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Best Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Illinois 2025

Top medical billing schools in Illinois. Certificate and degree programs at Black Hawk College and City Colleges of Chicago. Online and campus training.

Staff Writers

If you've ever considered a career in healthcare but aren't drawn to the clinical side, medical billing in Illinois is a really practical path. It’s a crucial role that doesn't require years of college, but it still puts you right at the center of the healthcare system.

Illinois has a massive healthcare industry, with major hospital networks and countless clinics centered around cities like Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, and Rockford. Every single one of these facilities, from a small private practice in Naperville to a major urban hospital, needs skilled people to handle their billing and keep revenue flowing correctly.

Getting started usually means completing a focused training program to learn the coding systems and software. These certificate programs prepare you to take one of the national certification exams, which is what most employers look for. This certification shows you have the specialized knowledge to manage the financial side of patient care.

With a certification, you can find work in hospitals, doctors' offices, or dedicated billing companies. A lot of these roles now offer remote or hybrid flexibility, which is a huge plus. The job outlook is pretty solid, too, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting consistent demand for health information professionals nationwide.

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

Illinois, a major healthcare hub with giants like Advocate Aurora Health and Northwestern Medicine, needs skilled medical billers and coders to keep its complex healthcare system running smoothly. From the bustling city of Chicago to more rural areas, healthcare facilities across the state rely on accurate billing and coding to get reimbursed for their services. That's why finding the right medical billing and coding program in Illinois is a smart move for anyone looking for a stable and in-demand career.

How I Ranked These Medical Billing and Coding Programs

When ranking these medical billing and coding programs in Illinois, I focused on what gives you the best value for your time and money. That means looking at factors like the program's cost, graduation rate, and how well it prepares you for a job. I also considered whether the program offers certifications, since employers often prefer candidates with credentials from organizations like AHIMA. A lower net price and a higher graduation rate generally meant a better ranking.

Beyond the numbers, I also looked at the program's specific features. Does it offer flexible scheduling for working adults? Does it have strong connections with local healthcare employers? Does it offer career services to help you find a job after graduation? Programs that go the extra mile to support their students and connect them with job opportunities scored higher. I also considered if the program prepared you for specific certifications, like the AAPC certification, which can boost your job prospects.

Top Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Illinois

1. College of Lake County

The College of Lake County's Medical Billing Specialist Career Certificate stands out because it's designed to be completed in just three semesters, getting you into the workforce quickly. What I really liked is that the credits transfer to their Health Information Technology Associate's degree, so you can continue your education later if you want. Plus, they specifically mention financial aid options like PATH grants and WIOA vouchers, which is super helpful. With a net price of $4,785 and a graduation rate of 38%, it's a solid choice.

2. College of DuPage

College of DuPage's Medical Billing certificate is a great option if you need flexibility. They offer hybrid, online, and evening classes, so you can fit your studies around your schedule. What's more, the program is geared towards helping you pass the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam. They also highlight the remote work opportunities in this field. The net price is $5,397, and the graduation rate is 24%.

3. Danville Area Community College

Danville Area Community College's Certificate Program has a unique focus on outpatient settings and public health departments. It even teaches you how to manage a billing department for a small practice, which is a valuable skill. The fact that it's part of a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Technology program adds to its credibility. With a net price of $4,323 and a graduation rate of 38%, it's a good value, especially if you're interested in public health.

4. Black Hawk College

Black Hawk College offers a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate that's designed to be completed in three semesters. I noticed they emphasize teamwork and collaboration between different medical fields, which is great preparation for a real-world hospital environment. Plus, there's a clear pathway to their Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Management if you want to continue your education. The net price is $4,481, and the graduation rate is 43%.

5. City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Basic Certificate program is career-focused, preparing you for specific job titles like billing claims specialist and medical collection specialist. It goes beyond just data entry, teaching you about the US healthcare system and federal laws. The net price is $4,208, but the graduation rate is 14%.

6. Highland Community College

Highland Community College offers both an Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in Medical Transcription or Medical Coding. What I liked is that you get to observe how things work in an actual hospital, giving you hands-on experience. The program also covers core science courses like anatomy and medical terminology. The net price is $5,542, and the graduation rate is 46%.

What These Medical Billing Programs Have in Common

Most of these programs are designed to be completed in a relatively short amount of time, usually within a year or two. They all cover the basics of medical billing and coding, including medical terminology, coding systems (like ICD-10-CM and CPT), and insurance procedures. Many also offer pathways to further education, such as an associate's degree in Health Information Technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical billers and coders are in demand, so completing any of these programs can lead to a stable career.

Which Medical Billing and Coding Program Should You Choose?

Choosing the right medical billing and coding program in Illinois depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're looking for the fastest path to a job, the College of Lake County's certificate program is a great option. If you need flexibility, College of DuPage's hybrid and online classes might be a better fit. And if you're interested in working in public health, Danville Area Community College's program could give you a unique advantage. Consider your budget, your schedule, and your career aspirations when making your decision. With the right training, you can find a rewarding career in the growing field of medical billing and coding in Illinois.

Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs for Illinois Students

If you're looking for flexibility but still want a solid program, online options are actually pretty great. Most Illinois programs are campus-based, but I found several quality online programs that serve Illinois residents. These are perfect if you need to study around a busy schedule!

1. University of Illinois at Springfield - Online Medical Billing and Coding

What's cool about this program is that it's offered by a well-respected state university right here in Illinois! It's a certificate program designed to prepare you for professional certification exams like the AAPC's CPC. Plus, the program aims to prep you for both AAPC and AHIMA certifications, which could make you a more versatile candidate.

2. Waubonsee Community College - Medical Billing and Coding - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate of Achievement from Waubonsee Community College is a great option if you're looking for an affordable and flexible way to get started. It's fully online, which is a huge plus if you need to balance your studies with work or family commitments. While details are limited on their website, Waubonsee is a reputable Illinois community college, so you can expect a quality educational experience.

3. Illinois Central College - Medical Coder Certificate

If you want to get into the workforce ASAP, this certificate program from Illinois Central College is worth checking out. It's 100% online, and they advertise 24/7 access to the course materials. That's awesome! Plus, it prepares you for certification exams from both AAPC and AHIMA, which is a big advantage when you're job hunting.

4. Governors State University - Online Medical Billing and Coding Training

Governors State University offers a fully online training program designed to get you ready for professional certification. What I noticed is that they specifically mention preparing students for the AAPC, AHIMA, and CPC exams. This comprehensive approach could really set you up for success in the field. Consider visiting the AAPC's website to learn more about the CPC credential.

5. Southern Illinois University - Online Medical Billing

This 100% online continuing education program from SIU is specifically designed to prepare you for the CPC certification exam. If you're already familiar with medical billing and coding basics and just need that final push to get certified, this could be a great option. Plus, it's from a major state university, so you know you're getting a quality education.

6. Oakton College - Medical Coding and Billing Certificate

Oakton College's fully online certificate program is another solid choice from an Illinois community college. I found that they prepare you for a wide range of certifications, including AHIMA's CCS, as well as the CPC. This could make you a more versatile candidate when you start applying for jobs. Be sure to check out AHIMA.org for more information on their certifications.

Medical Billing And Coding Programs In Illinois

Black Hawk College - Medical Coding Specialist Certificate

6600-34th Avenue, Moline, Illinois 61265-5899 • 3853 students • 43% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

Black Hawk College offers a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate designed to prepare you for a career in the healthcare industry. The program is broken down into three semesters and focuses on the essential skills needed for medical coding. It's part of a larger Health Sciences department that seems to really value teamwork and collaboration between different medical fields.

Duration:3 Semesters
Contact:[email protected] | 309-796-5341

What We Love

  • The college really emphasizes collaboration between its different health programs. The website mentions projects where medical, therapy, and tech students work together, which is great practice for real-world hospital environments.
  • There's a clear pathway to continue your education. After this certificate, you can move into their Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Management, which is a great option to have.
  • The program page is straightforward, outlining the career goals and learning objectives, so you know what you're signing up for.

Key Features

  • Structured as a three-semester certificate program.
  • Offers a clear academic pathway to an associate degree.
  • Part of a health sciences division that promotes interprofessional collaboration with other programs like Physical Therapist Assistant and Surgical Technology.

City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College - Medical Billing, Basic Certificate

1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60612-3197 • 8011 students • 14% graduation rate • Basic Certificate
View Program

This program at Malcolm X College is designed to get you ready for an entry-level job in the healthcare industry as a medical biller. It focuses on giving you the hands-on skills to process health insurance claims accurately for places like doctors' offices, clinics, and billing companies. The curriculum is pretty thorough, covering everything from different insurance plans and federal regulations to the basics of coding diagnoses and procedures. The main goal is to help you understand how to connect a patient's medical records to the billing process, making you a competent and ethical billing professional.

Contact:[email protected], (312) 850-7116

What We Love

  • It's very career-focused and prepares you for a variety of specific job titles right from the start, like billing claims specialist, medical collection specialist, and even supervisor.
  • The program goes beyond just data entry, teaching you the bigger picture of the US healthcare system, including major insurance programs and federal laws.
  • You learn how to handle the whole claims process, with a strong emphasis on understanding payer requirements and state and federal rules, which is crucial for real-world success.

Key Features

  • Provides a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of medical insurance.
  • Focuses on the practical skill of abstracting information from source documents to complete claims accurately.
  • Connects the management of health information (medical records) directly to billing procedures.

College of DuPage - Medical Billing Program

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599 • 23216 students • 24% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

College of DuPage offers a Medical Billing certificate designed to get you job-ready. The program gives you a full overview of the medical billing cycle, covering everything from preauthorizations and charge entry to submitting claims and following up on payments. The main goal is to prepare you to pass the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) national exam, a credential that employers look for. They also highlight that this career path has a lot of remote work opportunities and doesn't require any direct patient care.

Format:Hybrid, Online, Evening Classes
Contact:277-801-0597

What We Love

  • The program is laser-focused on getting you certified, specifically preparing you for the AAPC's Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam.
  • It's built for people with busy lives. The part-time schedule with evening, online, and hybrid classes means you can likely keep your day job while you study.
  • They are very upfront about career paths, pointing out opportunities for remote work and future growth into roles like practice management or auditing.

Key Features

  • Prepares students for the AAPC's Certified Professional Biller (CPB) national credentialing exam.
  • Flexible course delivery includes a combination of online and hybrid formats.
  • Courses are offered part-time in the evenings, making it accessible for working professionals.

College of Lake County - Medical Billing Specialist Certificate

19351 W Washington St., Grayslake, Illinois 60030-1198 • 12290 students • 38% graduation rate • Career Certificate
View Program

The College of Lake County offers a 21-credit certificate program to get you job-ready as a Medical Billing Specialist. Over three semesters, you'll learn the essentials like medical coding (ICD-10-CM & CPT), pharmacology, insurance procedures, and medical terminology. It's designed to be a quick path to a career, and if you decide to continue your education, all your credits can be applied toward an Associate's degree in Health Information Technology.

Duration:1.5 years
Cost:4886

What We Love

  • The 'stackable' design is a huge plus – you can earn this certificate, get a job, and then use these credits to work towards an associate's degree later.
  • They highlight specific financial support options like the PATH Grant and WIOA vouchers, which is more helpful than just a generic 'financial aid is available' message.
  • The program page provides clear career outlook data, including entry-level and median salaries specifically for the local Lake and Cook County area.

Key Features

  • Can be completed in three semesters (1.5 years).
  • Credits are fully transferable to the college's Health Information Technology A.A.S. program.
  • Curriculum includes key industry coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT.

Danville Area Community College - HIT: Healthcare Billing Management Certificate

2000 E Main St, Danville, Illinois 61832-5118 • 2149 students • 38% graduation rate • Certificate Program
View Program

This program at Danville Area Community College is designed to get you ready for an entry-level job as a medical biller. It has a special focus on working in outpatient settings like public health departments. You'll even learn the ropes of starting and running a billing department for a small, independent practice, which is a really unique and valuable skill.

What We Love

  • The certificate is part of a larger Health Information Technology program that's accredited by CAHIIM, a major stamp of approval in the health information field.
  • It goes beyond basic billing to teach you about managing a billing department for a small practice or public health department, giving you a unique edge.
  • The focus on outpatient and public health billing prepares you for a specific, in-demand part of the healthcare industry.

Key Features

  • Housed within a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Technology associate's program.
  • Specialized curriculum focused on public health department services and small practice management.
  • Offers a clear pathway to an entry-level career, though the certificate itself isn't designed for university transfer.

Highland Community College - Information Technology Health Care

2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, Illinois 61032-9341 • 1369 students • 46% graduation rate • Associate of Applied Science, Certificate
View Program

This program at Highland Community College is designed to get you ready for entry-level jobs in the healthcare field, specifically in medical transcription and coding. You'll learn the fundamentals like anatomy, medical terminology, and coding principles through a mix of classroom lectures and real-world observation in a hospital setting.

Format:On-Campus
Contact:Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor/Transfer Coordinator

What We Love

  • You get to observe how things work in an actual hospital, which is fantastic hands-on experience before you even start your first job.
  • The program covers core science courses like anatomy and medical terminology, which are essential for being successful in this field.
  • It gives you options, so you can choose to focus on either medical transcription or medical coding depending on your career goals.

Key Features

  • Offers multiple pathways: a full Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or shorter certificates in Medical Transcription or Medical Coding.
  • Includes practical experience through observation in a hospital setting.
  • Curriculum is designed to teach current coding principles, guidelines, and regulatory changes.

Salary Information for Illinois

💰 Medical Billing and Coding Salary Calculator for Illinois

$45,000/year
~$22/hour • Medical Billing & Coding Professional in Illinois

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Medical Billing And Coding In Illinois FAQs

Get answers to common questions about medical billing careers in Illinois

How much do medical billers make in Illinois?

In Illinois, medical billers can expect their hourly pay to vary depending on the source. The average hourly wage for a Medical Biller is around $21.56 Indeed. Other figures show the average hourly pay for a Medical Biller at $19.88 ZipRecruiter, while a Medical Billing And Coding Specialist averages $21.28 per hour ZipRecruiter.

Translating to annual figures, the average medical biller or coder salary in Illinois is about $36,761 per year Best-Trade-Schools.net. However, acquiring specialized certifications can significantly increase this earning potential. For instance, a Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) in Illinois could earn around $66,785.71 annually Healthjob.org.

What are the certification requirements for medical billing in Illinois?

In Illinois, becoming a medical billing professional primarily involves obtaining certification, rather than a state-issued license. You don't typically need prior healthcare experience or education to begin training for this field. Various programs are available to prepare you for certification exams, equipping you with the essential skills required for medical billing and coding.

You can pursue certificate programs designed for Illinois residents, which are often self-paced and available online. Institutions like the University of Illinois at Springfield offer training, as do other online providers such as U. S. Career Institute, to build the necessary expertise. These programs focus on translating patient information for billing and insurance purposes.

After completing a program, you'll work towards becoming a certified professional. Medical billers in Illinois make around $22.83 per hour. It's also important to maintain your credentials over time to ensure a promising future in this growing healthcare support role.

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

Becoming a medical biller in Illinois typically involves completing a specialized certificate program, which can often be finished in several months to about a year. These programs, such as those offered for medical coding and billing, are designed to prepare you for industry certification exams careertraining.uis.edu. The exact timeline can vary based on whether you pursue full-time or part-time study.

Many Illinois institutions, including community colleges like Illinois Central College icc.edu and programs through universities, offer training that covers medical billing. These courses leverage both national and Illinois-based training standards to ensure you're ready for the field. Medical billers in Illinois typically earn around $22.83 per hour careertraining.uis.edu.

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

Yes, you can work from home as a medical biller in Illinois. There are many remote opportunities available throughout the state, including hundreds of remote healthcare billing jobs in Illinois. You'll find numerous companies actively hiring for these positions, with a significant number of job openings specifically for remote medical billing roles in areas like Chicago Browse 1000+ ILLINOIS REMOTE HEALTHCARE BILLING jobs.

When considering working from home, compensation is naturally a key factor. For remote healthcare billing jobs in Illinois, you can expect a wide salary range, with job listings showing pay from $17 to $96 per hour Remote Healthcare Billing Jobs in Illinois. This indicates that earning potential can vary significantly based on your experience, specialized skills, and the specific requirements of the role.

Employers frequently seek skilled Medical Billing Specialists for both contract and permanent remote roles. You can find many remote medical billing job openings in Chicago and throughout Illinois, indicating a steady demand for professionals who can handle billing and account resolution tasks from home. Companies often look for individuals with expertise in areas like payment posting and benefits verification for these remote positions.

What is the job outlook for medical billers in Illinois?

The job outlook for medical billing and coding specialists demonstrates steady demand over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong growth, with an estimated 15,000 new jobs expected annually nationwide Highland Community College. This indicates a consistent need for professionals who can manage the complex coding and billing processes crucial to healthcare operations.

For medical billers in Illinois specifically, the outlook is quite positive. Educational institutions across the state, such as Governors State University, recognize this ongoing demand Governors State University. Furthermore, Illinois is ranked among the top 20 highest-paying states for medical billers and coders All Allied Health Schools, offering a strong earning potential within a stable job market.

How much does medical billing school cost in Illinois?

Specific dollar amounts for medical billing school costs in Illinois are not provided in the available information. However, you can expect costs to vary depending on the type of program, such as a comprehensive certificate College of DuPage or a self-paced online course US Career Institute.

Many institutions, like Waubonsee Community College, disclose specific program costs, financing options, and length in weeks through their "Gainful Employment Information" pages or college catalogs Waubonsee. To get precise figures, you'll need to check the detailed program information directly on each school's website.