Medical Coding is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Blackstone Career Institute in Allentown, PA. The program takes 3–6 months to complete, with a total tuition of $499.
Program Overview
The Medical Coding course is designed for allied health employees who wish to expand their knowledge of medical coding. Students will learn the basics of medical coding with training in ICD-10, HCPCS II and CPT coding. Students will be able to practice their coding skills using online coding software. A unit on computer and keyboarding skills will help build typing speed and accuracy.
As the healthcare field continues to expand, the need for knowledgeable medical coders is on the rise. Blackstone’s Medical Coding certificate course is designed specifically for the adult learner who is either working in, or interested in working in, the medical coding field. Medical coders work with patient data to assign appropriate codes and accurately process claims. Whether you are looking to start a new career or to advance in your current position, our medical coding certificate course contains a balanced mix of theory and coding skills designed to inform and challenge you.
What sets this Program apart
- Learn to accurately apply ICD-10, HCPCS Level II, and CPT codes
- Complete your course online in as little as 3 months
- Access to Optum360 Encoder Pro
- 4 Semester Credit Hours/180 Clock Hours
Admission Requirements and Process
BCI’s enrollment model is an open-enrollment track meaning students can enroll in courses at any time with no wait for a start date. Blackstone Career Institute allows students to enroll online anytime or by phone.
To qualify for admission, an applicant must complete BCI’s Enrollment Agreement with the required down payment, submit evidence of a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate, and complete a Reading Assessment with a score of 70% or higher before beginning program lessons. It is the responsibility of the student to review their state’s regulatory information and professional licensing and/or certification requirements prior to enrollment.
General Requirements
- Enrollment AgreementComplete BCI’s Enrollment Agreement for admission; the required down payment must be submitted at the time of enrollment.
- High school completionAll students are required to have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate, and physical or electronic evidence of this credential must be submitted to the school.
- Reading AssessmentNew students complete a Reading Assessment in the Online Student Center as a first step, and a score of 70% or higher is required to begin program lessons.
- Computer and internet accessStudents in online programs must have a compatible computer or laptop with reliable internet access and the basic computer skills needed to use Blackstone’s learning management…
- International studentsInternational students and students outside the contiguous U.S. must contact the school before enrolling, must pay in U.S. funds on the full payment plan, and enrollment cannot be…
Application Process
- 1Complete the Enrollment AgreementEnroll online anytime or by phone; the Enrollment Agreement outlines the obligations of Blackstone and the student, and the required down payment is submitted at enrollment.
- 2Submit your High School Diploma or GEDSend physical or electronic evidence of your high school diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate to the school.
- 3Receive your welcome letterOnce Blackstone has received and reviewed the agreement, the accepted applicant receives a welcome letter with instructions on how to begin.
- 4Complete the Reading AssessmentComplete the Reading Assessment through BCI’s Online Student Center; a score of 70% or higher is required to begin program lessons, with one retest allowed.
- 5Start learningBegin your coursework at your own pace; questions about admissions can be directed to Student Services at 800-826-9228, Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–4:00 pm ET.
Program Schedule
Open enrollment: there are no set start dates, and students can enroll online anytime and begin right away.
Average completion time is 3–6 months, with up to 12 months to work at your own pace. Students who pay in full have access to all materials once enrolled; students on a monthly payment plan receive a new unit every month upon making their monthly payment.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of attendance. Tuition is $499 plus a $150 registration fee, for a full-payment total of $649. All books and materials are included in the tuition cost.
Payment plans. Blackstone Career Institute offers interest-free monthly payment plans (autopay):
- 10 month autopay plan requires a down payment of $59 with 10 monthly payments of $59. Total cost includes $499 tuition, $150 registration fee, and $0 finance fee.
Financial aid. Blackstone Career Institute does not participate in federal financial aid (it is not a Title IV school that accepts FAFSA or Pell Grants), so there is no FAFSA school code. Students may apply for tuition reimbursement from their employer or check with their State and Local Assistance; Blackstone is an eligible training provider in many states under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Military benefits. Blackstone has received the distinction of being a Military Friendly School and is approved by the Veterans Administration for Veterans Education Benefits including the GI Bill®.
Optional fees. Optional fees are non-refundable:
- Official transcript (mailed): $15
- Reprint of certificate/diploma: $25
- Reprint of full set of graduation documents: $40
- Extension fee (6 months): $125
- NSF fee: $40
- Late payment fee: $15
- Reinstatement fee: $95
Refund policy. Cancellations within 5 days of signing the Enrollment Agreement receive a full refund; after that, the refund is based on the registration fee (15% of tuition or $150, whichever is less) and the share of lessons submitted.
Tuition increase coming 11/02/2026, according to Blackstone’s website.
Curriculum
Course outline from the Blackstone Career Institute Program Catalog 2026, Volume 24 (August 2026) (180 clock hours / 4 semester credit hours).
Course outcomes. Students completing this course will be able to:
- Identify common learning strategies
- Describe how computers, internet and electronic communication impact the workplace today
- Describe the duties of a medical coder
- Demonstrate the use of online coding software
- Apply the correct ICD-10, HCPCS II, and CPT codes to sample cases
- Identify various body systems and code their related procedures
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Blackstone’s certificate courses have been designed for the purpose of professional growth, personal enrichment and continuing education.
Per Blackstone’s DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure (published March 2026), the Certificate Courses cohort of 01.01.24–12.31.24 had a 70% graduation rate (7 of 10 students); the institutional graduation rate for 2025, including all Blackstone Career Institute divisions, was 79%.
Employment, job placement, and/or salary/salary ranges are not guaranteed to graduates upon program completion.
What to expect as a Blackstone Career Institute student
Blackstone makes it easy for you to complete the Medical Coding course by providing all of the materials needed. See further details below:
- Blackstone’s Skills for Success – Study Unit
- Introduction to Computers, Keyboarding and Office Technology- Study Unit
- Practical Applications of Coding 1 & 2 – Study Units
Buck’s Step-By-Step Medical Coding
2025 Edition
Open the E-Book
Optum360 EncoderPro.com Expert provides online access to a powerful search application for all CPT®, HCPCS Level II, ICD-9-CM, and ICD-10-CM and -PCS code sets as well as Optum360 and Medicare coding guidelines to ensure coding accuracy, improve billing performance, and reduce rejected claims. Complimentary monthly updates let you code confidently throughout the year. (CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association)
Blackstone’s Exclusive Online Typing Tutor
Whether you are a novice typist or just need to brush up on your skills and increase your speed, Blackstone’s Online Typing Tutor will help you succeed. Typing exercises are geared to the allied health student. Work at your own pace and take the online typing test when you are ready to assess your skill level.
Blackstone’s Online Student Center
Along with your traditional course items, you will gain unlimited access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center, where you can chat real-time with other students, participate in online discussions, take exams at your convenience, receive instantaneous Grade Reports, and up-to-the-minute news about Blackstone Career Institute.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Blackstone Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Certificate courses are approved by these accreditors, however they are separate from the school’s Pennsylvania licensure.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
