Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Oregon

The medical billing and coding profession is expected to continue to increase in popularity and employment rate, according to employment platforms and the BLS. Residents of Oregon have already found success as medical billers and coders, and the opportunity remains for interested individuals.

Of course, a few things aspiring medical billers and coders in the state must know to start their careers properly. These include educational possibilities, specific programs, employment possibilities, licensing and certification, and more.

Thankfully, these are covered in great detail in the guide below.

How to Become a Medical Biller & Coder in Oregon

Below is a step-by-step guide to launching a successful medical billing and coding career in Oregon.

Developing Transferable Skills

Residents of Oregon who would like to become medical billers and coders need to develop foundational skills first. These include paying attention to detail and learning to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

Proper planning and organizational skills are also very crucial to the profession, as are strong interpersonal and critical-thinking skills.

Enrolling in a Suitable Program

Aspiring medical billers and coders need to choose a training program that covers core field topics while preparing them for certification. Interested individuals have several options regarding training duration and arrangements.

Regarding duration, they may pursue longer associate degree programs or shorter certificate or non-credit courses. Regarding training arrangements, some programs offer online learning, while others offer campus-based or hybrid options.

Employment & Continuing Education

Once they have built the right skills and understanding to secure employment, first candidates can start applying at relevant establishments with open positions. Candidates must update their resumes to reflect education and certification.

Medical billers and coders can work in hospitals and clinics, as well as in doctors’ offices and with government agencies and insurance companies. Finally, continuing education is necessary for career advancement.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Biller credentials are prominent credentials that medical billers and coders in Oregon can pursue to advance their careers. Even though certification is not compulsory, these credentials lead to better employment opportunities, better pay, and access to continuing education resources.

The American Health Information Management Association and the National Healthcareer Association also offer their own credentials, including the Certified Coding Associate and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). Before they can earn these designations, professionals must complete and pass an examination administered by the certifying organization of choice.

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Oregon

The schools below are perfect for comprehensive medical billing and coding education in Oregon.

Explore medical billing and coding schools in Oregon by city:

• Medical billing and coding schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

Oregon City, with an annual average salary of $104,409, currently holds the title of the best place to work as a medical biller and coder in Oregon by average salary alone.

Beaverton, with an annual average salary of $72,459, and Clackamas, with an annual average salary of $64,067, rank second and third, respectively.

Professionals in Portland are also among the top, with an annual average salary of $63,904.

According to Indeed, medical billers and coders in Oregon end the year with an average salary of $72,859 in the top-earning category; $56,341 in the median-earning category; and $43,567 in the bottom-earning category.

Factors responsible for the differences, along with location, include experience, credentials, and establishment of employment, and more.