Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Delaware

Delaware is the second-smallest state by area and the sixth-smallest by population (approximately 1 million residents), but its healthcare sector punches above its weight. The state's position in the mid-Atlantic corridor between Philadelphia and Baltimore means it draws patients and healthcare professionals from a broader regional market. ChristianaCare, headquartered in Wilmington, is one of the largest health systems in the region and operates Christiana Hospital (one of the busiest in the mid-Atlantic) and Wilmington Hospital.

Bayhealth, based in Dover, serves central and southern Delaware with two hospitals and a network of outpatient facilities. Beebe Healthcare in Lewes serves the state's coastal communities, and Nemours Children's Health has a significant presence in Wilmington. The state's proximity to Philadelphia also means Delaware residents have access to jobs with major Pennsylvania health systems.

Delaware doesn't require a state license or registration for medical billing and coding. Employers rely on national certifications to validate skills. For a broader overview, see What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Delaware doesn't currently have IPEDS-reported in-state medical billing and coding training programs. Given the state's small size, this isn't uncommon. Many Delaware residents already commute to Philadelphia or Baltimore for education and employment, but online programs offer a more convenient and often more affordable alternative.

Nationally accredited online programs available to Delaware residents include Ultimate Medical Academy (the largest MBC program by completions), Penn Foster (self-paced career diploma at $1,049-$1,869), Western Governors University ($7,710/year, competency-based), Purdue University Global ($10,080/year), and DeVry University ($14,392/year).

When selecting a program, confirm that it covers ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II, and is approved by AAPC or accredited by CAHIIM. See How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder for a step-by-step guide.

Delaware has no state licensing requirement for medical billing and coding. Certification is voluntary but strongly expected by employers. The CPC ($425-$499) from AAPC is the industry standard for physician-office and outpatient coding. The CCA ($199-$299) from AHIMA requires only a high school diploma. The CBCS (~$117) from NHA is the most budget-friendly option.

Certified coders average $62,689 nationally (AAPC, 2024), with three-plus-credential holders averaging $84,414. In Delaware's high-pay market, certification plus experience can push your earnings to the upper end of the range. See our certification comparison for all five major credentials.

Medical billing and coding professionals in Delaware earn an average of $77,708 per year, or approximately $37.36 per hour (AAPC, 2024). That's roughly $27,500 above the national BLS median of $50,250. The Wilmington area, part of the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area, offers the strongest concentration of positions and the highest salaries. Dover and the coastal communities around Lewes provide additional employment.

The BLS projects 7% employment growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034. Delaware's small population limits absolute job numbers, but the state's low unemployment rate and competitive healthcare sector keep demand consistent. For a detailed breakdown, see our Salary Guide.

Delaware's healthcare employers include ChristianaCare (the state's largest system with two hospitals and an extensive outpatient network), Bayhealth (two hospitals serving Kent and Sussex counties), Beebe Healthcare (primary provider for southern Delaware's coastal communities), and Nemours Children's Health. Delaware's location in the Philadelphia-Wilmington metro area means you can also access jobs with Pennsylvania-based health systems, including Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Main Line Health.

Remote work provides even more options. About 65.7% of medical coders work from home full time (AAPC, 2024). Delaware's Eastern time zone location aligns well with the schedule of most corporate health systems and national coding companies like Optum, Datavant, and Aviacode. See our remote jobs guide for more.