Medical Billing & Coding Schools in PA: Top Online & Campus Classes
Jumpstart your healthcare career with the best flexible medical billing and coding programs in Pennsylvania. Choose from online and on-campus options to fit your lifestyle.
You want to pursue a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry – but you don’t want to spend years and years in school. What are your options? A career in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania could provide just the right mix of a healthcare focus and speedy schooling.
While certification for this job isn’t required in much of the United States, including Pennsylvania, specific employers may require you to be certified. Luckily, certification is quick and easy and often can be completed in months or even weeks.
Many medical billing and coding schools in Pennsylvania delivered their programs via flexible online learning. This equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this vital role. Plus, many billing and coding professionals work remotely, adding extra convenience.
Curious to learn more? This guide covers three Pennsylvania medical billing and coding schools of note, teaches you how to choose the best ones, and offers insights into your job and salary outlook. Take the first step into your new career by reading on to find out which schools made it onto our list.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Pittsburgh Technical College
Oakdale, Pennsylvania
Private
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Public
Key Factors of Top Medical Billing/Coding Schools in Pennsylvania
When selecting among medical billing and coding schools and programs in Pennsylvania, there are several key factors you’ll need to evaluate. These will help you determine if the program is right for you.
Whether you’re looking for a program that’s affordable, has high-quality and in-depth coursework, or uses a flexible learning format, we’ll highlight several considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a medical billing and coding program meets established standards of quality and rigor. For students in Pennsylvania, attending an accredited program can enhance your employment prospects and guarantee that your education is respected by employers.
For example, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg and all its programs are accredited by the MSCHE. An education at an esteemed state university can look good on your resume as you interview for your first medical billing and coding job in Pennsylvania.
Certification Exam Preparation
As a medical biller and coder, you’ll likely be pursuing one of three certification exams post-education: the CPC, CCA or CBCS. These certify you as a medical billing coder and improve your job prospects. Many educational programs prep you for these exams and also pay for the vouchers that allow you to take them.
The class offered by Indiana County Technology Center includes exam prep and vouchers for each of these tests, ensuring you’re ready to succeed when exam time comes.
Cost and Financial Aid
Though courses in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania are generally short, they can still be expensive. Tuition varies widely among programs, but luckily, most schools offer financial aid to help you work toward your new career without putting you in debt.
Whether you attend a traditional university or a vocational school, scholarships and grants are often an option. The Institute of Medical and Business Careers offers financial aid to its students via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly called the FAFSA, and grants.
Curriculum and Specializations
A comprehensive curriculum with plenty of opportunities to specialize is something every good program in medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania should offer. The job isn’t easy, and it’s important that you acquire the skills you’ll need to excel.
You’ll discover opportunities to specialize in this field, in areas such as outpatient coding or medical billing. One course offered by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College allows you become a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist.
Duration and Flexibility
If you don’t want to spend a year in school, asynchronous learning and a self-directed program could be a good choice. For medical billing programs with a short duration, consider the P1 Medical Billing Course at MedicalBillingCourse.com. This can be completed in as little as three weeks. The program is ideal for students who want to complete their training quickly and start their careers sooner.
Format
Medical billing and coding programs in Pennsylvania come in one of three formats: online, hybrid, or traditional/on-campus. Online programs offer flexibility for students with busy schedules, and hybrid formats combine online coursework with in-person instruction for those who prefer at least some interaction.
Consider Montgomery County Community College, which provides a noncredit hybrid program in medical billing and coding.
Salary and Career Outlook in Pennsylvania
After completing your medical billing and coding education in Pennsylvania, you'll likely want to start working as soon as possible. There are plenty of opportunities for medical billers and coders, with job openings projected to grow at a higher-than-average rate of 8.5% over the next decade nationally. In Pennsylvania, that rate is even higher, with a projected growth rate of 8.9% over the next decade, leading to nearly 8,000 medical billing and coding professionals anticipated to be working in the state by the 2030s. You can also expect a comfortable salary as a Pennsylvania medical billing and coding professional, with a state average of $46,160 annually, and higher salaries in more densely populated areas. For instance, in Reading, medical billing and coding professionals earn some of the highest average salaries in the state, with the median salary at $49,680 and the top 90th percentile earning an average of $82,950 per year. Check out the table below for even more regional data.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $36,590 | $46,160 | $63,720 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $37,770 | $46,750 | $71,280 |
| Altoona, PA | $29,800 | $39,930 | $58,950 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | $34,630 | $44,810 | $64,480 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $33,260 | $46,070 | $75,020 |
| Erie, PA | $33,440 | $47,520 | $62,330 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $31,840 | $44,210 | $56,930 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $35,720 | $48,320 | $64,190 |
| Johnstown, PA | $32,030 | $41,830 | $66,910 |
| Lancaster, PA | $36,550 | $46,900 | $61,610 |
| Lebanon, PA | $36,560 | $49,990 | $72,680 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $37,830 | $49,390 | $77,700 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $37,210 | $45,710 | $63,720 |
| Reading, PA | $36,730 | $49,680 | $82,950 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA | $33,080 | $40,590 | $60,320 |
| State College, PA | $35,350 | $40,310 | $60,320 |
| Williamsport, PA | $37,150 | $45,030 | $60,800 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $35,910 | $44,610 | $65,590 |
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 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,280 | 7,930 | 650 | 8.90% | 570 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Answers to Your Questions About Medical Billing Schools in PA
If you’re ready to take the first step into medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania, you’re likely full of questions. Let’s answer a few of the most pressing questions from prospective students, including how to get started and potential earnings.
How do I become a medical coder in Pennsylvania?
To become a medical coder in PA, you’ll need to enroll in a medical billing and coding program, typically offered by community colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Complete the program, earn your certification through an exam such as the CPC or CCS, and apply for entry-level positions in healthcare settings.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, medical billing and coding professionals earn a mean annual wage of $49,680. Salaries vary by region, with higher earnings in metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and lower earnings in smaller cities such as Altoona.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
Medical billing and coding can be a worthwhile career, offering stable job growth and the flexibility to work in various healthcare settings or to work remotely. The relatively short training period and certification process make it an accessible path to employment.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
If you enjoy detail-oriented work that requires a high degree of accuracy, you’ll find medical billing and coding to be a good fit. If not, it could be quite difficult. Understanding multiple complex coding systems can take a lot of effort.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Medical billing and coding in Pennsylvania is an excellent and common remote job option. Many healthcare facilities and insurance companies offer remote positions.
