Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Illinois

Illinois has one of the largest healthcare sectors in the United States, driven primarily by the Chicago metropolitan area, the third-largest metro in the country. The state is home to more than 200 hospitals, thousands of physician practices, and a dense network of outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and insurance company regional offices.

Major health systems include Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health (the largest health system in Illinois and Wisconsin combined), Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Loyola Medicine, and Lurie Children's Hospital. Beyond Chicago, regional healthcare hubs in Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and Champaign-Urbana support their own networks of hospitals and clinics.

Illinois also hosts major insurance companies and third-party billing operations, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the largest health insurer in the state. These organizations hire medical billing and coding professionals for claims processing and audit roles, adding depth to the state's already strong job market.

Illinois offers two notable in-state programs for medical billing and coding. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public university offering health information management coursework with tuition of approximately $12,656/yr for in-state students. UIC's location in the heart of Chicago's medical district provides proximity to major health systems for practicum opportunities, and online coursework is available.

DeVry University in Lisle offers online medical billing and coding programs at approximately $14,392/yr. The program is entirely online, making it accessible to students throughout Illinois. Illinois residents also have access to nationally accredited online programs: Ultimate Medical Academy, Western Governors University ($7,710/yr), Penn Foster ($1,049 to $1,869), and Purdue University Global ($10,080/yr).

Many of Illinois's community colleges also offer health information technology programs that include billing and coding coursework. Check with institutions like Harper College, College of DuPage, Moraine Valley, and Oakton College for current options. For more details, see our online programs guide.

Illinois doesn't require a state license to work as a medical biller or coder. Employers rely on nationally recognized certifications, and Illinois has a strong presence from both major credentialing organizations. AHIMA is headquartered in Chicago, so both AAPC and AHIMA credentials are well recognized by the state's employers.

The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC remains the most frequently listed credential in job postings, particularly for outpatient and physician coding roles. AHIMA credentials (CCA, CCS) are often preferred by hospitals and larger health systems. The CBCS from NHA provides an affordable entry point. For a full certification comparison, check our guide.

Medical billing and coding professionals in Illinois earn an average of $65,657 per year, or approximately $31.57 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). That's roughly 31% above the national BLS median of $50,250.

Salaries vary significantly within the state. Chicago-area positions typically pay at the higher end, reflecting the higher cost of living and intense competition for qualified coders. Positions in Springfield, Peoria, and downstate communities tend to pay less but are offset by significantly lower living costs. Entry-level coders in Illinois typically start in the $45,000 to $52,000 range, while certified professionals with 5 to 10 years of experience can earn $70,000 to $85,000. For complete salary data, see our salary guide.

Illinois ranks among the top states for healthcare employment. Major employers include Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Loyola Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, and Lurie Children's Hospital. The insurance and revenue cycle management sector is another significant employer, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Humana, and several large RCM firms operating in the Chicago area.

Remote work is well established in Illinois's coding market. Approximately 64.8% of medical records specialists work remotely nationwide (AAPC 2025), and Chicago-area health systems have been among the leaders in adopting remote coding operations. The BLS projects 7% growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034, and Illinois's large, diversified healthcare market supports broad demand across multiple employer types. For more on career paths, see our career guide.