With over 900 projected job openings in North Carolina per year, earning your medical billing and coding certificate could be your ticket to a stable, well-paying career – with plenty of growth opportunities – in the Tar Heel state. Medical billing and coding programs are great options because they’re fast, affordable, and offer a range of in-person and remote work opportunities. The only thing standing between you and a career in billing and coding is a professional certification.
Becoming a certified medical billing and coding specialist involves proper preparation, so it’s key to track down your perfect program. Fortunately, North Carolina has a host of excellent options, making the real challenge picking just one. This guide helps you figure out the best program for you by covering important considerations, telling you what to expect from a career as a billing and coding specialist, and answering common questions. It also highlights some of the best medical billing and coding programs in North Carolina. Read on to learn everything you need to know to pick the perfect program.
Inside Quality Medical Billing & Coding Programs in NC
If you’re new to professional training programs, it might be difficult to imagine what to expect from your medical billing and coding classes since different programs run on different formats and schedules. To help you get your bearings, consider the three popular medical billing and coding schools below. Who knows, one of these programs might be the perfect fit! If not, they’ll tell you what to look for in a quality program.
Piedmont Community College
Piedmont Community College’s Online Medical Billing and Coding course sequence is one of the most flexible in the state. It’s offered in two, 16-week parts, and you’ll be more than ready to sit for your certification exam when you’re done. Piedmont’s classes are self-paced, so you can work through course content on your schedule as long as you finish all your coursework before the end of the term. If you have a variable schedule or a lot going on, this self-paced option can be a lifesaver when it comes to managing your studies. Keep in mind, though, that solid time management skills and being self-motivated will be key to your success. Since instructors are relatively hands-off, Piedmont recommends this program for those who have some experience working in medical billing, coding, or records. At $180 per session, the medical billing and coding program at Piedmont is extremely affordable with scholarships also available under certain conditions.
The University of North Carolina, Charlotte (UNCC)
If you prefer attending class in real-time, the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate at UNCC might be a perfect fit. UNCC coding students attend virtual classes at set days and times. This synchronous format allows for more interaction with instructors and classmates, the chance to ask questions, and some extra motivation to stay on top of your work. Because of the instructor access in this program, UNCC is a great fit for students who haven’t worked in the medical records field.
UNCC’s program is also one of the shortest in the state with students completing their certificates in a mere four months of intensive study. Because of the accelerated pace and synchronous structure of this program, it’s expensive. Registration costs $2,400, but you may qualify for early registration discounts or certain scholarships. The program also offers a payment plan to help students manage their budgets.
Wake Tech
The Medical Billing and Coding program at Wake Tech is unique because of the school’s affiliation with large hospitals in the Wake and Triangle County area. This means that Wake Tech truly has its finger on the pulse of healthcare administration, so you can be sure your coursework is up-to-date and relevant to your future roles. Many students go on to work at these hospitals after completing their coursework, so studying at Wake Tech may help you get your foot in the door at major employers.
The program’s medical billing and coding certificate is made up of three asynchronous courses and can be completed in one year. Additionally, students can continue their education in an optional CPC exam prep course. Each class costs $180 for in-state students. Medical billing and coding students are also eligible for Wake Tech’s Propel Scholarship which covers the cost of classes, fees, materials, and exam registration.
How to Evaluate Medical Billing & Coding Programs
If you’ve already searched for “medical billing and coding classes in North Carolina” online, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by your options. Finding the right fit is important, and everyone has their own needs and circ*mstances. So, the best program for you might be someone else’s nightmare. To help you narrow down your options and find your ideal school, consider these six factors.
Accreditation
If a school is accredited, it means a third party has evaluated its operations and curriculum to ensure a high level of quality. People generally think about accreditation primarily when it comes to degree programs since this certification ensures that your diploma is recognized by future employers, but it’s worth earning your medical billing and coding certificate at an accredited school, too. Attending an accredited school ensures you get your money’s worth and are adequately prepared for your professional exams.
Since North Carolina is home to dozens of accredited schools offering affordable medical billing and coding classes, there’s no reason not to opt for an accredited option. Look for programs like the Medical Billing and Coding program at Pitt Community College that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Certification Exam Preparation
After you’ve completed your coursework, you need to sit for your professional exam before you can call yourself a certified medical billing and coding specialist. In North Carolina, based on your goals and interests, you may opt to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam. Any medical billing and coding classes worth your time will be focused on preparing you for one of these tests. Some programs, like the Medical Billing and Coding program at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, go the extra mile by including an exam fee voucher and additional study materials as part of the program cost.
Cost and Financial Aid
North Carolina has tons of affordable, high-quality opportunities to earn your medical building and coding credentials. Cost doesn’t always equal quality, so focus on finding a program that fits your budget. Take advantage of in-state tuition rates by sticking to North Carolina-based schools. Community colleges also tend to offer excellent programming at a lower cost than four-year universities. Because you are preparing for an in-demand career, many schools, like Blue Ridge Community College, offer financial aid to medical billing and coding certificate students. As you’re considering your options, reach out to admission offices to see if financial aid or scholarships are available.
Curriculum and Specializations
Because medical billing and coding classes are focused on exam prep, most programs have a similar curriculum designed to set you up for success on the professional exam of your choice. Your certificate qualifies you to work in a range of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and insurance agencies. Some schools in North Carolina offer more specialized coursework and hands-on learning opportunities to help you develop advanced billing and coding skills before you enter the workforce. For example, the Medical Office Administration: Medical Billing and Coding Certificate at Craven Community College offers advanced instruction in medical risk coding as well as internship opportunities.
Duration and Flexibility
Every student has different demands on their time. Some are trying to balance full-time work and family responsibilities, and these students benefit from taking one class at a time and earning their certificates over a longer period. Others are anxious to get in and out as soon as possible, so these students may prefer accelerated or full-time study options. Before you look for programs, consider how much time you have to study each week and when you’d like to complete your program. Students looking to finish as quickly as possible might look to programs like the Medical Coding program at Coastal Carolina Community College which can be completed in as few as six months. If you want to pace yourself, look to schools like Durham Tech where you can take one course per semester.
Format
Online coursework typically comes in one of three formats: asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid. Asynchronous classes tend to be the most popular because you don’t have to attend classes on a certain day and time. Instead, you simply study course content and turn in a few assignments each week. Synchronous courses, on the other hand, offer real-time instruction from the comfort of your own home. This format is more engaging for some and gives them the chance to ask questions and interact with instructors and classmates. Hybrid courses are a mix of online and in-person instruction and are great for having some human interaction in your studies. They do require that you live close enough to campus to travel there regularly, though.
If you have a flexible schedule and enjoy real-time instruction, you may prefer a synchronous or hybrid program. If you’re trying to shoehorn homework in wherever you can, an asynchronous program gives you more flexibility. If you’re still not sure what you need, look to schools like Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offering certificate classes in multiple formats that allow you to mix and match based on your needs.
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries in NC: A Look at the Numbers
Most people pursue medical billing and coding certification to advance their careers or get their foot in the door. So, locking in a satisfying paycheck is an important part of the equation. As you’ll see in the table below, your earning potential as a medical biller and coder in NC depends on where you live. Billing and coding specialists in major cities like Winston-Salem tend to earn more but the cost of living in these places tends to be higher. Similarly, lower salaries in places like New Bern reflect, at least in part, lower living expenses.
Also note that there is a broad range of salary potential between the lowest-earning 10th percentile and the highest-earning 90th percentile jobs. This is because this data reflects all medical records specialist positions, not just billing and coding, so it includes jobs that don’t require professional certification and that tend to come with lower salaries. Second, expect your earnings to increase as you gain experience. Even after nailing your salary negotiations, you may start at an average or even lower-than-average wage for your area. However, you can expect to move toward that 90th percentile figure as spend more time in the workforce.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $35,080 | $53,690 | $77,810 |
| North Carolina | $33,050 | $49,400 | $69,250 |
| Asheville, NC | $33,310 | $45,040 | $59,020 |
| Burlington, NC | $34,650 | $48,280 | $59,930 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $35,210 | $49,970 | $69,500 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $37,530 | $53,110 | $70,110 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $31,770 | $50,910 | $70,030 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $33,360 | $50,400 | $78,160 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $33,830 | $43,470 | $61,100 |
| Greenville, NC | $38,010 | $51,570 | $63,480 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $31,200 | $42,760 | $54,170 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $35,030 | $49,850 | $63,770 |
| New Bern, NC | $31,490 | $42,820 | $67,690 |
| Raleigh, NC | $32,000 | $50,970 | $69,480 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $31,000 | $50,830 | $77,880 |
| Wilmington, NC | $24,330 | $41,010 | $58,260 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $37,220 | $57,270 | $79,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Outlook for the Medical Billing and Coding Profession in NC
An appealing salary is a great incentive for earning your medical billing and coding certification, but a salary projection means nothing if there aren’t jobs available. Fortunately, billing and coding specialists are in high demand in North Carolina with a faster-than-average growth rate of about 9%. Further, medical records jobs are in higher demand in North Carolina than the national average. This means NC is a particularly good place to be a medical billing and coding student.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 28,600 | 8.5% | 27,400 |
| North Carolina | 1,090 | 9.1% | 990 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Answering Your Questions About North Carolina Medical Billing/Coding Classes
Even if you’re committed to earning your medical billing and coding certificate, you likely have some lingering questions. That’s normal since there is a lot to consider when selecting a program and preparing for a new career. This section tackles some of the most common questions from North Carolina’s prospective medical billing and coding students.
How do I become a medical coder in North Carolina?
Some entry-level medical coding jobs in North Carolina do not require a certificate or professional exam. These roles are a great intro to the career or a way to test the waters and see if a career in medical billing and coding is right for you. If you want to increase your earning potential and qualify for advanced roles, though, you need to earn your medical billing and coding certificate. These programs take four to 18 months and provide an ideal environment to advance your skills. Once you’ve finished coursework, the next step is to sit for your professional exam to earn your CPC, CAC, or CBCS credentials. Your certificate program should have amply prepared you to ace the exam of your choice. Once you’ve passed your exam, you can apply for specialist roles.
How much does medical billing and coding pay in North Carolina?
Statewide, the average salary for medical records specialists (including medical billing and coding specialists) is $49,400. The average pay can vary widely, though, depending on where you live. If you scroll up a few sections, you can see a detailed breakdown of average pay and earning potential in various North Carolina cities and towns.
Is medical billing and coding worth it?
The answer to this depends on how you define “worth it.” Billing and coding specialists are in high demand and the average salary is well above North Carolina’s average cost of living. Although it takes plenty of brainwork, the cost of earning your certification at most North Carolina schools is fairly low, so a certificate in medical billing and coding can be a good investment if you’re looking for a stable, sustainable career.
That said, billing and coding roles are administrative jobs. So, you can expect to spend a lot of time in front of the computer entering and reviewing data. So, while the job may be reliable, it may not be the most action-packed or inspiring career.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
Again, it depends. Billing and coding roles require computer skills, attention to detail, and repetitive tasks. Some people love that kind of thing and take to it naturally. Other people may struggle to stay engaged or learn new technologies. If you’re good with detailed work, you’ll probably find the transition into billing and coding to be pretty easy. Otherwise, it may be more difficult to get the hang of the position. Fortunately, if you’re struggling to get a feel for the job, there are plenty of free online resources to help you out.
Is medical coding a good remote job?
Many companies hire remote employees for medical billing and coding roles. Because your billing and coding certificate is recognized nationally, you can apply to specialist jobs anywhere in the country without having to abandon your North Carolina lifestyle. Note that since you’ll be working with confidential patient data, you’ll likely need to comply with certain data security measures. So, remote work in this case may not include working from public spaces like coffee shops or libraries.
