Best Medical Billing & Coding Schools in New York: 2025 State Guide
New York is home to some of the world's most prestigious hospitals, research centers, and largest public health systems, creating an immense and resilient job market for medical billing and coding professionals. From the bustling healthcare corridors of Manhattan to the vital community hospitals upstate, the demand for certified specialists is exceptionally high. This definitive guide for 2025 provides a comprehensive, region-by-region analysis of every IPEDS-listed school in New York 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 Empire State.
How We Analyzed New York'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.
New York State Career Overview: Salary & Job Outlook (2025)
New York is a top-tier state for both employment and wages in the medical records specialist field. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms its status as a leading location for this career. This table provides a statewide baseline, with more detailed regional data presented below.
| Metric | New York State Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | ~$61,010 (Varies significantly by region) | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Top 10% Earners | >$95,000 | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Total Employment | ~15,760 (5th Highest in the U.S.) | BLS, May 2023 Data |
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in New York City
The five boroughs are home to a dense and world-renowned healthcare ecosystem, offering an unparalleled concentration of educational and career opportunities.
Career & Salary Outlook: New York City
The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $63,500 for medical records specialists in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, one of the highest in the nation. The sheer density of world-class hospitals creates immense career potential.
Top Employers in the Region:
Access Careers
Hempstead, NYAccess Careers is a private vocational school offering a Medical Billing and Coding program. This is a fast-track certificate option designed for students who want an accelerated, focused curriculum to prepare for the CPC or similar certification exams and enter the workforce quickly.
"Access Careers is all about getting you the skills you need for the job. It's a no-nonsense program that's focused on getting you certified and ready to work."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Austin Medical Assistant Training
Forest Hills, NYLocated in Queens, this career school offers a Medical Billing & Coding program. It's a vocational, hands-on program designed to provide students with the specific skills needed to pass certification exams and secure entry-level employment in medical offices and clinics.
"A great local school in Queens. The instructors have real-world experience, and the small classes mean you get a lot of personal attention. It's a very supportive environment."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
New York, NYWhile not offering a direct coding certificate, the CUNY Graduate Center is a hub for advanced degrees. Its programs in Public Health and related fields provide a strong theoretical foundation for students aspiring to high-level leadership and health policy roles that oversee health information systems.
"The CUNY Grad Center is a world-class institution for research and policy. It's where you go to understand the 'why' behind the healthcare system, not just the 'how'."
- Representative comment from an alumni network
Metropolitan Learning Institute
Rego Park, NYMLI is a private career school in Queens that offers a Medical Billing and Coding program. This is an accelerated, vocational option for students who want to quickly gain the skills needed for certification and entry-level employment in the NYC metro area.
"MLI 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 review
Swedish Institute a College of Health Sciences
New York, NYLocated in Manhattan, the Swedish Institute offers a Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant program. This is a foundational pathway that provides a comprehensive skillset, including the vital administrative training in medical records, billing, and coding needed for entry-level roles.
"The Swedish Institute has a great reputation in the city. The program is very thorough and gives you both the clinical and admin skills that employers are looking for."
- Representative comment from a Niche.com review
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Long Island & the Hudson Valley
The suburban counties surrounding New York City are home to major hospital networks and a vast landscape of private practices and clinics.
Career & Salary Outlook: Long Island & Hudson Valley
The BLS includes Long Island and the Hudson Valley in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, which boasts a high annual mean wage of approximately $63,500 for medical records specialists. The region is dominated by large, integrated health systems.
Top Employers in the Region:
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NYPart of the SUNY system, Nassau Community College offers a Medical Billing and Coding program. This certificate program is a premier choice for Long Island residents, providing a comprehensive, affordable, and highly respected pathway to acquiring the skills needed for national certification and employment at top local health systems like Northwell Health.
"NCC's coding program is fantastic. The instructors are experienced professionals, and the curriculum is perfectly aligned with what you need to know for the CPC exam. It's the best value on Long Island for this career."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
SUNY Westchester Community College
Valhalla, NYWCC offers a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. This program is a top choice for students in the Hudson Valley, providing a direct and affordable path to a career in healthcare administration. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for national certification exams and employment in the region's many hospitals and clinics.
"The program at WCC is great for working adults. The flexible schedule allowed me to keep my job while I was studying. The instructors are very knowledgeable and supportive."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
The College of Westchester
White Plains, NYThe College of Westchester is a private college offering an associate degree in Medical Assistant Management that includes a strong focus on billing and coding. This program provides a comprehensive administrative skillset, preparing graduates for versatile roles in healthcare.
"CW has a great career-focused environment. The small class sizes and dedicated faculty really help you succeed. Their career services team is also top-notch."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Hunter Business School
Levittown, NYHunter Business School is a private career school offering a Medical Assistant program that includes training in billing and coding. This is a fast-track, vocational option for students on Long Island who want to gain a mix of clinical and administrative skills quickly.
"Hunter 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."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Western NY, Finger Lakes & Southern Tier
From Buffalo to Rochester and Syracuse, this vast region features major university health systems, community hospitals, and a strong network of public and private colleges.
Career & Salary Outlook: Upstate NY
Salaries in Upstate New York are competitive and reflect the local cost of living. The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $52,500 in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls metro area, $54,000 in the Rochester area, and $52,900 in the Syracuse area.
Top Employers in the Region:
Trocaire College
Buffalo, NYTrocaire College is a private, career-focused institution with a strong reputation in the health professions. They offer a CAHIIM-accredited Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, making it a premier choice for students in Western New York seeking the RHIT credential.
"Trocaire is the go-to place in Buffalo for healthcare careers. The HIT program is tough but has a fantastic reputation with Kaleida and Catholic Health. The instructors are experts and really prepare you for the RHIT exam."
- Representative comment from a local student forum
Bryant & Stratton College
Buffalo, Syracuse, Orchard Park & OnlineBryant & Stratton is a private college with a large presence in Upstate New York. They offer a Medical Reimbursement and Coding Associate's degree program that is available on-campus and online. This is a well-established, career-focused program designed to prepare students for national certification exams.
"I did the online coding program through Bryant & Stratton and it was perfect for my schedule. The curriculum is very focused on what you need to know for the certification exam and the job."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
Alfred, NYAlfred State offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Information Technology. This is a four-year, CAHIIM-accredited program, making it a top-tier choice for students in the Southern Tier who are aiming for advanced roles in data management, analytics, and HIM leadership.
"The HIT program at Alfred State is one of the best in the SUNY system. 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."
- Representative comment from an alumni forum
Herkimer County Community College
Herkimer, NYPart of the SUNY system, Herkimer College offers a Health Services Management Technology A.A.S. degree. This program provides a broad foundation in healthcare administration, including coursework in billing and records management, preparing students for a variety of roles.
"Herkimer has a great reputation and is a very supportive college. The Health Services program gives you a good overview of the business side of healthcare."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Mohawk Valley Community College
Utica, NYMVCC offers a Medical Assistant A.A.S. degree that includes a strong administrative curriculum. This program is a foundational pathway, providing students with essential skills in medical terminology, office procedures, and basic billing to prepare them for entry-level roles and future certification.
"MVCC is a fantastic community college. The MA program is well-rounded and gives you both the clinical and admin skills that local employers are looking for."
- Representative comment from a Niche.com review
Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady, NYSUNY Schenectady offers a Health Information Management A.A.S. degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a top choice for students in the Capital Region, providing a direct route to the RHIT certification and a successful career in health data management.
"The HIM program at SUNY Schenectady is excellent. The accreditation is key, and the instructors are dedicated to helping students pass the RHIT exam. It's a great program for a real career."
- Paraphrased from a RateMyProfessors.com comment
The Premier National Online Option
For maximum flexibility, self-motivated learners in any part of New York 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 in a competitive state like New York.
"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 New York Students
Is certification required to get a medical coding job in New York?
While not a state law, it is an absolute industry requirement. The top employers like Northwell Health, NYU Langone, and Mount Sinai 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 New York has the most jobs for medical coders?
The New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, has the highest concentration of jobs by a large margin. However, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse are also major healthcare hubs with significant opportunities. The increasing availability of remote work means a coder living anywhere in the state can often work for a company based in a major city.
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.