If you’re considering a career in medical billing and coding, choosing the right program is crucial to gaining the skills and certifications needed to succeed in this growing field. Below, we’ve outlined several programs in the Newark area, each offering unique benefits, learning formats, and career preparation opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a short-term certification course or a comprehensive degree, these options cater to diverse schedules, budgets, and professional goals.
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Browse Schools:
1. Berkeley College
The Medical Insurance, Billing, and Coding Associate in Applied Science (AAS) program at Berkeley College prepares students for careers in managing healthcare billing and coding processes. Available at the Newark campus, among others, the program emphasizes the use of specialized software and industry-standard practices to collect, process, and communicate medical information.
Students complete coursework in medical terminology, electronic health records, health information management, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), and reimbursement methods. Classes are taught by faculty with both academic and professional experience. Graduates are prepared to sit for certification exams such as the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB). Certification is not required but preferred by many employers.
The program includes an internship or job-related assignment, providing hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. Students also benefit from training in healthcare communication, ensuring they can work effectively with providers and insurers. The program is designed to equip students with technical and professional skills for roles like Billing Coordinator, Medical Coder, or Health Information Technician.
Berkeley College emphasizes flexibility, offering some courses online or at multiple campuses. The tuition is $13,950 per semester for full-time students, with fees for technology and administration. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for admission, along with additional prerequisites for health-related programs.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Cost | $13,950 per semester for full-time students; additional fees may apply |
Duration | Typically 2 years for an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree |
Mode of Learning | In-person, online, and hybrid options available |
Schedules | Varies by campus; includes day, evening, and online courses |
Location | Newark Campus: 536 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102; other campuses and online |
Phone | (800) 446-5400 |
2. Academy of Allied Health Sciences
The Academy of Allied Health Sciences offers a 560-hour Certified Medical Billing and Coding Associate program with enhanced training in Electronic Health Records (EHR). The program spans 3-5 months and is designed to provide students with essential skills for accurate medical coding and billing in today’s healthcare environment. The tuition is $6,500, and classes are held at the Newark location.
Students learn key aspects of medical billing and coding, including coding protocols, insurance billing procedures, and the use of industry-standard software like Medisoft and EHR systems. Training involves hands-on practice with computerized billing simulations to create, retrieve, and manage patient files, process insurance claims, and resubmit rejected claims. Topics include CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS coding systems, Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Workers’ Compensation, and HMO policies.
The program also covers insurance form preparation, diagnosis-related groups, and claim follow-up methods. Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification exam and are equipped to pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Additional features include job placement assistance, evening class options, and accessible facilities. Students must meet prerequisites of a high school diploma, GED, or a TABE score of at least 5.0 to enroll. This program is ideal for individuals seeking accelerated, focused training in medical billing and coding with the added benefit of EHR expertise.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Cost | $6,500 |
Duration | 3-5 months (560 hours) |
Mode of Learning | In-person |
Schedules | Evening classes |
Location | 24 Commerce St, Suites #504 & #510, Federal Trust Building, Newark, NJ 07102 |
Phone | (973) 732-4180 Ext: 101 |
3. New Jersey City University
New Jersey City University offers a self-paced online 370-hour Medical Billing and Coding Training Program designed to prepare students for certification and entry-level roles in the healthcare industry. The course is conducted entirely online, allowing flexibility, and students can start at any time.
The program provides comprehensive training in coding systems like CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS and practical experience with medical billing and coding software. Students also gain an understanding of medical terminology, healthcare reimbursement systems, legal considerations, and revenue cycle management. A highlight is the inclusion of an Externship Starter Kit, helping students gain real-world experience.
Graduates receive a voucher to sit for their choice of certification exams, such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), enhancing their credentials for employment in physician offices, hospitals, or insurance companies.
The program does not require prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in starting a career in this growing field. The curriculum also includes support for job placement, further ensuring career readiness.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Cost | Not provided |
Duration | 370 hours. Must be completed within 12 months |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Schedules | Start anytime |
Location | Online (NJCU based in Jersey City, NJ) |
Phone | (201) 200-2000 |
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4. Rutgers School of Health Professions
The Medical Coding Certificate program at Rutgers is a 21-credit online course designed to prepare students for coding roles in healthcare settings. The program runs part-time over two years and provides a foundation in classifying medical data from inpatient, outpatient, and physician office records. It starts exclusively in the fall.
The curriculum includes medical terminology, disease pathology, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT. Students also learn about U.S. reimbursement systems and gain coding expertise critical for medical research, public health planning, and healthcare education. Faculty members bring practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient coding, enriching the course with real-world insights.
The program does not require a professional practice experience (PPE) and is fully online, making it accessible for working students. Graduates are eligible to pursue certifications such as CCA, CCS, or CCS-P, enhancing their career prospects. Additionally, credits earned in this program are transferable toward the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management at Rutgers.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Cost | Varies by credit; $472 per credit for distance-based programs. |
Duration | 2 years (part-time). |
Mode of Learning | 100% Online. |
Schedules | Part-time; courses follow a specific sequence starting in the Fall. |
Location | Online; Rutgers School of Health Professions, 65 Bergen Street, Suite 120, Newark, NJ 07107. |
Phone | 973-972-5454 |
5. Bright Horizon Institute
The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program at Bright Horizon Institute is a 300-hour course completed over 15 weeks. The program costs $4,000 and provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills for working in insurance claims and health records management.
The curriculum includes training in ICD-10 and CPT coding, health insurance processes, and maintaining billing systems and patient records. Students are also introduced to medical terminology, body systems, and the essentials of HIPAA compliance. The program emphasizes practical applications like completing claim forms, using billing software like Medisoft, and filing insurance claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers’ Compensation.
This program requires a high school diploma or GED for admission and awards a Certificate of Completion upon graduation. It also prepares students to earn credentials through the National Health Care Association. Additional benefits include lifetime job placement support to help graduates secure positions in healthcare settings.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Cost | $4,000 |
Duration | 15 weeks (300 hours) |
Mode of Learning | In-person |
Schedules | Not specified |
Location | 591 Summit Ave #400, Jersey City, NJ 07306 |
Programs Analyzed:
Program | Cost | Duration | Mode of Learning | Certification Opportunities | Schedules |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Berkeley College | $13,950/semester | 2 years | In-person, online, hybrid | CBCS, CPB | Varies by campus |
Academy of Allied Health Sciences | $6,500 | 3-5 months | In-person | CBCS | Evening classes |
New Jersey City University | Not specified | 370 hours (12 months) | Online | CPC, CCA, CBCS | Start anytime |
Rutgers School of Health Professions | $472/credit | 2 years (part-time) | Online | CCA, CCS, CCS-P | Fall-start only |
Bright Horizon Institute | $4,000 | 15 weeks | In-person | National Health Care Association certification | Not specified |