10 Medical Billing and Coding Programs in North Carolina 2026

Medical transcriptionists and office assistants provide an essential support role in almost every hospital, clinic, or outpatient care center. While some aspects of medical record keeping have become automated, there is still a substantial demand for data entry, diagnosis coding, and information management in several healthcare settings.

If you live in North Carolina, keep reading as we discuss some of the best medical billing and coding programs near you.

10 Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools in North Carolina

Check out this list of medical billing and coding schools in North Carolina. These community colleges and universities help you obtain certifications in this field and prepare for future employment.

1. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) offers a 100% online training program for this high-demand field. It grants students plenty of hands-on practice using the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and prepares them for three certification opportunities, including the Certified Public Coder (CPC) credential.

• Estimated tuition cost: $185 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Piedmont Community College

Piedmont Community College has an online program that teaches students how to organize and document information for medical procedures, equipment usage, and more. You can enroll in this affordable program to master multiple standardized coding systems, such as HCPCS and ICD-10-CM.

This is not as self-paced as other programs, so students should prepare to submit weekly assignments with specific deadlines.

• Estimated tuition cost: $185 (total tuition costs; excluding textbook costs)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of North Carolina - Charlotte

The University of North Carolina - Charlotte (UNCC) has a medical coding specialist professional certificate available through 100% online live webinars. This program is more expensive than other options at community colleges, but students enjoy four months of extensive training with plenty of exposure to diagnosis coding, procedure coding, and lucrative career options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,400 (total program cost)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering several workforce training opportunities, such as medical billing and coding. Its online coding course utilizes the Blackboard platform and includes an optional review course for the CPC exam.

Like other North Carolina community colleges, Wake Tech offers a competitive tuition rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Pitt Community College

Pitt Community College is one of several community colleges in eastern North Carolina that offer medical coding training. Its typical course load involves five or six courses each session, allowing students to complete the program within 12 months. Part-time students can take fewer courses, which may extend the program completion to about two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Beaufort County Community College

Beaufort County Community College offers a medical billing and coding program approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This satisfies the requirements for taking the CPC exam before seeking full-time employment. Some incoming students may qualify for scholarships, which makes the program tuition-free.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville Technical Community College offers its medical billing and coding program through the Canvas platform. The school offers flexible ways for students to pursue medical coding credentials through face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online delivery formats. Graduates can look forward to new careers working in hospitals, dental offices, medical offices, laboratories, and other healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of North Carolina - Wilmington

The University of North Carolina - Wilmington (UNCW) charges more for its online medical billing program, but it includes a payment voucher to cover the cost of taking the CPC exam.

Students save money by paying for the program in one lump sum, but they can also enroll in a monthly payment system for $115 per month. The program duration lasts about 12 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,295.00 (total program cost)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Forsyth Tech Community College

Forsyth Tech Community College uses the Blackboard platform to offer 100% online training in medical coding. It requires only four courses, which you can complete within one semester if you take them all together.

After you finish the coursework, there is a $135 fee to sit for the CPC exam in North Carolina.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Coastal Carolina Community College

Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC) offers a hybrid program for medical coding with 414 hours of training over about six months. CCCC prepares students for multiple certifications, such as the CPC or Certified Billing Specialist (CPB) credential for medical billing specialists. You can also enroll in fully online internships after finishing the coding coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Programs

Below, we discuss our system for ranking accredited medical billing and coding schools in North Carolina. The most important criteria for inclusion are accreditation, online delivery, and affordability.

• Accreditation: We selected accredited universities and community colleges in North Carolina.
• Delivery format: Most programs offer fully online training or at least a hybrid of online and face-to-face classes.
• Affordability: These are among the most affordable programs for students pursuing a certification or associate degree in medical billing and coding.

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in North Carolina?

What is a typical medical billing and coding salary in North Carolina? The closest estimate comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which claims medical records specialists earn about $50,000 per year � even without earning a college degree.

This field may experience job growth of about 7% over the next ten years, according to the BLS.

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

You technically do not need a certificate, but the most common way to obtain a medical billing and coding position is to earn a certification. Most doctors' offices and hospitals will only consider candidates who have a certification or multiple years of experience in a medical billing role.

What To Look for in a Medical Billing and Coding Program

If you have a desire to become a medical billing specialist, then make sure to research certification programs carefully. Consider the following important factors before enrolling: academic accreditation, certification preparation classes, online course resources, and flexible program pacing.

It also helps to attend a community college with adequate career services, affordable tuition, and financial aid. Many medical transcription programs also feature externship opportunities, allowing you to get hands-on experience in local medical centers.

FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Here are some other frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding medical billing and coding programs in North Carolina. These address concerns about program duration and certification value.

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

The fastest medical billing programs take between four and 12 months to complete. Many self-paced students prefer to complete certifications within two years. Most community colleges offer both part-time and full-time options for degree completion.

Is It Worth It To Go To School for Medical Billing and Coding in North Carolina?

Yes, this is worth it because certified medical billers often find satisfying jobs after completing accredited certification programs. While finishing a program does not automatically guarantee employment, there are plenty of graduates who find solid-paying jobs within six to 12 months.

What Is the Quickest Medical Billing and Coding Program in North Carolina?

Some North Carolina schools have programs that you can finish in less than a year. UNC Charlotte's fast-track program requires only four to six months for certification. The AAPC even has a three-month CPC exam bootcamp if you already have experience in medical coding.

Find Medical Billing and Coding Schools Near You

If you found this helpful, then check out other articles on Learn.org for plenty of other online educational resources. This includes reputable medical billing and coding schools in every state.