Best Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs of 2023
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- Medical billing and coding jobs are projected to grow 7% over the next 10 years.
- The average salary for people in this profession with a single certification is $56,000.
- High school graduates can get certified and begin working in as little as one year.
Medical billing and coding: It's an in-demand, well-paying job that you can (in many cases) do from home. Another bonus? You don't have to spend your time and money on a four-year degree.
Medical billing and coding professionals review patient records in order to translate diagnoses and treatments into codes. Those codes can then be used to generate analyzable data, financial reports, insurance claims, and patient bills.
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"It's a vast and exciting field that is evolutionary and in high demand," said Crystal Gray, the Revenue Cycle Director at Youme Healthcare. "Being certified in medical billing and coding created a lot of career opportunities for me."
Is an Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Worth It?
If you're interested in healthcare, are detail-oriented, and want to jump into a career fairly quickly, pursuing an online certificate in medical billing and coding can be worth it.
"Some things I love about this profession include the chance to work autonomously, the gratification of effectively coding medical information, and the opportunity to work in a burgeoning field," said Umair Syed, a medical coding and billing executive.
Here are five more reasons to get a certificate in medical billing and coding:
-
Know Your Stuff: A certification program will teach you all about medical terminology, medical records policies, and classification and coding systems. -
Have More Job Opportunities: Increasingly, medical billing and coding positions require at least one certification. -
Enjoy Job Security: Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in this field to grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031. -
Work From Home: According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), 55% of medical records specialists worked remotely in 2022. -
Increase Your Earning Potential: AAPC reports that medical billers and coders earned average annual salaries of around $56,000 — which is 17.7% more than their non-certified colleagues make. Folks with two certifications make an average of $66,198 per year, and those with three make an average of $71,361.
Popular Programs in Medical Billing and Coding
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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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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Herzing University-Atlanta
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $446
Out of State | $446
Credits to Graduate
25
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Launch your medical billing and coding career with a credential from Herzing University-Atlanta. The medical billing and coding diploma offers an online route to an in-demand credential. You'll learn medical terminology, study human anatomy, and analyze medical records.
As a distance learner, you'll benefit from virtual services, including academic advising and tutoring. You'll also receive lifelong career coaching after earning the diploma. You must meet with an admissions advisor to complete the enrollment process, which includes a minimum score on an entrance test.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $234
Out of State | $234
Credits to Graduate
15
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
You can complete your medical coding training online at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. During the medical coding occupational endorsement program, you'll learn how to enter medical codes and analyze healthcare records. The program prepares you for national certification.
You can enroll in the program part time or full time. UAF offers personalized support from faculty and advisors. You can apply to the program online and gain admission with unofficial transcripts.
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Primarily Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $280
Out of State | $371
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Purdue University Global offers several online healthcare programs, including a medical billing and coding certificate. Purdue's medical billing and coding program covers key topics like medical insurance, terminology, and reimbursement methodologies.
You'll gain hands-on experience during a 40-hour practicum. And you'll prepare for the workforce with a virtually proctored certification exam offered in the program's capstone course.
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent to apply. Purdue recommends completing an orientation before enrolling in classes.
Kirtland Community College
Grayling, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $132
Out of State | $270
Credits to Graduate
37
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Work at your own pace as an online student at Kirtland Community College. Kirtland's medical billing and coding certificate emphasizes workforce preparation. You'll learn how to file insurance claims and assign diagnostic codes. The program also covers medical records management skills, including securing private medical records.
You can join the medical billing and coding program by submitting an online application, creating a student account, and providing all requested documents.
West Georgia Technical College
Waco, GA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Credits to Graduate
24
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At West Georgia Technical College, you'll study human diseases, medical procedural coding, and medical terminology. The online medical coding certificate at West Georgia also incorporates courses on the human body's structure and function, as well as document production.
To get started on your medical coding credential, submit an online application. The program also asks for transcripts and placement test scores specific to the medical coding certificate. After submitting your materials, you'll hear from the Office of Student Affairs to register for classes.
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $212
Out of State | $212
Credits to Graduate
29
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Prepare for entry-level medical coding jobs with a certificate from Northwest Technical College. NTC's medical billing and coding program trains you to classify medical procedures and manage patient accounts. You'll also learn how to process insurance claims.
After completing the certificate, you can transfer into the 40-credit diploma or 60-credit associate degree. To apply, you must submit an online application and provide transcripts.
What Can You Do With a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding?
Once you have a certificate in medical billing and coding, you can qualify for a number of roles in hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, and care facilities.
"Professionals in medical billing and coding with experience and certifications can earn even higher compensation," said Syed.
| Job | Average Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Medical Biller | $44,350 |
| Medical Coder | $47,100 |
| Medical Records Technician | $43,970 |
| Healthcare Administrative Assistant | $41,960 |
| Health Information Technician | $40,000 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $32,690 |
| Medical Collections Clerk | $45,330 |
Read More: How to Become a Medical Coder
Read More: Medical Billing vs. Medical Coding
How Much Does a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Cost?
According to AAPC, colleges and universities offer medical and billing programs that cost between $4,200 and $19,500. But there are several online certification programs that cost much less — AAPC offers one that comes closer to $2,000.
Certification exams typically cost between $299 and $399, depending on the specific certification.
Read More: What Is a Certificate Program?
How Long Does a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Take?
Although the exact format and requirements vary by program, you can typically complete your online medical billing and coding certificate in 1-2 years. Most programs require 18-30 credits.
Average Length of Time*
1-2 years
Required Course Credits
18-30 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
"One thing that surprised me about obtaining a certificate in medical billing and coding was the low cost, compared to other careers — and the ability to be certified within 6-12 months, depending on the program you choose," said Gray.
Medical Billing and Coding: Additional Certifications
In addition to earning a certificate, you can also pursue certifications from various accredited organizations — including the American Health Information Management Association and AAPC — to further boost your employability.
Certification options include the following:
- Certified Professional Coder
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder
- Certified Coding Associate
- Certified Coding Specialist
- Registered Health Information Technician
These organizations also offer specialized certifications for more experienced and educated coders and billers, such as certified cardiology coder and certified family practice coder. There is ample room for growth in this field, depending on your experience and education level.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
What is medical billing and coding?
Medical billing and coding is basically a super specialized version of data entry that ensures healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services and patients are billed accurately for the care they have received.
- Medical coders assign alpha-numeric codes to medical procedures, diagnosis, and treatments using special classification systems.
- Medical billers use those codes to submit claims for reimbursement to insurance companies and government programs, and to collect payment from patients.
How much do medical coders make?
A 2023 AAPC salary report found that average salaries for medical billers and coders range from $56,980-$64,270 a year. Professionals with more advanced certifications make as much as $81,500 a year.
Is medical billing and coding hard?
In some ways, yes. It's a role that demands attention to detail, precision, and continuous learning. But a good certification program can help equip you to do well.
"One unexpected aspect of this industry is the need for continual education and training. Medical billing regulations and codes change regularly, so individuals in this sector have to work hard to keep their knowledge current," said Syed. "We are also required to work with a broad range of medical terminology and diagnoses, which can be difficult and requires much study and experience."
