Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state by area, but its healthcare sector punches well above its weight. If you're considering medical billing and coding here, you'll earn an average of $68,409 per year, about 36% above the national BLS median of $50,250 (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). The state's concentration of hospitals, specialty practices, and insurance companies within a compact geography creates strong demand.

Lifespan Health System (including Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and Bradley Hospital) is the largest private employer in the state. Care New England (Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, Butler Hospital) is the second-largest health system. CharterCARE Health Partners operates Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School affiliates with several Providence hospitals.

RI's location within the Boston-Providence-Hartford healthcare corridor is a significant advantage. Medical coders here, particularly those working remotely, can access positions with employers in neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut, two of the highest-paying states for this occupation. For background, see our guide to medical billing and coding.

Rhode Island doesn't have dedicated campus-based MBC programs listed in IPEDS. Given the state's small size, that's not surprising. You may also look at Massachusetts community colleges that offer online MBC programs, given proximity and interstate enrollment options. State workforce development funding through the RI Department of Labor and Training may be available. See our online programs guide for a full comparison.

Certification is the primary credential RI employers look for. No state license is required. Here are your three main options:

CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC: The most widely recognized 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). You can attend AAPC chapter meetings in Providence or nearby southern Massachusetts.

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. A solid option for inpatient roles at Lifespan or Care New England.

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 $68,409/yr ($32.89/hr), Rhode Island is among the higher-paying states nationally for medical billing and coding (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). The Providence metro, which encompasses the entire state and extends into southeastern Massachusetts, drives this premium. RI's cost of living is above the national average but lower than neighboring Massachusetts, making it a relatively attractive place to live while accessing the broader New England healthcare market.

Nationally, professionals with 3+ credentials average $81,227/yr (AAPC 2025). RI professionals who add certifications and specialize in high-complexity areas can expect to exceed the state average, particularly if they access remote positions with Boston-area employers. For a full salary breakdown, visit our salary guide.

Key employers include Lifespan Health System (Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, the state's largest private employer), Care New England (Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, Butler Hospital), CharterCARE Health Partners, and the Providence VA Medical Center. Brown University's medical affiliations support research hospital employment.

Career advancement includes coding specialization, auditing, compliance, and health information management. RI's proximity to Boston, one of the world's premier medical research centers, provides access to advanced career opportunities at institutions like Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess. See our step-by-step career guide for more.