Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Janice Monti, Ph.D.
By
Updated on September 12, 2024
Edited by
A certificate in medical billing and coding can launch your career in less than 15 months. Learn how to find the best online medical billing and coding schools.

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 learn about the best online medical billing and coding schools and how to earn your certificate.

Popular Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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The Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

#1 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Herzing University-Atlanta

  • Location-markerAtlanta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,320
  • Out-of-state$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,800
  • Out-of-state$10,800
  • Retention Rate43%
  • Acceptance Rate92%
  • Students Enrolled732
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment82%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • Location-markerFairbanks, AK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,301
  • Out-of-state$23,319
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,568
  • Out-of-state$22,227
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled6,813
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

  • Location-markerWest Lafayette, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,080
  • Out-of-state$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,766
  • Out-of-state$9,740
  • Retention Rate33%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled43,927
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Kirtland Community College

  • Location-markerGrayling, MI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,460
  • Out-of-state$7,800
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled1,330
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

West Georgia Technical College

  • Location-markerWaco, GA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,400
  • Out-of-state$4,800
  • Retention Rate56%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled6,437
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Northwest Technical College

  • Location-markerBemidji, MN
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,415
  • Out-of-state$5,415
  • Retention Rate43%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled825
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes

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 9% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average. These professionals earned a median hourly rate of $23.45 in 2023. The median annual salary was $48,780 with the highest 10% making over $77,000 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 $76,695, the highest in the U.S., while West Virginia pays the lowest at $52,556. Healthcare systems, hospitals and large group practices typically offer more employment options and higher compensation.

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.

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.

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 2022-23 was $3,598 at a public community college, $20,019 at a private not-for-profit college, and $16,444 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

$4,200-$19,500
for a certificate from a university

Sources: AAPC

Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

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 2023 AAPC Salary Survey, medical records specialists with professional certification earn an average salary of $62,689 annually. Those without certifications earn $53,749, almost $10,000 less a year.

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