billing and coding colleges in New York, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) should be on your list. While the program is hosted through this Manhattan-based institution, students can complete coursework from anywhere since all classes are offered online. The curriculum prepares students for the National Healthcare Association (NHA) exam to become certified coders. Course topics include anatomy, medical billing, revenue cycle management, and more. Students learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and work with the biggest insurance companies in the state. Students also gain hands-on experience with the latest software and technology in the field. The entire program takes as little as one year, though part-time students usually finish in about three years. Applicants need a high school diploma, and priority admission is given to those with some knowledge of medical terminology.
The City College of New York
The City College of New York (CCNY) is one of the best medical billing and coding colleges in New York. Its medical billing and coding program is divided into two parts that can be completed 100% online. The first part covers medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology and provides an overview of the healthcare industry. In the second part, students dive into coding and billing specifically. Courses in part two cover revenue cycle management, healthcare law, and medical coding. The second part also includes a preparatory class for the NHA exam. Completing both parts takes less than a year, though students can take fewer courses and finish at a slower pace. The certificate costs $2,225 with $970 paid before enrolling in part one and $1,255 before part two.
Molloy University
Molloy University is easily one of the best medical billing and coding colleges in New York. It offers two billing and coding programs, one that prepares students to become a certified coding specialist and one for those who wish to be certified coding associates. Courses for both programs can be completed online. Class topics include medical terminology, anatomy, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding, interpretation of lab results, and medical encoding. Unlike other schools, Molloy University also offers free virtual seminars on professional opportunities to prepare students for rewarding careers after graduation. All classes and seminars are hosted via Zoom and take place at set class times. The program takes about one year to complete and costs $3,535. Molloy University offers various scholarships to make the program more affordable and accessible.
What to Look For in New York Medical Billing & Coding Programs
As you consider medical billing and coding colleges in New York, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. Accreditation, for example, is necessary for your degree to be recognized by employers. Others, like financial aid, help ease the stress of getting your certification.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential for your certificate to be recognized by employers and other academic institutions, so make sure the university and the program are accredited. The two most common accrediting bodies for billing and coding programs are the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The schools themselves also need to be accredited. The three spotlighted schools above (BMCC, CCNY, and Molloy University) along with the rest of the schools mentioned in this guide, for example, are accredited.
Certification Exam Preparation
While some states license medical coders, New York does not. That means you technically can get your degree and not take a certification exam. However, being accredited by an industry organization helps you stand out. Two organizations that offer an exam and certification accepted in the industry include the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the AAPC. In addition, top schools like Molloy University offer courses and exam prep guides for multiple certifications offered by AHIMA.
Cost and Financial Aid
When looking at online coding programs, cost is often a top concern. Financial aid can offset the cost of your program and comes in many forms, including student loans, scholarships, and grants. Many programs, such as the one at Lehman College, offer a generous financial aid package for medical coding students. Additional sources, like Coding Clarified, can help you find and apply for state-specific scholarships.
Curriculum and Specializations
Medical coding is a vast and fast-growing field. A specialization or coursework in a subset of the field can help you stand out when applying for jobs. Fortunately, many programs offer opportunities to specialize or take electives in a specific area. At La Guardia Community College, for example, students take courses and can even choose electives on how to work with various insurance companies and programs.
Duration and Flexibility
Medical coding programs often vary in length. Some programs take as few as four weeks, while others take a year or more. While it may be tempting to complete a shorter degree, keep in mind shorter often means more intensive coursework and less flexibility for work and life obligations. If you’re interested in a shorter program, La Guardia Community College is a good fit. For a flexible option that fits around a full-time job, consider CCNY.
Format
There are three program formats for medical coding programs: online, hybrid, and in-person. Choose the one that best fits your learning preferences and lifestyle. For those who want hands-on learning, an in-person program like the one at SUNY Downstate may be a good fit. Learners who need more flexibility and prefer to learn at home may like an online program like the degree from Molloy University. For a mix of both formats, consider a hybrid program like the one at Rockland Community College.
New York Medical Billing & Coding Salaries: Inside the Numbers
Medical billing and coding salaries are on par with national averages for all employees. Top earners make more than the average, especially in New York where they earn around $82,850 per year. In certain areas of the state, such as near New York City and in Kingston, you can make even more. While the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provided in the table below tracks salaries for all medical record specialists, not just coders and billers, it still gives a good idea of what you could make. It also aligns with the hourly average – $18.09 to $40.50 per hour – provided by the New York Department of Labor.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| New York | $38,340 | $60,510 | $82,850 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $38,520 | $56,930 | $79,430 |
| Binghamton, NY | $34,580 | $54,370 | $80,280 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $37,120 | $55,490 | $81,310 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $37,790 | $52,470 | $73,890 |
| Ithaca, NY | $39,630 | $55,050 | $71,750 |
| Kingston, NY | $40,250 | $58,320 | $94,010 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $41,170 | $64,790 | $94,440 |
| Rochester, NY | $39,270 | $53,910 | $71,710 |
| Syracuse, NY | $38,060 | $53,140 | $69,890 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $32,260 | $47,190 | $63,150 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $32,720 | $48,370 | $58,470 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Job Market & Outlook for New York Medical Billers and Coders
It’s no secret that mass layoffs and inflation are making life tricky in 2024. Some industries, including medical billing and coding, are more immune to these layoffs. In fact, the demand for medical record specialists is expected to grow by over 8% in the next ten years. Medical billers and coders in New York face an even higher job growth rate of 16.30%. That’s almost double the U.S. growth rate, making New York a great state for those interested in this field.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| New York | 2,560 | 16.30% | 1,450 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Answers to Common Questions About New York Medical Billing & Coding Schools
This guide provides a starting point in your medical coding journey, especially if you’re searching for a top online program in New York. You most likely still have some questions, though, so we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked ones about medical billing and coding schools in New York below.
How do I become a medical coder in NY?
You must graduate from an accredited program to become a medical coder in New York. Fortunately, getting into a medical billing and coding school is relatively simple. Plus, there isn’t an official state licensure test or other requirements to work in this role, though getting one can help set you apart from others in the field.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in New York?
Neither the Bureau of Labor Statistics nor the New York Department of Labor track salaries specifically for medical billers and coders. They do, however, track data for all professionals who work in medical records. Based on New York salary data, medical coders can make about $38 an hour.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Whether or not medical coding is “worth it” is a highly personal question. For many, it’s a rewarding field with lots of employment opportunities, including remote or hybrid roles. Medical coders also feel like their work matters since it supports patient health and provides a relatively high work/life balance.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Medical billing and coding is fast-moving, and those who work within it must keep up-to-date with new technologies like AI programs being integrated into billing and coding software. Medical coders also use some anatomy and medical terminology in their roles, adding additional challenges to their work. Fortunately, most medical coding programs prepare students well for these challenges. Employers also typically offer ongoing training.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical coders often work remotely since much of their job involves handling data and information. Get a solid idea of what remote jobs look like in this field and learn about the companies hiring remote medical coders and billers before deciding if remote work is right for you.
