Texas offers a strong and growing landscape for online medical billing and coding education, with programs designed to meet the rising demand for skilled health information professionals. Employment of medical records specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, making this a stable and rewarding career path.
Students can choose from a range of online options, including university-based continuing education courses, technical college programs, and career-focused certificate programs, with costs ranging from approximately $1,000 to over $13,000 depending on the institution and program length.
Top 15 Medical Billing And Coding Online Schools In Texas
1. Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
TSTC offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science degree program in Health Information Technology that covers electronic health records, medical coding, privacy laws like HIPAA, medical terminology, and healthcare law . The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), which means it meets national industry standards and qualifies graduates to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
Students gain hands-on experience using virtual electronic health record labs, and the program prepares graduates for roles including health information technician, medical records specialist, and medical coder. The curriculum includes practicum placements at local healthcare sites and career services support.
2. Texas State University – Continuing Education
Texas State University offers an online Medical Coding course that provides expert-led training and flexible online access, designed to prepare students for the CPC exam given through AAPC . The course covers key coding systems including CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS, along with coding guidelines and specialty area coding.
The program costs $1,500 and includes real-world coding experience, making it an affordable option for students seeking certification. Prior courses in Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology are recommended to help build a strong foundation for success. Enroll anytime in the flexible online course, which provides convenient access for working students.
3. Texas State University – Medical Billing Specialist Course
Texas State University also offers an online Medical Billing Specialist course that includes valuable training in legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party payer guidelines. The course covers all phases of the revenue cycle, including patient registration, charge capture, medical coding, claim submission, data analytics, and payer reimbursement.
The program costs $2,795 and includes a voucher to sit for the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam offered by AAPC. Students receive a Certificate of Completion from Texas State University upon finishing the program . The course includes a medical terminology component that introduces key concepts of medical language and human anatomy.
4. The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)
CHCP offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program that is available in a fully online format, providing flexible access for students across Texas. The program covers ICD-10-CM, CPT/HCPCS, electronic health record management, and coding professional practice experience, with students gaining hands-on experience using electronic medical records.
The program prepares students to take the Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) Certification Exam . CHCP is institutionally accredited by ABHES and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, with over three decades of experience in healthcare training. The program includes a 90-hour externship component for real-world experience, and eligible credits can be transferred to CHCP’s AAS degree programs.
5. Herzing University
Herzing University offers a Diploma in Medical Coding that is fully online and FAFSA-eligible, making it accessible for students needing federal financial aid. The program consists of 25 credits at $530 each, totaling $13,250 over 10 months of full-time study. The curriculum prepares students for three certification exams: AHIMA CCS, AAPC CPC, and NHA CBCS, providing flexibility for various career paths . Herzing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the credential is stackable into a full associate degree for students who wish to continue their education.
6. Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT)
Lamar Institute of Technology offers an online Medical Billing and Coding course that prepares students for success by covering legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements.
The curriculum covers all phases of the revenue cycle from patient registration through medical coding, claims submission, reimbursement, and collections . Upon completion, students receive a certificate and a voucher to sit for a certification exam. The program is offered through LIT’s Workforce Continuing Education division, providing flexible online access.
7. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
UTA offers a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist course that is delivered online through Microsoft Teams, with a total of 120 hours of instruction . The program covers administrative front-office procedures, medical terminology, anatomy, CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS Coding, with professionalism and confidentiality emphasized throughout . The course includes textbooks and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist exam, with the first day, mid-term, and last day meeting on campus. The program costs $4,000 and runs from June 14 to September 29, with classes meeting Monday and Wednesday evenings.
8. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
UTEP offers an online Medical Billing and Coding course that is delivered in a live/online format, with classes meeting Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The program runs from August 10 to December 2, and costs $3,799. The course is offered through UTEP’s Professional and Public Programs division, providing students with access to university-level instruction in a flexible online format.
9. Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute offers an online Medical Billing and Coding program with a BOC Score of 28.8 and a 52% graduation rate. The program is available to students across Texas, and graduates earn median earnings of $32,680. The school has multiple locations across Texas, including Austin, and offers hybrid learning options for students seeking a mix of online and in-person instruction.
10. Central Texas College
Central Texas College offers an online Medical Billing and Coding program with a BOC Score of 37.4 and tuition ranging from $3,750 to $13,822 . Graduates earn a median of $60,854, one of the higher earning outcomes among Texas programs . The program has a 13% graduation rate and is available online, offering students a flexible pathway to a career in medical billing and coding.
11. Austin Community College District
Austin Community College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Continuing Education Certificate with a BOC Score of 49.6 and tuition ranging from $2,550 to $15,190. The program length is approximately 6 months, and graduates earn a median of $57,624. The program is CAHIIM accredited and offers online coursework, making it accessible to students in the Austin area and beyond.
12. Tarrant County College District
Tarrant County College offers an online Medical Billing and Coding program with the highest BOC Score among Texas schools at 60.6. Graduates earn a median of $50,928, and the program has a 29% graduation rate. The college offers online coursework with hands-on training completed in person, providing a balance of flexibility and practical experience.
13. The College of Health Care Professions – Austin
CHCP’s Austin location offers an online Medical Billing and Coding program with a BOC Score of 48.2 and a 58% graduation rate . Graduates earn a median of $39,421 . The program is available online, providing students in the Austin area with access to CHCP’s career-focused healthcare training.
14. CareerStep
CareerStep offers an online Medical Billing and Coding program with tuition ranging from $1,049 to $1,569, making it one of the most affordable options available. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, with a length of approximately 10 months. The curriculum is aligned to both CPC and CBCS certification exams, and the program is approved for MyCAA military-spouse funding.
15. AAPC – Medical Coding Course
AAPC offers a self-paced CPC Exam Prep course that is training built by the organization that administers the CPC exam. The program costs $2,799 to $5,598, with tuition including a year of AAPC membership and the CodifyU code-lookup app. The program is ideal for students who know they want CPC certification and prefer to learn from the credentialing body itself .
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Approx. Cost | Format | Credential Prep | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas State Technical College | Varies | Online | RHIT | CAHIIM accredited, virtual EHR labs |
| 2 | Texas State University – Medical Coding | $1,500 | Online | CPC | Affordable, flexible online access |
| 3 | Texas State University – Medical Billing | $2,795 | Online | CPB | Includes exam voucher |
| 4 | The College of Health Care Professions | Varies | Online | NRCCS | ABHES accredited, 90-hour externship |
| 5 | Herzing University | $13,250 | Online | CCS, CPC, CBCS | FAFSA eligible, stackable degree |
| 6 | Lamar Institute of Technology | Varies | Online | Varies | Career-focused, includes exam voucher |
| 7 | UT Arlington | $4,000 | Online/hybrid | CBCS | 120 hours, includes textbooks |
| 8 | UT El Paso | $3,799 | Online/live | Varies | Live online classes, flexible schedule |
| 9 | Southern Careers Institute | Varies | Hybrid | Varies | Multiple Texas locations |
| 10 | Central Texas College | $3,750-$13,822 | Online | Varies | High graduate earnings (around $60,854) |
| 11 | Austin Community College | $2,550-$15,190 | Online | Varies | CAHIIM accredited, 6-month program |
| 12 | Tarrant County College | Varies | Online/hybrid | Varies | Highest BOC Score (60.6) |
| 13 | CHCP – Austin | Varies | Online | NRCCS | 58% graduation rate |
| 14 | CareerStep | $1,049-$1,569 | Online | CPC, CBCS | Most affordable option, MyCAA approved |
| 15 | AAPC | $2,799-$5,598 | Online/self-paced | CPC | Built by exam provider, includes membership |
Success Tips for Choosing a Medical Billing and Coding School
Start by deciding which certification exam you want to pursue, as this will guide your choice of program. The CPC is the most common credential for physician practices and outpatient clinics, while the CCS is preferred for hospital inpatient coding, and the CBCS is suitable for combined billing and coding roles .
Consider the cost and financial aid options; programs range from approximately $1,049 at CareerStep to over $13,000 at Herzing University, which is FAFSA-eligible.
Look for programs that include certification exam vouchers, as this can save you significant costs after graduation.
Evaluate the program format, whether fully online, hybrid, or live/online, and ensure it fits your schedule and learning preferences.
Check for CAHIIM accreditation, which ensures the program meets national industry standards and qualifies graduates for certification exams .
Finally, be aware of Texas House Bill 1508, which requires notice that a criminal history may affect licensure eligibility.
Closing
Texas provides a comprehensive and accessible medical billing and coding education landscape, with options ranging from affordable online programs at CareerStep and Texas State University to comprehensive university-level programs at Herzing University and Texas State Technical College. With employment projected to grow faster than average, this career path offers stability, flexibility, and opportunities for advancement.
When choosing a program, prioritize proper accreditation, certification exam preparation, and alignment with your career goals to ensure you are well-prepared for this growing field. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.