Medical billing and coding positions require an eye for detail. These professionals process payments, review patient data for completeness and accuracy, and input information into databases. Since medical billing and coding professionals do most of their work on the computer, they can often work from home.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for medical records and health information technicians to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029 -- significantly faster than the projected average growth rate of 4% for all occupations. Individuals who want to enter this growing field must pursue higher education. Keep reading to learn more about what medical coding and billing involves, the top medical billing and coding online programs, information covered by these programs, salary averages, and accreditation information.
2017-2018 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Texas College | Killeen, TX | ||
| Northwest Technical College | Bemidji, MN | ||
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls, MN | ||
| Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne, WY | ||
| Keiser University — Ft. Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | ||
| Minnesota State College Southeast | Winona, MN | ||
| Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown, NC | ||
| Hazard Community and Technical College | Hazard, KY | ||
| Northland Community and Technical College | Thief River Falls, MN | ||
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Bottineau, ND |
Featured Online Programs
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding involves sending information to insurance companies and processing patient payments. These two separate processes work hand in hand. Once a patient receives a service, the medical coder translates these services into universal codes for insurance companies.
The medical billing portion of the process requires communicating the amount owed to both the patient and the insurance company through a bill. Sometimes, one professional takes on both of these tasks.
Medical billing and coding are crucial steps in the healthcare process. These professionals work with insurance companies to help patients save as much money as possible. Medical billing and coding professionals also review patient accounts to look for payment discrepancies and correct rejected insurance claims. They help the hospital collect funds to maintain financial health.
This career requires knowledge of both paper billing and paperless billing. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities have been phasing out paper billing and switching to online payment portals. Medical billing professionals also need similar skills as customer service professionals, as they often field calls and emails from patients and insurance professionals.
What Is the Difference Between Medical Billing and Medical Coding?
Medical billing and medical coding serve as two crucial, yet different processes. The medical coding process is similar to language translation.
Once medical coders receive a patient file, they review the provided services and assign a universal insurance code to each. Once the insurance company receives these codes, they communicate how much they can pay to the medical billing professional.
Medical billing refers to the process of communicating medical codes to the insurance company and the remaining balance to the patient. These bills sometimes come in the form of physical letters or emails.
Education Needed for a Medical Billing and Coding Career
"The medical and coding field experiences changes each year, especially when new healthcare legislation passes."
According to the BLS, the typical entry-level education for medical billing and coding jobs is a postsecondary nondegree designation. However, some employers may prefer applicants with bachelor's degrees. Four-year degrees can position individuals as competitive job candidates.
Some employees pursue additional education to gain pay raises or promotions. Other medical billing and coding professionals may choose to earn additional certifications to specialize in a specific area.
However, additional education is just one way to earn more money in this field. Certain employers may offer raises and job promotions merely based on years of experience.
The medical and coding field experiences changes each year, especially when new healthcare legislation passes. Professionals must commit to lifelong learning to stay current with these changes. Many employers provide paid continuing education opportunities and training through webinars.
Types of Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
-
Certificate
A postsecondary certificate is often the minimum educational requirement for medical billing and coding positions. Note that a certificate varies from certification. Traditional four-year colleges and two-year vocational schools provide medical billing and coding certificates that offer a high-level overview of the field's foundations. A certificate does not provide an in-depth look into a profession, but it provides learners the qualifications to earn a job in the field. Students can typically earn a certificate in less than one year.
-
Associate
An associate degree offers more surface-level knowledge about additional areas in the field. Earning an associate in medical billing and coding online takes about two years. Typically, this degree does not include any in-person requirements, but some programs may feature supervised exams. Both traditional four-year colleges and two-year vocational schools offer associate degrees in medical billing and coding. However, since these programs cannot cover every topic in-depth, some programs may focus more on coding and others on billing.
-
Bachelor's
A bachelor's in medical billing and coding online typically takes four years. Most of these programs require around 120 credits and cover coding topics more in-depth than an associate degree or certificate. However, bachelor's degrees also require general education courses like math, English, and science. Some bachelor's programs accept transfer credits earned through an associate degree. Many bachelor's programs allow students to select a minor or concentration.
-
Master's
Professionals who want to enter leadership roles within the medical billing and coding field can earn a master's degree. Online courses in a master's program review medical billing and coding basics and also dive into business and leadership aspects. Master's degree-seekers learn how to create budgets for an organization, delegate tasks, and review patient files and bills to ensure accuracy.
What Will I Learn in an Online Medical Billing and Coding Program?
Billing and coding programs teach students to translate medical records into codes, communicate with insurance companies, administer bills, and collect payments. Most medical billing and coding programs cover both hard and soft skills.
Unlike some soft skills, hard skills do not always come naturally to students. Medical billing and coding programs cover hard skills such as translating insurance coding and using online billing platforms.
Soft skills are harder to quantify and test. Online medical billing and coding programs cover soft skills such as interpersonal communication and organization skills. Read below for five common courses in a medical billing and coding program.
- Procedural Coding
-
Learners study how to assign codes to services or items provided to a patient. Examples of these services or items include surgeries, medical equipment, therapies, and medications. Students learn how to use these codes in a professional setting by completing exercises and tests.
- Diagnostic Coding
-
This course focuses on codes that describe diseases, illnesses, and injuries assigned to a patient by a medical professional. Students learn how to review medical documentation in patient charts and identify terms for the conditions. Enrollees must demonstrate their knowledge of diagnostic coding through exercises and exams.
- Coding Compliance and Ethics
-
Students learn about the importance of keeping patient information private. This course covers the legal ramifications of revealing medical information to outside sources. Learners also discover how to prevent a failed organization audit, improve efficiency, and increase revenue for an organization.
- Medical Office Systems
-
This course teaches students how to use common software that hospitals and doctors' offices use to store and protect patient data. Some of these medical office systems include electronic health records, medical billing and collections, patient scheduling, and clinical documentation software. Learners also study ways to quickly learn a new management system.
- Classification of Diseases
-
This course provides a broad overview of common diseases that medical professionals diagnose. Students get to expand their vocabulary and learn how to classify common ailments for medical record purposes. This class also covers how other countries define and classify diseases. Learners must complete vocabulary quizzes and coding demonstrations.
Certification Requirements for Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Many health organizations do not require certification for medical billing and coding careers, but employers often favor candidates with certifications. Individuals can earn multiple types of certifications. Some demonstrate specialized knowledge, while others provide generalized knowledge.
For example, the American Academy of Professional Coders provides learners with certified professional coder designation once they pass an exam. This test includes 150 multiple-choice questions, which candidates must complete in five hours and 40 minutes. Individuals can take these two exams online or in person. The in-person version costs $399, and online costs $299.
The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists awards the certified basic medical coding Specialist certificate. This certificate costs $250 and requires a written exam.
Before pursuing certification, individuals should compare and contrast the different types and research employer preference. The four main accrediting bodies and types of certification for medical billing and coding online graduates are:
American Academy of Professional Coders
This organization offers three types of specialized certified professional coder certificates.
American Health Information Management Association
The AHIMA offers the certified Coding associate and certified coding specialist certificates. The association also offers the registered health information technician and registered health information administrator credentials.
Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance
This organization offers the special coding professionals and advanced coding specialists certificates.
Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists
PAHCS awards the certified basic medical coding specialist certificate.
What Can I Do With an Online Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?
Online medical billing and coding programs can position individuals to work in a variety of positions and environments, including hospitals, dental offices, doctors' offices, and nursing homes.
See below for five common careers individuals can pursue with a medical coding and billing degree, including salary and occupational duties for each. These occupations may require varying levels of education and experience.
Medical Coder
According to PayScale, certified medical coders earn $48,150 per year on average, and other medical coders earn $42,300 on average. These professionals receive diagnostic and treatment terms from medical providers and transform them into specific codes for insurance and billing purposes. They must know how to properly read medical records and understand medical terminology.
Medical Biller
Medical billers use medical codes to bill and collect money for healthcare organizations from patients and insurance providers. These professionals follow up with individuals and companies through phone calls, emails, and mailed letters. According to PayScale, medical billers earn an average salary of $39,980.
Medical Billing Manager
PayScale finds that medical billing managers earn an average salary of $54,330. These professionals typically oversee entire billing departments and delegate tasks to other billing specialists. Some medical billing managers also review medical coders' work to ensure accuracy on bills. These professionals typically need at least a bachelor's degree and previous managerial experience.
Medical Billing Operations Manager
Medical billing operations managers perform similar job duties as medical billing managers. However, these professionals focus more on the overall operations of a medical billing department and look for ways to lower overhead costs and increase revenue for healthcare organizations. According to PayScale, medical billing operations managers earn $56,000 on average.
Medical Coding Auditor
Medical coding auditors typically work for an agency that provides audits to medical organizations. These professionals review medical bills to ensure accuracy. They then report their findings to medical coding and medical billing managers. According to PayScale, these professionals earn an average salary of $61,330.
Salary Expectations for Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Salary varies greatly depending on a professional's position and experience level. For example, PayScale finds that medical coding auditors with less than one year of experience earn $20 per hour, while professionals with more than 20 years of experience earn $32 per hour.
Geographical location also impacts pay. For example, employers in urban cities near the coasts typically pay more than employers in rural Midwest areas.
Finding the Right Online Medical Billing and Coding Program
Selecting the right medical coding degree takes time and research. Online programs allow students to explore many affordable options. When researching programs, prospective students should note factors like credit requirements and program pace, which impacts the overall time it takes to earn the degree.
Most medical billing and coding online programs support a specific certification. Future students should consider programs that cover content relating to their desired certification. Course descriptions can guide learners in their research process.
Prospective learners should also consider which professional groups maintain a presence within a particular school or program. Some schools feature student chapters of common professional organizations, like the American Medical Billing Association.
Accreditation for Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Accreditation is another important factor to consider when choosing a program. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee third-party accrediting organizations. When a college or university earns accreditation, it means the school passes a certain set of quality standards.
Educational institutions can earn regional or national accreditation. When a school earns regional accreditation, it means it earns accreditation from an agency that only accredits schools in a certain region. For example, the Higher Learning Commission grants accreditation to schools in the Midwest.
On the other end, accrediting agencies that receive permission from the ED to accredit schools all across America can grant national accreditation. However, employers typically view degrees from regionally accredited schools as more prestigious.
Programs can also earn accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management is the top accrediting body for medical billing and coding programs.
Medical Billing and Coding Scholarships
Scholarships help students fund their education without accruing significant debt. However, many scholarships are competitive. Students can increase their chances of earning a scholarship by applying for scholarships with specific qualifications, like awards reserved specifically for medical billing and coding students. See below for five scholarships for these majors.
American Academy of Professional Coders Hardship/Disaster Assistance ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Members of the American Academy of Professional Coders can apply for a scholarship if they experience hardship. These funds go toward books, study guides, and membership renewal fees.
Amount: Varies
American Health Information Management Association Foundation
Who Can Apply: This organization offers scholarships for students pursuing nearly any level of education within the health information management or technology fields. To qualify, individuals must join the American Health Information Management Association and maintain at least a 3.5 GPA.
Amount: Varies
Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions Scholarship of Excellence
Who Can Apply: Students who attend schools with membership to this association can apply for this scholarship. Individuals must complete at least one term of study at any degree level before applying.
Amount: $1,000
Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship Fund for Allied Health Professionals
Who Can Apply: Full-time students completing their final year of studies in the health sciences field may apply. Applicants need at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify.
Amount: $5,000
Sharps Compliance, Inc. Scholarship Contest
Who Can Apply: Students applying to or currently enrolled in an accredited university majoring in a healthcare-related field may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit an essay about how prescription drug collection programs assist the opioid epidemic.
Amount: $1,500
Common Medical Coding and Billing Terms
- ICD - International Classification of Diseases, a type of code
- CPT - Current Procedural Terminology as determined by the American Medical Association
- HCPCS - The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, often pronounced "hick picks" according to its acronym
- CM - Clinical Modification; listed as "CM" at the end of a line of updated code or used to indicate a revision to the ICD, such as in the latest tenth revision (ICD-10-CM) in 2020
- CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- NCHS - National Center for Health Statistics
- WHO - World Health Organization
- E-codes - Used to indicate an injury, poisoning, or adverse effect due to an external cause, such as a bad reaction to a drug
- V-codes - Describes a patient visit for a reason other than disease or injury, such as a person with a live-born infant or unspecified risk due to family history
- Category - When referencing medical billing and coding, the CPT code set features three categories: Category I (the largest and most commonly used) describes medical procedures, technologies, and services; Category II is used for performance management and additional data; Category III houses the codes for emerging and experimental medical procedures and services
- E/M - Evaluation and Management; code used for varying types of physician-patient encounters
- Modifier - Used to alter or describe a compound medical service or supply
- Modifier-exempt - A code for a single, straightforward service that is not eligible for an "add-on" or extension descriptor
- Pathology - The science of disease, including its causes and effects
- Subcategory - In ICD codes, the digit after the decimal point that describes the nature of the illness or injury, and possibly its location or area of manifestation
- Subclassification - An extension of the subcategory descriptor, further describing the manifestation, severity, or location of an injury or disease
- Technical component - Describes only the technical aspect of a medical procedure
- Z-codes - Similar to V-codes; indicate a reason not due to immediate illness or injury for a patient to visit a healthcare professional
Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
| 1 |
Central Texas College Killeen, TX |
Central Texas College's two-year, 60-credit AAS program in medical coding and billing prepares students to enter this fast-growing field. Based in Killeen, Texas, but operating over 100 locations worldwide, CTC boasts a robust military support program. Satellite campuses at military installations throughout the U.S. and Europe allow active-duty servicemen and women to take both online and in-person classes with support from school staff. Students in CTC's online medical billing and coding program earn their degree completely online. Many courses are available in open-entry format, meaning that students can complete them at their own pace. Courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology acquaint students with the basics of the medical field. The program builds on this general knowledge with instruction in coding and classification systems, insurance, and industry-specific software. Classes in business English, humanities or fine arts, and social science round out the AAS degree. CTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. |
Visit Site |
| 2 |
Northwest Technical College Bemidji, MN |
Northwest Technical College, located in Bemidji, Minnesota, provides comprehensive training for health care support professionals. Its 60-credit medical coding degree prepares students for work in a variety of health care settings. It is offered both in person and fully online. Students develop fundamental knowledge of the medical field and train in medical coding. Courses in bioethical issues, psychology, and communication provide a holistic context to complement students' developing technical expertise. NTC partners with Distance Minnesota to administer its online programs. Online students receive virtual tutoring from NTC staff and enjoy access to academic advising. Through an articulation agreement with Mayville State University, NTC medical coding graduates can transfer up to all 60 of their AAS credits toward an online BAS in business administration. All NTC students qualify for in-state tuition, even if they do not live in Minnesota. NTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
Visit Site |
| 3 |
Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN |
Minnesota State Community and Technical College maintains four campus locations in central Minnesota and online programs worldwide. Ranked among the nation's top accredited online medical billing and coding schools, M State offers a well-regarded AAS degree in Health Information Technology/Coding. The program takes place fully online with the exception of an in-person internship. Since professors teach courses asynchronously, students can earn their degree while maintaining their work and personal schedules. M State's 64-credit program prepares learners to take the registered health information technician certification exam. Students learn industry standard procedures while they build competency in nationally recognized medical coding systems. Articulation agreements with several four-year colleges allow AAS graduates to transfer seamlessly into a bachelor's program in health information management or health services administration. Online students enjoy access to a variety of support services, including an electronic library, counseling, advising, and tutoring. M State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. |
Visit Site |
| 4 |
Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WY |
Laramie County Community college, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, offers a practical, fully online 63-credit AAS program in health information technology and information management. Students enroll in the program either full or part time. LCCC stackable HIT program is a multi-level option consisting of three progressively advanced certificates. After passing their first semester, students can obtain a diploma in medical office essentials, allowing them to begin entry-level work in a medical office while completing the rest of the program. Two more semesters of work qualify learners for a certificate in medical claims coding. The complete program, which graduates can finish in a total of two years of full-time study, culminates with an AAS degree. LCCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its HIT program is in candidacy for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. |
Visit Site |
| 5 |
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL |
With 20,000 students enrolled at its 21 campus locations in Florida, international learning centers, and online division, Keiser is Florida's largest university. The school offers an AS in medical administrative billing and coding both online and on campus at several of its Florida locations. Keiser's program prepares graduates to step into essential administrative roles in the healthcare industry. Courses in subjects such as anatomy, medical law and ethics, physiology, and pharmacology develop students' fluency in medical language and healthcare practices. Further study in coding and office procedure gives graduates the requisite credentials to find work in their field. Unique among medical billing and coding schools, Keiser instructs students in either English or Spanish. With demand high for bilingual healthcare professionals, Keiser's medical coding degree is a particularly smart career choice for Spanish speakers. Keiser is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. |
Visit Site |
| 6 |
Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC |
Located in Jamestown, North Carolina, Guilford Technical Community College enrolls students throughout the U.S. in its online programs. The school's medical office administration program allows students to earn their AAS in medical billing and coding online or on campus. As is typical for healthcare support programs, GTCC's program ensures that students are conversant with medical terminology. After achieving this competency, students receive instruction in healthcare office management. The program also requires intensive training in industry-specific standard coding systems. A capstone course in office administration gives students the opportunity to hone administrative skills. For those who choose to pursue their degree online, GTCC provides services specific to online learners. Fully online students may take part in the school's e-degree program. As e-degree students, these learners receive benefits such as priority registration, access to restricted classes, and individualized online support. GTCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. |
Visit Site |
| 7 |
Hazard Community And Technical College Hazard, KY |
Hazard Community and Technical College trains graduates to enter the healthcare field as qualified medical support professionals. The school serves students at several campuses throughout Eastern Kentucky and offers degrees online. On-demand online courses with weekly start dates benefit students who need schedule flexibility. Students enrolled in HCTC's medical information technology AAS program can choose from a variety of specializations, including a medical coding track. All medical information technology students work through a common technical core program designed help them master medical terminology and medical office procedures. Medical coding students focus on coding, accounting, and business communication. Learners enrolled full time can complete the program in two years. A member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, HCTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The medical information technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management Education. |
Visit Site |
| 8 |
Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN |
Based in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and enrolling online students nationwide, Northland Community and Technical College offers a fully online medical coding degree. The 60-credit AAS program prepares graduates for success with a background in health information management. NCTC offers a medical coding specialist curriculum with instruction relevant to the tasks graduates will perform as healthcare support professionals. Intensive instruction in coding ensures thorough preparation for national coding certification exams. A medical office simulation enables students to practice their skills in an internship-like setting. A course in job seeking provides insight into the job market and support with resume writing and interviewing. While the program involves few general education classes, required electives in communication and psychology help build crucial interpersonal skills. Invested in its students' success, NCTC supports online learners with a two-tiered advising program. Online students enjoy access to both a dedicated online information and advising team and traditional departmental advisors from the college. NCTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
Visit Site |
| 9 |
Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NE |
With multiple campuses in the greater Omaha, Nebraska area, Metropolitan Community College boasts over 100 career programs. Nebraska students seeking to earn a degree in medical billing and coding online may be well-served by MCC's 100.5-credit AAS in health information management systems. HIMS students at MCC can elect to pursue a degree option in medical coding and billing. Although this option adds 29 credits to the base AAS, learners can still graduate in two years if they maintain full-time attendance, including summer classes. All HIMS students complete general education requirements and a core program of healthcare administration courses, culminating in an in-person internship. The coding and billing option focuses on insurance, pharmacology, and disease processes, plus two semesters of coding. Most courses for this degree are available in fully online and/or hybrid formats. MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The HIMS program is affiliated with the American Academy of Professional Coders. |
Visit Site |
| 10 |
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI |
Wisconsin students looking for medical billing and coding schools with strong online offerings may want to consider Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Southwest Tech's associate's program in health information technology qualifies graduates for entry-level work in many medical administrative careers, including billing and coding. Southwest Tech's HIT curriculum spans five semesters of instruction and 61-62 credit hours. After fulfilling basic requirements in anatomy and medical terminology, students advance to focused training in career skills. Topics covered include coding, statistics, digital literacy, and diversity studies. A capstone course covers resume writing, interview skills, and exam preparation. Students take all their courses online, except for professional practice experiences, with most courses taught asynchronously. Discussion boards, group projects, and virtual meetings facilitate interaction among instructors and classmates. Learners benefit from tutoring, advising, and counseling, all available online. Southwest Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. |
Visit Site |
| 11 |
Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MN |
A member of the Minnesota State system, Rochester Community and Technical College is the oldest public two-year institution in Minnesota. Its popular health information technology AAS, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, is one of the school's largest programs. This 64-credit program combines general, medical, and administrative courses to prepare students for a variety of careers in health information management. Students receive the training necessary to qualify them to take the American Health Information Management Association national exam and earn the registered health information technician credential. RCTS's HIT program encompasses the 40-credit Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. AAS graduates seeking to advance to a bachelor's program can use these credits to satisfy the first two years of general education requirements at all public colleges and universities in Minnesota. RCTC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. |
Visit Site |
| 12 |
Highland Community College Highland, KS |
Founded in 1858, Highland Community College holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in Kansas. The school offers a variety of transfer- and vocationally oriented majors, including an AAS program in medical coding. Students can complete HCC's 65-credit medical coding degree in two years of full-time enrollment. A core of practical career training courses prepares graduates to take the Certified Coding Associate and Certified Coding Specialist exams. Distribution requirements in communication, humanities, and social science build soft skills relevant to medical administrative work. Learners study entirely online, with the exception of a capstone practicum. For the practicum, students engage in clinical training at an approved coding facility. HCC's online division employs academic advisors specifically dedicated to working with online students. On-campus and online students from Kansas and elsewhere in the U.S. pay the same tuition rate. Part of Kansas's public university system, HCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
Visit Site |
| 13 |
Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA |
With campuses in Ottumwa and Centerville, Iowa, Indian Hills Community College is ranked among the top 500 community colleges in the U.S. IHCC offers a variety of traditional and online degree pathways, including a 21-month, seven-term AAS in health information technology. IHCC's HIT program boasts a 100% graduation rate and high job placement and professional exam pass rates. The program is available 100% online. Medical billing and coding, healthcare management software, transcription, and other practical job skills form the core of the curriculum. Professional practice and virtual lab courses allow learners to gain hands-on experience. Students pursuing an AAS have the option to undertake a dual major by adding specific courses. A dual major allows them to simultaneously earn an AA degree transferable to four-year institutions. Iowa students pay the same tuition whether studying online or on campus. IHCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Iowa Department of Education. The HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. |
Visit Site |
| 14 |
Central Maine Community College Auburn, ME |
Part of the Maine Community College system, Central Maine Community College enrolls about 3,000 students. The Auburn-based school's two-year AAS program in medical coding and electronic health records graduates trained specialists prepared to enter the healthcare support workforce. Students leave the program proficient in coding, patient privacy standards, and interpreting common healthcare statistics. CMCC's fully online medical coding degree is an affordable option for students from Maine and New England. At CMCC, Maine students take advantage of the lowest tuition in the state. Students from other New England states pay 150% of in-state tuition. Learners pursuing their degree in medical billing and coding online should note that tuition at CMCC is the same whether studying online or on campus. Online students enjoy access to tutoring, advising, and financial aid counseling from the school's faculty and staff. Central Maine Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. |
Visit Site |
| 15 |
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology Media, PA |
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology's AS in healthcare management includes a built-in medical billing and coding academy. While gaining the skills to launch their careers as health information professionals, P.I.T. students benefit from individualized attention. The Media-based school's 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio is one of the lowest among medical billing and coding schools. P.I.T.'s 64-credit program trains students in crucial medical office career skills, covering essential topics such as coding and classification systems, insurance claims processing, and data management. Courses in social interaction and English composition cultivate valuable communication skills. Required classes in transcultural healthcare and in emerging issues in the industry ensure that graduates enter the workforce with a cutting-edge understanding of their role in a changing field. The healthcare management associate's degree is offered either fully online or in hybrid format. P.I.T. is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. |
Visit Site |
*The schools listed above are sponsored. Sponsored school listings are distinct paid advertisements and are clearly marked with a "SPONSORED" or "FEATURED" tag to distinguish them from editorially ranked schools. Learn more about how rank schools or contact us with questions.
To determine the best online Medical Coding and Billing programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online Medical Coding and Billing programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.