Best Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Louisiana: 2025 State Guide
Louisiana's healthcare sector is a vital component of its economy, anchored by major academic medical centers in New Orleans and Shreveport and a strong network of regional hospitals serving communities from the Gulf Coast to the northern parishes. This creates a consistent need for certified medical billing and coding specialists to manage the financial health of these critical institutions. This definitive guide for 2025 provides a comprehensive, region-by-region analysis of every IPEDS-listed school in Louisiana 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 Pelican State.
How We Analyzed Louisiana'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.
Louisiana State Career Overview: Salary & Job Outlook (2025)
Louisiana offers a solid job market for medical records specialists, with wages that are competitive when measured against the state's affordable cost of living. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a clear picture of the career landscape. This table provides a statewide baseline, with more detailed regional data presented below.
| Metric | Louisiana State Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | ~$46,000 (Varies by region) | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Top 10% Earners | >$64,000 | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Total Employment | ~3,000 | BLS, May 2023 Data |
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Louisiana
Educational opportunities in Louisiana are concentrated in its major population centers, with a strong network of community colleges and private career schools providing key training pathways.
Career & Salary Outlook: Louisiana's Major Regions
The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $48,500 for medical records specialists in the New Orleans-Metairie metro area, making it the highest-paying region. The Baton Rouge area follows at $46,000, with the Lafayette and Shreveport areas around $43,000.
Top Employers in the State:
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LALouisiana Tech offers a premier, CAHIIM-accredited Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management. This is a top-tier program for students in the state aiming for leadership roles, data analytics, and the advanced RHIA credential, which opens doors to high-level positions within major healthcare systems.
"The HIIM program at LA Tech is one of the best in the South. It's a full bachelor's degree, so it's very in-depth and prepares you for high-level jobs. The accreditation is a huge plus for your resume."
- Representative comment from an alumni network
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, LABPCC offers a Medical Office Specialist A.A.S. degree with a concentration in Medical Coding. This is a vital resource for students in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, providing an affordable and direct pathway to gain the specialized skills needed for certification and employment.
"BPCC's coding program is a fantastic resource for our area. It's affordable, the instructors are great, and it prepares you for a real career without having to leave home."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Herzing University - New Orleans
Metairie, LAHerzing 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
ITI Technical College
Baton Rouge, LAITI Technical College is a private career school offering a Medical Assistant program that includes administrative training. This is a fast-track, hands-on option for students in the Baton Rouge area who want to quickly gain a mix of clinical and administrative skills, including billing and coding basics.
"ITI is all about getting you the hands-on skills you need for a job. It's a fast-paced program, and they have a great reputation with local medical offices for their externships."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Unitech Training Academy - Lafayette
Lafayette, LAUnitech is a vocational school with multiple campuses, offering a Medical Billing and Coding program. This is an accelerated, career-focused option for students in the Acadiana region who want a fast-track curriculum to prepare for certification and enter the job market quickly.
"Unitech was a great choice for me. The small class sizes and hands-on approach really helped me learn the material. I felt prepared for my certification exam right after finishing."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Fortis College - Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LAFortis College in Baton Rouge offers a Medical Assisting program that includes training in administrative duties like electronic health records and billing basics. This serves as a foundational pathway for students looking to enter the healthcare field.
"A very supportive school with a strong focus on student success. The instructors have real-world experience and are dedicated to helping you learn the hands-on skills you need for a job."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Fletcher Technical Community College
Schriever, LAServing the Houma-Thibodaux area, Fletcher offers a Medical Office Assistant certificate. This program is a vital local resource, providing an affordable and direct pathway for residents to gain the administrative skills needed for employment in the region's healthcare facilities.
"Fletcher's program is a fantastic resource for our area. It's affordable, the instructors are great, and it prepares you for a real career without having to move to Baton Rouge or New Orleans."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
Nunez Community College
Chalmette, LAServing St. Bernard Parish and the eastern New Orleans suburbs, Nunez offers a Medical Billing and Coding certificate. This is a focused, practical program that provides the core competencies needed to prepare for national certification exams like the CPC.
"Nunez is a great community college that really serves its students. The coding program is a great, affordable start to a career in healthcare."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Blue Cliff College - Alexandria
Alexandria, LABlue Cliff College is a private vocational school offering a Medical Office Assistant program. This is a fast-track, hands-on option for students in Central Louisiana who want to quickly gain a mix of clinical and administrative skills, including billing and coding basics.
"Blue Cliff is focused on getting you a job. The program is quick, and they really help you with career services and externships. It's all about getting you into the workforce."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Compass Career College
Hammond, LAServing the Northshore region, Compass Career College offers a Medical Assistant program that includes administrative training. This program is a foundational pathway, providing students with the skills in records management and billing needed for entry-level roles.
"A good local school for getting started in healthcare. The instructors are knowledgeable and the program is focused on the skills you need to get hired."
- Paraphrased from a local student review
Infinity College
Lafayette, LAInfinity College is a private career school offering a Medical Office and Health Information Technician program. This is a vocational, hands-on program designed to provide students with the specific skills needed to pass certification exams and secure entry-level employment.
"Infinity College was a great choice for me. The small class sizes and hands-on approach really helped me learn the material. I felt prepared for my certification exam right after finishing."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Louisiana State University - Eunice
Eunice, LALSU Eunice offers a Medical Records and Health Information Technology A.S. degree. This program is a crucial educational asset for the Acadiana region, providing a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for a variety of roles in the healthcare administration field.
"Having a program like this at LSU Eunice 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 community forum
The Premier National Online Option
For maximum flexibility, self-motivated learners in any part of Louisiana 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 Louisiana.
"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 Louisiana Students
Is certification required to get a medical coding job in Louisiana?
While not a state law, it is an absolute industry requirement. The top employers like Ochsner, LCMC Health, and CHRISTUS Health 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 Louisiana has the most jobs for medical coders?
The New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas have the highest concentration of jobs in the state. Shreveport and Lafayette also serve as major regional healthcare hubs. The increasing availability of remote work means a coder living anywhere in Louisiana can often work for a company based in one of the major cities.
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 or diploma 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.