Updated August 13, 2025
If you're in North Carolina and want a stable career in healthcare without years in school, medical billing and coding is worth a look. This career path doesn't require direct patient care, but it's important to every clinic and hospital. The work involves processing healthcare claims, translating medical services into standard codes, and making sure providers get paid correctly.
Training is required, and choosing the right school matters. In North Carolina, you'll find both in-person and online options, as well as community colleges and private career schools. The right program can prepare you for certification and give you the skills employers expect.
Not all programs are the same. Before you sign up, make sure the school or program is:
Here are some well-regarded options across the state, both online and on-campus.
One of the largest community colleges in the state, Wake Tech offers a Medical Billing and Coding program through its Health Information Technology department. Students can take courses online or in hybrid formats. Coursework covers ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, insurance processing, and healthcare law.
Program Highlights:
CPCC offers a robust Medical Coding Specialist program. It emphasizes coding accuracy, medical terminology, and billing software systems. Training aligns with AHIMA guidelines.
Program Highlights:
Durham Tech runs a Medical Coding Certificate program that provides solid preparation for entry-level coding roles. Students get extensive hands-on coding practice and instruction in health data management.
Program Highlights:
FTCC offers an associate degree in Health Information Technology and a shorter medical billing and coding certificate. The program covers both inpatient and outpatient coding.
Program Highlights:
PCC's Healthcare Management Technology program offers a Medical Coding track. It emphasizes both the technical and administrative side of healthcare records processing.
Program Highlights:
| School Name | Location | Format Options | Certification Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Technical CC | Raleigh, NC | Online / Hybrid | Yes |
| Central Piedmont CC | Charlotte, NC | Online | Yes |
| Durham Technical CC | Durham, NC | On-campus / Hybrid | Yes |
| Fayetteville Technical CC | Fayetteville, NC | Online / Hybrid | Yes |
| Pitt Community College | Winterville, NC | On-campus / Online | Yes |
North Carolina does not have a state licensing requirement for medical billing and coding professionals. However, most employers prefer candidates with national certification.
Common certifications include:
While certification is not required by law in North Carolina, it can greatly improve your job opportunities and wage potential.
Online programs offer flexibility, which is useful if you work or have family responsibilities. Look for ones with virtual labs or interactive coding assignments.
On-campus programs provide in-person support and networking with other students. Some students find they learn faster with direct instructor interaction.
A hybrid format can give you the best of both: online theory courses with on-campus labs or workshops.
Training time varies by program:
| Program Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Certificate Program | 6-12 months |
| Associate Degree | 18-24 months |
Community colleges often run on semester schedules, while private career schools may offer accelerated formats.
If you're ready to move into the healthcare field without long years in school, medical billing and coding is a solid choice. The work is steady, in demand, and open to people with good organization skills and attention to detail.
Here's what to do next:
The sooner you finish, the sooner you can take your certification exam and start applying for jobs in clinics, hospitals, or insurance companies.
Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.