Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Montana

If you're exploring medical billing and coding programs in Montana, you'll find above-average salary potential in a state with moderate living costs. Professionals here earn $61,404 per year ($29.52/hour) according to AAPC state data, about 22% above the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072).

Montana's healthcare sector is shaped by its geography: a mix of regional hospital systems serving a population of roughly 1.1 million spread across the fourth-largest state by area. Billings Clinic is the largest healthcare organization headquartered in the state. Intermountain Health (formerly SCL Health) and Providence Health & Services operate additional facilities across western Montana.

The state's rural character creates unique dynamics. Critical access hospitals and rural health clinics throughout Montana need skilled coders, and remote work capabilities have expanded access to these positions. For broader context, see our national salary guide.

Montana doesn't currently have dedicated campus-based medical billing and coding programs in IPEDS data. Given the state's rural geography, accredited online programs are the practical training path for most residents.

Penn Foster offers a self-paced certificate starting at $1,049 to $1,869, the most affordable option. Western Governors University in neighboring Utah provides a competency-based degree at $7,710/yr, a natural fit for Mountain West students. Ultimate Medical Academy runs one of the largest MBC programs by completions. Purdue University Global offers an associate degree at about $10,080/yr. Montana residents may also qualify for state workforce development grants. See our cost guide for details.

Certification is particularly valuable in Montana, where healthcare employers may have limited local applicant pools and rely on credentials to verify competence. AAPC's 2025 survey shows certified members earn $66,979 nationally versus $55,721 for non-certified professionals.

The CPC from AAPC ($425) is the most widely recognized. The CCA from AHIMA ($199/$299) is valued in hospital settings like Billings Clinic. The CBCS from NHA (~$117) is the most affordable entry point. All three exams offer remote proctoring, eliminating the need to travel to a testing center, which is a meaningful advantage in a state where testing centers may be hours away. See our certifications comparison.

Montana's average of $61,404/yr represents a 22% premium over the national median. It's not among the highest-paying states, but Montana offers a favorable balance between salary and cost of living, particularly outside of resort communities like Bozeman and Whitefish where housing costs have risen sharply.

Within the state, Billings is the largest city and likely offers the most coding positions. Missoula (Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Community Medical Center) and Great Falls (Benefis Health System) are secondary markets. Remote work is a key factor: 64.8% of coders work from home (AAPC), letting Montana residents access higher-paying positions from lower-cost areas. See our salary guide.

Montana's healthcare network includes critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, and regional medical centers that all need billing and coding support. Major employers include Billings Clinic, Intermountain Health, Providence Health & Services, Benefis Health System, and Logan Health. Federal programs supporting rural healthcare access also benefit billing and coding professionals in these settings.

The BLS projects 7% growth nationally for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034. Montana's aging population and rural healthcare challenges should sustain local demand. Remote work may be your biggest career advantage: it connects you to a national job market without relocating. Certification, specialization, and experience are the key differentiators. For more, see our step-by-step guide.