Online Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career Guide

The Complete Guide To A Medical Billing and Coding Career

This free virtual guide is a resource for students in Ohio who are interested in accelerated, online training in medical billing and coding. Boardman Training Center (BTC) has created an 8-page guide that provides details about the 100% online Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program, career outlook, and frequently asked questions. 

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About Boardman Training Center

Boardman Training Center (BTC), a division of East Ohio College, has been a provider of hands-on, career-focused education since 2013. BTC offers students the ability to further their healthcare education in weeks, as opposed to months or years at traditional schools. 

BTC in Boardman, Ohio, provides accelerated, career-oriented training to students across Northeastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania. Founded in 2013, the Boardman Training Center initially held classes at Boardman High School. In 2016, it moved to a dedicated facility conveniently located on Ohio Route 224.  

Boardman Training Center’s mission is to provide students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to begin healthcare careers in a shorter timeframe. Students in BTC’s accelerated healthcare programs will benefit from didactic courses, hands-on labs, and certification* exam preparation that corresponds to their program, all within weeks. 

BTC understands that students must balance schooling with work and personal lives, which is why support is offered at each step. With smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, and real experience, students will feel prepared to start their new careers in healthcare after completing their BTC program. 

At the heart of Boardman Training Center is the purpose of creating access to education, workforce, and healthcare in the Northeastern Ohio area. BTC allows students to learn from experienced instructors who share a passion for training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. 

In This Guide:

• BTC’s Online Training
• What is Medical Billing and Coding?
• Medical Billing and Coding Career Outlook
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Benefits of Boardman Training Center
• Frequently Asked Questions

BTC’s Online Training

To align with the region’s growing demand for online healthcare training programs, in 2026, Boardman Training Center shifted to offering its Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program 100% online. Students in this online program can complete their lectures, assignments, and real-world simulations from the comfort of their own homes, in just 12 weeks. 

Additionally, Boardman Training Center’s EKG, Phlebotomy, and Medical Assisting Specialist programs are available in an online/hybrid format for students living in Ohio. This shift to virtual learning gives students more flexibility to pursue their education without putting their lives on hold.

What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

The medical billing and coding profession plays a vital role in the healthcare system. It is their responsibility to translate medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into standardized codes used for insurance claims and patient records. This ensures that healthcare providers are properly reimbursed and that patient information is accurately documented.

In this field, attention to detail is essential. Even a small coding error can cause a number of issues, including delaying reimbursement or insurance claim denial. That’s why training is so important, and why programs like BTC’s online Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program are designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed, including the following:

• CPT-4 coding
• Statistical reporting
• Medical claims processing
• Insurance billing procedures
• Electronic health records management
• Compliance, HIPAA, and healthcare regulations

Do you want to start your career path to becoming a medical billing and coding specialist? Get started with Boardman Training Center today!

Medical Billing and Coding Career Outlook

Administrative medical professionals, including billing and coding specialists, can work in a variety of environments, such as hospitals, insurance companies, physician offices, outpatient clinics, remote positions, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)^, the need for trained medical records specialists is expected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. This expansion means that more medical facilities will be looking for qualified professionals to add to their administrative teams. 

The medical billing and coding profession requires individuals to be lifelong learners to stay current with industry trends. Professionals in this field have many opportunities for continued learning and advancement, including further education courses, earning additional certifications, specialized training, and pursuing managerial positions. 
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be researched before making an enrollment decision.

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Students who complete BTC’s Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program will be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)’s Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)* certification examination.

The NHA is an independent, third-party certification agency that healthcare employers widely recognize. Individuals who earn an NHA certification have demonstrated that they possess skills, knowledge, and competencies that meet nationally recognized standards. As a result, BTC graduates may have a competitive advantage in the hiring process when they enter the workforce. 

*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. 

Benefits of Boardman Training Center

Boardman Training Center recognizes that students have responsibilities outside of school and must balance family and work obligations with their education. That is why we prioritize student support throughout their time at BTC by providing the tools and resources to maximize academic success and prepare them for their future careers.  

The addition of virtual learning has provided students with more flexibility to complete their medical billing and coding education from the comfort of their own homes, at their own pace. Keep reading to learn more about the four significant benefits of choosing BTC for your training program. 

Certification Preparation

The online medical billing and coding training program is designed to help students develop both the knowledge and confidence needed to feel prepared to sit for the NHA Certified Billing and Coding Specialist* certification exam. This focused preparation ensures graduates are not only ready to earn their certification but also equipped to meet the expectations of employers in today’s fast-growing field of medical records management.  

Flexible Schedule

Boardman Training Center’s online medical billing and coding training program is designed to be completed in weeks, rather than months or years. Along with the accelerated format of the program, students can also complete virtual classes on their own time and from wherever they are in Ohio. The flexibility of BTC’s accelerated online classes gives students more balance while pursuing their education. 

Real Experience

Another advantage of BTC’s Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program is the real experience that students gain throughout their training. They will participate in customized virtual simulations that mimic scenarios that they might encounter in the field. Along with these simulations, students will also participate in peer discussions, exams, and certification* preparation assignments so they feel prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Student Support

Boardman Training Center students can expect extensive support throughout their educational experience. From the first time they speak with an admissions team member to the day they earn their certification, the BTC team guides students and sets them up for success. Our dedicated academic team is there to guide students through challenges, both academically and personally, during their education and beyond. *Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry-specific certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is medical billing and coding?
A: Medical billing and coding is the practice of transcribing medical information into standardized codes. These professionals are trained in several administrative tasks that keep healthcare facilities running smoothly behind the scenes.

Q: How long is a medical billing and coding program?
A: Boardman Training Center’s Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program is designed to be completed in 12 weeks. 

Q: How to become a medical biller and coder online?
A: The first step in becoming a medical billing professional is to find a school, such as Boardman Training Center, that offers a virtual training program. 

Q: Is medical billing and coding a good career?
A: Medical billing and coding can be an excellent career choice for individuals who want to work in the medical field without direct patient contact, with an estimated 7% growth within the next 10 years, according to the BLS^.

^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be researched before making an enrollment decision.

Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to Boardman Training Center in any manner.