Nobody should waste time working at an unsatisfying job nor search for a career that will not provide stability.
However, entering the medical billing and coding field could offer you that satisfaction, fulfillment, and stability for which you are searching.
Following this career path can pave the way for success in the decades to come and jumping into the field is easy and fast.
If you are interested in becoming a medical biller and coder, then keep reading to learn more!
Page Navigation
- 5 Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Montana
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What education requirements exist in Montana to become a medical biller or coder?
- What skills are needed to become a medical biller or coder in Montana?
- What is the job outlook for medical billing and coding?
- Is medical billing and coding considered a stressful career?
- Where do medical billers and coders work?
5 Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Montana
Due to its small population, Montana does not have as many schools as some other states, therefore, several of the following are also online institutions.
Flathead Valley Community College
Montana Flathead Valley Community College is in Kalispell and offers an associate of applied science two-year degree in medical coding.
Classes cover technology, disease process and pharmacology, basic human biology, office procedures, and medical coding and billing.
Graduates can take the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) exam, which further differentiates them from recent graduates.
In-state students will enjoy tuition of $5,200 while out-of-state students will pay $11,000.
Great Falls College Montana State University
Although the degree offered by Great Falls College Montana State University is not specific to medical billing and coding, the Health Information Technology associates degree was created to prepare students to evaluate and organize health records for accuracy and completeness.
Students who graduate with this degree can move into the medical billing and coding field.
In-state tuition and fees are around $3,100 for the program and out-of-state costs are $9,400.
This school is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management.
Montana State University – Billings
The medical coding and billing program offered by Montana State University – Billings prepares graduates with the skills required to properly assign codes to every procedure and diagnosis while analyzing health records, according to U.S. guidelines.
Students will conduct research and rely on knowledge of disease processes, anatomy, and medical terminology to determine accurate sequences and codes.
The in-state cost for this program is $5,800 while the out-of-state cost is significantly higher at $17,500.
Penn Foster Career School
The Penn Foster Career School is one of the leading institutions for career changes or advancement.
The school’s accredited online medical billing and coding program help students prepare for the CCA exam presented by the National Healthcare Association.
In addition to preparation for the certification test, the school provides a voucher for the cost of the exam along with a prep study package.
Currently, the Penn Foster Career School has a promotion that allows you to start the coursework for just $1.
Ultimate Medical Academy
Ultimate Medical Academy students receive personalized attention throughout the entire process.
As an institute that was accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, the Ultimate Medical Academy prepares students to enter the medical billing and coding field by instructing on medical terminology, technology, coding, analyzing health records, and reviewing the diagnosis.
The school is also incredibly helpful with job placement assistance for post-graduates.
Billing and Coding Schools in Montana – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Montana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Flathead Valley Community College | 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405 |
| Montana State University – Billings | 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT 59101 |
| Penn Foster Career School | 925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18515 |
| Ultimate Medical Academy | 1255 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755 |
Salary
According to Salary.com, a medical coder has a median U.S. income of $51,000 and a pay ranging from $38,000 to $68,000.
Medical billers and coders in Montana have a similar median income as the national average at around $49,000.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Biller and Coders in Montana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $39,300 |
| Missoula | $33,900 |
| Great Falls | $35,600 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $33,900 |
| Bozeman | $33,900 |
| Helena | $34,500 |
| Kalispell | $36,000 |
| Havre | $35,000 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $33,900 |
| Miles City | $38,700 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | 60 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $55,750 | $29,520 |
| Missoula, MT | 70 | $45,130 | $21.7 | $58,400 | $31,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What education requirements exist in Montana to become a medical biller or coder?
None, although the state does not set basic education requirements to enter this career field, most employers require a minimum of an associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
Although there is only one accredited school in Montana, Great Falls College Montana State University, plenty of accredited online programs exists.
What skills are needed to become a medical biller or coder in Montana?
One of the main attributes of successful medical coders is their attention to detail.
Since you will be working with a variety of codes for different medical situations, it is critical to be accurate but fast.
Another characteristic of success is having discretion when managing sensitive patient information.
Additionally, the best medical billers and coders have strong technical skills that allow them to adapt to rapidly changing technology.
What is the job outlook for medical billing and coding?
According to the U.S. BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), medical coders and billers can expect an 8% job outlook, which is faster than average.
Is medical billing and coding considered a stressful career?
Like with any position, medical billing and coding can be a stressful career for some.
This is primarily attributed to the regular deadlines to evaluate diagnoses and assign codes, and the pace of the work involved.
In general, this career is not excessive or overwhelming.
Where do medical billers and coders work?
Medical billers and coders can work in a variety of settings with the most obvious locations being hospitals and clinical practices.
However, they also work in offices at health insurance companies.
Surprisingly, they can work for law firms to testify as experts on fraudulent medical claims, investigate claims, and conduct research.
Additionally, medical billers and coders work for public or government agencies and can freelance at home.
