Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's healthcare industry spans a mix of urban medical centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, regional hospitals in midsized cities, and critical access hospitals serving rural communities. If you're considering this career here, you'll earn an average of $59,251 per year, about 18% above the national BLS median of $50,250 (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).

The Oklahoma City metro is home to the state's largest healthcare employers: OU Health (the University of Oklahoma's health system), INTEGRIS Health (now part of CommonSpirit Health), SSM Health St. Anthony, and the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System. In Tulsa, Saint Francis Health System and Ascension St. John are the dominant employers. The Indian Health Service (IHS) also operates multiple facilities across Oklahoma.

While Oklahoma lacks dedicated campus-based billing and coding programs, the field's remote-work orientation aligns well with online training. About 64.8% of medical coders work remotely nationwide (AAPC, 2025), and Oklahoma's low cost of living makes it an attractive base for remote professionals. For background, see our guide to medical billing and coding.

Oklahoma doesn't currently have dedicated campus-based MBC programs listed in IPEDS. Residents rely on accredited online providers, which produce graduates who are equally competitive with campus-trained professionals. You may qualify for training assistance through Oklahoma Works or through WIOA funding at your local workforce center. See our online programs guide for a detailed comparison.

Professional certification is the most important credential you'll need in Oklahoma. No state license is required, but virtually all employers prefer certified candidates. Here are your three main options:

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 local chapters in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

CCA (Certified Coding Associate) from AHIMA: An entry-level credential valued in hospital settings. The exam is 105 questions over 2 hours, costing $199 for members or $299 for non-members.

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 $59,251/yr ($28.49/hr), Oklahoma's medical billing and coding salaries sit 18% above the national BLS median (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). Oklahoma's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation, particularly for housing, so your dollars go further here than in most states.

Medical coders in Oklahoma City and Tulsa earn at the higher end of the state range, while rural areas may offer slightly less. Remote work with out-of-state employers can push your earnings above the local average. For a full salary breakdown, visit our salary guide.

Major employers in Oklahoma include OU Health (Oklahoma City), INTEGRIS/CommonSpirit Health, SSM Health St. Anthony, Mercy, Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa), Ascension St. John (Tulsa), the Oklahoma City VA, and multiple Indian Health Service facilities. IHS positions carry competitive federal pay scales and benefits.

Career advancement paths include coding specialization (risk adjustment, auditing, compliance), additional certifications (CCS, RHIT, RHIA), and movement into health information management or revenue cycle management roles. Remote work expands your available job market well beyond Oklahoma's borders. See our step-by-step career guide for more.