Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas's healthcare system spans a mix of urban medical centers and rural facilities that serve approximately 3 million residents. Major systems like the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and Mercy Health anchor the state's healthcare landscape. Hundreds of physician practices, outpatient clinics, and community health centers round out the employer base, and every one of them requires trained billing and coding professionals.

Rural healthcare is a defining feature of the state. Arkansas has more than 30 critical access hospitals and numerous federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that serve medically underserved populations. These facilities depend on accurate coding for their financial sustainability, particularly for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, which makes up a large share of their revenue.

Arkansas doesn't require a state license or registration for medical billing and coding professionals, though employers consistently prefer candidates with nationally recognized certifications. For more on the profession, see What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Arkansas has one IPEDS-reported medical billing and coding training program: University of Arkansas Grantham in Little Rock, a public institution offering an online program at approximately $7,080 per year. The fully online format makes it accessible to students across the state.

With limited in-state options, many Arkansas residents enroll in nationally accredited online programs. Strong options include Ultimate Medical Academy (the largest MBC program by completions), Penn Foster (self-paced diploma at $1,049-$1,869), Western Governors University ($7,710/year, competency-based), and Purdue University Global ($10,080/year). All prepare you for the same certification exams recognized by Arkansas employers.

When evaluating programs, confirm coverage of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems, plus medical terminology and anatomy. Programs with AAPC approval or CAHIIM accreditation carry additional weight with hiring managers. For more details, see How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder.

Arkansas has no state-level licensing requirement for medical billing and coding. Certification is voluntary but strongly expected by employers. The CPC ($425-$499) from AAPC is the standard for outpatient and physician-office coding. The CCA ($199-$299) from AHIMA requires only a high school diploma. The CBCS (~$117) from NHA covers billing and coding fundamentals at the lowest cost.

AAPC data shows certified coders average $62,689 per year nationally, and those with three or more certifications average $84,414. Certification is one of the most reliable ways to boost your earnings in this field. See our full certification comparison for details.

Medical billing and coding professionals in Arkansas earn an average of $57,961 per year, or approximately $27.87 per hour (AAPC, 2024). That's about $7,700 above the national BLS median of $50,250. Combined with Arkansas's low cost of living, this salary offers strong purchasing power relative to many higher-cost states.

The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area has the highest concentration of healthcare jobs in the state, followed by Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers in Northwest Arkansas, where population growth has been rapid. Rural hospitals and FQHCs across the state also employ coders, sometimes with difficulty filling positions due to location. The BLS projects 7% employment growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034. For more on pay by experience and certification, see our Salary Guide.

Arkansas healthcare employers range from large systems like UAMS Medical Center, Baptist Health (seven hospitals), CHI St. Vincent, and Mercy Health to small rural practices and community health centers. The state's FQHCs serve underserved populations and handle complex billing for Medicare, Medicaid, and sliding-fee-scale patients. Coders in these settings need familiarity with FQHC-specific billing rules, which adds specialization that can increase your earning potential.

Remote work opens additional opportunities. Approximately 65.7% of medical coders work from home full time (AAPC, 2024), and national employers like Optum, Datavant, and Aviacode hire remote coders regardless of location. Arkansas's low cost of living combined with remote salaries tied to national rates can provide an excellent financial outcome. See our remote jobs guide for more.