Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools in Longmont Colorado

Your Guide to Medical Billing and Coding Training in Longmont, CO

Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest entry points into the healthcare field, offering stable employment, competitive pay, and flexible work options. If you are searching for the best medical billing and coding schools in Longmont Colorado, this guide provides a clear, data-driven breakdown of top programs, costs, career outcomes, and certification readiness so you can make the right decision.

Key Takeaways

• Top programs near Longmont include Front Range Community College, IBMC College, and Colorado Mountain College.
• Most programs take 9 to 18 months to complete depending on certificate or associate degree paths.
• Accreditation and certification preparation for CPC or AHIMA exams are critical ranking factors.
• Medical billing and coding professionals in the Boulder-Longmont area earn competitive wages with strong demand.
• Hybrid and fully online programs expand access while maintaining local support services.

How We Evaluated the Best Schools

Programs were assessed using five essential criteria:

• Accreditation and reputation
• Certification exam preparation for CPC, CCA, or CCS credentials
• Program length and flexibility
• Tuition value and financial aid access
• Career support and job placement services

Schools listed below either operate directly in Longmont or serve Longmont students through nearby campuses or robust online options with Colorado support services.

Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools Serving Longmont

1. Front Range Community College (FRCC)

Location: Boulder County Campus, close to Longmont
Program: Health Information Technology and Medical Coding Certificates
Format: Online and hybrid
Length: 9 to 18 months

Front Range Community College is widely considered one of the most reputable public institutions serving Longmont. Its Health Information Technology programs are regionally accredited and align with AHIMA standards.

Students gain training in ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS coding systems, medical terminology, anatomy, revenue cycle management, and compliance. The curriculum prepares graduates for AHIMA certification exams.

Why It Stands Out:

• Affordable community college tuition
• Strong transfer pathways to associate degrees
• Comprehensive academic advising and career services
• Financial aid eligibility including federal grants

2. IBMC College

Location: Longmont Campus
Program: Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
Format: On-campus and online
Length: Approximately 12 months

IBMC College offers a career-focused diploma designed for rapid workforce entry. The program emphasizes hands-on training and practical billing software skills.

The curriculum includes:

• Electronic health records systems
• Insurance claims processing
• CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS coding
• Preparation for CPC certification

Why It Stands Out:

• Local Longmont campus convenience
• Smaller class sizes
• Dedicated career placement assistance
• Accelerated program structure

3. Colorado Mountain College (Online Option)

Format: Fully online
Program: Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
Length: Approximately 1 year

Colorado Mountain College provides a flexible online option ideal for working adults in Longmont. Its curriculum prepares students for national certification exams while maintaining Colorado residency tuition benefits.

Why It Stands Out:

• Regionally accredited institution
• Competitive in-state tuition
• Emphasis on compliance, privacy, and healthcare law

4. AAPC Online Career Training

Format: Fully online
Certification Focus: CPC

While not a local campus, AAPC is nationally recognized and often selected by Longmont students seeking specialized CPC certification training. The self-paced structure allows completion in as little as 4 to 8 months.

Why It Stands Out:

• Direct alignment with CPC exam
• Flexible self-paced structure
• Strong national reputation in coding certification

Side-by-Side Comparison

SchoolFormatLengthAccreditedCertification PrepIdeal ForFront Range CCOnline/Hybrid9–18 MonthsYesAHIMAStudents seeking affordable, thorough educationIBMC CollegeCampus/Online12 MonthsNationally AccreditedCPCCareer changers wanting hands-on trainingColorado Mountain CollegeOnline12 MonthsYesCCA/CPCFlexible scheduling needsAAPC OnlineOnline4–8 MonthsIndustry RecognizedCPCCertification-focused learners

Career Outlook in Longmont and Boulder County

Medical billing and coding professionals fall under the broader category of medical records specialists. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data:

• Median annual salary nationally exceeds $47,000.
• Colorado wages are typically higher than the national average.
• Boulder County healthcare systems continue expanding outpatient services.

Major employers near Longmont include UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital, Boulder Community Health, and private specialty practices. Remote billing roles also allow professionals to work from home after gaining experience.

Growth in telehealth, outpatient clinics, and insurance compliance increases demand for certified coders. Earning a CPC or AHIMA credential significantly improves hiring and salary potential.

What to Look for in a Quality Program

Accreditation

Choose schools accredited by recognized agencies. Institutional accreditation ensures credit transferability and financial aid access.

Certification Preparation

A strong program prepares you for:

• CPC, Certified Professional Coder
• CCA, Certified Coding Associate
• CCS, Certified Coding Specialist

Ask whether exam prep is embedded in coursework and whether practice exams are included.

Career Placement Support

Leading schools provide resume assistance, interview preparation, externships, and employer partnerships within Boulder County and surrounding areas.

Flexible Learning Options

Many Longmont students balance work and family commitments. Hybrid or online options increase accessibility without sacrificing certification readiness.

Tuition and Financial Aid Overview

Tuition varies depending on institution type:

• Community colleges: Generally the most affordable option.
• Private career colleges: Higher tuition but accelerated timelines.
• National online programs: Moderate cost with flexible pacing.

Students should explore:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding
• Employer tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships for healthcare training

Request a full cost breakdown including books, certification exams, and technology fees before enrolling.

Who Should Consider Medical Billing and Coding?

This career path is ideal for:

• Individuals seeking entry into healthcare without clinical duties
• Detail-oriented professionals comfortable with data and regulations
• Career changers looking for roles with remote work potential
• Parents or caregivers needing flexible schedules

Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. Strong typing skills and basic computer literacy are beneficial but can be developed during training.

How Long Does It Take to Complete Training in Colorado?

In Longmont-area programs:

• Short certificate programs can take 4 to 9 months.
• Comprehensive certificates typically require about 12 months.
• Associate degrees may take up to 2 years.

Accelerated options allow motivated students to graduate sooner, especially in fully online formats.

Steps to Get Started

1. Research accredited programs serving Longmont.
2. Verify certification exam preparation alignment.
3. Request detailed tuition and financial aid information.
4. Compare program length and format flexibility.
5. Apply and complete any required placement assessments.

Choosing the right school is the foundation for certification success and long-term career growth in healthcare administration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Billing and Coding Training in Longmont, CO

How long does it take to complete medical billing and coding training in Longmont?

Most Longmont-area programs take 9 to 18 months to finish, depending on whether you choose a short certificate, a full certificate, or an associate degree. Some online options can be completed in as little as 4 to 8 months if you move at an accelerated pace.

Which schools offer medical billing and coding programs near Longmont, CO?

Top options that serve Longmont students include Front Range Community College, IBMC College in Longmont, Colorado Mountain College’s online program, and AAPC’s online CPC training. These schools offer a mix of campus, hybrid, and fully online formats.

Do Longmont programs prepare you for CPC or AHIMA certification exams?

Yes. Programs at Front Range Community College and Colorado Mountain College align with AHIMA and CPC-style exams, while IBMC College and AAPC focus strongly on CPC preparation. You should confirm that practice tests and exam prep are built into the coursework before you enroll.

Can you study medical billing and coding online if you live in Longmont?

You can choose fully online or hybrid options. Front Range Community College and Colorado Mountain College both offer online formats with Colorado-based support, and AAPC provides self-paced online CPC training that you can complete from home in Longmont.

What is the job outlook and pay for medical billing and coding in Colorado?

Medical billing and coding workers, listed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as medical records specialists, earn a national median wage above $47,000 per year, and Colorado pay is often higher than the national average. Demand is supported by local employers in Boulder County and by remote roles you can do from home after gaining experience. You can review current data on the BLS site at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292072.htm.