Medical billing and coding programs in Tennessee connect you to one of the strongest healthcare job markets in the country. Nashville is widely recognized as America's healthcare capital, with 500+ healthcare companies headquartered there. Tennessee coders earn $60,751 on average, and the state's lower cost of living gives that salary strong purchasing power. Most residents train through online providers since Tennessee lacks IPEDS-listed campus programs.
- 1.Tennessee's medical billing and coding professionals earn $60,751 per year on average, or about $29.21 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).
- 2.Nashville's concentration of major healthcare companies, including HCA Healthcare, Community Health Systems, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, creates strong demand for certified coders.
- 3.The state doesn't have IPEDS-listed campus programs, so most residents train through nationally accredited online providers.
- 4.The BLS projects 7% job growth for medical records specialists through 2034, with roughly 14,200 annual openings nationwide.
- 5.Certified coders earn $66,979 per year on average nationally, compared to $55,721 for those without credentials (AAPC 2025).
$60,751
TN Average Salary
500+
Healthcare Cos. in Nashville
7%
Job Growth (2024-2034)
14,200
Annual Openings Nationwide
Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Tennessee: What You Need to Know
Tennessee is one of the most important states in U.S. healthcare. Nashville is widely recognized as the healthcare capital of America, with more than 500 healthcare companies headquartered in the metro area, including HCA Healthcare (the largest for-profit hospital operator in the country), Community Health Systems, and LifePoint Health. This concentration creates substantial demand for medical records specialists, coders, and billing professionals.
While Tennessee lacks dedicated campus-based billing and coding programs in IPEDS data, the presence of major health systems and corporate healthcare employers means job opportunities are plentiful. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville all have active healthcare markets. Most residents pursue training through online programs from nationally accredited institutions.
Source: AAPC 2023 Salary Survey
Training Programs and Schools for Tennessee Residents
Tennessee doesn't currently have IPEDS-listed campus-based medical billing and coding programs. However, the state's strong healthcare industry means employers are well-accustomed to hiring graduates of nationally accredited online programs. AAPC and AHIMA also offer their own online coding courses that prepare you directly for certification exams.
For a full comparison of all available options, check our online programs guide.
The nation's largest medical billing and coding program by completions. Fully online certificate and associate degree tracks with career services support.
Key Points
- Online certificate & associate degrees
- Career services included
- Largest program nationally
Competency-based, self-paced Health Information Management program at roughly $7,710 per year. You progress by demonstrating mastery rather than following a fixed semester schedule.
Key Points
- $7,710/yr tuition
- Self-paced model
- Regionally accredited
Self-paced career diploma in medical billing and coding starting at $1,049. One of the most affordable entry points into the field.
Key Points
- Starting at $1,049
- Self-paced format
- Career diploma
Certification Requirements for Tennessee Coders
Tennessee doesn't require state licensure for medical billers and coders. Professional certification, however, is what employers expect. The three main entry-level credentials are the CPC from AAPC ($425, 100 questions, 4-hour open-codebook exam), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299, 105 questions, 2 hours), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117, covers billing and coding fundamentals).
All three exams can be taken remotely with online proctoring. Tennessee's large healthcare employers, particularly HCA Healthcare with its significant coding operations in Nashville, actively recruit certified coders. See our certification comparison for detailed breakdowns.
Source: AAPC, AHIMA, NHA (2025)
Salary and Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee's medical billing and coding professionals earn $60,751 per year on average, or about $29.21 per hour (AAPC 2023). Nashville's status as the nation's healthcare corporate hub has a measurable effect on local pay. Professionals working for HCA Healthcare, Community Health Systems, and Nashville's many revenue cycle management companies often earn at or above national averages.
Memphis, home to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, also offers competitive compensation. Certification drives further gains: nationally, those with three or more credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). For full salary breakdowns, see our salary guide.
Career Opportunities and Employers in Tennessee
Tennessee's healthcare employment landscape is exceptionally deep. HCA Healthcare (Nashville) is the nation's largest for-profit hospital operator with 180+ hospitals across 20 states. Community Health Systems (Franklin) operates roughly 70 hospitals. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the state's largest academic medical center. LifePoint Health (Brentwood) runs rural and community hospitals.
In Memphis, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Health Care are major employers. Knoxville has the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Covenant Health. Beyond hospitals, Nashville hosts dozens of revenue cycle management companies and health IT firms that hire billers and coders. See our career entry guide for more.
Source: Nashville Health Care Council
How to Start Your Medical Billing and Coding Career in Tennessee
Choose a training program
Compare online programs that fit your budget and timeline. Penn Foster starts at $1,049, WGU costs about $7,710/year. See our online programs guide.
Complete your coursework
Certificate programs typically take 4 to 15 months. Associate degrees take about 2 years. Self-paced programs let you finish faster.
Earn your certification
Choose the CPC ($425), CCA ($199-$299), or CBCS (~$117). All can be taken remotely. See our certification comparison.
Target Tennessee's healthcare hubs
Focus your job search on Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. HCA Healthcare and other Nashville-based companies have large coding operations and hire both on-site and remote coders.
Build toward advanced credentials
Professionals with 3+ certifications average $81,227 nationally (AAPC 2025). Consider specialty credentials in inpatient coding or risk adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Angela R.
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | Consultant
Angela worked as a medical billing and coding specialist for multiple chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons. After years in the field, she started her own medical billing and coding consulting company, working with numerous clients throughout Southern California. She brings firsthand industry experience to every article on this site.