If you want to prepare for an exciting career in healthcare, the medical billing and coding field may be the right fit for you.
Medical billers and coders help healthcare facilities manage insurance claims, invoices, and payments.
They must know how to take the provider’s diagnostic and procedural notes and convert them into the correct codes for record and billing purposes.
All these skills can be learned by attending a post-secondary training program.
Programs are available online and in person and can lead to a Certificate or Diploma.
Courses are also available as part of a two-year Associate in Applied Science program.
This page compiles information about the best medical billing and coding schools in Arkansas and the programs they offer.
We invite you to read our selection and continue with your own research before deciding where to enroll.
1Blue Cliff College Fayetteville
About the School
Blue Cliff College Fayetteville offers programs taught by experienced instructors.
Classes are available near Fayetteville, Springdale, Rodgers, Bentonville, or Siloam Springs.
Students learn through classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Courses Offered
The college provides a program in Health Information Management, Billing, and Coding.
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in medical insurance, billing, and coding as well as medical office administration.
The curriculum covers a variety of relevant topics, including:
- Introduction to Health Management
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Administrative Procedures
- Introduction to Data Management
- Reimbursement Methodologies
- Electronic Health Records
- Medical Forms and Insurance
- And more
A degree program that includes general education courses as well as advanced billing and coding classes is also available at Blue Cliff College.
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Cleary Ave, Metairie, LA 70002
- Phone: (844) 515-6870
- Website: https://www.bluecliffcollege.edu
2Arkansas College of Health Careers
About the School
Arkansas College of Health Careers helps students achieve professional and personal success in a dynamic and diverse medical field.
To qualify for admission to the college, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Being beyond the age of compulsory public school attendance
- Be interviewed by an ACHC School Admissions representative
- Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
- Provide proof of social security card
- Provide proof of ID
- Complete a student enrollment agreement
- Arrange for tuition financing
- Receive approval from the school director
Courses Offered
The Medical Business Officer program offered by Arkansas College of Health Careers can be completed in ten weeks and prepares students for the clerical side of a medical practice.
Students gain skills in billing and coding, insurance filing, scheduling, and other office management skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 9714 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205
- Phone: (501) 319-7573
- Website: https://achc.us
3Williams Professional Coding College
About the School
Williams Professional Coding College offers training and tutoring for the national AAPC CPC Exam.
The Introduction to Medical Coding program includes an AAPC-exclusive curriculum, medical coding training, midterm/final exams, and online practice exams.
The National Exam for Certified Professional Coder takes place onsite.
Individual or group tutoring sessions are also available at the school.
Williams Professional Coding College is offering virtual courses for Intro to Medical Coding.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- The Business of Medicine
- Anatomy and Terminology
- Introduction to ICD-10-CM
- Pathology & Laboratory
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 10515 W. Markham St. Ste. I5, Little Rock, AR 72205
- Phone: (501) 823-0543
- Website: https://www.wpccourses.com
4Black River Technical College
Black River Technical College offers quality academic and career education.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides a Medical Coding program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for a career as medical coders.
Students are exposed to a variety of issues related to the healthcare field as well as common medical terminology.
The following certificate options are available:
- Technical Certificate- a program designed for students who are new to the medical field
- Certificate of Proficiency- a certificate program designed for students who already have a background in the medical field and are seeking a new set of skills for a career change
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Computer Concepts
- Medical Terminology
- Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Coding
- Introduction to Psychology
Contact Information
- Address: 1410 Highway 304 East, P.O. Box 468, Pocahontas, AR 72455
- Phone: (870) 248-4000
- Website: http://blackrivertech.edu
5Northwest Arkansas Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College offers a variety of degrees and certificate programs.
Courses Offered
The college offers a Health Information Management program that prepares them for employment as entry-level technicians.
The two-year Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management integrates topics on medical science, coding systems, computer technology, and health care management.
Students take 20 credit hours in general education and 46 credit hours in HIM coursework.
In-person internships consisting of eighty-hour clinical rotations are held in the summer and spring semesters.
A Technical Certificate in HIM in Coding is also available and embedded into the degree program.
This certificate requires the completion of 32 credits.
This part teaches students medical billing and coding skills.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
Contact Information
- Address: One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Phone: 479.986.4000
- Website: https://www.nwacc.edu
6University of Alaska Pulaski Tech
The University of Alaska Pulaski Tech offers programs for students who are beginning college, for those transferring to a four-year university, and for individuals who are going straight to the workforce.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the University of Alaska Pulaski Tech provides a Health Information Technology program that includes the following degree options:
- Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology- full-time
- Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology- part-time
- Technical Certificate in Professional Medical Coding
- Certificate of Proficiency in Health Information Technology
The Technical Certificate in Professional Medical Coding curriculum includes the following courses:
- Structure & Function of the Human Body Lab
- Microcomputer Applications
- College Algebra
- Medical Terminology
- Pathophysiology with Pharmacology
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Professional Coding Practice
- And more topics
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
- Phone: (501) 812-2200
- Website: https://uaptc.edu/home
7Penn Foster
About the School
Online programs are also available at schools located in other states.
One such program is offered by Penn Foster.
Penn Foster offers training programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs.
Recognized certificates, diplomas, and degree programs are available at the school.
Courses Offered
The Medical Billing and Coding program available at Penn Foster helps students prepare for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
The program leads to a Diploma.
Courses are available online and offer students the option to finish training at their own pace.
The curriculum can be completed in 11 months and helps students gain the training needed to pursue a career in this field by taking courses such as:
- Medical Office Procedures
- Body Systems and Medical Terminology
- Electronic Medical Records
- Basic Medical Coding
- Intermediate Medical Coding
Contact Information
- Address: 14300 N Northsight Blvd., Suite 125, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
- Phone: 800-471-3232
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
8University of Arizona
The University of Arizona helps students receive the training and skills they need in order to achieve their career goals.
Among many other programs, the university’s catalog includes an online Medical Billing and Coding Career Prep program available online.
Courses Offered
The Medical Billing and Coding Career Prep program equips students with hands-on, practical experience working with the main coding manuals in the field: the ICD-10-CM and the CPT.
Students also learn the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field.
Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist national certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
The program includes more than 600 hours of self-paced online training.
The curriculum includes all necessary course materials, including medical billing and coding textbooks/manuals.
Students take courses such as:
- Role of the Insurance Billing Specialist
- Basics of Health Insurance
- Medicare, Medicaid, and other State Programs
- Workers Compensation
- Disability Income Insurance & Disability Benefit Program
- Reimbursement, HIPAA, and Compliance
- And more
This program costs $3,267.
Contact Information
- Address: Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Phone: (520) 626-5091
- Website: https://ce.arizona.edu
9Ultimate Medical Academy
About the School
Ultimate Medical Academy gives students who want to start a career in Medical Billing and Coding the opportunity to earn a diploma in 11 months or a degree in 18 months.
The program is available 100% online.
Courses Offered
The core Medical Billing and Coding courses include:
- Diagnostic Coding
- Procedural Coding
- Billing and Coding Application with Simulation
- Introduction to Computers
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- And more
The diploma program requires 39 credits for graduation, while the Associate Degree program requires 63 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 9309 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33612
- Phone: 888-205-2510
- Website: https://www.ultimatemedical.edu
10The University of West Georgia
About the School
The University of West Georgia offers an online certification course that prepares students for careers in the field of Medical Billing and Coding.
This program can be completed in four to six months.
The curriculum offers the skills needed to perform complex coding and billing procedures.
The program covers CPT, special fields, the ICD-10 for both diagnosis and procedure coding, and basic claim processes for insurance reimbursements.
Courses Offered
After completing the program, students know how to:
- Build medical terms using word parts
- Interpret medical terms
- Recognize medical terms
- Communicate effectively
- Correctly use the ICD-10-CM for diagnostic coding
- Use CPT codes for coding medical procedures
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Carrollton, GA 30118
- Phone: 678.839.6615
- Website: https://westga.edu2.com
Regional Salary in Arkansas
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 290 | $44,320 | $21.31 | $64,420 | $31,990 |
Fort Smith, AR-OK | 90 | $44,370 | $21.33 | $69,750 | $30,690 |
Hot Springs, AR | 60 | $40,390 | $19.42 | $58,120 | $29,210 |
Jonesboro, AR | 80 | $41,860 | $20.12 | $57,580 | $30,240 |
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 780 | $47,040 | $22.61 | $67,930 | $32,610 |
Pine Bluff, AR | 40 | $41,080 | $19.75 | $58,840 | $30,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best medical billing and coding programs available to Arkansas residents who want to start a career in this field, the next step is to choose the program that best meets your learning style, budget, and career aspirations.
This is an important step, so make sure you complete thorough research before deciding where to enroll.