Medical billing and coding specialists near Bessemer earn a Alabama median of $43,810 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most train through a 6-12 month certificate or a 2-year associate degree, then sit for the CPC (AAPC) or CCA (AHIMA) certification exam before starting work.
This guide compares accredited medical billing and coding schools near Bessemer, Alabama, with local wage data, certification steps, and what to look for in a program. Medical Records Specialists (SOC 29-2072) translate patient charts into the standardized codes that drive insurance claims, records, and reimbursement.
Key Facts
Alabama median wage: $43,810/yr
Projected job growth: +7.1% (2024-2034)
Alabama employment: 2,330 workers
Alabama location quotient: 0.88
Typical program length: 6-12 months (certificate); ~2 years (associate)
We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Annual Wage by Percentile - Medical Records SpecialistsSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Medical Records Specialists annual wage percentiles
Percentile
Annual wage
10th
$37,000
25th
$43,490
50th (median)
$51,140
75th
$64,820
90th
$81,150
Projected employment growth, Medical Records Specialists, 2024-2034Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Medical Records Specialists employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
194,800
2034 projected
208,600
Percent change
+7.1%
Medical Billing and Coding Pay in Alabama
Wage percentiles for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072) in Alabama:
Percentile
Annual wage
10th percentile
$30,250
25th percentile
$36,160
Median (50th)
$43,810
75th percentile
$52,040
90th percentile
$64,730
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Annual Wage by Percentile - Medical Records SpecialistsSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Medical Records Specialists annual wage percentiles
Percentile
Annual wage
10th
$37,000
25th
$43,490
50th (median)
$51,140
75th
$64,820
90th
$81,150
Projected employment growth, Medical Records Specialists, 2024-2034Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Medical Records Specialists employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
194,800
2034 projected
208,600
Percent change
+7.1%
How to get certified in Alabama
Complete an accredited program. Enroll in an accredited medical billing and coding certificate or associate degree program, available online and at local community colleges and trade schools.
Prepare for a national certification exam. Study for an industry exam such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC or the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, aligned with your career goals.
Build hands-on experience. Develop coding speed and accuracy through an externship, practicum, or entry-level role in a clinic, hospital, or physician office.
Maintain your credential. Keep your certification current with continuing education and stay up to date with ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding standards. Confirm renewal rules with your credentialing body.
Pathways into Medical Billing & Coding
Certificate route: the fastest path; many finish in 6-12 months and sit for the CPC or CCA exam.
Associate degree route: about 2 years, broader coursework, and a stronger base for health information management roles.
Externship / apprenticeship: some programs and employers offer supervised on-the-job hours. Confirm any hour totals and placement details with the school or employer before enrolling.
What You Study
A medical billing and coding curriculum typically covers ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare reimbursement and insurance, claims and compliance (including HIPAA), and hands-on coding practice with electronic health records.
How to Choose a Program
Confirm the program is accredited or approved and aligns with AAPC or AHIMA certification.
Ask about certification exam pass rates and whether an exam voucher is included.
Compare tuition, program length, and schedule (online, hybrid, or in person).
Look for externship or practicum placement and career support. Individual outcomes may vary.
Popular Online Programs in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does medical billing and coding training take near Bessemer?
Certificate programs near Bessemer typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Actual completion time depends on schedule (full-time vs. part-time) and any prerequisite coursework.
How much do medical billing and coding specialists earn in Alabama?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), medical records specialists in Alabama earned a median annual wage of about $43,810. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was about $30,250 to $64,730 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do I need a certification to work in medical billing and coding?
Certification is not legally required, but most employers prefer or require a recognized credential such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC or the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA. Confirm current requirements with each employer and credentialing body.
How many medical billing and coding schools are near Bessemer?
The schools listed on this page are within driving range of Bessemer. Compare them by tuition, program length, accreditation, and the credential each one awards.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
