10 Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Illinois 2026

Medical billers and coders are in high demand because nearly every health services provider requires these roles. To become a medical biller or coder, you'll typically need to complete an educational program and obtain professional certification.

If you're an Illinois resident, consider medical billing and coding programs near you, as many schools offer reduced tuition to area residents. Keep reading to discover medical billing and coding schools in Illinois.

10 Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Illinois

Nearly two dozen colleges and universities in Illinois offer medical billing and coding programs. Below, we've highlighted accredited medical billing and coding schools in Illinois that offer flexible learning options.

1. Lake Land College

Lake Land College is a public community college in Mattoon, IL. It offers both an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and a certificate in medical coding and health information online.

The AAS program requires 60 credit hours, while the certificate requires 30. Both prepare students to sit for medical coding exams from national organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

• Estimated tuition cost: $119 per credit (in-district); $256.26 per credit (in-state); $464.54 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Moraine Valley Community College

At Moraine Valley Community College, students can earn a medical billing certificate online. This program prepares students for employment as medical billers, patient account representatives, and data entry specialists.

Moraine Valley, a public community college, is located in Palos Hills, IL. The certificate here requires 15 credits and can be completed in two semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,100 total (in-district); $5,085 total (in-state); $5,940 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Oakton College

Oakton College offers an online certificate in medical billing and coding. Oakton is a community college in Des Plaines, IL.

Students take courses in computing, insurance procedures, medical terminology, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. A total of 16 credits is required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,180 total (in-district); $5,872 total (in-state); $7,024 total (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Olney Central College

The medical coding certificate program at Olney Central College (OCC) prepares students for certification through AHIMA. The online program includes courses on medical terminology, medical insurance, electronic medical records management, and medical coding.

OCC, located in Olney, IL, is a public college in the Illinois Eastern Community College system. The certificate program here requires 38 credits and can be completed in three semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,130 total (in-district); $12,350 total (in-state); $14,250 total (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Shawnee Community College

Shawnee Community College is a public school in Ullin, IL. It offers three online options for students wanting to pursue medical billing and coding:

• medical biller certificate
• medical coder certificate
• medical coding specialist certificate

All programs prepare students for entry-level employment in health-related facilities. The medical biller option is 11 credits, the medical coder option is 12, and the medical coding specialist certificate is 33.

• Estimated tuition cost: $150 per credit (in-district); $225 per credit (in-state); $235 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Southern Illinois University

Students at Southern Illinois University (SIU) will find an online medical billing and coding certificate through the school's partnership with ed2go. The program teaches how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes.

SIU, a public research university, is located in Carbondale, IL. The certificate program here is self-paced and includes a professional certification testing voucher.

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

7. Spoon River College

Three medical coding and billing certificates are available at Spoon River College (SRC): a medical coding certificate, a medical insurance/billing certificate, and an advanced medical coding certificate. SRC is a public community college in Canton, IL.

The medical coding certificate requires 27 credits, the medical insurance/billing certificate requires 31, and the advanced medical coding certificate requires 37. All programs offer online course options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $210 per credit (in-district); $390.50 per credit (in-state); $443 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Illinois Springfield

The medical billing and coding certificate at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is also offered through ed2go. Like the program at SIUC, it prepares students for professional certification and includes a testing voucher.

UIS, located in Springfield, IL, is a public university. The online medical billing and coding program here is self-paced, with most students finishing within a year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,295 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee College is a public community college in Malta, IL. It offers a medical billing and coding certificate that provides students with the skills needed to complete, file, and respond to medical insurance forms and reports.

The program requires 29 credits and takes two semesters to complete. While not technically classified as an online program, all courses are available in an online format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,640 total (in-district); $9,280 total (out-of-district); $13,920 total (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

10. College of DuPage

Through the College of DuPage (COD), students can earn a medical billing certificate in a part-time, hybrid format. The 17-credit certificate provides a comprehensive overview of the medical billing process, including understanding medical terminology, coding and reimbursement, and electronic billing systems.

COD, a public community college, is located in Glen Ellyn, IL. The program here prepares students for certification through AHIMA or AAPC.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,550 total (in-district); $6,103 total (in-state); $4,233 total (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Programs

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

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited.
• Delivery format: Every program offers most or all courses online.
• Affordability: All institutions offer programs for less than $4,000 for in-state students.

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in Illinois?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*Net don't specifically provide salary data for medical billers and coders. These roles are classified under the category of ''medical records specialists,'', for which these sites provide data.

The median medical billing and coding salary in Illinois, based on the salary for medical records specialists, is $49,420 per year or $23.76 per hour. Salaries are highest in the Kankakee, IL area, with a median of around $54,720 per year, and are lowest on the border by Paducah, KY, at $43,990 per year.

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

Professional certifications are not required by any state for medical billers and coders. That being said, many employers require certification. Even those who don't often give preference to applicants who hold certification.

What To Look for in a Medical Billing and Coding Program

If you're interested in pursuing a medical billing and coding program, there are a few things to consider:

• Accreditation: Any institution you choose should be regionally accredited; the HLC is the regional accreditation agency for schools in Illinois.
• Learning format: Medical billing and coding programs are offered online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats.
• Flexibility: Some programs, like those from ed2go, are self-paced, while others offer a more structured schedule.
• Award and length: Associate degrees usually take about two years to complete, while most certificates can be completed in a year or less.
• Tuition and financial aid: Costs and financial aid can vary significantly between programs.
• Career services: Many schools offer career counselors to help you as you work through your program.
• Certification prep: Most programs prepare you for multiple professional certificate options, but some focus on just one. Additionally, some programs offer testing vouchers.

FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding Programs

We've answered some frequently asked questions about medical billing and coding schools in Illinois to help you determine if this is a good pathway for you.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a Medical Coding Certificate in Illinois?

The cost of a medical coding certificate in Illinois depends on several factors, including:

• how many credits the program requires
• if you're an in-district, in-state, or out-of-state student
• whether you study on campus or online
• what financial aid you qualify for

Several schools offer certificates for less than $4,000 for in-district students. Financial aid can help you reduce these costs.

How Do I Become a Medical Coder in Illinois?

To become a medical coder in Illinois, you'll want to start by earning a degree or certificate in medical coding from an accredited college or university. After that, you can go on to obtain a professional certificate from an institution like AHIMA or AAPC and start looking for jobs.

What Is the Quickest Medical Billing and Coding Program in Illinois?

The quickest medical billing and coding programs are typically self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your own pace. Outside of that, many schools offer certificates that take less than a year to complete.

Find Medical Billing and Coding Schools Near You

Find the perfect medical billing and coding school in Illinois by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.