Medical Billing and Coding Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia's healthcare sector serves roughly 1.8 million people across a largely rural, mountainous landscape. The state has among the highest rates of chronic disease in the nation, which drives demand for medical records specialists who can accurately code complex clinical encounters.

The state has two in-state training programs in Morgantown, and national online programs provide options for residents across the state. Remote work is especially valuable in West Virginia's rural setting, giving certified coders access to employers nationwide.

West Virginia has two IPEDS-listed schools, both located in Morgantown. For residents outside the Morgantown area, national online programs are a practical alternative, including Ultimate Medical Academy, WGU ($7,710/yr), Penn Foster (from $1,049), and Purdue University Global ($10,080/yr). See our online programs guide for a full comparison.

West Virginia doesn't require state licensure for medical billers and coders. Professional certification is the industry standard. Your three main entry-level options are the CPC from AAPC ($425), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117).

All three exams can be taken remotely with online proctoring, which is practical for West Virginia residents in rural areas far from testing centers. See our certification comparison for details.

West Virginia's medical billing and coding professionals earn $58,069 per year on average (AAPC 2023). That's below the national certified coder average of $66,979 but above the BLS national median of $50,250. The state consistently ranks among the bottom five for housing costs, so your dollar goes much further here.

Certification drives real salary gains. Nationally, certified coders average $66,979, and those with three or more credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). If you work remotely for employers in higher-paying states, you can earn well above the local average while maintaining West Virginia's low cost of living. See our salary guide for full data.

WVU Medicine (West Virginia University Health System) is the state's largest health network, with its flagship J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) is the largest hospital in the state capital. Mon Health System serves the Morgantown area.

The VA Medical Centers in Clarksburg, Beckley, Huntington, and Martinsburg employ federal medical records specialists. Thomas Health System (Charleston), Wheeling Hospital, and Cabell Huntington Hospital are also significant employers. West Virginia's older population and high chronic illness rates sustain healthcare demand. See our career entry guide.