Best Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
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- You typically need an online associate degree to pursue a career as a medical biller and coder.
- Medical billers and coders help ensure that bills are accurately submitted to payers.
- They typically work in hospitals, physician's offices, or insurance companies.
If you want to enter the growing healthcare field but are not interested in clinical work, consider a medical billing and coding career. You can start with an online associate in medical billing and coding associate degree program. Learn more about what medical billers and coders do and the top programs.
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
An online associate in medical billing and coding can prepare you to work in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, or healthcare consulting firms. An associate degree is all you need to start, though you can advance your career with certifications.
The responsibilities include accurately matching medical services to the correct code for record-keeping and ensuring that the bills healthcare providers send to payers are accurate.
Where Can I Work With an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
- Hospitals and Outpatient Care: You may create and submit bills to insurance companies and self-paying patients promptly and accurately.
- Insurance Companies: You work with payers to ensure that bills are accurate and the charges match the services.
- Healthcare Consulting Services: You may help interpret medical codes and bills for consulting firms or help people apply for Medicare or file disability claims.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
The average annual salary for a medical biller is $45,350 as of August 2023, according to Payscale. The lowest-paid 10% make $32,000, and the highest-paid 10% make $64,000 per year.
The average hourly rate for medical billers is $18, which is slightly below the average hourly rate of $22 for all U.S. workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But, your salary can vary based on your geographic location, experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities.
The BLS projects 7% growth from 2021-2031 for medical records specialists like medical billers and coders. This rate aligns with the average growth projected for all U.S. jobs.
Popular Online Associate Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Look for in an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program
The right program depends on whether you want to attend a private vs. public school that is local or out of state. Other factors to consider are cost, curriculum, accreditation, and program length.
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, while others offer in-state tuition rates to online students. Enrolling in an online program can help you save on expenses like transportation and on-campus room and board.
Accreditation
Accreditation means that the school meets educational standards. Seek programs that are accredited by CAHIIM. Many employers look for this mark of excellence on job candidates' resumes. You should enroll at schools that hold institutional accreditation — this ensures that you are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
Program Length
Medical billing and coding programs may offer accelerated pathways or part-time options for working students. The number of required credits can affect your total cost as well.
School Graduation Rate
A school's graduation rate can measure how successful students are in the program. If the admission rate is much higher than the graduation rate, that may indicate the school does not provide enough support for students.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Some online courses are asynchronous, meaning you can view lectures when convenient, as long as you keep to the schedule. Others are synchronous, so all students view lectures at the same time.
The Best Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
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Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $96
Out-of-State | $144 New England regional rate; $192 outside of New England
Credits to Graduate: 60-62
At Central Maine Community College, students can earn their associate of applied science in medical coding and electronic health records through a distance learning program. The degree trains students in specialized data entry, classification, and record-keeping procedures related to medical documentation. At the end of the program, learners can sit for a certification exam. From there, they can enroll in an entry-level position or transfer to a four-year college or university.
To apply, interested individuals should submit their high school transcripts or GED test scores. SAT or ACT scores are optional.
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $188
Out-of-State | $188
Credits to Graduate: 60
Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, offers a medical coding specialist associate of applied science degree. The online curriculum covers medical billing processes, including patient account management, diagnosis and procedure coding, and medical insurance claim processing.
Applicants should submit their high school or GED transcripts, along with any previous college transcripts they may have completed. If the learner lives in North Dakota or Wisconsin, they should fill out an out-of-state reciprocity form.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Johnstown, PA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $322 for Cambria County residents; $304 for Somerset County residents; $312 for all other Pennsylvania residents
Out-of-State | $436
Credits to Graduate: 60
At Pennsylvania Highland Community College, learners can pursue an associate of applied science in medical coding and billing online. Students take courses, such as medical terminology and financial management in healthcare. A certification prep course equips them with the skills they need to earn their medical billing credential. Students must complete a hands-on practicum, which counts as a capstone course, before they graduate.
As part of the application process, prospective students must submit an official copy of their final high school or GED transcript.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $764
Out-of-State | $764
Credits to Graduate: 60
Students who enroll at Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale can complete their associate degree in medical coding and billing through online learning. The program develops students' ability to use medical language and classification systems to code procedures and diagnoses, then apply that to the medical coding and billing process. Once they complete the program, students can take the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) credentialing examination and apply for entry-level positions.
Application requirements include either verification of high school graduation by a transcript or diploma, or verification of GED completion.
Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $145 for Cowley County residents; $155 for other Kansas residents
Out-of-State | $165 for Oklahoma residents; $205 for all other out-of-state residents
Credits to Graduate: 65
The online associate of applied science in medical coding at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas, prepares students to become entry-level medical coders. The 65-credit curriculum includes courses like pharmacology, medical terminology, and reimbursement methodologies. Graduates can sit for the American Health Information Management Association Certified Coding Associate and the Certified Professional Coder credentials.
Cowley College requires prospective students to submit their final high school transcript or GED results. Applicants should also submit ACT scores if available.
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $212
Out-of-State | $212
Credits to Graduate: 60
Northwest Technical College facilitates an associate of applied science in medical coding, which teaches learners nationally-recognized coding systems to classify medical procedures and diagnoses. The curriculum includes both general education courses, such as intro to public speaking, and degree-related courses, like pharmacology, inpatient billing, and bioethical issues in a contemporary society.
Although the degree prepares graduates for the job market, students may also transfer up to 60 credits of this degree to the bachelor of applied science in business administration online at Mayville State University.
Applicants should submit their high school transcript or GED diploma.
What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program
An online associate in medical billing and coding program typically takes about two years and requires 60-70 credit hours. The program includes general courses in biology, communications, and technology, usually during your first semester or year.
A medical coding and billing curriculum typically covers medical privacy laws, medical ethics, medical concepts and terminology, and standard coding systems and tools.
Most online associate in medical billing and coding programs also include a practicum, involving hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Associates in Medical Billing and Coding?
Online associate in medical billing and coding programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate. You must also typically submit at least one reference, an application with references, and an essay or a statement on why you are interested in medical billing and coding.
Admission Materials
A full application generally includes high school transcripts, an official diploma or GED certificate, and possibly transcripts of any college or high school courses you took that might apply to general degree requirements. You may also need to submit an essay, standardized test scores, and at least one reference from school or work.
Education
You must have at least a GED or high school diploma. Some require or prefer students with coursework in science, math, and technology.
GPA
Most online associates in medical billing and coding programs require a GPA of at least 2.0. A higher GPA can make your application stronger.
Entrance Exam
Some schools may require SAT or ACT scores. They may waive these standardized test scores for students with a GPA above a certain level.
How Much Does an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree Cost?
The cost for an online associate in medical billing and coding varies. You can expect to pay about $3,000 per year if you are eligible for in-state tuition at a community college. Private schools and out-of-state tuition can cost $15,000 per year or more. You may be eligible for scholarships or grants, especially ones directed toward healthcare students.
In addition to tuition and fees, other costs include a computer with high-speed internet if you don't already have one and textbooks.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of an Associate Degree Per Year
Public Institution
$3,560
Private Institution
$15,580
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding
Is medical billing and coding hard to learn?
Most people find medical coding and billing fairly easy to learn. You do need attention to detail and to understand medical technology.
How do I prepare for medical billing and coding?
You may find high school biology, human anatomy, technology, and data coursework helpful to prepare for medical billing and coding admission. Some schools may require science or technology coursework.
What computer skills and experience are required for medical billing and coding?
For medical billing and coding, you should be comfortable with technology and understand how to use standard programs, such as word processing and spreadsheets, at least at a basic level. Despite the name, medical coding does not require computer programming skills.
Is medical coding a stressful job?
Whether medical coding is stressful depends on your preferences. Medical coders often work at a computer all day. They must also be detail-oriented and have conflict resolution and time management skills.
