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Best Medical Billing and Coding Programs in California 2025

Top medical billing schools in California. Certificate and degree programs at American Career College and community colleges. Online and campus training.

Staff Writers

So you're looking for a solid career path in California that doesn't involve the startup grind or unpredictable freelance work. Medical billing is one of those essential fields that's always in demand because the healthcare system never really stops. You'd be the person making sure doctors and hospitals get paid correctly, which is a surprisingly critical role.

California's healthcare market is massive, driven by a huge population and some of the world's top medical institutions. Think about the giant hospital networks in Los Angeles and San Diego, the biotech scene around San Francisco, and the growing healthcare needs in Sacramento and Fresno. All of this activity means there's a constant, widespread need for skilled billers to manage the financial side of patient care.

Getting started usually means completing a specialized training program to learn the ropes, and there are options across the state designed to get you ready for your certification exam. This certification is what really matters to employers, as it proves you have the technical skills to handle complex medical codes and insurance rules.

After getting certified, the job outlook is pretty encouraging. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects consistent growth for this profession, and California salaries tend to be competitive. What's also great is that many companies now offer remote or hybrid positions, giving you more freedom over where you live and work.

Best Medical Billing and Coding Programs in California - Ranked by Value

California's massive healthcare industry, especially in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, needs skilled medical billers and coders. With a high cost of living, finding an affordable and effective training program is key to landing a good job and building a stable career. These programs are ranked with that in mind, focusing on value for money and career readiness.

How I Ranked These Medical Billing and Coding Programs

When ranking these medical billing and coding programs, I looked at several factors. Cost was a big one, especially considering California's high cost of living. I also considered graduation rates, which give you an idea of how successful students are at completing the program. Program format (online, hybrid, in-person) and duration were also important, as those affect flexibility and how quickly you can enter the workforce. Finally, I looked for programs that included externships or prepared you for certification exams, as those can significantly boost your job prospects.

Beyond the numbers, I also considered what makes each program unique. Does it offer specialized training? Does it have strong industry connections? Does it cater to specific needs, like offering flexible online options for working adults? In a state as diverse as California, with its multilingual population and innovative healthcare environment, these factors can be just as important as cost and graduation rates. Keep in mind that medical billers and coders need a solid understanding of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD-10, and some employers may prefer candidates with the AAPC certification.

Top Medical Billing and Coding Programs in California

1. Canada College

Cañada College in Redwood City stands out for its affordability and range of options. With a net price of just $3,845, it's by far the most budget-friendly option on this list. They offer both an Associate of Science (AS) degree and Certificates of Achievement in Medical Billing Specialist and Medical Coding Specialist. This flexibility is great – you can choose a quick certificate to get into the workforce faster, or go for the AS degree if you want a more comprehensive education or plan to transfer to a four-year university later. Check out Cañada College's medical assisting program page for more details.

2. Butte College

Butte College's online medical billing and coding program is a solid choice, especially since it includes a voucher for a national certification exam. This is a huge plus, as certification can significantly increase your earning potential and make you more attractive to employers. The program is fully online, offering maximum flexibility, and it's designed to get you job-ready quickly. If you're looking for a focused, online program with built-in certification prep, Butte College's career training program is worth considering.

3. California Healing Arts College

California Healing Arts College (CHAC) in Carson has been around for over 25 years, specializing in healthcare training. Their Medical Billing and Insurance Coding program benefits from their ACCSC accreditation, which signals a commitment to educational standards. While the net price is higher than community colleges, the smaller student population might mean more personalized attention. Plus, they specifically mention providing job placement advice, which is a great sign they're invested in your career after graduation. You can find more information on the California Healing Arts College website.

4. American Career College-Anaheim

American Career College's Anaheim campus offers a fast-paced diploma program in medical billing. The hybrid format, with online coursework and a required 180-hour in-person externship, is a major advantage. This gives you the flexibility of online learning with the crucial hands-on experience employers look for. At around 7 months, it's a quick way to get trained and ready for an entry-level position. More information can be found on the American Career College-Anaheim program page.

5. American Career College-Los Angeles

Similar to the Anaheim campus, American Career College-Los Angeles offers the same hybrid diploma program. The key features are the same: online coursework, a mandatory 180-hour externship, and a 7-month duration. The net price is slightly higher than the Anaheim campus, so consider that when making your decision. Check out the American Career College-Los Angeles medical billing program for more details.

6. American Career College-Ontario

The Ontario campus of American Career College also offers the same medical billing diploma program. Again, it's a hybrid program with a 180-hour externship and a 7-month timeline. The net price is the highest of the three American Career College locations, so be sure to factor that into your decision. Visit the American Career College-Ontario website for more information.

What These Medical Billing Programs Have in Common

Several of these programs focus on getting you job-ready quickly, with diploma or certificate options that can be completed in under a year. The American Career College programs all share a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person externships. Butte College and Cañada College both offer online options, providing flexibility for students with busy schedules. Regardless of the program you choose, a solid understanding of medical coding is essential, and organizations like AHIMA offer resources and certifications to help you advance your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical secretaries and administrative assistants (which includes medical billers) earn a median annual salary of $41,940.

Which Medical Billing and Coding Program Should You Choose?

Choosing the right medical billing and coding program in California depends on your individual needs and goals. If affordability is your top priority, Cañada College is the clear winner. If you need a flexible online program and want to earn a certification, Butte College is a great option. If you prefer a hybrid format with hands-on experience, the American Career College campuses are worth considering. Remember to research each program thoroughly and consider factors like location, cost, and career services before making your final decision. With California's diverse healthcare landscape, a well-chosen medical billing and coding program can be a great investment in your future.

Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs for California Students

If you're looking for flexibility but still want a solid program, online options are actually pretty great. Most California programs are campus-based, but I found several quality online programs that serve California residents. What I noticed is that many California State Universities are stepping up their online game, which is awesome!

1. California State University, San Bernardino - Online Medical Billing and Coding Training

What's cool about this program is that it's offered through a well-respected CSU. It's a fully online certificate program designed to give you a complete training course for a career in medical billing and coding. The self-paced format is a huge plus if you need flexibility. Plus, it preps you for the CPC certification, which is a major industry credential.

2. San Francisco State University - Online Medical Billing and Coding

This certificate program from SFSU (through U.S. Career Institute) is designed specifically for California residents. What I found is that they really focus on getting you job-ready. You can complete it in 5-12 months, and they even include career coaching! Plus, they cover the cost of your CBCS certification exam, which is a $399 value. They also prepare you for the AAPC's CPC exam. That's awesome!

3. California State University, Fullerton - Online Medical Billing and Coding (Voucher Included)

CSU Fullerton offers a solid online training program through its career training division. It's a complete course that prepares you for certification, and it's fully online, which is super convenient. Details are limited, but the fact that it's from CSU Fullerton gives it a lot of credibility.

4. San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) - Medical Billing and Coding

SJVC is an accredited private college with campuses in California, and they offer their medical billing and coding program online. You can choose between a certificate or an associate degree, which is a great option depending on your career goals. Plus, they emphasize preparing you for certifications from both AAPC and AHIMA, which could make you a more versatile candidate.

5. De Anza College - Online Medical Billing and Coding Certification Prep

De Anza College, a well-known California community college, offers an online certification preparation course. While details are limited, the fact that it's specifically designed for certification prep is a huge benefit. If you want to get into the workforce ASAP, this could be a good option to quickly gain the credentials you need.

6. California State University, East Bay - Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

CSU East Bay provides a clearly defined online certificate program. The program page confirms it is a complete course delivered online. While specific details are scarce, the CSU name adds significant weight to its reputation.

Medical Billing And Coding Programs In California

American Career College-Anaheim - Medical Billing and Coding

1200 N. Magnolia Ave., Anaheim, California 92801-0000 • 1643 students • 70% graduation rate • Diploma Program
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This is a fast-paced diploma program from American Career College designed to get you into the workforce quickly. It uses a hybrid model, meaning you'll do your coursework online but also get crucial real-world practice through a required 180-hour in-person externship. The curriculum is focused on giving you the skills needed for an entry-level job as a medical biller or coder.

Duration:7 months
Format:Hybrid
Contact:877-832-0790

What We Love

  • The program isn't just online theory; it includes a mandatory 180-hour in-person externship, which is awesome for getting real experience before you even graduate.
  • It's a fast track to a new career, with the whole program taking approximately 7 months to complete.
  • The hybrid format offers the flexibility of online classes for your coursework, which is great if you have a busy schedule.

Key Features

  • Blended learning model with 100% online coursework.
  • Required 180-hour externship for practical, on-the-job experience.
  • Curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.

American Career College-Los Angeles - Online Medical Billing Program

4021 Rosewood Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90004 • 2066 students • 72% graduation rate • Diploma Program
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This program from American Career College offers a fast-paced path to becoming a medical biller. It's designed as a hybrid model, so you'll do your coursework online and then get real-world practice through a required 180-hour in-person externship.

Duration:7 months
Format:Hybrid (Online coursework with an in-person externship)
Contact:877-832-0790

What We Love

  • The program includes a 180-hour externship, which is fantastic for getting hands-on experience before you even graduate.
  • It's a quick program, letting you get trained and ready for the job market in about 7 months.
  • The hybrid format gives you the flexibility of online classes while still ensuring you get essential in-person practice.

Key Features

  • Blended learning model with 100% online coursework.
  • Mandatory 180-hour in-person externship to apply what you've learned.
  • Fast-track diploma program designed to be completed in approximately 7 months.

American Career College-Ontario - Online Medical Billing Program

3130 East Sedona Court, Ontario, California 91764 • 2014 students • 62% graduation rate • Diploma
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This is a fast-paced diploma program from American Career College-Ontario designed to get you trained for a medical billing career. It's a hybrid program, meaning you'll do your coursework online but also complete a required, in-person externship to get hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting.

Duration:Approximately 7 months
Format:Hybrid
Contact:877-832-0790

What We Love

  • The program includes a 180-hour in-person externship, which is amazing for getting real-world experience on your resume before you even graduate.
  • It's a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility of online classes while still ensuring you get critical hands-on practice.
  • The 7-month timeline means you can get trained and ready for the job market relatively quickly.

Key Features

  • Blended learning model combines 100% online coursework with in-person training.
  • Mandatory 180-hour externship provides practical, on-the-job experience.
  • Designed as a quick-start diploma program to accelerate your entry into the field.

Butte College - Online Medical Billing and Coding (Voucher Included)

3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, California 95965-8399 • 10211 students • 32% graduation rate • Career Training / Certification Prep
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Butte College offers an online medical billing and coding program designed for students who want to get job-ready skills quickly. This is a focused career training course, likely offered in partnership with a third-party provider, and is separate from the college's traditional on-campus Health Information Management degree. The big highlight is that it includes a voucher to take a national certification exam, which is a key credential employers look for.

Format:Online
Contact:For general inquiries about career programs, you can contact the Career Education office at [email protected] or 530-895-2511.

What We Love

  • The program includes a voucher for a certification exam, which saves you money and shows they're focused on getting you a real-world credential.
  • It's offered completely online, giving you the flexibility to study on your own schedule.
  • This is a very direct path to a specific career, perfect if you don't want to commit to a full two-year degree right away.

Key Features

  • Includes a voucher for a national certification exam (e.g., CBCS, CMAA, or CPC).
  • Fully online format allows for flexible learning from anywhere.
  • Focused curriculum on medical billing and coding for quick entry into the field.

Program Video

California Healing Arts College - Medical Billing and Insurance Coding

500 East Carson Plaza Drive, Suite 103, Carson, California 90746-7323 • 298 students • 60% graduation rate
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California Healing Arts College (CHAC) is a private, for-profit school in Carson, CA, that offers a Medical Billing and Insurance Coding program. With over 25 years of experience, the school focuses on providing career-oriented training in various healthcare fields. It is accredited by the ACCSC, which is a good indicator of educational standards.

Contact:(310) 826-7622

What We Love

  • The school has been around for over 25 years, which points to stability and experience in healthcare training.
  • Being an ACCSC member school adds a layer of credibility and shows they meet certain quality standards.
  • The school's contact form explicitly mentions providing 'job placement advice,' which is a great sign that they're thinking about your career after graduation.

Key Features

  • Specializes entirely in healthcare training programs.
  • Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
  • Small student population suggests the potential for more personalized attention.

Canada College - Medical Billing and Coding Programs

4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City, California 94061-1099 • 6141 students • 49% graduation rate • Associate Degree, Certificate of Achievement
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Hey there! If you're looking into medical billing and coding, Cañada College has a few different paths you can take. You can go for a quick Certificate to get the specific skills for jobs like Medical Billing Specialist (21 units) or Medical Coding Specialist (18 units). Or, if you want a more complete education that you could use to transfer to a four-year school later, they offer a full Associate of Science (AS) degree in Medical Billing Specialist. The programs seem really focused on the practical, hands-on skills you'll need, like handling insurance claims and using the right medical codes.

What We Love

  • You have options! You can choose a short certificate to get job-ready faster or a full Associate's degree for a deeper education.
  • The program is designed around the actual tasks you'll perform in a healthcare office, focusing on practical skills for billing and coding.
  • They are transparent about student outcomes, offering a 'Gainful Employment Disclosure' with info on costs, potential debt, and completion times.

Key Features

  • Offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Billing Specialist.
  • Provides focused Certificates of Achievement in Medical Billing Specialist and Medical Coding Specialist.
  • Curriculum is built to teach industry-standard billing, reimbursement, and coding practices.

Salary Information for California

💰 Medical Billing and Coding Salary Calculator for California

$63,000/year
~$30/hour • Medical Billing & Coding Professional in California

Medical Billing & Coding Videos

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Medical Billing And Coding In California FAQs

Get answers to common questions about medical billing careers in California

How much do medical billers make in California?

Medical billers in California can expect an average hourly pay around $24.10 https://www.indeed.com/career/medical-biller/salaries/CA. If you're looking at Medical Insurance Biller roles, the average hourly pay is about $21.06. For entry-level positions, you'll typically see an average of $20.25 per hour https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Entry-Level-Medical-Biller-Salary--in-California.

Annually, the salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in California is quite broad, typically spanning from $41,740 to $104,560 per year https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/medical-billing-coding/medical-billing-and-coding-salary/california/. In specific areas like Los Angeles, medical billers and coders average around $60,530 annually https://nccusa.edu/blog/medical-billing-coding-salary-california/. Your actual income will depend on factors such as your experience, specific role, and geographic location within the state.

What are the certification requirements for medical billing in California?

To pursue medical billing certification in California, you generally need to be at least 18 years old calregional.com. While some training paths require no prior healthcare experience or education to begin aapc.com, you'll typically need to complete a specialized program. These programs build essential skills required for the role and prepare you for certification exams.

Many institutions, including certificate programs like the one at Cal State East Bay, offer comprehensive training to become a certified specialist ce.csueastbay.edu. There are also self-paced online options for California residents, which can be a flexible way to gain the necessary skills. The goal of these programs is to equip you with the knowledge needed to pass professional certification exams.

Medical billers in California can earn around $22.83 per hour. This reflects the technical nature of the work, which involves navigating complex billing procedures, including those for Medi-Cal providers mcweb.apps.prd.cammis.medi-cal.ca.gov/. It's a solid technical job that requires attention to detail and consistent application of billing rules.

How long does it take to become a medical biller in California?

Becoming a medical biller in California can take as little as a few months, depending on the program you choose. Some online programs are designed to train students in entry-level skills in less than 3 months Gain the skills you need to process patient data in less than 3 months.... Other instructor-led certificate programs, such as the Medical Insurance Billing program at CSUDH, can prepare you in about 9 months How to Become a Medical Billing Specialist in 9 Months..

To begin your career path, you'll generally need a high school diploma or GED. This is a common requirement for most training programs and for securing entry-level jobs in the field To begin your career, you'll need a high school diploma or GED.... Various California institutions, including Cal State East Bay, offer comprehensive certificate programs to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in medical billing and coding.

Can I work from home as a medical biller in California?

Yes, working from home as a medical biller in California is a very real possibility. You'll find numerous remote opportunities, with hundreds of positions available across job platforms. For example, Indeed lists over 360 remote medical billing jobs https://www.indeed.com/q-remote-medical-billing-l-california-jobs.html, and ZipRecruiter advertises over 1000 remote healthcare billing roles specifically for California https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Remote-Healthcare-Billing/--in-California. LinkedIn also shows more than 140 remote openings.

Salaries for remote healthcare billing roles in California vary widely. You can expect hourly rates ranging from $17 to $91 for remote healthcare billing jobs https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Remote-Healthcare-Billing/--in-California. For more specific roles, a remote Billing Coordinator III position might pay $20 to $22 per hour, while a Revenue Cycle Specialist III (Remote) could offer $25.06 to $37.59 per hour https://www.indeed.com/q-remote-billing-l-california-jobs.html. These figures represent a solid income potential.

What is the job outlook for medical billers in California?

The job outlook for medical billers in California is generally positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for medical records specialists, which includes medical billers, to grow 7-8% from 2022 to 2034. This rate is considered much faster than the average for all occupations https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm. California is often highlighted as a hotspot for this career due to its large and complex healthcare industry.

While the overall outlook is strong, it's important to be realistic about the competitive landscape. Some regions, like Southern California, have been described as having a somewhat flooded market for new graduates, meaning a job isn't guaranteed https://www.reddit.com/r/CodingandBilling/comments/f11f6d/medical_billing_coding_job_outlook_in_southern/. You will likely need to focus on gaining practical experience and strong skills to stand out in the job market.

As for earning potential, medical billers and coders in California can earn as high as $66,000 per year, depending on the specific city and your level of experience https://calregional.com/blog/what-is-the-salary-for-medical-billing-and-coding-in-2025/. This strong earning potential, coupled with the projected growth fueled by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, indicates a viable career path in the state.

How much does medical billing school cost in California?

Medical billing school costs in California generally range from about $1,480 to $2,650 for certificate programs. For example, the Medical Insurance Billing Certificate program at CSUDH CCPE is priced at $1,480, though you'll need to account for additional costs for books and materials https://www.csudh.edu/ccpe/medical-insurance-billing/. Parking for this online program is $0.

Another option, the Medical Billing and Coding Program offered through Cal State LA Downtown, costs $2,650. This specific fee includes all electronic program materials necessary for the course https://www.calstatela.edu/dtla/medical-billing-and-coding-program-downtown-la. These figures represent the typical tuition for these types of technical healthcare programs.