Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Alabama

Alabama's healthcare sector supports steady demand for trained medical billing and coding professionals. Major hospital systems like UAB Health System in Birmingham, Huntsville Hospital, and Mobile Infirmary employ coders who assign diagnosis and procedure codes, submit insurance claims, and manage revenue cycles. Hundreds of physician practices, outpatient clinics, and rural health facilities across the state need the same expertise.

The state's aging population plays a direct role in job demand. Approximately 17.7% of Alabama residents are 65 or older (U.S. Census data), which increases healthcare utilization and the volume of medical records that require coding. Rural hospitals across the state also face workforce shortages, so qualified medical coders are needed outside the Birmingham and Huntsville metro areas too.

Alabama doesn't require a state license or registration to work as a medical biller or coder. That said, earning a nationally recognized certification significantly improves your hiring prospects and earning potential. For a broader look at the field, see our guide on what medical billing and coding involves.

Alabama has a limited number of campus-based medical billing and coding programs. According to IPEDS data (2023-2024), the primary in-state option is Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, a private for-profit institution offering a fully online program at approximately $5,528 per year.

Because in-state options are limited, many Alabama residents pursue training through nationally available online programs. These include Ultimate Medical Academy (the largest MBC program by completions), Penn Foster (self-paced career diploma, $1,049-$1,869), Purdue University Global ($10,080/year), and Western Governors University ($7,710/year, competency-based). All are regionally or nationally accredited and prepare you for CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification exams.

When you're evaluating programs, confirm that the curriculum covers ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems, plus medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and healthcare billing procedures. Programs approved by AAPC or accredited by AHIMA's CAHIIM carry additional credibility with employers. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder.

Alabama has no state-level licensing requirement for medical billers or coders. Certification is voluntary but strongly preferred by employers. The three most common entry-level credentials are the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC, the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) from AHIMA, and the CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) from NHA.

The CPC is the most widely recognized credential. It costs $425 for one attempt ($499 for two), features 100 multiple-choice questions over 4 hours, and allows open codebooks. The CCA runs $199-$299, takes 2 hours with 105 questions, and requires only a high school diploma. The CBCS is the most affordable at approximately $117 and covers both billing and coding fundamentals.

Certified coders earn significantly more than their uncertified peers. According to AAPC's salary data, certified professionals average $62,689 per year nationally, roughly $7,000 more than uncertified workers. Holding three or more certifications pushes the average to $84,414. See our full certification comparison for details on all five major credentials.

Medical billing and coding professionals in Alabama earn an average of $53,576 per year, or about $25.76 per hour (AAPC, 2024). That puts Alabama approximately $3,300 above the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072).

Salaries vary by location, employer type, and certification status. Coders in the Birmingham metro area, home to UAB Health System and several large hospital networks, tend to earn more than those in rural parts of the state. Hospital-employed coders typically out-earn those at small physician practices because of the complexity of inpatient coding.

Nationally, the BLS projects 7% employment growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 14,200 annual openings. Alabama's growing elderly population and expanding healthcare infrastructure suggest the state will track closely with the national growth rate. For a detailed salary breakdown, visit our Salary Guide.

Alabama's healthcare industry provides a range of employment settings. Major employers include UAB Health System, Huntsville Hospital, DCH Health System, Baptist Health, and numerous physician group practices, outpatient surgery centers, and third-party billing companies. The state also has a network of community health centers and rural hospitals that need coding support.

Remote work has expanded your career options significantly. According to AAPC's 2024 survey, approximately 65.7% of medical coders work remotely full time. That means you can pursue positions with national employers like Optum, Datavant, and The Coding Network without relocating. Remote positions typically require at least one certification and 1-2 years of on-site experience.