Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in North Dakota: What You Need to Know
Learn how to pursue a career in medical billing and coding in this guide. Discover top recommended programs and the job outlook for North Dakota.
Are you looking for a quick entry into the healthcare field with the potential for remote work? If so, a medical billing and coding role might be the perfect fit for you. Begin pursuing this career by discovering the programs available in North Dakota featured in this guide, which also tells you about the costs involved, what to expect with the curriculum, what you need for certification, and much more. You’ll learn about the valuable skills required in this field that are in high demand across hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies throughout North Dakota. Opportunities in a medical billing and coding career in ND look promising with high growth over the next decade and a projected job growth rate of 11.9% in this field, significantly higher than the national average. Keep reading to learn how you can kickstart your career in this critical and growing healthcare profession.
School Spotlights: Inside Medical Billing/Coding Programs in ND
North Dakota offers several great medical billing/coding programs, and three standout programs are highlighted below. Get started in your search by looking at these program highlights to help you know what to look for concerning cost, curriculum, and more.
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)
NDSCS offers an online Health Information Medical Coding program option. This is ND’s only medical coding certificate approved by the American Health Information Management Associate (AHIMA) Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP). This medical coding specialization has a comprehensive curriculum that covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare law and ethics, and ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding. You can complete the degree in two years of full-time study or at your own pace part-time. After completing the program, you can sit for the certification exams and/or take additional courses in the AAS degree option. NDSCS’ medical coding program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), requires 41 credits, and online classes cost about $214 per credit. The per-credit cost does change based on residency and class format.
Rasmussen University – Fargo
Rasmussen University’s Fargo campus offers an online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate that can be completed in as few as nine months, a perfect option if you want to enter the healthcare job market quickly. The 10-course (36 credits) curriculum provides hands-on experience with industry-standard coding software and includes courses in healthcare information management, medical terminology, and coding practices. Rasmussen’s flexible learning options allow you to choose between full-time and part-time study. You can also continue your study in the field through a Health Information Technician associate degree and a Health Information Management bachelor’s degree. You’ll also be prepared to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. The program costs $295 per credit, and there are eight enrollment dates per year.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a 100% Online Medical Billing and Coding Course. In this course, you learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. You also get hands-on, practical experience in medical billing and coding that will help you on the job. This program prepares you for the Certified Professional Coding (CPC) certification exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The program costs $2,995, includes 370 course hours, takes a year to complete, and comes with an exam voucher. There are no prerequisites for admission.
How to Find a Top Program in North Dakota
When choosing and applying to a medical billing and coding program in North Dakota, several factors should guide your decision. Below are important aspects to consider as you compare schools and their programs.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a medical billing program meets industry standards for quality education. Look for programs accredited by recognized bodies like CAHIIM or AHIMA. For example, NDSCS’s Health Information Medical Coding program is CAHIIM-accredited, validating its curriculum quality and graduate preparedness. Earning a degree or certificate from an accredited program also helps you stand out in the job market.
Certification Exam Preparation
Choose programs that specifically prepare students for industry-recognized certification exams since this preparation can significantly boost your employment prospects. The AAPC’s Medical Coding Certification is considered the gold standard in the industry. In North Dakota, there are no state-issued certifications or licenses, so healthcare facilities create their own guidelines for medical billers and coders. Earning your certification is the best way to show you are prepared for the job and to stand out in the job market.
Cost and Financial Aid
You’ll want to consider the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and materials, before deciding on which program to enroll in. Many schools offer financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and loans. For example, Rasmussen University offers various aid options that include the RU Ready Grant, Pass the Torch Grant, Medical Assisting Inspire Grant, and others. The state of North Dakota itself also offers aid through programs like the North Dakota State Grant and Scholarships, the ND Scholars Program, and the Academic, CTE, and North Dakota Scholarships.
Curriculum and Specializations
The curriculum of each program varies slightly depending on the instructors and program specializations like oncology or radiology. UND, for example, takes a more comprehensive but general approach to its medical coding curriculum.
Duration and Flexibility
Consider how a program’s duration and schedule align with your personal and professional commitments. Maybe you want to earn a certificate as quickly as possible because you want to get to work as soon as possible. Perhaps you’re content going at a slower pace in your studies while you work full-time. Rasmussen’s nine-month medical billing and coding certificate program, for instance, offers a quick path to entry as well as both full-time and part-time options.
Format
Decide whether an online, on-campus, or hybrid format best suits your learning style and lifestyle. Each format has its advantages and challenges. Fortunately, you can take advantage of a wide range of resources no matter which format you choose.
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries in North Dakota
Medical billing and coding professionals in North Dakota enjoy competitive salaries. The mean annual wage in North Dakota of $52,850 is slightly below the national average of $53,690. However, entry-level positions in North Dakota start at $37,620, higher than the national figure of $35,080. Figures vary by city and type of company you work for as a medical biller or coder. The Fargo area offers the highest average wage at $54,450, followed by Bismarck at $53,610. Though, even non-metropolitan areas in North Dakota offer competitive salaries. Salary data for medical billing and coding professionals is included with all medical records specialists, so the table below provides salary data throughout North Dakota to help you compare potential in different cities for the various careers within that grouping.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| North Dakota | $37,620 | $52,850 | $70,940 |
| Bismarck, ND | $39,220 | $53,610 | $68,850 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $37,450 | $54,450 | $72,340 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $37,370 | $53,040 | $73,430 |
| West Nonmetropolitan Area | $38,670 | $51,280 | $62,780 |
| East Nonmetropolitan Area | $37,620 | $51,000 | $71,210 |
| North Dakota | $37,620 | $52,850 | $70,940 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $37,450 | $54,450 | $72,340 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Employment Outlook in North Dakota
The career outlook for medical billing and coding in North Dakota is particularly promising with an over 11% growth expected over the next decade. The state is projected to add 130 new jobs in this field by 2030, and the job growth rate significantly outpaces the national average of 8.5%. Even with this data including all the careers within the medical records specialists’ arena, the potential is still promising.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| North Dakota | 130 | 11.9% | 90 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
FAQs About Medical Billing & Coding Schools in North Dakota
Even after learning about the best medical billing and coding schools in North Dakota along with understanding how to find a top program, you likely still have some questions about programs in the state. The section below answers some of the most frequently asked questions by people like you.
How do I become a medical coder in North Dakota?
You can become a medical coder within a year with most programs in North Dakota if you follow the key steps laid out for you. Your specific timeframe depends on program length and format as well as when you complete the certification exam.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in North Dakota?
Medical billing and coding professionals in North Dakota earn a mean annual wage of $52,850. Entry-level positions start around $37,620, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $70,940 annually depending on their location and experience.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Medical billing and coding is an excellent career path that offers stable job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for remote work. The field’s high growth rate of 11.9% indicates a strong demand for skilled professionals. Your earning potential as a medical biller and coder along with these other factors make it a career worth your consideration.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
While challenging, medical billing and coding is learnable with dedication. To be successful, you need a sharp eye for detail, analytical skills, and ongoing learning of medical terminology and coding systems. If this sounds like you, you’ll likely find the work both engaging and rewarding.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical coding is an excellent remote job option that offers flexibility and work-life balance. Many employers in North Dakota and nationally offer remote positions, especially for experienced coders, making it an attractive career for those seeking work-from-home opportunities. Given the rise of telehealth and technology in healthcare, there is plenty of need for tech-savvy medical billing specialists.
