Tuition Lowered for 3 Allied Health Programs
April 2025: In response to an ever-rising U.S. inflation rate and feedback from prospective students, Blackstone Career Institute decided to lower tuition costs for three allied health programs: Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician, and Medical Office Assistant. This tuition reduction was made possible by removing the certification bundle from each online program. New students will receive the same certification aligned curriculum in their respective program and qualify to sit for the related certification with the option to purchase additional preparation, practice exams and resources.
Updated Tuition
As of April 2nd, 2025, students can enroll in the Medical Billing and Coding Program for as little as $59 down and $79 a month (total tuition cost of $1,876). This is a more budget-friendly option for individuals financially struggling in the current economy. Students may also save $134 by enrolling for $59 down on the $99 a month plan (total tuition cost of $1,742). For students who can pay upfront, they can save $351 on tuition (total tuition cost of $1,525).
The new affordable tuition rates for the Pharmacy Technician and the Medical Office Assistant allied health programs are now identical to the tuition for Blackstone’s Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program. New students can enroll for as little as $59 down and $59 a month (total tuition cost of $1,442). Students may save $144 by enrolling for $59 down on the $79 a month plan (total tuition cost of $1,298). Students can pay $1,214 upfront for the full-pay option and save $228 on tuition.
These three allied health programs are now more accessible to economically disadvantaged students. Blackstone remains committed to providing affordable, online education to students from a variety of backgrounds.
Medical Billing and Coding
The online Medical Billing and Coding Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level work as a medical billing and coding specialist with its 18-unit curriculum. Students will receive access to four E-books: Fordney’s Medical Insurance and Billing (16th ed.), Buck’s Step-by-Step Medical Coding (2025 ed.), Stedman’s Medical Dictionary for Health Professions and Nursing (7th ed.), and Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions (9th ed.). Additionally, AAPC coding manuals for ICD-10, HCPCS II, and CPT® are included in the program.
This allied health program prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam given by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). New students can decide if they want to pursue CPC-A certification or enter the workforce immediately.
Certification is not a requirement to work in the field, but it can increase one’s earning potential. AAPC certification raises earning potential by more than $30,000 above the yearly salary for someone without AAPC certification.
The CPC-A Certification Bundle (AAPC) is available for $1,179.00 in the Blackstone bookstore for those interested in pursuing CPC® certification. The bundle includes:
- AAPC Membership
- Access a network of more than 250,000 professionals
- Learn from leaders in the industry
- 4 Free Webinars per year
- AAPC Career Resources
- CPC® Certification Study Guide
- CPC® Practice Exams
- CPC® Exam Voucher (2 Attempts)
Upon passing the CPC® exam, individuals receive the CPC-A (apprentice) credential. Once this is combined with two years of practical coding experience, they will earn the full CPC® designation.
Pharmacy Technician
Blackstone’s online Pharmacy Technician Program is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program. This allied health program includes a 160-hour externship with Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy and is designed to prepare students for entry-level work as a pharmacy technician. The 18-unit curriculum includes access to two E-books: The Pharmacy Technician: Foundations and Practices (3rd ed.) and Mosby’s Drug Reference for Health Professions (6th ed.).
The allied health program qualifies graduates to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination® (PTCE®) given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board® (PTCB®). Graduates of the updated program can choose if they want to take the PTCE® to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or enter the workforce immediately.
The PTCE® Certification Bundle (PTCB®) is available for $260.00 in the Blackstone bookstore for those interested in taking the PTCE® and receiving additional study materials. The bundle includes:
- Official PTCB® Practice Tools
- PTCE Practice Bank® – Includes real exam practice, flashcards, easy-to-use dashboard with progress tracking and feedback.
- Pre-PTCE® – Simulates real PTCE experience, complete with former exam questions and the same look for the actual test with instant feedback.
- PTCE® CPhT Certification Application Fee Voucher
Medical Office Assistant
The online Medical Office Assistant Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level work as an administrative assistant in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office.
The curriculum includes 18-units with various online resources: MA SkillsBuilder™: Administrative, Kinn’s The Administrative Medical Assistant (15th ed.), and Stedman’s Online Medical Dictionary. There are interactive learning experiences, videos, and audio pronunciations.
The Medical Office Assistant Program qualifies graduates to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) given by the National Healthcareer Association® (NHA®). Graduates of this updated allied health program can determine if they want to pursue CMAA certification or enter the workforce immediately. Certification can help students to increase their earning potential. The CMAA Certification Bundle (NHA®) is available for $277.00 in the Blackstone bookstore for those interested in additional preparation for the CMAA exam.
The CMAA Certification Bundle (NHA®) includes:
- CMAA Exam Preparation Package
- CMAA 3.0 Online Study Guide – Includes interactive practice activities, EHR simulations, Digital Flashcards, and patient experience coach discussions.
- CMAA 3.0 Online Practice Test – Allows up to 6 attempts and linked to Focused Review® online remediation that provide personalized direction.
- CMAA Exam Voucher
About Blackstone
Blackstone Career Institute is an accredited distance education school with affordable career training options for adult learners looking to start or advance their position in the legal, allied health, or service career fields. With payment plan options, students can pay as they go and graduate debt-free.
Blackstone Career Institute is privately licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), Washington, D.C and Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Philadelphia, PA.
To learn more, click here.
