Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Tennessee: Program Review

Reviewing Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Tennessee

There are several ways to gain the skills needed for a career in medical billing and coding. You can choose from short-term training or certificate programs, or pursue a more in-depth associate degree. Some credentials, like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Associate (CCA), don’t require formal education—just enough knowledge to pass the exam. Others, such as the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), do require completion of an approved program within the last five years.

When comparing programs, consider key factors such as:

• Cost and financial aid availability
• Format — online, on-campus, or hybrid
• Learning style — synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced)
• End goal — whether you want a certificate or an associate degree

The programs highlighted below represent a range of options to help you find the one that best fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.

FAQs from MB&C Students in Tennessee

As you begin exploring medical billing and coding schools in Tennessee, you’ll likely have some questions regarding the process and career trajectory. In this section, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision and launch a rewarding career in healthcare.

What are the steps to becoming a medical billing and coding specialist in Tennessee?

Start with a medical billing and coding program in Tennessee. You can complete a training program, certificate program, or earn an associate degree. These programs equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare regulations while preparing you for the credentialing exam. There are even accelerated online medical billing and coding programs that can be completed in as little as four weeks.

After completing your program, earn a certification from a reputable organization to enhance employability. Make sure you review job postings to see which credentials employers prefer for available positions.

How much does medical billing and coding pay in Tennessee?

The average is around $55,950 annually, with a range of $35,040 for entry-level to $78,760 for experienced professionals.

Higher salaries are available in top-paying areas like Chattanooga. It’s important to remember that your starting salary will depend on your background, experience, and skills. In many healthcare organizations, you will typically earn annual increases in salary as you accrue years of service. Earning a certification will increase your earning potential and you may even elect to earn additional certifications in the industry that increase your value to your workplace.

Is medical billing and coding worth it?

Absolutely! It all depends on what you value in a career field. In Tennessee, medical billing and coding offers great benefits, including good salary potential, a growing job market, and the opportunity to make an impact.

Medical billing and coding is also virtually recession-proof. Medical facilities always need train professionals to coordinate between the facilities, the insurance companies, and the patients.

Is medical billing and coding difficult?

Like learning any new skill, it takes time and effort to master the terminology and coding systems, as well as learn the policies and procedures for an employer and practice. With a strong educational foundation from a reputable program many students succeed, especially those who enjoy detail-oriented tasks.

If you struggle with remote learning, there are many resources for online students to make sure you get the most out of your education and are best prepared for your career.

Even the most seasoned medical billing and coding specialist will make errors, but the system accounts for that, and you should be able to correct it when it happens. While you will need to accrue a fair amount of knowledge to pass your certification exam, you will be able to use your reference texts for your job responsibilities, so if you learn the base knowledge and know where to look for the answer, you will likely be successful in this field.

Is medical billing and coding a good remote job?

Medical billing and coding can be a great career option for those interested in remote work. Many healthcare companies offer remote positions that allow you to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection. This flexibility and convenience are ideal for those seeking to maximize work-life balance or location independence.

Smaller practices or individual providers often hire a shared medical billing and coding specialist who can process their claims. In that case, since there is no single workplace responsible for the employee, remote work is ideal so the medical billing and coding specialist can complete their responsibilities for each practice.

Tennessee Certifications and Continuing Education

There are three top bodies that offer certifications for medical billing and coding – the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association), and the NHA (National Healthcareer Association). Each body offers credentials for medical billing and coding and is recognized and revered on a state and national level.

The AAPC and AHIMA credentials do not have education requirements but recommend completing an approved coding program prior to sitting for the exam. The NHA’s exam (the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, or CBCS) requires a high school diploma/equivalent and completion of a medical billing and coding training program in the last five years or comparable work experience.

Typically, exams cost between $125 and $399, depending on which certification you choose. While certifications are not required, they are strongly preferred in the job market as they signal to your employer a base level of knowledge and competence in the field. Each credential does have continuing education requirements, requiring 10-36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years, depending on the certification. These CEUs, plus an applicable fee, will keep your knowledge current and certification up to date.

For those who are curious about further possibilities, AAPC and AHIMA offer several credential options. With AAPC, they have advanced certification options for those who have been in the field and want to either expand their capabilities or further specialize in one area, such as ambulatory practice or medical specialties like ophthalmology or family practice. AHIMA has further specializations as a health data analyst or healthcare privacy and security. The capacity to expand your knowledge and credentials may be a great way to keep your career fresh over time as you explore new content and acquire more areas of expertise.

Income Potential for Medical Billers and Coders in Tennessee

Top Online Medical & Billing Coding Programs in Tennessee