Deciding on a medical billing and coding career path has not been an easy journey.
You may have even changed your mind a few times.
But the relief that comes with finally figuring it out is unlike anything else.
However, now you must choose where to study for your future.
Do not stress.
Instead, let us help you find the right program and get ahead!
5 Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Mississippi
Northeast Mississippi Community College
The medical coding program is six weeks long and offers 4 start dates, April, May, June, and July.
You have two options for completing the program.
You may either take the 6-month instructor-led program for $99 or a three-month self-paced option for $115.
Both options offer online courses and prepare you for entry-level work in the medical coding field.
Coahoma Community College
Future medical billers and coders can earn an Associate degree or work towards a certificate–or complete both!
Tuition and fees for enrollment are approximately $2,500 for in-state students and $3,500 for out-of-state students.
This medical coding work development program develops a customized curriculum to suit the needs of the specific industry.
The medical billing and coding program is designed to meet industry standards and therefore is ideal for those who are planning to take the certification exam after completing the program.
Hinds Community College
The Health Information and Technology program can be completed in two years.
Completion of the program earns an Associate Degree.
The program prepares future medical coders and billers for entry-level employment in a number of healthcare environments including hospitals or clinics.
The highlight of this program is that it allows students who are eligible at this point to take the national certification exam.
Students may even do so prior to graduation during the final semester.
Students are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll as well as an ACT score of 18 or a 2.5 GPA in a minimum of 12 college credit hours.
Meridian Community College
This school offers a medical office management technology program which may be completed in as little as two years.
The in-state tuition and fees are approximately $2,500 and the out-of-state costs are just under $4,000.
Students can earn either an associate degree or a certificate of completion.
Students are required to get a background check and drug screening which are included as part of the cost of registration and are performed only after admission into the program.
Those who do not pass are still eligible to take the certificate courses which can be completed in one year.
Mississippi Delta Community College
There are two programs of interest here, Medical Billing and Insurance as well as Medical Coding.
Both programs can be completed in 16 weeks and students earn a career readiness certificate upon completion.
Both programs also require prerequisites which are listed on the school website but are, of course, subject to change.
Each program costs $500 approximately.
Billing and Coding Schools in Mississippi – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | 101 Cunningham Blvd, Booneville, MS 38829 |
| Coahoma Community College | Coahoma AHS Building #3, 3240 Friars Point Rd, Clarksdale, MS 38614 |
| Hinds Community College | 501 E Main St, Raymond, MS 39154 |
| Meridian Community College | 910 Hwy 19 N, Meridian, MS 39307 |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | Mississippi 3 & E Cherry St, Moorhead, MS 38761 |
Salary
The average salary of a medical biller and coder in Mississippi tends to fall between $44,475 at the lowest average and just under $46,000 at the highest average in Hattiesburg, Jackson, and Biloxi.
Salary ranges are different for each city.
The average salary in Hattiesburg, for instance, ranges from $38,840 to $52,509.
Many factors can make the difference, such as certification level or years of experience.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Biller and Coders in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $36,700 |
| Gulfport | $36,100 |
| Biloxi | $36,400 |
| Hattiesburg | $35,800 |
| Greenville | $36,500 |
| Meridian | $36,400 |
| Tupelo | $34,600 |
| Southaven | $38,000 |
| Vicksburg | $36,400 |
| Pascagoula | $36,100 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 170 | $46,620 | $22.41 | $63,990 | $30,850 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 190 | $41,860 | $20.12 | $58,850 | $28,300 |
| Jackson, MS | 680 | $42,900 | $20.62 | $61,090 | $30,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is certification required in Mississippi?
No, there is no state-mandated medical billing and coding certification requirement in Mississippi.
Typically, it is up to each healthcare establishment to decide whether to accept non-certified workers or what types of certifications workers should have.
How do I become a medical coder in Mississippi?
The shortest path to becoming a medical biller and coder is to simply take the certification exam.
However, unless you know about the profession and everything involved, then the likelihood of passing the certification exam is slim.
The other option is to take a two-year program at an accredited college and earn an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding.
While medical billing and coding certification is not required in Mississippi, employers may prefer to hire workers who are.
Can medical billers and coders work from home in Mississippi?
Often, medical billers and coders are independent contractors who have the option to work from home.
Healthcare providers may outsource work and workers are then able to work from any remote location.
What cities are best for medical billing and coding careers in Mississippi?
The top cities include Jackson, Gulfport-Biloxi, and Hattiesburg, with the average per hour pay being the highest in Jackson.
Medical coders and billers in Jackson earn an average hourly pay of $17.50, followed by Hattiesburg earning $16.70, and Gulfport-Biloxi earning $15.83.
How do I renew certification in Mississippi and how often?
The two organizations which offer medical billing and coding certifications are national organizations and so the certifications they provide will be standard among all states.
Members must pay an annual membership fee to remain certified and usually will be required to take continuing education credits.
The number of credits you will need to take varies by certification type, but you can expect to take at least 15 CE credits each year or 36 CE credits every other year.
