10 Medical Billing and Coding Programs in California 2026

Medical billers and coders are responsible for translating medical services into codes and then using those codes to bill health insurance. Most hospitals, clinics, and other types of medical facilities need medical billers and coders.

While a degree isn't necessary to become a medical biller or coder, having some type of training is usually required. If you live in California, keep reading to learn more about medical billing and coding programs near you.

10 Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools in California

Medical billing and coding can be a great career path that doesn't require several years of education. Below, we've featured some accredited medical billing and coding schools in California.

1. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay, also called CSU East Bay or simply CSUEB, is a public university in Hayward, CA. It offers an online certificate in medical billing and coding through a partnership with ed2go.

The program is self-paced and covers the legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the medical billing and coding field. It also includes a voucher to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,025 total
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Canada College

Canada College offers three options for medical billing and coding students: a 60-credit Associate in Science (AS) in medical billing, a 21-credit certificate in medical billing, and an 18-credit certificate in medical coding. These programs cover medical terminology, office procedures, and billing and coding procedures.

Canada College, a public community college, is located in Redwood City, CA. All three programs listed above are available completely online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,332 per year (in-state); $11,384 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

3. California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) offers an online medical billing and coding certificate through ed2go. CSUF is a public research university in Fullerton, CA.

The program covers topics like HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements. It takes 370 hours and is self-paced, with most students finishing within a year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,295 total
• Accreditation: WSCUC

4. National University

The online professional certificate in medical coding at National University covers topics like medical terminology and medical coding guidelines. It prepares students to take the CPC exam through the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).

This private university is located in San Diego. The certificate program here is self-paced, and most students finish in six months or so.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,995 total
• Accreditation: WSCUC

5. San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego. It offers a medical billing and coding certificate online through its Global Campus.

Students learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and gain hands-on practice with medical billing and coding software. Most students finish within a year and receive a voucher for the CPC, CCA, or CBCS exams.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,592 total
• Accreditation: WSCUC

6. Santa Barbara City College

Students at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) can earn a medical coding specialist certificate online. It is a 38-credit program that covers topics like medical terminology, medical insurance, and procedural coding.

SBCC, a public community college, is located in Santa Barbara, CA. Students who earn their certificates here will be eligible to sit for the CCA examination given by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and may be prepared for other exams as well.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,748 total (in-state); $12,578 total (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACCJC

7. California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) also offers a medical billing and coding certificate through ed2go. CSUSB is a public research university in San Bernardino, CA.

The program is online and self-paced. Students will learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,295 total
• Accreditation: WSCUC

8. Monterey Peninsula College

Both an associate degree and a certificate in medical insurance and coding are available online at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC). Both include courses on medical insurance management, medical procedure coding, and medical office computer applications.

MPC, located in Monterey, CA, is a public community college. The certificate here requires 34 credits, while the associate degree requires 60.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46 per credit (in-state); $446 per credit (out-of-state))
• Accreditation: ACCJC

9. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University (SFSU) is a public research institution in San Francisco. It offers an online medical billing and coding certificate that includes an optional externship to help students apply what they learn in a real-world setting.

The program is self-paced, with most students finishing in about six months. By the end, students will build the knowledge and skills needed to code medical procedures and process insurance claims accurately.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,799 total
• Accreditation: WSCUC

10. San Bernardino Valley College

Through San Bernardino Valley College, students can earn a certificate in medical coding and billing. This is a hybrid program, with all but one course available online.

San Bernardino Valley College, a public community college, is located in San Bernardino, CA. The certificate here requires 22 credits and typically takes two terms to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,012 total (in-state); $9,812 total (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACCJC

How We Rank Programs

To choose the medical billing and coding schools in California listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by either the WSCUC or ACCJC branches of the WASC.
• Delivery format: Every program is available completely or mostly online.
• Affordability: While prices vary, no program exceeds $4,000 total for in-state students.

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in California?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*Net don't provide information for medical billers and coders, but they do provide information for medical records specialists, a category that includes medical billers and coders.

According to O*Net, the median medical billing and coding salary in California is $59,700 per year, higher than the national average of $50,250 per year. Those in the San Jose/Santa Clara/Sunnyvale metro earn the most, with a median salary of $86,960 per year, while those in Merced, CA, earn the least, with a median annual salary of $47,840.

Do I Need a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate To Work in California?

No state, including California, requires professional certification for medical billers or coders. However, having certification signals to prospective employers that you know what you're doing and looks good on your resume.

What To Look for in a Medical Billing and Coding Program

There are multiple things you'll want to consider when choosing a medical billing and coding program in California. These include:

• Accreditation: The institution you choose should be regionally accredited; in California, this means accredited by either the WSCUC or ACCJC.
• Format: Medical billing and coding programs are available online, on-campus, and in a hybrid format.
• Length and pacing: Most certificates take less than a year to finish, while an associate degree typically takes two. Some certificate programs are self-paced.
• Tuition and financial aid: Tuition varies between programs. Some programs, like those offered through ed2go, don't accept standard financial aid. Others may qualify for free tuition through programs like the CalGrant.
• Career services: Many schools offer career guidance and externship opportunities to help students hone their skills and land their first job.
• Certificate preparation: Most programs will prepare you for at least one billing and coding certificate, but some prepare you for multiple. Make sure the program you choose corresponds to the certificate you plan to earn. Additionally, some programs may offer vouchers that cover the cost of your first exam.

FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Medical billing and coding programs can be a great option for many students. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs below.

How Do I Become a Medical Biller and Coder in California?

The best way to become a medical biller and coder in California is to complete an associate degree or certificate program in coding. After that, you can obtain professional certification and start looking for jobs.

What Is the Best School for Medical Billing and Coding in California?

Several schools in California offer strong medical billing and coding programs. The best one for you will depend on what type of program you want to complete, what format you prefer, and whether you'd rather choose a self-paced or more structured program.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Medical Coder in California?

If you're earning a certificate, you can typically become a medical biller or coder in under a year. If you choose to pursue an associate degree, it will take around two years.

Find Medical Billing and Coding Schools Near You

Find the perfect medical billing and coding program for you by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.