Medical Billing and Coding Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina's healthcare industry has expanded alongside the state's rapid population growth, particularly in the Charleston, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Columbia metro areas. If you're considering medical billing and coding here, you'll earn an average of $60,293 per year, about 20% above the national BLS median of $50,250 (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). Combined with the state's low cost of living, that makes SC an attractive market.

MUSC Health (Medical University of South Carolina) in Charleston is the state's academic medical center and a major research institution. Prisma Health, formed from the merger of Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health, is the largest health system in South Carolina. Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Charleston), Bon Secours St. Francis (Greenville), AnMed Health (Anderson), and McLeod Health (Florence) round out the employer landscape.

While SC doesn't have dedicated campus-based MBC programs listed in IPEDS, the state's technical college system (16 institutions) may offer related health information courses. Online programs from national providers serve SC residents effectively. With 64.8% of medical coders working remotely (AAPC, 2025), online training aligns directly with the field's work culture. For background, see our guide to medical billing and coding.

South Carolina doesn't currently have dedicated campus-based MBC programs listed in IPEDS. However, the state's technical college system (16 institutions) may offer individual health information technology courses that can supplement online training. You may qualify for workforce training funding through SC Works, and lottery-funded tuition assistance and WIOA grants may also be available. See our online programs guide for a full comparison.

Professional certification is the key credential you'll need in South Carolina. No state license is required, but employers consistently 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 Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.

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 strong option for those targeting inpatient roles at Prisma Health or MUSC.

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 $60,293/yr ($28.99/hr), South Carolina's medical billing and coding salaries sit 20% above the national BLS median (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey). The Charleston metro, driven by MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis, tends to offer higher wages but also has the highest cost of living in the state. Greenville-Spartanburg and Columbia offer competitive pay with lower housing costs.

Certification is your primary driver for higher earnings. Nationally, professionals with 3+ credentials average $81,227/yr (AAPC 2025). SC's low cost of living means even moderate salary increases from additional certifications translate into meaningful quality-of-life improvements. For a full breakdown, visit our salary guide.

Key employers include Prisma Health (the state's largest health system, with hospitals in Greenville, Columbia, and surrounding areas), MUSC Health (Charleston), Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Charleston), Bon Secours St. Francis (Greenville), AnMed Health (Anderson), McLeod Health (Florence), Lexington Medical Center (Columbia area), and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. The VA also operates facilities in the state.

Career advancement paths include coding specialization in risk adjustment, auditing, and compliance, plus earning additional certifications (CCS, RHIT, RHIA). Remote work expands your available market to employers throughout the Southeast and beyond. See our step-by-step career guide for more.