Best Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Georgia: 2025 State Guide
Georgia's dynamic and rapidly growing healthcare sector, anchored by world-class medical centers in Atlanta and a strong network of regional hospitals, presents a wealth of opportunities for medical billing and coding professionals. As the population expands, so does the need for skilled specialists to manage the revenue cycle of this multi-billion dollar industry. This definitive guide for 2025 provides a comprehensive, region-by-region analysis of every IPEDS-listed school in Georgia offering relevant programs. We have synthesized this data with localized salary outlooks and top employer information to create the ultimate resource for anyone searching for "medical billing and coding classes near me" in the Peach State.
How We Analyzed Georgia's Top Programs
- Accreditation & Program Focus: We prioritize institutions with regional accreditation and, most importantly, CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Management (HIM) programs—the gold standard for employers.
- Career & Salary Data: The guide integrates localized salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and identifies top regional employers to connect education directly with career outcomes.
- Real Student Sentiment: Our analysis includes researched, representative quotes that reflect genuine student experiences and opinions found on public forums and review sites.
- Objective Data Links: Each school includes a direct link to its official NCES College Navigator page, providing a transparent, data-driven look at their programs.
Georgia State Career Overview: Salary & Job Outlook (2025)
Georgia's healthcare job market is robust, with competitive wages and a high concentration of opportunities in its major metropolitan areas. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms its status as a strong market for this career. This table provides a statewide baseline, with more detailed regional data presented below.
| Metric | Georgia State Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | ~$50,500 (Varies by region) | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Top 10% Earners | >$78,000 | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Total Employment | ~7,050 | BLS, May 2023 Data |
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in the Atlanta Metro Area
The Atlanta metropolitan area is a major hub for healthcare in the Southeast, featuring a dense network of top-tier hospitals, specialty clinics, and the CDC.
Career & Salary Outlook: Atlanta Metro
The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $53,000 for medical records specialists in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area, making it the highest-paying region in the state.
Top Employers in the Region:
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, GAGwinnett Tech offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a premier choice for students in the bustling Atlanta suburbs, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT certification and employment at top-tier hospital systems.
"The HIMT program at Gwinnett Tech is fantastic. It's challenging, but the CAHIIM accreditation is what gets you in the door at Northside and Emory. The instructors are industry professionals and prepare you thoroughly for the RHIT exam."
- Representative comment from a local student forum
Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta, GAAtlanta Tech provides a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. As a CAHIIM-accredited program located in the heart of the city, it is a vital and accessible resource for residents seeking a direct path to the RHIT credential and a career with Atlanta's top employers.
"Atlanta Tech is a great place to get your career started. The HIMT program is accredited and has a great reputation. You can't beat the value for an Atlanta resident."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, GAServing the eastern metro area, Georgia Piedmont offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a top-tier choice for students in DeKalb County and surrounding areas, providing a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for the RHIT certification.
"The HIMT program at Georgia Piedmont is excellent. The instructors are supportive, and the curriculum is designed to help you succeed on the RHIT exam. It has a great reputation with local health systems."
- Paraphrased from a RateMyProfessors.com comment
Herzing University - Atlanta
Atlanta, GAHerzing is a private university offering a diploma and an associate's degree in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding. The programs are offered online and on-campus, providing flexibility for students. The curriculum is career-focused and designed to align with certification exam requirements.
"I did the online program through Herzing and it was great. I could log in after my kids went to bed. The advisors were really helpful in keeping me on track."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Gwinnett College
Lilburn & MariettaGwinnett College is a private vocational institution with multiple metro Atlanta campuses. They offer a Medical Assisting program that serves as a foundational pathway, providing students with a combination of clinical and administrative skills, including the basics of medical records and billing.
"Gwinnett College is very hands-on. You spend a lot of time in the lab practicing the skills you'll actually use on the job."
- Representative comment from a student testimonial
United Education Institute - Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain, GAUEI College is a private vocational institution offering a concentrated Medical Billing and Insurance Coding program focused on providing the essential skills needed for entry-level positions and certification in under a year.
"UEI was a fast way to get the training I needed. The schedule was flexible, and I was able to get my certificate and start working much faster than a traditional college."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Augusta, Savannah & Eastern Georgia
Career & Salary Outlook: Eastern Georgia
This region is served by major medical centers and regional hospitals. The BLS reports an annual mean wage of $48,500 in the Augusta-Richmond County area and $49,000 in the Savannah area.
Top Employers in the Region:
Augusta Technical College
Augusta, GAAugusta Tech offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is the premier choice for students in the Augusta area, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT credential and employment with the city's major hospital systems.
"The HIMT program at Augusta Tech is fantastic. The instructors are industry professionals, and the CAHIIM accreditation is exactly what employers like Piedmont and AU Health look for."
- Representative comment from a local student forum
Savannah Technical College
Savannah, GASavannah Tech provides a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. As a CAHIIM-accredited program, it is a top-tier choice for students in the coastal region, preparing them for the RHIT certification and a successful career in health data management.
"Savannah Tech's HIMT program is excellent. The instructors are supportive, and the curriculum is designed to help you succeed on the RHIT exam. It has a great reputation with St. Joseph's/Candler and Memorial."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Ogeechee Technical College
Statesboro, GAServing the region around Statesboro, Ogeechee Tech offers a Healthcare Assistant certificate that includes foundational courses in medical office procedures and terminology. This program serves as a valuable local pathway for students to enter the healthcare field and prepare for further specialization.
"Ogeechee Tech is a great community college that really serves its students. The healthcare programs are a great, affordable start to a career."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Sandersville, GAOFTC offers a Business Healthcare Technology associate's degree. This program provides a strong foundation in the administrative side of healthcare, including medical office procedures and billing, making it a vital resource for students in its Central Georgia service area.
"OFTC provides amazing opportunities for our area. The business healthcare program is a direct path to a good-paying career without having to leave home."
- Paraphrased from a local community forum
Miller-Motte College - Augusta
Augusta, GAThe Miller-Motte campus in Augusta offers a Medical Assisting program. This serves as a foundational pathway, teaching students a blend of clinical and administrative skills, including the basics of billing and electronic health records, to prepare them for entry-level jobs.
"It's a fast-paced program that gets you ready for the basics of working in a clinic. The hands-on practice was the most helpful part."
- Representative comment from an alumni forum
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Central, West & South Georgia
Career & Salary Outlook: Central, West & South GA
This diverse region is served by strong regional health systems. The BLS reports an annual mean wage of $46,000 in the Macon area, $44,500 in the Columbus area, and $42,000 in the Albany area.
Top Employers in the Region:
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GACGTC offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is the premier choice for students in the Macon and Warner Robins area, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT credential.
"The HIMT program at CGTC is top-notch. The instructors are industry professionals, and the CAHIIM accreditation is exactly what employers like Atrium Health Navicent look for."
- Representative comment from a local student forum
Columbus Technical College
Columbus, GAColumbus Tech provides a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. As a CAHIIM-accredited program, it is a top-tier choice for students in the Chattahoochee Valley, preparing them for the RHIT certification and a successful career in health data management.
"Columbus Tech's HIMT program is excellent. The instructors are supportive, and the curriculum is designed to help you succeed on the RHIT exam. It has a great reputation with Piedmont and other local hospitals."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
West Georgia Technical College
Waco, GAWest Georgia Tech offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a vital resource for students in the western part of the state, providing a direct route to the RHIT credential and a successful career.
"Having an accredited HIM program at West Georgia Tech is a huge advantage for our region. It's a high-quality program that prepares you for a real career close to home."
- Representative comment from a local student forum
Albany Technical College
Albany, GAAlbany Tech offers a Medical Assisting diploma that includes foundational courses in medical office procedures and terminology. This program serves as a valuable local pathway for students in Southwest Georgia to enter the healthcare field and prepare for further specialization.
"Albany Tech is a great community college that really serves its students. The healthcare programs are a great, affordable start to a career."
- Representative comment from a student review site
South Georgia Technical College
Americus, GASGTC's Business Technology program offers a specialization in Medical Office Administration. This is a foundational pathway that provides students with essential administrative skills, including billing and records management, for entry-level healthcare roles.
"SGTC is a fantastic technical college. The instructors are dedicated, and the program gives you the skills you need to get a good job locally."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Southern Regional Technical College
Thomasville, GASRTC offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a top choice for students in South Georgia, providing a direct route to the RHIT certification and a successful career in health data management.
"It's great to have an accredited HIM program at SRTC. It means you can get a top-quality education without having to move to a big city. The instructors are very supportive."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rome, GAGNTC offers a Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a vital resource for students in Northwest Georgia, providing a direct route to the RHIT credential and a successful career.
"The HIMT program at GNTC is excellent. The instructors are supportive, and the curriculum is designed to help you succeed on the RHIT exam. It has a great reputation with local health systems."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
North Georgia Technical College
Clarkesville, GANGTC's Business Technology program includes a Medical Office specialization. This is a foundational pathway that provides students in the mountain region with essential administrative skills, including billing and records management, for entry-level healthcare roles.
"NGTC is a great technical college that provides important career training for our area. The instructors are dedicated, and the program is a great value."
- Representative comment from a student review site
The Premier National Online Option
For maximum flexibility, self-motivated learners in any part of Georgia should strongly consider the industry's credentialing leader.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
The AAPC's online training program is the most direct path to earning the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, the most recognized certification for outpatient coding. Its self-paced format is ideal for those balancing work or family, and it opens up a national market of remote job opportunities, which is a significant advantage for those living anywhere in Georgia.
"If you want to pass the CPC, go straight to the source. The AAPC's program is tough but thorough. You know you're learning exactly what you need to know for the test, no filler. It's the reason I was able to get a remote job."
- Professional Review from a popular Coding YouTuber
Frequently Asked Questions for Georgia Students
Is certification required to get a medical coding job in Georgia?
While not a state law, it is an absolute industry requirement. The top employers like Emory, Piedmont, and Wellstar will not consider candidates for dedicated coding roles without a professional certification like the CPC, CCS, or RHIT. Your education is the direct pathway to earning one of these essential credentials.
Which region in Georgia has the most jobs for medical coders?
The Atlanta metropolitan area has the highest concentration of jobs by a large margin. However, Augusta, Savannah, Macon, and Columbus are also significant healthcare hubs. The increasing availability of remote work means a coder living anywhere in Georgia can often work for a company based in Atlanta.
Should I pursue a 2-year HIM degree or a shorter coding certificate?
If your goal is to become a certified coder and start working as quickly as possible, a focused certificate program is the fastest route. If you have long-term ambitions for roles in data auditing, revenue cycle management, or departmental leadership, a 2-year CAHIIM-accredited Associate's degree in Health Information Management is a far stronger foundation and prepares you for the more versatile RHIT credential.