Best Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Texas: 2025 State Guide
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the healthcare industry. As one of the largest and fastest-growing states in the nation, Texas offers a massive and diverse job market for medical billing and coding professionals. From the world-renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston to the sprawling hospital networks of Dallas-Fort Worth and the vital community clinics across the state, the demand for certified specialists is at an all-time high. This definitive guide for 2025 provides a comprehensive, region-by-region analysis of every IPEDS-listed school in Texas 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 Lone Star State.
How We Analyzed Texas'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.
Texas State Career Overview: Salary & Job Outlook (2025)
Texas is a national leader in the healthcare sector, ranking second in the nation for total employment of medical records specialists. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms its status as a major hub for this career. This table provides a statewide baseline, with more detailed regional data presented below.
| Metric | Texas State Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | ~$49,970 (Varies significantly by metro area) | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Top 10% Earners | >$78,000 | BLS, May 2023 Data |
| Total Employment | ~21,020 (2nd Highest in the U.S.) | BLS, May 2023 Data |
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
The DFW Metroplex is a massive economic engine and a major center for corporate and clinical healthcare, offering a wide array of educational and employment opportunities.
Career & Salary Outlook: Dallas-Fort Worth
The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $52,600 for medical records specialists in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, placing it among the highest-paying regions in the state. The area is home to some of the largest healthcare systems in the country.
Top Employers in the Region:
Dallas College
Dallas, TXDallas College offers a premier, CAHIIM-accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management. As one of the largest community college systems in Texas, its program is a top-tier choice for DFW residents, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT certification and employment with the region's leading hospital networks.
"The HIM program at Dallas College (formerly DCCCD) is fantastic. It's well-structured, the instructors are experienced, and the CAHIIM accreditation is what every major hospital in DFW looks for. It's the best local path to the RHIT."
- Representative comment from a Reddit user in r/Dallas
Collin College
McKinney, TXServing one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Collin College offers a Health Information Management Associate of Applied Science degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is a vital resource for students in the northern DFW suburbs, providing a high-quality, direct route to the RHIT credential.
"Collin College has an excellent HIM program. It's rigorous and well-respected by employers in the area. If you're in Collin County, it's the best choice for getting your RHIT."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
The College of Health Care Professions
Dallas & Fort WorthCHCP is a private, career-focused college with multiple DFW campuses. They offer a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program that is designed for accelerated completion, providing a fast-track option for students eager to enter the workforce.
"CHCP was great for me because I needed to get into a new career quickly. The program is focused and they really help you with career services after you finish. It's all about getting you a job."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Peloton College
Arlington & DallasPeloton College is a private career school offering a Medical Billing and Coding 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 in medical offices.
"The instructors at Peloton have real-world experience, which is a huge plus. The small classes mean you get a lot of individual help. It's a very supportive environment."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Miller-Motte College - STVT - Arlington
Arlington, TXPart of a national network of career colleges, the STVT campus in Arlington 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.
"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
CTK Healthcare & Career Institute
Irving, TXCTK Healthcare & Career Institute is a specialized vocational school offering a Medical Assistant program. This is a foundational program that provides students with the administrative skills, including billing and coding basics, necessary for entry-level roles in a medical office setting.
"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
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in the Houston & Gulf Coast Region
Home to the world's largest medical complex, the Texas Medical Center, the Houston area is a global hub for healthcare and offers unparalleled opportunities for HIM professionals.
Career & Salary Outlook: Houston & Gulf Coast
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has a massive healthcare job market, with a BLS-reported annual mean wage of approximately $52,100 for medical records specialists. The sheer density of world-class hospitals creates immense career potential.
Top Employers in the Region:
Houston Community College
Houston, TXHCC offers a CAHIIM-accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. This program is a premier choice for students in the Houston area, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT certification and employment opportunities within the Texas Medical Center and other top-tier hospital systems.
"The HIT program at HCC is fantastic and has a great reputation in the Med Center. It's challenging, but the instructors are industry veterans, and the CAHIIM accreditation is a must-have for the best jobs."
- Representative comment from a Reddit user in r/houston
San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena, TXSan Jacinto College offers a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program designed for workforce entry. This is a focused, practical program that provides the core competencies in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems needed to prepare for national certification exams like the CPC.
"San Jac's coding program is a great value. It's affordable, and the instructors are very knowledgeable. It gave me the foundation I needed to pass my certification and get my first coding job in the area."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Lee College
Baytown, TXServing the eastern Houston suburbs, Lee College offers a Medical Billing and Coding program. This certificate program is a vital local resource, providing an affordable and direct pathway for residents to gain the specialized skills needed for employment in the region's healthcare facilities.
"Lee College is a great community-focused school. The coding program is a fantastic opportunity for people in the Baytown area to get trained for a solid career without a long commute."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
College of the Mainland
Texas City, TXCollege of the Mainland offers a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist certificate. This program is a crucial educational asset for Galveston County, providing a focused curriculum that prepares students for national certification and employment in local medical facilities, including the UTMB system.
"The COM program is well-structured and the instructors are very supportive. It's a great local option that prepares you well for the CPC exam."
- Paraphrased from a RateMyProfessors.com comment
The College of Health Care Professions
Houston, TXCHCP is a private, career-focused college with multiple Houston campuses. They offer a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program that is designed for accelerated completion, providing a fast-track option for students eager to enter the workforce.
"CHCP is all about getting you a job. The program is focused and they really help you with career services after you finish. It's a very direct path into the industry."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Fortis College
Houston, TXFortis College is a private institution offering a Medical Billing and Coding 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 in medical offices.
"The instructors at Fortis have real-world experience, which is a huge plus. The small classes mean you get a lot of individual help. It's a very supportive environment."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Florida Career College - Houston
Houston, TXFlorida Career College is a vocational institution that offers a Medical Assistant Technician program. This program serves as a foundational pathway, providing students with a combination of clinical and administrative skills, including the basics of medical records and billing.
"FCC is a fast-paced program. If you want to get into the medical field quickly and are willing to work hard, it's a good place to start."
- Paraphrased from a student review
Lamar State College-Port Arthur
Port Arthur, TXServing the Golden Triangle, LSCPA offers a Medical Office Administration program with a specialization in Medical Coding. This certificate program is an excellent, focused option for students who want to acquire job-ready coding skills and prepare for the CPC exam.
"The coding program at Lamar State Port Arthur is a great resource for our area. It's affordable and the instructors really focus on the practical skills you need for the job."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
Texas Healthtech Institute
Beaumont, TXTexas Healthtech Institute is a specialized vocational school offering a Medical Assistant program. This is a foundational program that provides students with the administrative skills, including billing and coding basics, necessary for entry-level roles in a medical office setting.
"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
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in the San Antonio & South Texas Region
San Antonio's healthcare sector, known for its large military and civilian hospital systems, and the rapidly growing Rio Grande Valley provide a wealth of opportunities for skilled coders.
Career & Salary Outlook: San Antonio & South Texas
The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $49,500 for medical records specialists in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area reports a mean wage of $41,500, with a lower cost of living.
Top Employers in the Region:
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TXPart of the Alamo Colleges District, St. Philip's College offers a CAHIIM-accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. This makes it the premier, top-tier choice for students in the San Antonio area, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT certification.
"The HIT program at St. Philip's is the best in San Antonio. It's tough, but the CAHIIM accreditation is what gets you in the door at University Health and the big hospital systems. The instructors are amazing."
- Representative comment from a Reddit user in r/sanantonio
South Texas College
McAllen, TXServing the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College offers a Health Information Technology program that provides an Associate of Applied Science degree. This is a vital resource for the region, preparing students for careers in medical records, billing, and data management.
"South Texas College provides amazing opportunities for the RGV. The HIT program is a direct path to a good-paying career in healthcare without having to leave the Valley."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Southern Careers Institute
San Antonio, Brownsville, Harlingen, PharrSCI is a private career school with a major presence in South Texas. They offer a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program designed for accelerated completion, providing a fast-track, vocational option for students eager to enter the workforce.
"SCI 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
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
McAllen, Brownsville, WeslacoSTVT is a career-focused institution with multiple campuses in the Rio Grande Valley. They offer a Medical Administrative Assisting Technology program that includes training in billing and coding, preparing students for front-office and administrative roles in healthcare.
"STVT is a great place to get hands-on training for a new career. The instructors have worked in the field and they teach you the skills you'll actually use on the job."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Coastal Bend College
Beeville, TXServing a wide rural area, Coastal Bend College offers a Medical Office Management program. This is a foundational pathway that provides students with essential administrative skills, including medical terminology, software, and billing basics, for entry-level healthcare roles.
"Coastal Bend is a vital resource for our community. It provides an affordable education and a direct path to a better career for so many people in the area."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
Lamson Institute
San Antonio, TXLamson Institute is a private vocational school offering a Medical Biller/Coder program. This is an accelerated certificate option for students in the San Antonio area who want a fast-paced, career-focused curriculum to enter the job market.
"Lamson is quick and to the point. They teach you the billing and office skills you need to get hired. It was a good fit for me since I wanted to start working as soon as possible."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Southwest University at El Paso
El Paso, TXSouthwest University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting that includes billing and coding coursework. This program provides a blend of clinical and administrative skills, preparing graduates for versatile roles in medical offices and clinics in the El Paso area.
"The instructors at Southwest really care about your success. The hands-on training in the lab was the best part of the program."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Rio Grande Valley College
Pharr, TXRGV College offers a Medical Assistant program that serves as a foundational pathway into healthcare. The curriculum includes essential administrative training in medical records, patient scheduling, and billing basics, preparing students for entry-level roles in the RGV.
"RGV College is focused on getting you into a new career fast. If you're looking for a quick, hands-on program to get started in the medical field, it's a good option."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies
Weslaco, TXVGI offers a Medical Assistant program that includes training in administrative duties like electronic health records and billing basics. This serves as a foundational pathway for students in the Mid-Valley area looking to enter the healthcare field.
"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
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Austin, Central Texas & Waco
The corridor from Austin to Waco is a rapidly growing hub for technology, education, and healthcare, with a dynamic and expanding job market.
Career & Salary Outlook: Austin & Central Texas
The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area boasts one of the highest annual mean wages in the state for medical records specialists at approximately $54,800, according to BLS data. The Killeen-Temple and Waco areas report mean wages around $45,000.
Top Employers in the Region:
Central Texas College
Killeen, TXCentral Texas College offers a Medical Biller and Coder certificate program. This is a vital resource for the Killeen-Temple area, providing a direct, affordable, and career-focused pathway for students, including many military-affiliated individuals, to gain the skills needed for certification and employment.
"CTC is fantastic for career training, especially for military spouses. The medical billing and coding program is well-structured and gives you the skills you need to get a job anywhere."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
Southern Careers Institute
Austin & WacoSCI is a private career school with a major presence in Central Texas. They offer a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program designed for accelerated completion, providing a fast-track, vocational option for students eager to enter the workforce in these growing cities.
"I chose SCI because I wanted to change careers without spending years in school. The program was fast, focused, and the career services team was a huge help in finding my first job."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
The College of Health Care Professions - Austin
Austin, TXCHCP's Austin campus offers a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program. This is a career-focused program designed for accelerated completion, providing a fast-track option for students in the competitive Austin market who are eager to get certified and start working.
"CHCP is all about getting you a job. The program is focused and they really help you with career services after you finish. It's a very direct path into the industry in Austin."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Blinn College District
Brenham, TXWhile primarily serving the Brazos Valley, Blinn's Health Information Management program is a strong option for those in the eastern part of Central Texas. They offer an Associate of Applied Science degree that prepares students for a variety of roles in medical records and administration.
"Blinn has a great reputation. The HIM program is solid and the instructors are very knowledgeable. It's a great, affordable alternative to a four-year university."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Medical Billing and Coding Schools in West Texas, Panhandle & East Texas
These vast regions are served by vital community colleges and technical schools that provide essential career training for the local healthcare networks.
Career & Salary Outlook: West Texas, Panhandle & East Texas
Salaries in these regions reflect the local economies. The BLS reports an annual mean wage of approximately $48,700 in the El Paso area, $47,800 in the Midland area, and $43,500 in the Tyler/Longview areas.
Top Employers in the Region:
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TXEPCC offers a Health Information Management Associate of Applied Science degree. This CAHIIM-accredited program is the premier choice for students in the El Paso region, providing a direct and highly respected pathway to the RHIT certification and employment with major local hospitals.
"The HIM program at EPCC is fantastic. It's the only accredited one in the area, and it's very well-respected by the hospitals here. The instructors are great and really prepare you for the RHIT exam."
- Representative comment from a local student forum
Midland College
Midland, TXServing the Permian Basin, Midland College offers a Medical Office Administration program that includes a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. This is a vital resource for the region, providing a direct pathway to skills needed for the area's growing healthcare sector.
"Midland College is essential for our community. The medical office program is a great way to get the skills you need for a good job right here in Midland without having to move."
- Paraphrased from a Niche.com review
Tyler Junior College
Tyler, TXTJC offers a CAHIIM-accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management. This makes it a top-tier destination for students in East Texas who are serious about earning their RHIT credential and securing a high-quality position at major regional employers like UT Health East Texas.
"The HIM program at TJC is the best in East Texas. It's a challenging program, but the accreditation is a huge advantage when you're looking for a job. The instructors are fantastic."
- Representative comment from a student review site
Panola College
Carthage, TXPanola College offers a Health Information Technology program that provides an Associate of Applied Science degree. This is a crucial educational asset for the Deep East Texas region, preparing students for a variety of roles in medical records and administration.
"Panola is a great community college. The HIT program is a direct path to a good career, and the small class sizes mean you get a lot of support from your instructors."
- Paraphrased from a student testimonial
Paris Junior College
Paris, TXServing Northeast Texas, Paris Junior College's Health Occupations department provides foundational courses that are essential for a career in healthcare administration. These programs serve as a valuable stepping stone for students planning to pursue a specialized coding certificate.
"PJC is a cornerstone of our community. It provides an affordable start for so many people looking to get into the healthcare field."
- Representative comment from a local community forum
The Premier National Online Option
For maximum flexibility, self-motivated learners in any part of Texas 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 large and diverse state like Texas.
"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 Texas Students
Is certification required to get a medical coding job in Texas?
While not a state law, it is an absolute industry requirement. The top employers like Baylor Scott & White, HCA, and Houston Methodist 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 Texas has the most jobs for medical coders?
The Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metropolitan areas have the highest concentration of jobs in the state. However, San Antonio and Austin are also major, rapidly growing healthcare hubs. The increasing availability of remote work means a coder living anywhere in Texas 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 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.