Centralia College announces new medical billing and coding program

Centralia College continues to expand career training opportunities with the launch of a new medical billing and coding program, the college announced in a news release this week.

This is the second of several new workforce-focused programs coming to the college this fall. The college recently announced the launch of a new massage therapy program beginning this fall.

The medical billing and coding program prepares students for entry-level healthcare administrative roles, the news release from the college stated.

Students learn medical coding, insurance billing, reimbursement systems, compliance and electronic health records, and are prepared for the certified billing and coding specialist exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association.

Registration is now open for the new medical billing and coding program. Classes begin Sept. 21. This is a full-time, nine-month program that runs from September to June at the main Centralia College campus.

Residents can visit www.centralia.edu or the Welcome Desk inside the TransAlta Commons building to get started.

The program is offered in a "virtual plus" modality. Students will attend live, scheduled class sessions online from any location with an internet connection. This format gives students the flexibility to learn from home, work, or wherever works best for them, while still benefiting from real-time interaction with instructors and classmates at set meeting times, the college stated in the release.

"We designed this program with our community in mind," Becky Coleman, dean of career and technical education, said in the release. "Virtual plus means students don't have to choose between flexibility and support. They get both, and that matters for working adults and busy families."

The career outlook for this field is strong, according to the college. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in medical billing and coding at 9 percent, faster than average across all occupations.

The median annual wage for medical records specialists, the category that includes medical billers and coders, was $50,250 as of May 2024, with experienced professionals in high-demand settings earning over $80,000.

"This field also offers significant remote work potential, making it a strong fit for graduates who want career flexibility long after completing their credential," added Coleman.

Additional college program announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 11:31 AM.