Best Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
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- Medical billing and coding jobs are projected to grow 8% between 2022 and 2032.
- Medical billers and coders who earn a certificate earn an average of $53,000 per year.
- High school graduates can get certified and begin working in as little as one year.
The demand for medical billers and coders has grown in many settings, including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, and government agencies. High school graduates can enter this data entry healthcare career in 15 months or less.
Explore our guide to the best online certificates in medical billing and coding programs to find out how to earn your certificate and what to expect once you enter the field.
What Can I Do With an Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
A medical billing and coding program can prepare you for certification as either a medical biller or a coder. Coders assign digital codes for medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments using special classifications to describe what services a patient has received. A biller uses these codes to submit claims for payment to patients, insurance companies, and government programs.
You can earn certifications in fundamental skills, advancement skills, or specialty areas. Certifications include certified medical biller (CPB), certified medical coder (CPC), certified inpatient coder (CIC), and certified cardiology coder (CCC).
Where Can I Work With an Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
- Hospitals: Hospitals employ medical billing and coding professionals in various departments. Their duties include interpreting information from patient charts and other medical records and using specialized coding software to create and assign the appropriate codes for medical procedures.
- Office of Physicians: Primary care physicians, dermatologists, dentists, and any type of provider who charges for patient services rely on medical billers and coders to process payments and insurance claims. These settings offer a slower-paced work environment and more routine tasks than hospitals.
- Insurance Companies: Medical billers and coders at insurance agencies review and process patient claims, check for missing information, and match patient services to what their insurance plan covers. These professionals need to have extensive knowledge of insurance coverage and the ability to engage in in-depth research.
- Remote Work: A growing number of healthcare providers and insurance companies hire coders and billers to work remotely either full or part-time. Depending on the employer, these professionals use software to review patient records, translate medical information into codes, submit patient claims, and verify insurance benefits.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that medical billing and coding jobs are projected to increase by 8% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average. These professionals earned a median hourly rate of $22.69. The median annual salary was $47,180 with the highest 10% making over $75,000 a year.
Several factors impact pay, including experience, location, and certifications.
According to the AAPC, California pays certified medical billers and coders an average yearly salary of $67,660, the highest in the U.S., while Indiana pays the lowest at $47,176. Healthcare systems, hospitals and large group practices typically offer more employment options and higher compensation.
Popular Online Medical and Billing 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 Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Program
An online certificate in medical billing and coding provides a quick and convenient pathway to a career that does not require a bachelor’s degree. Our ranking of the best online programs can help you find a program that fits your own personal and career needs.
Program Curriculum
Select a program that prepares you for industry certifications and various medical billing and coding positions. Medical billing and coding programs offer similar courses in medical terminology, ethics and law, coding classifications, and anatomy and physiology. Depending on your interest, you may take classes in records management, health insurance reimbursement, and billing and coding applications.
Accreditation
Our rankings include accredited programs that meet high educational standards. The Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits medical billing and coding certificates and associate degree programs.
While a certificate is not required to sit for the CPC or CPB exam, completing a CAHIIM-accredited program builds the skills needed for these certifications and may increase your chances of becoming certified the first time.
Program Length
Completion times depend on the format and whether you attend full- or part-time. It is possible to complete a certificate program in 4-15 months. Program requirements vary from 18 to 30 credits.
Practicum
All certificate programs include a practicum or internship once students have completed the required coursework. Practicums provide you with valuable hands-on experience to improve your skills and provide networking opportunities to increase your chances for employment.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rates can tell you whether most students complete the program in a timely and uninterrupted manner. High graduation rates may indicate high academic quality and a strong student support system.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs may offer a more affordable and convenient option than attending an in-person, especially if you need to work while earning your certification.
The Best Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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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 I Expect From an Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Program
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.
"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 Crystal Gray, the Revenue Cycle Director at Youme Healthcare.
Certificate programs in medical billing and coding typically require similar core courses and a culminating practicum. Students receive training in record management for medical patient data, health insurance and reimbursement, billing and coding applications, and how to use current procedural terminology and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?
You can find online certificate programs at community colleges and technical schools. While admission eligibility varies by school, you only need a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll in many programs.
Admission Materials
Most certificate programs require a completed application, proof of age, and documentation of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Education
Programs that admit students right out of high school or after completing their GED certificate may ask for official transcripts. Applicants to certificate programs connected to associate degrees may have to complete prerequisites in English, science, and math.
GPA
Many programs do not have a GPA requirement but, if they do, they usually require a minimum overall average of 2.0 or C-.
How Much Does a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Degree Cost?
The cost of a medical billing and coding certificate program varies depending on the type of organization. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost for tuition and fees in 2021-22 was $4,000 at a public community college, $17,770 at a private not-for-profit college, and $15,600 at a private for-profit school. The cost of AAPC certification training ranges from $2,295 to $3,095.
Students save on educational costs in several ways. An online program helps reduce your total housing and transportation costs. You may qualify for discounted tuition by attending a school in your home state.
You should also investigate financial aid opportunities available through schools and professional organizations such as the AAPC, or specialized scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers.
$560-$4,979
for an exam prep course from the AAPC
$4,000-$17,770
for a certificate from a university
Everything Else You Need to Know About Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Can I get a coding job with just a certificate?
Earning a certification can help you enter the medical billing and coding field without work experience, although you may need to complete on-the-job training once hired. Most employers are looking for experienced candidates with certification and related experience.
Is a coding certificate worth it?
A certificate in medical billing and coding offers a relatively quick way to enter a well-paying career in the healthcare industry and become certified. Opportunities for certified professionals will continue to expand in response to the growing demand for healthcare services and the increasing reliance on technology by hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and insurance companies.
What is the best medical coding certification for beginners?
The certified professional biller (CPB) or the certified professional coder (CPC) credentials rank among the most popular for those just beginning in the field. The AAPC offers a dual CPB and CPC credential.
Is medical billing coding hard to learn?
Learning medical billing and coding can be challenging to learn. You must master medical terminology, codes for many procedures and diagnoses and several types of billing and coding applications. The field requires sharp technical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
How much do medical coders make?
According to the 2022 AAPC Annual Survey, medical records specialists (including both certified and noncertified medical billers and coders) earn an average salary of $55,389 annually. Those with professional certifications average $56,290 annually while those without certifications earn almost $10,000 less a year.
