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Best Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Massachusetts 2025

Top medical billing schools in Massachusetts. Certificate and degree programs in Boston area. Online and on-campus medical coding training available.

Staff Writers

So you're thinking about medical billing in Massachusetts? It makes a lot of sense, especially here. With our state being such a massive hub for healthcare and biotech, there's a constant need for skilled people to manage the financial side of patient care. It’s one of those essential, behind-the-scenes roles that keeps the entire system running.

Just think about the sheer number of hospitals, specialty clinics, and research facilities packed into areas like Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester. Even in cities like Springfield and Lowell, the healthcare sector is a major employer. This creates a really stable environment for medical billers because every single patient visit, procedure, and prescription needs to be coded and billed correctly.

Getting into the field usually involves completing a certificate program that prepares you for the industry-standard exams. These programs teach you the specific coding systems and billing software that employers use. Once you earn a certification, you have a credential that's recognized by healthcare providers all over the state.

The career outlook is pretty solid, and one of the best parts is that many positions offer remote or hybrid flexibility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for this field, and salaries in Massachusetts are competitive. It's a practical career path if you're detail-oriented and want to work in a stable, growing industry.

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

Massachusetts is a hub for healthcare, especially with major players like Mass General Brigham and UMass Memorial Health needing skilled medical billers and coders. Plus, with the state's commitment to universal healthcare coverage, understanding the complexities of billing and coding is more important than ever. That's why finding the right training program is a smart move if you're looking for a stable career in the Bay State.

How I Ranked These Medical Billing and Coding Programs

When ranking these medical billing and coding programs in Massachusetts, I focused on what gives you the best bang for your buck. That means looking at factors like tuition costs, program length, and graduation rates. A lower net price and a quicker path to completion definitely boosted a program's ranking. I also considered whether the program prepares you for industry-recognized certifications, like those offered by the AAPC, which can significantly improve your job prospects. After all, a certificate that leads to a well-paying job is the ultimate goal.

Beyond the numbers, I also looked at the program's features. Does it offer online flexibility? Does it have a strong focus on career preparation? Are there opportunities to continue your education later on? Programs that offered stackable credentials, meaning you can build on your certificate to earn an Associate's degree, scored higher. I also gave extra points to programs that seemed to understand the needs of working adults, offering evening classes or online options. Ultimately, I wanted to find programs that are accessible, affordable, and effective in getting you ready for a career in medical billing and coding in Massachusetts' competitive healthcare market.

Top Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Massachusetts

1. Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College takes the top spot with its 100% online Medical Billing and Coding certificate. What really stands out is its focus on preparing you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. Plus, you get hands-on practice with simulated medical records, which is a huge advantage. And with a net price of just $5,573, it's one of the most affordable options on the list. Check out Northern Essex Community College's medical billing and coding certificate for more details.

2. Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College's online certificate, offered in partnership with Career Step, is another strong contender. The partnership with Career Step adds credibility, and the option to specialize in inpatient or outpatient coding is a nice touch. It's designed to get you ready for national certification exams, and the flexible online format is perfect for busy students. The program is offered through the college's Workforce Access and Education department, showing their commitment to career training. You can find more information on Mount Wachusett Community College's website.

3. Berkshire Community College

Berkshire Community College's Medical Coding certificate is a solid choice, especially if you're looking for a fast track into the field. The program can be completed in as little as eight months, and they highlight the strong job prospects and potential for remote work. The "stackable" curriculum is also a great feature, allowing you to build on your certificate later on. Berkshire Community College's Medical Coding program is worth a look.

4. Cape Cod Community College

Cape Cod Community College's certificate program stands out because it prepares you for two major industry certification exams: the CCA from AHIMA and the CPC from AAPC. Plus, it offers a clear pathway to an Associate's degree. The focus on practical skills like critical thinking and problem-solving is also a big plus. Cape Cod Community College's certificate in medical coding is a good option if you're looking for comprehensive training.

5. Fisher College

Fisher College's fully online certificate program is a convenient option, especially if you're balancing work and family. The stackable credits that can be applied to an Associate's degree are a major selling point. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering everything from coding basics to healthcare reimbursement methodologies. Fisher College's Medical Coding Certificate is worth considering if you need flexibility and a clear path to further education.

6. North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College offers a Medical Coding Certificate (MOC), but details are limited. It's a formal academic certificate from a public community college, which can provide a solid foundation. However, you'll need to contact the school directly for more information about the curriculum and course length. You can find it listed in North Shore Community College's college catalog.

What These Medical Billing Programs Have in Common

What I noticed is that most of these programs are designed to get you job-ready quickly. They all cover the basics of medical terminology, coding systems, and billing procedures. Many also emphasize preparing you for industry certifications, which is a huge advantage when you're looking for a job. Plus, several programs offer online options, recognizing that many students need flexibility to balance school with work and other commitments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a growing need for medical records specialists, so these programs are definitely aligned with current job market trends.

Which Medical Billing and Coding Program Should You Choose?

Choosing the right medical billing and coding program in Massachusetts really depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're looking for the most affordable and flexible option with a strong focus on CPC certification, Northern Essex Community College is a great choice. If you want a program with a proven track record and a partnership with a reputable online training provider, Mount Wachusett Community College is worth considering. And if you're looking for a fast track into the field with the option to build on your certificate later, Berkshire Community College might be the best fit. Given the high cost of living in areas like Boston and Cambridge, finding an affordable program is key. No matter which program you choose, make sure it aligns with your career goals and learning style. Good luck!

Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs for Massachusetts Students

If you're looking for flexibility but still want a solid program, online options are actually pretty great. Most Massachusetts programs are campus-based, but I found several quality online programs that serve Massachusetts residents. These are perfect if you need to balance your studies with work or family commitments.

1. Northern Essex Community College - Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

What's cool about this program is that it's a fully online certificate offered by a well-respected Massachusetts community college. It's designed to prepare you for certification exams like the AAPC's CPC, which is a huge advantage when you're job hunting. Plus, the contact information is readily available if you have questions – that's awesome!

2. Massachusetts Bay Community College - Medical Coding

This is another great option from a Massachusetts community college. It's a comprehensive online medical coding certificate program, which means you can learn at your own pace. While specific details about the online features are limited, the fact that it's from MassBay gives it a solid foundation.

3. Salem State University - Online Medical Billing and Coding Course

This online course from Salem State is specifically designed to prepare you for the CPC exam. What I noticed is that it's a hybrid format, so you might have some live online sessions, which can be really helpful for staying engaged and getting your questions answered. Plus, it's from a reputable state university, which adds to its credibility.

4. Roxbury Community College - Medical Billing & Coding

Roxbury Community College offers a 90-hour virtual program through their workforce development center. If you want to get into the workforce ASAP, this could be a good option. It's a fully online program, so you can learn from anywhere, and it prepares you for the CPC certification.

5. Bunker Hill Community College - Online Medical Billing and Coding (Voucher Included)

Bunker Hill Community College's online training program is a solid choice, especially because it includes a certification exam voucher! This shows they're serious about helping you get certified by organizations like AAPC or AHIMA. Having that voucher takes some of the financial pressure off, which is a huge plus.

6. Springfield Technical Community College - Medical Coding and Billing Specialist

STCC offers an online Certificate of Completion in Medical Coding and Billing. While details are limited, the fact that it's from an accredited Massachusetts community college makes it a legitimate option. It's worth checking out if you're looking for a shorter, more focused program.

Medical Billing And Coding Programs In Massachusetts

Berkshire Community College - Medical Coding (Certificate)

1350 West Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201-5786 • 1572 students • 23% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

Berkshire Community College's Medical Coding program trains you to be the link between healthcare providers and insurance companies. You'll learn to translate medical diagnoses and procedures into the universal codes used across the industry. The program emphasizes that this is a growing field with strong job prospects, and many coders have the flexibility to work from home.

Duration:As few as 8 months
Format:Evening classes available
Contact:[email protected] | 413-236-4682

What We Love

  • The program is very upfront about career outcomes, highlighting an average annual salary of over $60,000 and a growing demand for coders.
  • You can get through the program quickly, with a timeline of as few as eight months to get you into a new career path.
  • They recognize that students have busy lives, mentioning options for part-time study at night for those who work during the day.

Key Features

  • Offers a fast-track to a new career in healthcare.
  • Provides a clear career pathway through 'stackable' certificates.
  • Prepares you for a variety of roles beyond basic coding, such as auditor, compliance officer, or clinical documentation specialist.

Cape Cod Community College - Medical Coding and Billing Certificate

2240 Iyannough Rd, West Barnstable, Massachusetts 02668-1599 • 2604 students • 22% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

This program at Cape Cod Community College gives you the foundational skills for a career in healthcare administration. You'll learn the essentials, including medical terminology, anatomy, computer applications, and the core skills of medical coding (ICD-10, CPT) and billing. It's designed to get you ready for an entry-level job in a medical office, hospital, or billing company, and it can also serve as a stepping stone to an Associate's degree at the college.

Format:On-Campus

What We Love

  • The program specifically prepares you to sit for two major industry certification exams: the CCA from AHIMA and the CPC from AAPC, which is a huge plus for job hunting.
  • It offers a clear pathway to continue your education and earn an Associate's degree, letting you build on what you've learned.
  • The curriculum focuses on developing practical, job-ready skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding ethical standards in healthcare.

Key Features

  • Dual certification prep for both AHIMA (CCA) and AAPC (CPC) exams.
  • Serves as a 'stackable' credential that can be applied toward an Associate's degree.
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering coding, billing, medical office procedures, and anatomy & physiology.

Fisher College - Medical Coding Certificate (Online)

118 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 • 1501 students • 28% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

This is a fully online certificate program from Fisher College designed to prepare you for a career in medical coding. It covers the skills needed to work in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. A big plus is that the credits you earn can be applied directly to their Associate of Science degree in Health Information Technology if you decide to continue your education.

Format:Online

What We Love

  • It's a direct pathway to a degree. Most of your certificate credits count towards an A.S. in Health Information Technology, so you're not starting from scratch if you want to go further.
  • The program is built to prepare you for real industry certifications from AHIMA, like the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), which employers value.
  • The curriculum seems really comprehensive for a certificate, with four different coding courses, plus classes on reimbursement, pharmacology, and anatomy.

Key Features

  • Stackable credits that can be applied to an Associate's degree.
  • Prepares students for AHIMA's CCA and CCS certification exams.
  • Includes a dedicated 'Health Care Reimbursement Methodologies' course.

Mount Wachusett Community College - Medical Coding and Billing

444 Green St, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440-1000 • 3204 students • 29% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

This is an online certificate program offered by Mount Wachusett Community College in partnership with Career Step, a company that specializes in online career training. The program is designed to get you job-ready by focusing on the core skills employers need: medical terminology, coding standards, and specific code sets. It specifically prepares you to take national certification exams and lets you train in either inpatient or outpatient coding.

Duration:Up to 12 months of online access
Cost:3699
Format:Online
Contact:For more information on tuition and funding options, please contact Career Step directly at 1-877-225-7151.

What We Love

  • The program is designed to directly prepare you for national certification exams, which is a huge plus for getting hired.
  • It's a partnership with Career Step, a known name in online healthcare training, which adds credibility to the curriculum.
  • You have the option to specialize in either inpatient or outpatient coding, so you can focus on the area that interests you most.

Key Features

  • Curriculum provided through a partnership with Career Step.
  • Strong focus on preparation for national certification exams.
  • Covers essential topics like medical terminology, coding standards, and specific code sets.

North Shore Community College - Medical Coding Certificate (MOC)

1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923-0840 • 4833 students • 18% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

North Shore Community College offers a Medical Coding Certificate (MOC) as part of its credit-based programs. Based on the catalog listing, this program is designed to provide the foundational knowledge needed for a career in medical coding. However, specific details about the curriculum, course length, and learning outcomes were not available in the provided information, so you'll definitely want to contact the school directly for more details.

Format:On-Campus
Contact:[email protected] | 978-762-4188

What We Love

  • It's a formal academic certificate from a public community college, which can provide a solid and structured educational foundation.
  • The program is situated within a college that offers a wide range of other healthcare certificates, suggesting a well-established health professions department.

Key Features

  • Part of the official 2024-2025 college catalog as a credit-bearing program.
  • Structured across traditional Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Northern Essex Community College - Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830-2399 • 4510 students • 19% graduation rate • Certificate
View Program

Northern Essex Community College offers a 100% online Medical Billing and Coding certificate designed to get you into an entry-level healthcare job. The program focuses heavily on preparing you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, which is a key certification employers look for. You'll learn the essentials like medical terminology and biology, plus you'll get hands-on practice using a web-based platform with simulated medical records. It's a great fit if you're detail-oriented, comfortable with computers, and want a career in healthcare that can be done in an office or even remotely.

Format:Online
Contact:[email protected] | (978) 655-5879

What We Love

  • The program is 100% online, offering fantastic flexibility for your schedule.
  • It's laser-focused on preparing you for the national Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, which is a huge plus for getting hired.
  • You get to practice with simulated medical records, giving you a real feel for the job before you even start.

Key Features

  • Prepares students for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) CPC exam.
  • Hands-on learning through a web-based simulation platform.
  • Designed for students seeking entry-level positions.

Salary Information for Massachusetts

💰 Medical Billing and Coding Salary Calculator for Massachusetts

$54,000/year
~$26/hour • Medical Billing & Coding Professional in Massachusetts

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Medical Billing And Coding In Massachusetts FAQs

Get answers to common questions about medical billing careers in Massachusetts

How much do medical billers make in Massachusetts?

Medical billers in Massachusetts typically earn an hourly wage ranging from the low $20s to upper $20s. For example, the average hourly pay for a Medical Billing Specialist is around $22.41 an hour ZipRecruiter. You'll also find the average for a broader Medical Coding Billing role is about $23.98 an hour ZipRecruiter.

Looking specifically at medical billers, the average salary is reported at $23.14 per hour in Massachusetts Indeed. When you translate these hourly rates to an annual income, medical billers and coders in Massachusetts see an average annual income of about $47,980 medicalbillingandcoding.org.

These figures represent a solid income for a technical role in the healthcare industry. While specific salaries can vary based on experience, employer, and location within Massachusetts, this provides a clear picture of typical earnings.

What are the certification requirements for medical billing in Massachusetts?

To become a medical biller or coder in Massachusetts, the primary requirement involves successfully passing a national certification exam. Most professionals in the field are expected to complete certifications, often from organizations like the AAPC, as noted by Medicalbillingandcoding.org, which states that billers and coders typically need to pass the AAPC medical coding exam Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Massachusetts.

Many Massachusetts community colleges offer certificate programs specifically designed to prepare you for these national credentials. For instance, MassBay Community College readies students for the Coder Apprentice Exam (CPC-A) and other national certification exams MassBay Community College. These programs, also offered by institutions like Quincy College, equip you with the fundamental knowledge of healthcare systems, anatomy, and medical terminology required to pursue these certifications and work in billing, coding, and insurance claims.

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

Becoming a medical biller in Massachusetts typically involves completing a certificate program, often taking less than a year. These programs are career-focused, like the 100% online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate from Northern Essex Community College. This program specifically prepares you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam from the AAPC online program. Roxbury Community College also offers various workforce development and certificate options Open to all.

Medical billers in Massachusetts typically make around $22.83 per hour. Earning a professional certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the AAPC, demonstrates your proficiency and is often expected by employers. Training programs specifically prepare you for these exams, setting you up for entry into the field. You'll also learn about local specifics, like MassHealth provider training MassHealth Provider Training.

Many programs are available online, offering flexibility for those balancing work or other commitments. Northern Essex Community College, for example, highlights its 100% online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program Northern Essex Community College. This online format is a practical way to gain the necessary skills and certifications to begin your career as a medical biller in Massachusetts.

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

Yes, working from home as a medical biller in Massachusetts is definitely possible, and it's a field with numerous opportunities. You'll find many companies actively hiring for remote positions across the state. For instance, there are over 500 remote medical biller job openings in Massachusetts currently ZipRecruiter, and an additional 255 remote medical billing job openings if you broaden your search Indeed.

When it comes to pay, remote medical billing in Massachusetts offers a competitive range. I've seen remote medical biller positions listed with hourly rates typically between $19 and $31 per hour ZipRecruiter. For broader remote medical billing roles, the hourly pay can range from $19 up to $67 per hour ZipRecruiter. It's a solid technical role that can provide a stable income from home.

What is the job outlook for medical billers in Massachusetts?

The job outlook for medical billers and coders in Massachusetts is expected to grow. This expansion is largely driven by the overall growth of the healthcare industry and an increasing aging population, which together increase the demand for processing medical records and billing services Northern Essex CC. It's a technical role with steady demand.

If you're looking for opportunities in Massachusetts, there are currently 217 medical coding and billing jobs available across the state. The salary range for these positions is quite broad, typically falling between $19 and $67 per hour Medical Coding Billing Jobs in Massachusetts. This reflects a solid compensation range for skilled professionals in the field.

How much does medical billing school cost in Massachusetts?

For medical billing school in Massachusetts, costs vary depending on the institution and the specific program. At Northern Essex Community College (NECC), for-credit health courses, including those for a medical billing and coding certificate, cost $346 per credit for in-state students for the 2024-2025 academic year [Northern Essex CC]. To determine the total tuition, you'll need to confirm the complete number of credits required for the program you're interested in.

It's also important to note that eligible Massachusetts residents may have opportunities to avoid tuition and fees entirely at NECC [Northern Essex Community College]. While other institutions like Westfield State University and Roxbury Community College offer medical billing and coding programs, the exact tuition and fees for their specific programs were not detailed. Always reach out directly to the admissions office of any school you're considering for precise cost breakdowns, financial aid options, and residency-based discounts.