Trade Schools
Medical billers and coders are the ones who translate patient care into procedural terminology codes and create a claim based on these codes.
Typically, entry-level medical billers and coders hold a certificate or an associate degree in medical billing and coding.
These credentials can be earned after completing a program that lasts between one and three years.
A certificate takes approximately one year to complete while an associate degree can require up to three years of post-secondary education.
To help you choose the format and the program that best meets your needs, on this page we have compiled information about the best medical biller and coders training programs in Illinois.
If this is the career path you want to pursue, we invite you to read further and choose the program that best meets your needs.
1University of Illinois
About the School
The University of Illinois offers a variety of pathways, including 43 online degrees.
The University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
Courses Offered
The Medical Billing & Coding course available online at the University of Illinois prepares students for a career in this high-demand occupation and earns the medical billing and coding professional certification.
Students learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes.
The program also includes hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software.
The curriculum includes:
- Medical Terminology
- The Musculoskeletal System
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Revenue Cycle Management
- ICD-10-CM Coding
- CPT Coding
- HCPCS Level II Coding
- Pharmacology for Coders
- Insurance Claims
- Commercial Insurance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703
- Phone: 217.206.6600
- Website: https://www.uis.edu
2Southern Illinois University
About the School
Southern Illinois University offers more than 200 majors, minors, and specializations.
The university’s catalog includes a variety of health profession programs, including dental hygiene, health administration, health care management, health informatics, nursing, and more.
Courses Offered
The university offers an Online Medical Billing and Coding course available fully online.
The program is designed to prepare students for the Certified Professional Coder exam, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Students learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes.
The curriculum includes courses on:
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Healthcare Law
- ICD-10-CM
- CPT and HCPCS Level II Coding
- New Patients, Insurance Claims, and EOBS
- Submitting Electronic Claims and CMS 1500
- And more
The university also provides a Health Informatics Master’s degree program.
This curriculum includes subjects like healthcare operations, systems analysis, managing health information, project management, quality improvement in patient care environments, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901
- Phone: (618) 453-2121
- Website: https://siu.edu
3Northwestern College
Northwestern College helps students prepare for healthcare careers.
Many of the programs are offered entirely online.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Medical Coding Certificate in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Students receive instruction, hands-on experience, and the support theory needed to earn a medical coding specialist certificate.
They learn how to translate the diagnoses, procedures, medical equipment, and medical services found in electronic health records into standardized alphanumeric codes.
The program covers skills such as:
- Maintaining security and confidentiality with patient records
- Assessing quality standards and health outcomes
- Classifying procedures and diagnoses
- Organizing and maintaining clinical databases
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Health Data Content and Structure
- Ambulatory Reimbursement
- Advanced Coding & Abstracting
- Health Data Content and Structure Lab
- Coding and Classification System
- Medical Terminology
- Professional Development
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 9400 S Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453
- Phone: 708-237-5000
- Website: https://nc.edu
4McHenry County College
About the School
McHenry County College offers more than 90 career/tech programs.
The college provides a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate that focuses on medical terminology, coding, and reimbursement procedures, and how to code medical bills submitted to insurance companies, managed care plans, and Medicare.
The total program cost is $4,454 for in-district students.
Other in-state students pay approximately $10,500.
The program can be completed in 32 weeks.
McHenry County College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate curriculum includes courses on:
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Human Biology
- Basic CPT Coding
- ICD Coding
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Intro to Health Info Management
- Advanced CPT and ICD Coding
- And more
A Medical Coding and Billing Certificate prepares students for careers as Claims Specialists, Medical Billing and Coding Specialists, Medical Records Technicians, or Medical Secretaries.
Contact Information
- Address: 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012-2761
- Phone: (815) 455-3700
- Website: https://www.mchenry.edu
5Illinois Valley Community College
About the School
Illinois Valley Community College offers a program approved for Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act funding for students who qualify.
The program is available for students who are just starting their post-secondary education or transitioning into a different field.
The course prepares students for success in the field of Medical Billing and Coding.
Students learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, as well as third-party payer requirements.
After successfully completing the course requirements, students are prepared to find their place in this rewarding healthcare career.
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from Illinois Valley Community College and may choose a voucher for one of the following professional certifications:
- Certified Professional Coder exam by the American Academy of Professional Coders
- Certified Coding Associate exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association
Contact Information
- Address: 815 North Orlando Smith Rd. Oglesby, Illinois 61348
- Phone: (815) 224-2720
- Website: https://www.ivcc.edu
6Illinois Central College
About the School
Illinois Central College offers more than 150 programs of study, including 55 certificates.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Medical Coder program available at Illinois Central College prepares students for a vital role in the field of healthcare operations.
Students who attend this program learn fundamental concepts, knowledge, and skills in medical coding and become prepared for entry-level careers in a variety of settings.
They also complete a coding internship in a hospital or another healthcare setting.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association or the Academy of Professional Coders.
The program can be completed in 24 months by full-time students.
Students pay approximately $4,030 for supplies and fees.
Classes are kept small with an average of 10 students per class to provide individual attention to each student.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635
- Phone: (309) 694-5422
- Website: https://icc.edu
7City Colleges of Chicago
City Colleges of Chicago offers a variety of industry-validated certificates, degrees, or adult education programs.
Courses Offered
The Medical Coding program available at City Colleges of Chicago is designed to provide students with the necessary education and hands-on skills required for entry-level positions as medical coders in a variety of healthcare settings.
Students learn ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS Level II guidelines and apply them to various scenarios including inpatient records, outpatient visits, operative reports, and other records.
The following related degrees and certificates are available at City Colleges of Chicago:
- Medical Billing, Basic Certificate
- Medical Coding, Advanced Certificate
- Health Information Technology, Associate in Applied Science
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Medical Billing
- Basic CPT Coding
- Pharmacology for HIT Professionals
- Advanced CPT Coding
- Medical Terms for HIT Professionals
- Fundamentals of Medical Science
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 180 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601
- Phone: (773) COLLEGE
- Website: https://www.ccc.edu
8WITT Medical Training Center
About the School
WITT Medical Training Center prepares students for a new career in as little as six to twelve weeks.
Students learn the skills needed to start careers in top fields like Medical Billing and Coding or Information technology through hands-on online training.
Courses Offered
The school provides a Medical Billing Account Manager program that combines multiple career opportunities.
The following topics are covered by the program:
- Medical Billing- the program includes courses in Medical Terminology, HIPPA, Human Anatomy and Physiology, ICD-10, Revenue Reimbursement, Electronic Medical Records, Electronic Remittance Advice, and more
- Medical Coding: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, HIPPA, Pharmacology, ICD-10, and more
- Revenue Cycle Management: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Healthcare Insurance Reimbursement, ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS, UB-04, Coding Guidelines, Electronic Medical Records, Collections, and more
Contact Information
- Address: 137 North Oak Park Avenue, Suite 107, Oak Park, Illinois 60301
- Phone: 888-750-9488
- Website: http://www.wittmedical.com
9Billing And Doctor's Assisting School
About the School
Billing And Doctor’s Assisting School provides certificate programs designed to meet the standards of individuals and businesses in the Chicago area.
The school has been approved by IBHE, NHA, as a testing site for the NHA National Certification Exams:
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified EKG Technician
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified Dental Support Technician
- First Aid, CPR & AED
Courses Offered
The Medical Billing and Coding program focuses on equipping students with skills such as:
- Reading and analyzing patient records
- Determining the correct codes for providers’ claims
- Using codes to bill insurance companies
- Keeping track of patient data over multiple visits
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5309 N Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
- Phone: 847-324-4019
- Website: https://banddainc.com
10Rockford Career College
About the School
Rockford Career College offers a Medical Office Billing & Coding ten-month diploma program fully online.
The topics included in this program include medical law, CPT, HCPCS coding, and insurance claim processing, among other topics.
Courses Offered
The program covers skills such as:
- Knowledge of coding and insurance billing by using current CPT, ICD, and HCPCS code books
- Diagnostic and procedural coding
- Understanding of hospital billing practices and processes
- Understanding of information about private insurance and managed care systems
- Manage proper medical documentation
Rockford Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
The program is available online and can be completed in 10 months.
The curriculum includes 60 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 1130 S Alpine Rd #100, Rockford, IL 61108
- Phone: 888.680.6682
- Website: https://www.rockfordcareercollege.edu
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 40 | $45,290 | $21.77 | $58,510 | $29,120 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 140 | $45,950 | $22.09 | $62,000 | $30,170 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 120 | $48,500 | $23.32 | $61,400 | $30,950 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 3,810 | $54,070 | $26 | $77,140 | $35,430 |
| Danville, IL | 50 | $56,550 | $27.19 | $79,440 | $35,400 |
| Decatur, IL | 40 | $47,490 | $22.83 | $59,000 | $30,280 |
| Kankakee, IL | 40 | $52,460 | $25.22 | $81,320 | $28,990 |
| Peoria, IL | 170 | $43,480 | $20.91 | $63,010 | $30,270 |
| Rockford, IL | 190 | $49,000 | $23.56 | $59,090 | $34,540 |
| Springfield, IL | 140 | $48,140 | $23.15 | $62,370 | $35,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Medical billing and coding skills can be learned either by attending in-person classes at a school or community college near you or online, at your own pace.
Now that you have read our selection of the best medical billing and coding schools in Illinois we encourage you to continue your research and decide what program best meets your learning style, budget, and career aspirations.
