Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Tennessee

Data Sources: School data from U.S. Department of Education IPEDS database; salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OES (May 2023); job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). All data verified January 2025.

Quick Answer: Best Medical Billing Schools in Tennessee

Top choice for affordability: Chattanooga State Community College and Nashville State Community College offer the best value with in-district tuition around $4,500-$5,500/year and flexible online options.

Best for career advancement: Herzing University-Nashville and Health-Tech Institute of Memphis provide accelerated programs with strong employer partnerships.

Best for flexibility: Multiple community colleges across Tennessee offer evening, weekend, and fully online formats.

Average time to employment: 6-12 weeks after certification; many students find positions before completing their program.

Ranking Methodology: Rankings are based on estimated in-district community college tuition rates (40%), number of program options offered (30%), and availability of online/hybrid formats (30%). Data verified January 2025.

How Tuition Estimates Are Determined

The tuition estimates shown above are derived from:

• IPEDS Data: Official tuition and fee data reported by schools to the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
• In-District Rates: Community college estimates use in-district tuition rates, which offer the lowest cost for residents
• Program Length: Costs are calculated for a typical certificate program (30-40 credits) or associate degree (60 credits)
• Data Verification: All estimates verified from official school websites and IPEDS reports in January 2025
• Additional Costs: Estimates do not include books ($500-$800), exam fees ($300-$400), or certification costs ($250-$400)

Note: Out-of-district and out-of-state students may pay 1.5-3x higher rates. Contact schools directly for your specific rate.

Major Healthcare Employers in Tennessee

Tennessee’s largest healthcare employers actively hire medical billers and coders:

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Nashville (largest employer in Tennessee)
• HCA Healthcare – Multiple locations statewide (operates 20+ hospitals in TN)
• TriStar Health – Nashville and surrounding areas
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare – Memphis region
• Parkridge Health System – Chattanooga and East Tennessee
• Ballad Health – Tri-Cities region (Northeast Tennessee)
• Community Health Systems – Multiple Tennessee locations
• Cigna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield – Insurance companies with TN offices

Top Industry Certifications

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Issuing Organization: AAPC professional certifications

Exam Cost: $200-$300 | Passing Score: 70% | Salary Increase: +$8,000-$12,000/year

The CPC credential is the most widely recognized certification for medical coders. It covers CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS coding systems. Most Tennessee employers prefer or require CPC certification for coding positions.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Issuing Organization: AHIMA certification programs

Exam Cost: $250-$350 | Passing Score: 70% | Salary Increase: +$10,000-$15,000/year

The CCS credential focuses on inpatient hospital coding and is ideal for coders working in hospital settings. It demonstrates expertise in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding.

Certified Outpatient Coding Specialist (CCS-P)

Issuing Organization: AHIMA certification programs

Exam Cost: $250-$350 | Passing Score: 70% | Salary Increase: +$8,000-$12,000/year

The outpatient coding specialist certification is designed for coders working in ambulatory care settings, physician offices, and outpatient facilities.

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Issuing Organization: AHIMA program directory

Exam Cost: $300-$400 | Passing Score: 70% | Salary Increase: +$12,000-$18,000/year

The RHIT credential is ideal for health information technicians and those seeking advancement into supervisory or management roles.

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Medical Billing School

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

Community colleges offer the best value at $4,800-$5,200/year for in-district students. Private schools cost $11,000-$15,000/year. Compare total program cost, not just annual tuition. Consider financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans.

Step 2: Choose Your Format

Do you prefer campus-based classes, online learning, or hybrid? Working professionals often benefit from online or hybrid options. Students new to coding may prefer campus-based instruction with hands-on labs.

Step 3: Verify Accreditation

Ensure the school is accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) or ACICS (Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools). All schools listed on this page are IPEDS-verified institutions.

Step 4: Check Certification Exam Pass Rates

Ask schools about their medical billing and coding certifications exam pass rates. Schools with 80%+ pass rates on the CPC or CCS exams provide better training. This directly impacts your job prospects and earning potential.

Step 5: Review Job Placement Assistance

Ask about career services, job placement assistance, and employer partnerships. Schools with strong connections to major healthcare employers like Vanderbilt, HCA Healthcare, and TriStar Health provide better employment opportunities.

How much does medical billing and coding school cost in Tennessee?

Community colleges offer the most affordable option at $4,800-$5,200/year for in-district students, making a 12-month certificate program cost around $4,800-$5,200 total. Out-of-district community college students pay $9,000-$12,000/year. Private career schools charge $11,000-$15,000/year. For a 24-month associate degree, expect $9,600-$10,400 at community colleges or $15,000-$20,000 at private schools. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available at most institutions.

Do I need a certification to work as a medical biller or coder in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not require state licensure for medical billing and coding professionals. However, most employers strongly prefer or require at least one professional certification such as the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) or CCS (Certified Coding Specialist). Certified professionals earn $8,000-$15,000 more annually than non-certified coders. Many employers will hire entry-level candidates without certification but expect them to obtain certification within 12 months of employment.

How long does it take to become a medical biller or coder in Tennessee?

Most certificate programs take 9-12 months to complete, while associate degree programs take 18-24 months. After completing your program, you’ll need 4-8 weeks to prepare for and pass your certification exam. Most graduates are job-ready within 3-6 months of starting their program. Many students find employment before completing their program, especially if they have prior healthcare experience.

What is the job outlook for medical billing and coding in Tennessee?

The job outlook is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth for medical coders from 2023-2033, which is in line with the average for all occupations. Health information technicians show even stronger growth at 17%. Tennessee’s major healthcare systems including Vanderbilt, HCA Healthcare, TriStar Health, and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare are actively hiring. Remote work opportunities are increasingly available, allowing Tennessee residents to work for national healthcare companies and insurance firms.

Can I take medical billing and coding classes online in Tennessee?

Yes, many Tennessee schools offer fully online or hybrid programs. Community colleges like Nashville State, Chattanooga State, and Pellissippi State offer online options. Private schools like Herzing University-Nashville and Health-Tech Institute of Memphis also provide online programs. Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals but may require occasional campus visits for labs or proctored exams. Verify that online programs include hands-on coding practice and access to actual medical records for realistic training.

What is the average salary for medical billers and coders in Tennessee?

Entry-level medical coders in Tennessee earn $35,000-$45,000/year. Experienced coders with CPC or CCS certification earn $50,000-$65,000/year. Medical coders average $45,000-$52,000, while medical billers average $42,000-$48,000. Health information technicians earn $43,000-$50,000, with growth potential to $65,000-$85,000 in management roles. Salary varies based on employer type (hospital vs. clinic), experience, certifications, and specialization. Certified professionals earn significantly more than non-certified coders.

Ready to Get Started?

Step 1: Research Schools
Review the top 10 schools listed above. Visit their websites to compare programs, tuition, and formats. Contact admissions offices to ask about certification pass rates and job placement assistance.

Step 2: Apply to Programs
Most Tennessee schools accept applications year-round with rolling admissions. You’ll typically need a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may require placement tests or prerequisite courses.

Step 3: Explore Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Many schools offer institutional scholarships. Ask about employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Step 4: Prepare for Certification
During your program, begin studying for the CPC or CCS exam. Most schools include exam prep in their curriculum. Budget $250-$400 for exam fees and study materials.

Step 5: Launch Your Career
Use your school’s career services to connect with employers. Apply to positions at major healthcare systems in Tennessee. Many employers hire candidates before they pass their certification exam, allowing you to earn while you study.

Related Resources

Professional Certifications

• outpatient coding specialist certification
• medical billing and coding certifications
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• CCS exam

Career Paths

• coding career opportunities
• Patient Account Representative
• Healthcare Consultant
• Billing Coordinator
• Coding Trainer

Professional Organizations

• AAPC professional certifications
• AHIMA certification programs
• AHIMA program directory