Jobs in the healthcare industry have always been in demand.
However, there is a sector in this industry that is seeing exponential growth and that is the field of medical billing and coding.
This field has been growing rapidly across all states and is not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
In addition to being in high demand, this position comes with a plethora of benefits, such as a good work-life balance, a great salary, and excellent opportunities for growth and development.
5 Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Connecticut
There are quite a few schools in the state of Connecticut that offer courses in medical billing and coding.
These courses include certificate programs, associate degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs.
In addition, there are various accredited online courses available as well that will allow students to become eligible to sit for the National Exam.
American Institute
The school is situated in West Hartford, CT, and has been accredited since 1979.
The school has a relatively small student population of just under 500 students.
The school offers this program in a hybrid training format.
Students are able to attend classes for two days on campus while completing the rest of the course material remotely using high-speed internet.
The online platform allows students to engage with instructors, and other students, as well as post questions and comments for other students and the instructor to see.
The course outline includes medical diagnostic coding (ICD), medical terminology, procedure coding (CPT) systems, computerized medical billing, as well as health insurance applications.
As part of the course outline, students are expected to complete a clinical externship with an outside facility.
As of the date of writing this article, course fees could not be found online.
Capital Community College
This school is also located in Hartford, CT.
The school has been accredited since 1975 and boasts a student population of 6,095.
The school offers a certificate course in medical coding of 3 credits.
The course covers ICD-10 PCS as well as ICD-9, and ICD-10 CM.
Students are trained in the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI), reimbursement issues, and compliance.
In-state students can expect to pay on average $3,892 while out-of-state students will pay $11,584.
The course prepares students to sit for the National Exam. Students have the option to study advanced medical coding as well.
Goodwin University
The school is situated in East Hartford, CT.
It has been accredited since 1995 and boasts a student population of 5,618.
The institution offers a certificate in medical billing and coding.
The course runs over 12-18 months and students must sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam in order to qualify and be registered as medical billing and coding specialists.
The course is offered on campus or online and during the day or evening over a 15-week format.
In addition to completing the course, students must also complete all MCD core courses and MED 115 with a minimum grade of “C” as well as a 3-credit elective internship (MCD 299) or Medical Law & Ethics (HSC 111).
Full-time students will pay $9,994 per semester for courses of 12–18 credits per semester and $707/credit when taking less than 6 credits per semester.
In addition, student aid is available.
Middlesex Community College
The college is located in Middletown, CT, and has been accredited since 1973.
The school has a student population of 4,495 and offers a certificate course in medical billing and coding.
Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)—Certified Professional Coder Exam (CPC) or the AAPC Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam.
The course runs over two semesters and should be completed within nine months.
The course is offered on campus or online and online courses are $499.
There are several ways to fund this course; discounts including financial aid, discounts for the unemployed, and discounts for veterans who wish to participate in the course.
Northwestern Connecticut Community College
The school is located in Winsted, CT with a student population of 2,124.
In addition, the school has been accredited since 1971.
The school offers a certificate course for a Health Information & Reimbursement Specialist.
Upon completion of this course, students may take any one of the national industry certification exams, including:
- CBCS – Certified Billing and Coding Specialist
- CEHRS – Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist
- CBP – Certified Professional Biller
- COC – Certified Outpatient Coder
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to use CPT, HCPCS, and ICD coding systems in order to process refunds and claims and use the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software.
In-state students can expect to pay $254.00 per credit hour, while out-of-state students will pay $762.00 per credit hour.
Billing and Coding Schools in Connecticut – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Connecticut
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| American Institute | 99 South St, West Hartford, CT 06110 |
| Capital Community College | 950 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103 |
| Goodwin University | 1 Riverside Dr, East Hartford, CT 06118 |
| Middlesex Community College | 100 Training Hill Rd, Middletown, CT 06457 |
| Northwestern Connecticut Community College | Park Pl, Winsted, CT 06098 |
Salary
An entry-level position with little to no experience may earn $38,267.
The average median salary in this same position with some experience is $51,241.
On the high end, candidates may expect to earn $68,151.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Biller and Coders in Connecticut
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $46,600 |
| New Haven | $44,400 |
| Hartford | $44,100 |
| Stamford | $47,200 |
| Waterbury | $44,200 |
| Norwalk | $47,200 |
| Danbury | $45,500 |
| New Britain | $44,300 |
| West Hartford | $44,100 |
| Greenwich | $47,200 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 250 | $61,050 | $29.35 | $80,840 | $45,410 |
| Danbury, CT | 110 | $56,240 | $27.04 | $72,670 | $40,920 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 700 | $60,860 | $29.26 | $76,190 | $42,270 |
| New Haven, CT | 260 | $62,160 | $29.89 | $78,520 | $42,970 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 100 | $64,080 | $30.81 | $87,050 | $40,460 |
| Waterbury, CT | 60 | $51,740 | $24.88 | $71,680 | $35,920 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to write the national exam?
It is not a requirement, but if you wish to carry the title of the job, it is necessary.
Can I get into this field without an education?
Yes.
But it is much easier with a qualification.
Is this job in demand in Connecticut?
Yes, this job is in high demand all across the US.
