Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Nebraska

If you're looking at medical billing and coding programs in Nebraska, you'll find an affordable in-state option and strong salary potential relative to living costs. According to AAPC state data, professionals here earn $60,601 per year ($29.13/hour), about 21% above the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072). Combined with Nebraska's low cost of living, that salary delivers solid purchasing power.

The state's healthcare sector is concentrated in Omaha and Lincoln. Omaha is home to Nebraska Medicine (affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center), CHI Health (now part of CommonSpirit Health), and Methodist Health System. Lincoln hosts Bryan Health and CHI St. Elizabeth. Mutual of Omaha, one of the nation's largest mutual insurance companies, adds opportunities in claims processing and revenue cycle management.

Metropolitan Community College in Omaha offers medical billing and coding training at approximately $3,060/yr with online availability. Metro CC holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and provides career-focused education designed to prepare you for certification exams. At $3,060/yr, it's among the most affordable programs in the country.

National online programs are also available. Penn Foster offers certificates from $1,049 to $1,869. Western Governors University provides a competency-based degree at $7,710/yr. Purdue University Global offers an associate degree at about $10,080/yr. Nebraska residents who qualify for Pell Grants or state financial aid may pay little to nothing out of pocket at Metro CC. See our cost guide.

Nebraska employers, particularly the major Omaha and Lincoln health systems, expect coding credentials. AAPC's 2025 survey shows certified professionals earn $66,979 nationally, compared to $55,721 for non-certified workers.

The CPC from AAPC ($425) is the most widely recognized. The CCA from AHIMA ($199/$299) is valued in hospital settings like Nebraska Medicine. The CBCS from NHA (~$117) is the most affordable entry point. AAPC maintains a local chapter in the Omaha area. Adding certifications over time boosts earnings: professionals with 3+ credentials average $81,227 nationally. See our certifications comparison.

Nebraska's average of $60,601/yr provides strong value in one of the nation's more affordable states. A $60,601 salary here offers purchasing power comparable to a meaningfully higher salary in states like California or Massachusetts. Within the state, Omaha offers the densest job market with Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, Methodist, and Mutual of Omaha all located there. Lincoln is the secondary market.

Remote work (64.8% of coders per AAPC) provides access to out-of-state employers from Nebraska's affordable communities. For detailed breakdowns, see our salary guide.

Nebraska's healthcare sector is anchored by Nebraska Medicine (the clinical partner of UNMC), CHI Health (CommonSpirit Health), Methodist Health System, Boys Town National Research Hospital, and Children's Hospital & Medical Center. The insurance sector adds further opportunities through Mutual of Omaha and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.

The BLS projects 7% growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,200 annual openings nationally. Nebraska's low unemployment rate and stable healthcare sector should support consistent demand. For career path details, see our step-by-step guide.