Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Iowa

Iowa's healthcare industry is built around a network of hospital systems and clinics that serve both the state's urban corridors and its extensive rural communities. The Des Moines metro area is the largest healthcare market, followed by Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport (Quad Cities), and Sioux City.

UnityPoint Health, headquartered in West Des Moines, is one of the largest health systems in the Midwest, operating hospitals and clinics across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. MercyOne (part of CommonSpirit Health) operates 16 medical centers across Iowa. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City is the state's only comprehensive academic medical center, serving as a referral center for complex cases from across the region.

Iowa's rural healthcare infrastructure includes a network of critical access hospitals and federally qualified health centers. These smaller facilities rely on trained billing and coding staff to maintain revenue cycles, and many have adopted remote coding arrangements to address staffing challenges in less populated areas.

Iowa doesn't currently have campus-based medical billing and coding programs listed in the major national databases (IPEDS, AAPC training directory). However, Iowa's community college system, including Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Kirkwood Community College, and Hawkeye Community College, offers health information technology coursework that may include billing and coding components. Check directly with these institutions for current program availability.

Most Iowa residents pursuing dedicated MBC training enroll in accredited online programs: Ultimate Medical Academy (fully online, one of the largest MBC programs by enrollment), Western Governors University ($7,710/yr, competency-based and self-paced), Penn Foster ($1,049 to $1,869, self-paced career diploma, one of the most affordable options), Purdue University Global ($10,080/yr, structured online support), and DeVry University ($14,392/yr, online). For more details, see our online programs guide.

Iowa doesn't require a state license to work as a medical biller or coder. Employers rely on nationally recognized certifications to verify your competency. 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 frequently requested certification in Iowa job postings. Both AAPC and AHIMA have local chapters in the state, providing networking and continuing education opportunities. In Iowa, where the average salary is $58,985, earning a certification positions you to meet or exceed the state average from the start of your career. For a full breakdown, see our certification comparison.

Medical billing and coding professionals in Iowa earn an average of $58,985 per year, or approximately $28.36 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). That's about 17% above the national BLS median of $50,250.

Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs all sit below the national average. Entry-level coders typically start in the $40,000 to $48,000 range, while certified professionals with 5+ years of experience can earn $55,000 to $68,000. Remote coders working for out-of-state employers may earn at national-market rates while benefiting from Iowa's low expenses. AAPC data shows that professionals with three or more certifications average $81,227 nationally. For full salary data, see our salary guide.

Iowa's major healthcare employers include UnityPoint Health (West Des Moines), MercyOne (Des Moines), the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City), Genesis Health System (Davenport), and Broadlawns Medical Center (Des Moines). The insurance industry is another significant employer: Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are both headquartered in Des Moines, with operations that include claims processing and coding review.

Remote work has been particularly transformative for Iowa's coding workforce. With approximately 64.8% of medical records specialists working remotely (AAPC 2025), Iowa residents in smaller communities can access jobs with major healthcare systems and RCM firms nationwide. The BLS projects 7% growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034, and Iowa's aging population and extensive rural healthcare network support steady demand.