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If you want to start a career in healthcare without working directly with patients, medical billing and coding is one of the most reliable paths. In Montana, you can train in less than two years and be ready to work in hospitals, clinics, and insurance offices.
Medical billing and coding specialists handle health records, assign the correct codes to medical procedures, and process insurance claims. Employers depend on accurate coding to get paid on time and follow strict regulations. That's why training at an accredited school is important.
What to Look for in a Montana Medical Billing and Coding Program
When choosing a program, focus on quality and job readiness. Here's what matters most:
- Accreditation - Make sure the school is approved by a recognized accrediting body. This ensures your training meets industry standards.
- Certification Prep - The best schools prepare you for certifications like Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA).
- Flexible Learning Options - Look for online or hybrid options if you need to keep working while in school.
- Externships - Real-world experience in a clinic or hospital will help you get hired faster.
- Career Services - Schools that connect graduates to employers can make your job search easier.
Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Montana
These programs combine classroom or online learning with practical skills for the workplace. Contact each school for the latest schedule and tuition details.
1. Montana State University Billings - Medical Coding and Insurance Billing Certificate
- Location: Billings, MT
- Format: Online with some on-campus support
- Length: About 9-12 months
- Highlights:
- Prepares students for entry-level coding positions
- Includes ICD-10 and CPT coding training
- Covers medical terminology, anatomy, and billing software
- Website: https://www.msubillings.edu/
2. Helena College - Medical Office Technology, Medical Billing & Coding Option
- Location: Helena, MT
- Format: On-campus and online
- Length: 2-year associate degree or shorter certificate track
- Highlights:
- Degree option includes wider business and IT coursework
- Certification exam prep built into program
- Offers internship opportunities with local employers
- Website: https://helenacollege.edu/
3. Great Falls College MSU - Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate
- Location: Great Falls, MT
- Format: Primarily online
- Length: 1 year (29 credits)
- Highlights:
- Focus on coding accuracy and insurance claim processing
- Meets entry-level employment requirements in Montana healthcare settings
- Designed for quick entry into the workforce
- Website: https://www.gfcmsu.edu/
4. Flathead Valley Community College - Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding
- Location: Kalispell, MT
- Format: Online or hybrid courses
- Length: Varies (certificate track available)
- Highlights:
- Combines administrative training with billing and coding skills
- Industry-recognized exam preparation
- Support for remote work career paths
- Website: https://www.fvcc.edu/
5. University of Montana - Professional Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
- Location: Missoula, MT (program often delivered online)
- Format: 100% online
- Length: Self-paced, usually under 12 months
- Highlights:
- Flexible scheduling for working adults
- Covers all major coding systems and HIPAA regulations
- Prepares students for multiple certification exams
- Website: https://www.umt.edu/
How Long Does Training Take?
Below is a quick comparison of program lengths:
| School | Program Type | Typical Completion Time |
| Montana State University Billings | Certificate | 9-12 months |
| Helena College | Degree or Certificate | 1-2 years |
| Great Falls College MSU | Certificate | 1 year |
| Flathead Valley Community College | Certificate | 1 year |
| University of Montana | Certificate | Self-paced (up to 12 months) |
Montana Requirements for Medical Billing and Coding
Montana does not require a state license for medical billing and coding. Employers, however, often prefer or require certification from a recognized national body such as:
- AAPC - Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- AHIMA - Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
While certification is not required by Montana law, it can greatly improve your employment prospects and starting opportunities.
Steps to Start Your Career in Montana
- Choose an accredited school from the list above.
- Complete the training program and any externship offered.
- Register for a national certification exam like CPC or CCA.
- Apply for positions in hospitals, clinics, or remote healthcare services.
- Commit to continuing education to keep your certification active.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical records specialists is projected to grow steadily in the coming years . Due to changes in healthcare regulations and the need for accurate patient data, skilled coding professionals will remain in demand.
Final Thoughts
If you want a stable healthcare career without long medical school commitments, medical billing and coding is worth your attention. Montana's trade and community colleges offer flexible programs that can be completed in about a year.
Your next step: Contact two or three schools from the list above, compare costs, and ask about job placement rates. Start with the one that matches your schedule and offers certification prep-you'll be on your way to a role in healthcare administration.
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