Medical Billing and Coding Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina has one of the fastest-growing populations in the Southeast, and its healthcare sector has expanded to match. If you're considering medical billing and coding here, you'll find a state that pays $62,565 per year on average, about 24% above the national BLS median of $50,250 (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).

The Research Triangle region, anchored by Duke University Health System, UNC Health, and WakeMed, is a hub for healthcare employment and health insurance companies. Charlotte is home to Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas HealthCare System) and Novant Health. Across the state, Cone Health, ECU Health (formerly Vidant), and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center add further depth to the employer landscape.

NC's community college system, one of the largest in the country with 58 institutions, provides affordable training. And with 64.8% of medical coders working remotely nationwide (AAPC, 2025), the state's growing telehealth infrastructure makes it well-suited for this career. For background, see our guide to medical billing and coding.

North Carolina has one IPEDS-listed in-state program, plus access to the full range of national online providers. NC's community college system also offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, and many institutions have workforce development partnerships that can provide additional financial support. Contact your local NCWorks Career Center for information on training grants. For a broader comparison of online options, see our online programs guide.

Professional certification is a practical requirement for MBC employment in North Carolina. You don't need a state license, but employers consistently expect one of these three credentials:

CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC: The most widely held coding credential nationally. It's 100 questions over 4 hours with a 70% passing threshold. Cost is $425 for one attempt or $499 for two, plus AAPC membership ($222/yr, $157 for students). AAPC has active chapters in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Wilmington.

CCA (Certified Coding Associate) from AHIMA: An entry-level credential particularly valued in hospital settings. The exam is 105 questions over 2 hours, costing $199 for members or $299 for non-members. NC's large hospital sector makes this a strong option for inpatient roles.

CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) from NHA: Covers both billing and coding with 100 scored questions plus 20 pretest questions at roughly $117. All three exams offer remote proctoring. For detailed comparisons, see our certification comparison guide.

At $62,565/yr ($30.08/hr), North Carolina's medical billing and coding salaries sit 24% above the national BLS median (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). The Research Triangle and Charlotte metro areas tend to offer higher wages, driven by the concentration of large health systems and insurance companies. Coastal and rural areas see slightly lower pay but also substantially lower living costs.

Certification continues to be your strongest lever for increasing earnings. Nationally, professionals with 3+ credentials average $81,227/yr (AAPC 2025). NC professionals who combine certification with specialization in risk adjustment or auditing can expect to earn at the higher end of the state's salary range. For a full salary breakdown, visit our salary guide.

NC's population has grown rapidly, with the Charlotte and Raleigh metros among the fastest-growing in the nation. Population growth drives healthcare demand. Major employers include Atrium Health (Charlotte), Duke Health (Durham), UNC Health (Chapel Hill), Novant Health (Winston-Salem), WakeMed (Raleigh), Cone Health (Greensboro), and ECU Health (Greenville).

Career advancement paths include coding specialization (risk adjustment, oncology, cardiology), auditing, compliance, and health information management. Remote work lets you access employers in higher-paying markets without relocating, and NC's moderate cost of living makes it an attractive base for remote medical coders. See our step-by-step career guide for more.