Medical billing and coding programs in Virginia prepare you for one of the country's strongest healthcare job markets. Virginia coders earn $65,639 on average, and Northern Virginia's proximity to D.C. creates unique federal employment opportunities with the VA, DoD, and CMS. While the state lacks IPEDS-listed campus programs, Virginia's 23 community colleges offer allied health coursework, and online programs provide the specialized training you need.
- 1.Virginia's medical billing and coding professionals earn $65,639 per year on average, or about $31.56 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).
- 2.Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington, D.C. creates federal employment opportunities with the VA, DoD, and Defense Health Agency.
- 3.Virginia doesn't have IPEDS-listed campus programs, but the state's 23 community colleges (VCCS) offer allied health coursework that supplements online training.
- 4.Federal medical records specialists receive structured GS pay grades (typically GS-5 through GS-9), locality pay, federal health insurance, and a pension.
- 5.Certified coders earn 20.7% more than non-certified peers nationally: $66,979 vs. $55,721 (AAPC 2025 Salary Survey).
$65,639
VA Average Salary
8.6M
State Population
7%
Job Growth (2024-2034)
14,200
Annual Openings Nationwide
Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Virginia: What You Need to Know
Virginia's healthcare sector is shaped by two distinct forces: a large network of private hospital systems and significant federal healthcare operations concentrated in Northern Virginia. The Department of Veterans Affairs, one of the largest employers of medical records specialists in the country, is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with extensive operations in Virginia. Multiple VA medical centers, military hospitals, and Department of Defense health facilities operate across the state.
While Virginia lacks dedicated campus-based billing and coding programs in IPEDS data, the state's community college system (VCCS) includes 23 colleges offering allied health coursework. For the specialized training you need for certification, nationally accredited online programs are the primary pathway.
Source: AAPC 2023 Salary Survey
Training Programs and Schools for Virginia Residents
Virginia doesn't have IPEDS-listed campus-based MBC programs, so you'll train through nationally accredited online providers. Virginia's VCCS colleges offer allied health and health information courses that can build foundational knowledge, but dedicated billing and coding certification prep requires a specialized program.
AAPC and AHIMA also offer direct online courses for exam preparation. For a full comparison of all available options, see our online programs guide.
The nation's largest MBC 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 Health Information Management program at roughly $7,710 per year. Self-paced, regionally accredited, and fully online.
Key Points
- $7,710/yr tuition
- Self-paced model
- Regionally accredited
Self-paced career diploma 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
Online associate and bachelor's programs with tuition around $10,080 per year. Offers a more traditional online university experience.
Key Points
- $10,080/yr tuition
- Associate & bachelor's options
- Online coursework
Certification Requirements for Virginia Coders
Virginia doesn't require state licensure for medical billers and coders. Professional certification is the industry standard, and it's especially important for federal employment positions. The three main entry-level credentials are the CPC from AAPC ($425), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117).
Federal employers like the VA and DoD typically require certification for medical coding positions and may prefer additional credentials such as the CCS for inpatient coding. All exams can be taken remotely or at testing centers. See our certification comparison for details.
Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Salary and Job Outlook in Virginia
Virginia's medical billing and coding professionals earn $65,639 per year on average (AAPC 2023). Northern Virginia (the D.C. suburbs) is the highest-paying submarket, driven by federal employment and the Washington metro cost of living. Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News) and Richmond also offer competitive compensation.
Certification is the primary lever for increasing pay in both federal and private employment. Nationally, certified coders average $66,979, and those with three or more credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). See our salary guide for detailed data.
Career Opportunities and Employers in Virginia
Inova Health System (Northern Virginia) is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the region. Sentara Healthcare (Norfolk) operates 12 hospitals across Virginia and North Carolina. VCU Health System (Richmond) is the state's academic medical center. Carilion Clinic serves the Roanoke and New River Valley regions.
Federal employers are a distinctive feature of Virginia's market. The VA Medical Centers in Richmond, Salem, and Hampton, along with the Defense Health Agency in Falls Church, employ substantial numbers of medical records specialists. Virginia's 8.6 million population and mix of private and federal employers support strong ongoing demand. See our career entry guide for more.
Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey
How to Start Your Medical Billing and Coding Career in Virginia
Choose a training program
Pick an online program that fits 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. VCCS allied health courses can supplement your training.
Earn your certification
Choose the CPC ($425), CCA ($199-$299), or CBCS (~$117). Federal employers often prefer the CPC or may want additional credentials like the CCS.
Target both private and federal employers
Apply to Inova, Sentara, and VCU Health for private-sector roles. Search USAJobs.gov for federal coding positions at VA medical centers and DoD facilities.
Build specialty credentials
Professionals with 3+ certifications average $81,227 nationally (AAPC 2025). Federal positions may value inpatient coding credentials like the CCS.
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.