Best Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
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In 2020, medical records and health information specialists earned a median salary of $45,240 — slightly higher than the median pay for all other occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for all medical record and health information technicians will increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is also slightly faster than the projected rate of growth for the rest of the economy over that time period.
To qualify for these jobs, you must complete some form of postsecondary education — usually a certificate or associate degree. This page features a ranking of the nation's top online associate programs in medical billing and coding, as well as common program requirements and career options available in the field.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?
You can expect a variety of choices when selecting an online associate program in medical billing and coding. For example, more than 200 programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) are offered online. Students can often specialize their area of study, choosing from dozens of options, such as dental work, psychology, and oncology.
This career often appeals to detail-oriented and analytical people. Medical billing and coding professionals should also be proficient with computers, and good interpersonal skills are important to communicate the coding language in an easy-to-digest way. You should check with individual programs to find out more about general education requirements, such as coursework in medical terminology, biology, and math.
Coding and billing differ in the following key ways.
- Medical Billing: These professionals focus on knowing the billing codes for procedures, diagnoses, and treatments plans. These codes are used to send billing information to insurance companies, ensuring that the correct payment or reimbursement is issued.
- Medical Coding: These professionals focus more on the human side of the billing and coding process. They provide the correct coding for treatment and diagnosis purposes, ensuring that patients receive the proper care.
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Popular Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?
Medical Terminology
To code the medical language, you must understand the medical language, which uses some unique terms. This course provides learners with knowledge about the fundamental healthcare and medical languages used by doctors and nurses.
Healthcare Law and Ethics
Medical professionals must keep patient information safe, hold medical facilities accountable, and avoid fraud. This class teaches the basics of the legal and ethical challenges students might face once they graduate.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology deals with the nature and cause of human diseases, how to diagnose them, treatment options, disease management, and prognosis.
Basic Coding
Students must crawl before they can walk in the world of coding formats. This class teaches the basics of how coding works and goes over why codes are designed the way they are.
Coding Auditing
This class focuses on finding errors in medical billing and coding. An erroneous code could lead to the wrong medicine being dispensed or an incorrect charge filed on a patient's bill. Sharp-eyed auditors work to keep the system honest and accurate.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?
Prospective students applying to online medical billing and coding programs need transcripts from high school and previous colleges, if applicable. A college application is required, and students may need to pay an application fee. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation with your application. Check with each of your prospective schools for exact admission requirements.
Some colleges provide personal admissions counselors to help prospective students navigate the application process.
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
Career Outlook
The BLS projects the addition of 2.6 million jobs to the healthcare sector between 2020 and 2030, including more than 37,000 new positions for medical records and health information specialists. As of May 2020, these professionals earned a median annual salary of more than $45,000.
See where an associate in medical billing and coding can take you.Learn more about health informatics careers.
Career Paths
Cancer Registrar
This job requires certification in hematology and oncology coding, and specialized credentials are offered in this field. These professionals work in cancer centers, spending their days entering the unique codes that relate to cancer diagnoses and ongoing treatments.
Average Annual Salary (January 2022): $50,320
Health Information Technician
Health information technicians enter codes, validate records requests, and handle legal requests. They may also handle additional basic office tasks.
Average Annual Salary (January 2022): $39,490
Medical Auditor
An auditor goes through numbers with a sharp eye to find abnormalities or errors. These professionals make the coding system more efficient and are expected to make recommendations for improvements.
Average Annual Salary (January 2022): $58,970
Medical Billing Specialist
This job focuses exclusively on medical billing. These professionals deal with insurance companies and third-party vendors to resolve problems and provide clarifications.
Average Annual Salary (January 2022): $39,910
Medical Billing and Coding Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
An associate degree in medical billing and coding can pave the way for additional educational opportunities, including earning a bachelor's degree in medical billing and coding. Although not required for many positions in this field, these four-year programs help students build stronger resumes and develop deeper knowledge.
A bachelor's degree can set students up for leadership roles in health informatics if they choose to further their education. Graduates may be able to qualify for positions as medical and health services managers, for whom the BLS projects 32% job growth between 2020 and 2030. As of May 2020, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $104,280.
Students interested in graduate school can also go on to earn a doctorate in health informatics, which is the terminal degree in this field. This degree offers the chance to become an expert in informatics and conduct original research in the field.
How Do I Choose an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?
Cost
Make sure to evaluate the true cost of each program you are considering, including tuition and fees. Some schools charge an online learning fee. However, distance learners can save on expenses like transportation and on-campus room and board. Online students can also sometimes qualify for in-state tuition rates, even if they live out of state.
Program Format
Although online programs may not require students to visit campus, programs may include in-person clinical requirements. You can usually complete these in your own community, but be sure to double check for in-person requirements before enrolling. If you plan on working full time while enrolled, asynchronous programs may provide the best fit. These do not have scheduled course times, but allow you to complete assignments around other responsibilities.
Location
For the most part, online associate in medical billing and coding programs do not include any on-campus requirements. However, it may still make sense to attend a school close to home if you want to take full advantage of student services, networking opportunities, and the school's connections for internships and jobs.
Accreditation
Students should seek out programs that are accredited by CAHIIM. Many employers look for this mark of excellence on the resume of job candidates. Furthermore, students should enroll at schools that hold institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the Department of Education — this ensures that students will be eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Student Support
The best schools offer online student support and student services. Mentorship programs, networking and internship opportunities, and technical support can help distance learners thrive in their programs. Often, these services can make the difference between an excellent online learning experience and a lackluster education.
Best Accredited Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
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Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
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and include
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
NCTC offers an online AAS for medical coding specialists. The program trains students in common medical billing processes, including patient account management, diagnosis and procedure coding, and insurance claim processing. Students must complete 60 credits to graduate, which takes full-time learners about two years.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and human disease conditions. Knowledge of these concepts helps students navigate the healthcare industry's coding systems. Students also explore the medical insurance system, looking at the various types of coverage and billing policies.
In addition to traditional coursework, NCTC's medical billing and coding program includes a medical simulation course that aims to provide an internship-like experience. Graduates qualify to take entry-level national coding certification exams.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Medical Coding Specialist
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $199/credit
- Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer, ACT, MCA, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Central Texas College
Killeen, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
CTC provides quality educational opportunities to a diverse student population. The college's affordable online programs cater to learners looking for technical or vocational degrees to launch a career or transfer into a four-year program. CTC offers a variety of degrees to distance learners, including an online associate in medical billing and coding.
The 60-credit curriculum includes general education courses in business english, composition, humanities, and the social sciences. The curriculum also reviews medical terminology, coding and classification systems, medical insurance, medical software applications, and pharmacology.
The program incorporates a clinical component that gives students the chance to practice course concepts in a professional environment under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. Graduates are prepared for entry-level coding positions in healthcare.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Medical Coding and Billing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $95/credit (in-district); $248/credit (nonresident)
- Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, or Texas Success Initiative Assessment
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Keiser is a private university with campuses throughout Florida. In addition to several convenient locations, the university offers online degree programs for working professionals looking to develop in-demand skills. The university's program offerings include an online associate in medical administrative billing and coding.
The 60-credit program takes about two years to complete. Students take courses exploring medical law and ethics, pharmacology, computerized medical office management, coding, and pathophysiology. The program also requires students to complete a virtual coding practicum. The practicum gives students the opportunity to practice the principles of coding and billing in a professional setting.
Graduates are prepared to take the American Academy of Professional Coders credentialing examination.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Medical Administrative Billing and Coding
- School Status: Private
- Tuition: $9,904/semester
- Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: ACT, ASVAB, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Auburn, Maine, CMCC offers a variety of affordable and convenient online programs. Students interested in a career in healthcare can consider the college's associate of applied science in medical coding and electronic health records. CMCC also offers an alternative certificate program in coding that takes less than one year to complete.
This online associate program focuses on the in-demand skills students need to qualify for coding jobs at hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, home health agencies, and insurance companies. The curriculum provides an overview of medical terminology, CPT and ICD coding, health information technology, and healthcare statistics. Students must also complete a practicum to graduate.
CMCC offers transfer-friendly programs that allow students to go on and pursue a four-year degree. Students should check with the admissions department at their chosen four-year school to verify requirements. CMCC boasts some of the lowest tuition rates in New England.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $96/credit (in-state); $384/credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 60-62 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
NTC offers a variety of online programs, including an associate of applied science in medical coding. The program focuses on providing comprehensive training using nationally recognized coding systems.
The 60-credit program prepares students for entry-level coding jobs at hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, long-term care facilities, and government agencies. In addition to covering medical terminology and pharmacology concepts, the curriculum examines bioethical issues in contemporary society, general psychology, public speaking, business communications, and patient account management.
Prospective students must submit proof of high school graduation or a GED diploma. NTC does not require standardized test scores, but students may need to complete the Accuplacer exam to determine college readiness. NTC maintains a transfer agreement with Mayville State University that allows students to transfer all 60 credits toward an online bachelor of applied science in business administration.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $199/credit
- Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Highland Community College
Highland, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Based in northeast Kansas, HCC offers online associate degrees in roughly 50 subjects, including medical coding. This AAS program caters to busy professionals by allowing students to complete most program requirements entirely online through an asynchronous format. Most full-time students complete the program within two years.
The 65-credit curriculum covers foundational topics in composition, public speaking, science, math, and the humanities. The core curriculum includes an overview of ICD and CPT coding, pathopharmacology for health science, insurance and health information compliance, reimbursement methodologies, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare.
To graduate, students must also complete a coding practicum, which requires clinical hours at an approved healthcare facility. The program prepares students to sit for the national certified coding associate or certified coding specialist exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Associate in Applied Science - Medical Coding
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $55/credit
- Credit Requirements: 65 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue over 100 degrees at MCC, including an AAS in health information management systems with a focus in medical coding and billing. Students can complete this degree at any of MCC's three campuses in Nebraska or entirely online.
The curriculum takes about two years to complete. The program develops the skills students need to gain entry-level employment at healthcare facilities and insurance companies. Coursework covers topics like clinical coding, disease processes, introduction to insurance, medical terminology, and an overview of healthcare careers.
The program also incorporates an internship, an electronic health records lab experience, and a preparatory course readying students to sit for the Academy of Professional Coders Certification examination.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Health Information Management Systems - Medical Coding and Billing
- School Status: Private
- Tuition: $66/credit (in-state); $99/credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 96 quarter credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
LCCC offers nearly 80 associate degrees, including an online health information technology and management program. LCCC uses a multi-level approach that allows students to first earn a medical office essentials credit diploma or medical claims coding associate certificate; these programs typically take less than a year to complete and allow students to find jobs and begin their careers while continuing their education.
The 63-credit associate degree takes two years to complete. The curriculum includes courses in medical office procedural skills, health data management, problem-solving, and computer software for medical office professionals.
Students also complete a 40-hour professional practice experience before graduating. This experience gives students the opportunity to practice their skills in a clinical environment under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Health Information Technology and Management
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $2,216/semester (in-state); $5,186/semester (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 63 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: ACT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Minnesota State College Southeast
Winona, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
MSC Southeast offers over 100 majors in core career areas like business and management, education and human services, engineering and manufacturing, transportation, and the health sciences. In addition to on-campus programs, MSC Southeast offers 30 entirely online programs, including an associate program for aspiring medical administrative assistants.
The 60-credit program develops strong general office skills by offering an overview of word processing, spreadsheets, and the principles of business communication. The curriculum also covers medical terminology, medical insurance, anatomy and physiology disease conditions, and online communications.
Students learn from instructors with professional healthcare experience, and coursework uses real-life examples with clinical and hospital documents. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions in a variety of clinical and office settings.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Medical Administrative Assistant - AAS
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $177/credit
- Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer, ACT, MCA, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Steubenville, Ohio, EGCC offers an online associate of applied science in health information management. The curriculum covers topics in healthcare statistics, reimbursement concepts, and registries related to health care. Blending concepts from health information and business management, this 66-credit program prepares students for a variety of positions, including medical coder, data analyst, and department manager. In addition, graduates are prepared to take the certification examination for registered health information technicians. EGCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its health information management associate degree program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Health Information Management - AAS
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $131/credit (in-state); $245/credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 66 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
- Standardized Tests: Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT
Contact the School
Request more information about this program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Is an associate degree in medical billing and coding worth it?
Graduates who earn an associate in medical billing and coding can enter an in-demand field that provides a solid return on investment for a two-year program. The degree can also lead to lucrative and even more in-demand jobs if graduates continue on to complete a bachelor's in the field.
How fast can I get an associate in medical billing and coding degree online?
Most online associate in medical billing and programs take about two years of full-time study to complete. Some accelerated programs may offer 18-month timelines, but most associate degrees require two years.
Is an online associate degree in medical billing and coding credible?
The most credible online associate programs in medical billing and coding are accredited by CAHIIM. Make sure to research the accreditation status of each program you are considering to determine its legitimacy.
How much money can I make with an associate in medical billing and coding?
According to the BLS, as of May 2020, medical records and health information specialists earned a median annual salary of $45,240. The top 10% of earners in the field made a median annual wage of more than $105,690, while the lowest 10% made under $29,130.
Is an associate degree in medical billing and coding in high demand?
Yes. The BLS projects 9% job growth for medical and health information specialists between 2020 and 2030, which is slightly faster than the projected growth rate for all occupations during that period (8%). Furthermore, the BLS projects 16% job growth for all healthcare occupations between 2020 and 2030.
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