Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Washington: Key Details for Students
If you want to make a significant contribution to the healthcare field, becoming a medical biller and coder is a great path. Online medical billing and coding schools in Washington can prepare you for these jobs and set you up for years of a successful career.
Medical billers and coders play an important role in the healthcare industry, as they are responsible for ensuring that patient records are accurate and claims are paid by insurance companies. This is a rewarding career that’s definitely worth pursuing, and online medical billing and coding schools in Washington can help you do it.
When you enroll in one of these programs, you learn vital information that will help you throughout your career — including the different types of medical codes professionals use, how health insurance claims are processed, and the different types of insurance patients may have. Students also become familiar with anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Continue reading to learn more about how to receive your medical billing and coding certification in Washington state. You’ll find descriptions of a few of the programs, including information on their curriculum, cost, and types of financial aid available. Also, we take a look at how much you can earn after graduation. Then we round out our discussion with answers to some questions many prospective students have. This will give you a realistic look at what you can expect during your studies and beyond.
Inside Popular Washington Medical Billing & Coding Certification Programs
Online medical billing and coding schools in Washington provide programs that familiarize students with the medical and technological knowledge employers expect and need. Additionally, these programs prepare you to pass certification exams, which companies also frequently require. The following are some examples of standout programs to give you insight into what they have to offer.
Everett Community College
Students who enroll in Everett Community College have three options specific to medical coding and billing: they can pursue medical coding or medical billing certificates as standalone programs, or they can complete elements of both to earn an associate in technical arts in medical billing and coding program. During each of these programs, students learn about the delivery of healthcare and the terminology professionals are expected to understand. The ATA offers further coursework in pharmacology, insurance reimbursement, and diagnosis and coding procedures, and students are required to complete a practicum to further reinforce what they’ve learned.
To earn the medical coding certificate, students take coursework in business communications, advanced procedural and diagnostic coding, and healthcare terminology. In the medical billing certificate, the curriculum covers computer literacy, the structure and function of the human body, pathopharmacology, and healthcare law and ethics.
Regardless of path, Washington residents pay $122.76 per credit for tuition, and non-residents pay $317.13.
Pierce College
Another standout online medical billing and coding school in Washington is Pierce College, which prepares students to pass the Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Associate, and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exams by providing expertise in medical terminology, software, and practices of medical billing and coding.
During the medical terminology portion of the curriculum, students learn about the endocrine, reproductive, nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems. Students are also introduced to pharmacology and diagnostic procedures. These concepts allow them to understand the services their medical offices provide so they’re able to bill patients correctly.
During medical billing coursework, students begin to understand how health insurance, managed care, and revenue cycle management work. They study the different types of commercial insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, and become familiar with the types of claims that may be filed. In addition, the program covers the kinds of codes professionals use, such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and ICD-10-PCS.
Tuition for in-state residents is $123.58 per credit, while out-of-state residents pay $317.95.
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma Community College offers a medical billing specialist certificate program that is delivered entirely online and can be completed in one year. When students finish this program, they’re able to understand outpatient coding guidelines, medical reimbursement regulations, and the ethics medical biller and coders are expected to adhere to at work. Also, as they complete the program, students gain the strong written and verbal communication skills needed to work effectively in a busy healthcare setting.
In order to prepare students for the realities of working as a medical biller and coder,Tacoma Community College’s curriculum includes classes covering medical office procedures, insurance claims processing, and outpatient coding. Students learn about the different types of computer programs professionals use every day and the specific medical codes they’re required to know. To put this knowledge to the test, students participate in a practicum that allows them to demonstrate that they can apply what they’ve learned in class to a simulated experience.
Washington residents pay $127.59 per credit for tuition at Tacoma Community College, while non-residents pay $328.13.
Important Factors of Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Washington
To ensure that you take full advantage of your program and future career, you need to consider the resources available to you as a medical billing and coding student. Schools and programs vary in terms of the types of financial aid you can receive, how much certification exam preparation they provide, or how long it takes to complete a program. Below, we highlight the most important things to consider when evaluating Washington online medical billing and coding schools.
Accreditation
When working to earn your medical billing and coding certification in Washington state, you’ll want to ensure your school meets certain standards. This means you should research and identify educational options exclusively from accredited schools. Accreditation ensures that you’re getting quality program content because the college has been given the seal of approval from a group of education experts. For example, Everett Community College and Pierce College are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, while UEI College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Certification Exam Preparation
After you complete your coursework in a medical billing and coding program, you’ll go on to take the certification exam. When choosing a school, it’s a good idea to look for a program that provides exam preparation, such as Spokane Community College, which has a five-credit CPC preparation course in its curriculum.
Additionally, you can get help outside of school. This guide, for example, provides specific tips for enhancing your study skills. And the AAPC has several certification exam preparation courses available, such as Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Biller, and Certified Inpatient Coder classes.
Cost and Financial Aid
No matter which one of the medical billing and coding online schools in Washington you choose, cost is going to be a concern. You’ll want to find ways to keep those costs down. Luckily, these schools may offer financial aid options to help make your education much more affordable. Be sure to pay close attention to the cost of the programs you’re considering and financial aid they may offer. For example, Everett Community College provides several scholarships that may be available to medical billing and coding students.
Curriculum and Specializations
The curriculum offered by different Washington medical billing and coding online schools is designed to deliver specialized knowledge that prepares you for the workforce. Although all programs position you for a successful career, the focus of each curriculum may be a little bit different. For example, Tacoma Community College’s curriculum includes coursework on medical office procedures, beginning outpatient Dx Coding, and business math. Pierce College’s classes cover how to find a job in medical billing and coding, specifics of Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the legal aspects of health insurance and reimbursement.
Duration and Flexibility
Generally, you can finish an online medical billing and coding program in Washington within four months to a year. For example, the program at UEI College can be completed in 10 months. In some cases, you may be able to find an accelerated medical billing and coding program that can be finished in as few as four weeks.
Also, if you’re working a full-time job or have family responsibilities, you may be wondering how you’ll incorporate a certificate program into your busy schedule. If this is a concern, keep in mind that there may also be some flexibility about when you can take classes. Some programs may have evening and weekend options.
Format
When looking for the right program, format can make a huge difference — whether you’re interested in an online, hybrid, or on-campus program. As you’re preparing to earn your medical billing and coding certification in Washington state, you may prefer a program that’s offered 100% online, such as those offered by Everett Community College, Tacoma Community College, and Pierce College. You may also be able to find a program in a hybrid format, where you take some coursework online and some on campus. If you’re not interested in online learning, you can pursue a program that’s offered entirely on campus. Some examples can be found at Bellevue College and Washington Technical Institute.
Medical Billing & Coding Salary in Washington State
After completing your medical billing and coding education in Washington State, it's natural to wonder about the salary you can expect when you start working. Given that Washington has a relatively high cost of living, this concern can be especially pressing. However, you don't need to worry. As shown in the table below, medical billing and coding professionals in Washington State earn a solid living, with the state median salary at $58,580 as of 2023, and the top 90th percentile earning an average of $86,880 per year. Remember, though, that this can vary depending on the part of the state you're working in. For instance, as detailed below, the top 90th percentile of medical billing and coding professionals in Walla Walla earn an average of $68,540, while those in the Greater Seattle area earn over six figures, with a median of $102,930 per year.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $41,130 | $58,580 | $86,880 |
| Bellingham, WA | $40,210 | $52,200 | $77,090 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | $38,940 | $48,900 | $74,350 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $38,420 | $48,960 | $74,020 |
| Longview, WA | $39,270 | $49,040 | $71,470 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $40,130 | $53,450 | $79,890 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | $41,120 | $49,430 | $75,290 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $45,340 | $64,660 | $102,930 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $39,220 | $48,220 | $69,310 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $38,620 | $46,650 | $68,540 |
| Yakima, WA | $37,340 | $52,430 | $65,260 |
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.
FAQs About Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Washington
Although you may be sure that this is the right educational and professional path for you, chances are, you still have some questions about medical billing and coding online schools in Washington. The following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Continue reading to find out additional information that will help you on your journey.
How do I become a medical coder in Washington?
The first step to becoming a medical biller and coder is to complete a certificate program, which can generally be done in a year or less. Although Washington doesn’t require medical billers and coders to have a license in order to work, companies do expect prospective employees to have certification from the AAPC or American Health Information Management Association. As a result, after completing your education, you may choose to take a certification exam.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in Washington?
As noted above and according to the BLS, medical billing and coding jobs in Washington pay annual salaries between $41,130 and $86,880. The mean annual wage for these professionals is $64,250 per year. Some of the highest average earners in the state work in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($70,760), Bellingham ($66,650), and Olympia-Tumwater ($57,060). The lowest paid workers are in Spokane-Spokane Valley ($54,590), Yakima ($53,230), and Walla Walla ($53,000).
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
In addition to a healthy earning potential, there is also a good chance of finding a job after being awarded a medical billing and coding certification in Washington state. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be an 8% increase in jobs between 2022 and 2032. This is higher than the national average for all professions in the country.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Medical billing and coding is not an easy field. However, once you acquire the needed skills, you’ll be well equipped to handle the role’s challenges. Medical billers and coders should have strong technology, communication, and customer service skills. In addition, these professionals should have a strong attention to detail.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Yes. Because much of the role can be accomplished through technology and cloud-based applications, medical billers and coders are able to work from home as long as they have a reliable Internet connection.
